Online Information Technology (IT) Programs
Professors to Know in Information Technology (IT) Degree Programs
Catherine A. Dwyer, PhD Pace University
Dr. Catherine Dwyer is an associate professor and chair of information technology at the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems at Pace University. She teaches courses such as an introduction to computing, an introduction to information technology, an introduction to computer systems, the fundamentals of programming, and systems analysis and design. Her research interests include cybersecurity, online privacy management, social media, and sustainability. She has published her work in prominent journals such as the Journal of Information Systems Applied Research and Organizational Dynamics in Information Technology.
Notably, Professor Dwyer has won awards such as the Pace University Faculty Award for Distinguished Service and the Best Paper Award. She earned her PhD from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, MS from Pace University, MA from The Manhattan School of Music, and a BA from Fordham University.
Jim Helm, PhD, MBA Arizona State University
Dr. Jim Helm is chair of the information technology program at the Polytechnic School and Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University. He teaches information system security, the principles of computer and information technology architecture, and advanced information systems security.
Dr. Helm's research centers around cybersecurity and cybersecurity education. His work has won him numerous accolades such as the INCOSE Best Paper Award and the Motorola Technical Society Award for Engineering Excellence. He earned his PhD in applied computer science from Northcentral University, MS and BS degrees in electrical engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School, and an MBA from University of Phoenix. He also holds a BS in computer science from the University of Nebraska.
Sumit Sarkar, PhD, MBA The University of Texas at Dallas
Dr. Sumit Sarkar serves as the chair and professor of information systems in UT’s Naveen Jindal School of Management. He teaches courses such as information technology for management, management information systems, and advanced topics in knowledge management. His research explores personalization and recommendation systems, data privacy, knowledge management, and software project management. He has been published in renowned journals such as the Journal of Management Information Systems, the INFORMS Journal on Computing, and the European Journal of Operational Research. He earned his PhD from the University of Rochester, MBA from the Indian Institute of Management, and BTech from the Indian Institute of Technology.
Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Information Technology (IT)
Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University offers an online bachelor of arts in information technology. The program is ideal for professionals who are already working in IT or for career changers who want to transfer previously earned credits and enhance their technical knowledge and skills. The 120-credit program is designed to equip students with skills that give them an edge in the job market. It is offered 100 percent online, providing students the flexibility to complete their coursework at their convenience and the faculty includes renowned professors with relevant, real-world experience.
Through the coursework, IT students in the BA program gain an understanding of information systems, computational strategies, and data management. They learn how to solve problems, design computing-based solutions, and effectively lead a team. At the end of the program, graduates can pursue job opportunities as business analysts, information technology managers, or systems analysts.
Southern New Hampshire University also offers an online associate degree in information technology. This associate degree aligns with the course requirements for the BA in information technologies, which allows students to easily carry over all 60 credits into the bachelor’s degree if they choose. The curriculum includes courses such as an introduction to structured database environments, the fundamentals of information technology, computer operating systems, an introduction to computer networks, computer systems security, cross-platform technologies, and systems requirements and implementation planning.
Admission requirements for the program include a completed online application, transcript release form for any schools attended, and an electronic attestation form stating that the student has graduated from high school or received a GED. Students with higher GPAs may be eligible for scholarships.
- Location: Manchester, New Hampshire
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: 48 months
- Estimated Tuition: $320 per credit-hour
Arizona State University offers an online bachelor of science in information technology. This fully online degree program provides students with opportunities for selecting, designing, and implementing solutions based on their knowledge of computer systems. The faculty includes dedicated and experienced professors, the majority of which have won the highest awards in their fields.
The program comprises 120 credit-hours. Courses include an introduction to java technologies, computer and network systems, an introduction to internet networking, foundations of information and computer system security, web programming for human computer interface, and an information technology capstone project. Students are taught how to design elegant IT solutions, design network architecture, use cybersecurity tools, and implement management solutions.
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates can pursue opportunities in a variety of fields and occupy roles such as computer network administrator, computer network technician, computer network analyst, computer systems analyst, information security analyst, and security manager.
Applicants to the program must have a high school diploma, a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in competency courses, ACT or SAT scores, a completed undergraduate admission application, and official transcripts. International applicants whose native language is not English are required to provide proof of their English language proficiency by submitting TOEFL or IELTS scores.
- Location: Tempe, Arizona
- Accreditation: Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology, Inc. (ABET)
- Expected Time to Completion: 48 months
- Estimated Tuition: $740 per credit-hour
Online Master’s Degrees in Information Technology (IT)
Liberty University offers an online master of science (MS) in information technology. This fully online program equips students to become IT leaders, teaching them to understand the efficient and effective convergence of business processes and information technology. The faculty includes professors who are well experienced in the field.
Consisting of 36 credit-hours, the program has two specializations: network design and security, and software design and management. Core courses are systems analysis, modeling and design, ethics and legal issues, IT infrastructure, and software development. Courses in the network design and security specialization include telecommunications and network security, applied network security, and network architecture and design. Courses in the software design and management specialization include secure software engineering, software development management, and software design.
Through the program, students gain a deeper understanding of information technology, develop critical thinking skills, learn how to apply database management, and develop skills to become successful in the information technology field. Graduates of the program can pursue roles such as network security manager, application designer, software programmer, security analyst or auditor, and database administrator or analyst.
The major admission requirements for the program include a bachelor’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university, a grade point average of 3.0 or above, a completed admission application, official college transcripts, and proof of English proficiency.
- Location: Lynchburg, Virginia
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: 18 months
- Estimated Tuition: $565 per credit-hour
Pace University’s Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems offers an online master of science in information technology with a concentration in cybersecurity. This fully online program provides students with the option of continuing to work while earning their degree. The faculty includes distinguished professors who are not only influential researchers but are also available for interacting with students.
