Graduating high school is the first step toward becoming an information technology specialist. Obtaining a diploma demonstrates the ability to complete a program and also yields the necessary credentials for admission to a two or four-year institution.
Without completing high school, students may complete a GED program. Aspiring information technology professionals should take courses in high school to prepare them for further studies such as computer science and advanced math.
While the actual roles filled by information technology specialists can vary widely, most professionals in the field have earned at least a bachelor’s degree. Typical majors include computer science, computer engineering, information science, electrical engineering, informatics, or information technology.
Students can complete their degrees on campus or online at programs such as the bachelor of science in information technology offered through Arizona State University.
An online bachelor’s degree in information technology through Arizona State University can help students build expertise in core IT concepts, preparing them for IT careers where they can design, administer, and implement computer-based information solutions. Students in this program can specialize in one of the following two tracks: information systems or networking and security. By following a specialized track, students can prepare to transition into the professional world with a functional set of abilities.
Students take courses in operating system architecture; introduction to internet networking; information modeling, storage, and retrieval; foundations of information and computer system security; managing configurations and active directories; introduction to UNIX utilities; network information communication technology; and web programming for human-computer interface. The 120-credit program is completed over eight terms, typically taking four years to complete.
At the end of the program, graduates can pursue opportunities such as computer network administrators, computer network analysts, computer network technicians, computer systems analysts, information security analysts, and security managers.
Completing a degree provides much of the theoretical knowledge an IT specialist needs; however, it needs to be translated to practical knowledge through experience in the field. Students can begin their job search in the final year of their undergraduate degree. Many employers recruit directly from universities and colleges from the top programs in the country. Typical entry-level workplaces for IT specialists include:
Students who have internships or work experience are at a competitive advantage when interviewing. Completing a minor in related or useful fields such as business, communications, psychology, or math can also improve the chances of getting hired. It is also helpful for applicants to have some experience with several different software systems or languages for entry-level jobs. Employers aren’t looking for experts in the field, but rather that is already a base knowledge or understanding.
Once in a career as an IT specialist, professionals find that they will quickly specialize in one software system or language. To remain competitive in the workplace, professionals should pursue vendor-specific certifications to further their education and expertise. These certifications are sometimes required for continued employment or advancement.
Certifications that can be earned early on in a career include:
The cost for the various certifications varies, and some employers will even pay for their employees to complete the process.
Certifications can help retain or advance employment as an IT specialist, but further education may often be necessary for more senior roles. Master’s programs such as business analytics, cybersecurity, big data, or information technology will bolster resumes and provide the skills required to fill top-level positions in technology companies. These programs are offered on campus or online.
Arizona State University offers a fully online master of science in information technology program that professionals can complete without giving up a career or moving. Students learn how to meet the needs of an organization or societal group’s needs through technology projects. The curriculum of this program emphasizes core technologies and allows students to select from two specialization areas: information systems management and systems development or computer architecture and information security.
This 30-credit program features courses in advanced information systems security; principles of computer and information technology architecture; advanced database management systems; software development for information technology; middleware programming and database security; security analysis; developing security policy; and systems administration of UNIX.
Admission requirements to the program include a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, information technology, engineering, applied computing, or a closely related field from a regionally accredited college or university, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, a completed graduate admission application, official transcripts, a personal statement, a current resume, and proof of English language proficiency.
Upon successfully completing the program, graduates can take up roles such as network forensics engineers, database architects, network engineers, cybersecurity specialists, big data specialists, information systems modelings, and network administrators.
Additional online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in information technology (IT) can be found on our online information technology (IT) programs page.
Becoming an IT specialist takes some education and lots of on-the-job experience. Staying current with the latest technology within a given field is critical. Professionals should pursue certifications in their specialization and continue learning, be it through advanced degrees or vendor-provided programs. Below is a list of useful resources for those exploring a career as an IT specialist.
With a keen understanding of the challenges and opportunities in higher education, Kimmy Gustafson regularly contributes insightful articles to OnlineEngineeringPrograms.com, providing readers with a comprehensive view on the evolving landscape of engineering education since 2019. She has intervi...
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