The program comprises 30 credit-hours. Students develop knowledge of basic IT infrastructure to secure assets against cyber threats and gain hands-on experience with information security management tools. The curriculum explores topics such as database management systems, systems development and project management, object oriented concepts and development, network security, web and internet security, and computer and internet forensics. Graduates of the program will be well-equipped to work in a variety of information technology settings.
In order to be accepted into the program, applicants must have a four-year undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution, complete online application form, and submit transcripts from all institutions attended along with a current resume and TOEFL, IELTS, or Pearson PTE academic scores for international students. The GMAT/GRE exam is not required for admission.
- Location: New York City, New York
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: Full-time (16 months), part-time (24 months)
- Estimated Tuition: $995 per credit-hour
The University of Cincinnati offers an online master of science in information technology program. US News & World Report (2019) has ranked this entirely online program at number 11 in the country. The program helps students kickstart a successful career in information technology with its focus on social media tech and systems administration.
The program consists of 30 credit-hours. In addition to developing research, problem-solving, systems-analysis, and reasoning skills, students also foster soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and empathy towards the customer. Some of the course topics include information technology research methods, human computer interaction and usability, the principles of cybersecurity, enterprise security and forensics, technologies for social networking, technologies for mobile applications, and IT infrastructure sustainability. Students become adept at user experience design and creation of mobile applications.
Additionally, the program can open up several opportunities for the graduates. They can take up roles such as application developer, game designer, game creative director, computer security specialist, information systems security analyst, distributed systems engineer, software architect, network architect, and information technology director.
Admission requirements for the program include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0, official transcripts of all college or university grades, a current resume, three letters of reference, a goal statement, and TOEFL or IELTS scores for international students. GRE scores are required but can be waived for qualified candidates.
- Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Expected Time to Completion: 12 months
- Estimated Tuition: $739 per credit-hour
California State University, Fullerton
California State University, Fullerton offers an online master of science in information technology. This distance-based program offers two concentrations: IT management and data science. IT students at Cal State gain an understanding of telecommunications and data communications, cloud computing services, and e-commerce and programming concepts.
The program is made up of 30 credit-hours. Some of the topics include the principles of business intelligence, issues in business information technology, programming concepts for information technology, statistics for data science, data warehousing and foundations of business intelligence, and business databases.
The major admissions requirements include a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution (or the equivalent), a minimum grade point average of 2.5, a minimum average score of 530 on the GMAT or a total scaled score of 530 on the GRE, a minimum of two years of practical experience in a functional area of business, an essay, and TOEFL scores for international students.
- Location: Fullerton, California
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
- Expected Time to Completion: 20 months
- Estimated Tuition: $396 per unit
University of Massachusetts, Lowell
The University of Massachusetts, Lowell offers an online master of science in information technology program. The program prepares students to become managers in the field of computer and information technology and is ideal for students with a bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science, information systems, or related majors, as well as for professionals who wish to advance their education and skills.
Comprising of 30 credit-hours, the program focuses on the management, deployment, and design of networked systems of computers. The curriculum includes courses such as network and systems administration, operating systems foundations, network infrastructures, digital forensics, cloud computing, managing large data sets, and designing and building a cybersecurity program.
The program teaches students how to manage software, train other IT professionals, and oversee the working of networks in local and metropolitan areas.
Graduates of the program can take up consulting and management positions at software and technology companies, as well as work in the government. Some possible roles include business analyst, director of hosting and managed systems, network manager, systems analyst, IT consultant, chief technology officer, and project manager.
Applicants to the program must have an undergraduate BA or BS degree from an accredited institution and have completed a minimum of one semester of precalculus mathematics, one semester of discrete mathematics, and one semester of statistics as part of their undergraduate studies. Students with qualifying experience in C programming and data structures are also welcome to apply. Application requirements include a completed online application, a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and a current resume.
- Location: Lowell, Massachusetts
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: 18 Months
- Estimated Tuition: $590 per credit-hour
The University of Texas at Dallas (Hybrid)
The UT Naveen Jindal School of Management offers an online master of science in information technology and management. While all the courses in the program are not available online, students are able to complete the requirements of the degree by taking only online courses. The program provides students with a holistic view of information technology, and students can choose from the following tracks:
- Business intelligence and analytics
- Enterprise systems
- Cybersecurity management
- It consulting and services management
- Healthcare systems
Students develop foundational knowledge in information technology and management practices to understand the complex issues that occur at the interface between IT and business. The program consists of 36 credit-hours and explores topics such as object oriented programming in Java, data management, systems analysis and project management, operations management, managing IT in the analytics age, data communications, and business data warehousing. The program prepares graduates for opportunities in industries such as consulting, retail, financial services, energy, consumer goods, and transportation. They occupy roles as business analysts, program analysts, consultants, database administrators, IT specialists, and IT project managers.
In order to be accepted into the program, applicants are required to submit GMAT or GRE scores, unless they hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher. Applicants must also submit transcripts from any school, college or university attended; a current resume; one professional letter of recommendation; an essay on academic interests and goals; and English proficiency for students whose native language is not English.
- Location: Richardson, Texas
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: 18 to 24 months
- Estimated Tuition: $2,406 per credit-hour
Farheen Gani - Writer
Farheen is a freelance writer, marketer, and researcher. She writes about technology, education, and marketing. Her work has appeared on websites such as Tech in Asia and Foundr, as well as top SaaS blogs such as Zapier and InVision. You can connect with her on LinkedIn and Twitter (@FarheenGani)...
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