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Remote technologies and the availability of a computer has sparked a growing trend for busy adults to complete their college degree online in recent years. Computer and information technology (IT) degrees are becoming more, and more relevant as nearly every company in any industry is using software and data to grow their business. From hospitals to police stations, everyone is following the trend of digitization, and computer experts are at the forefront to help them with it. An individual with an online bachelor's degree in computers and information technology has a vast job scope and can efficiently perform a variety of tasks such as data analysis, software development, network engineering, system integration, and many more skillsets making them invaluable to the companies they work for.
Online Computers and IT degrees are the most convenient way for a busy individual to take advance of modern technology to possibly advance their career. Studying online provides you with all the same benefits and a basic frameworks as a campus degree, but allows flexibility to study on your own schedule. Not only can pursuing a computer and information technology online save a busy student with time from a commute and or work, but can also be a more affordable option rather than a degree that requires a campus education.
Pursing an Online Bachelors of Science (B.S.) in Computers and Information Technology may also provide the added benefits of a deeper understanding of the field. Since the limitations of the classroom do not bound it, there is much more freedom to explore freely and understand the course material better. Helping to expand your horizons and view new possibilities, a bachelor's degree in computers and information technology is worth considering.
If you have moved on to this section, you are probably becoming interested in pursuing an online computer and information technology degree. The next step would be to narrow down what focus or concentration you wish to specialize in. Based on factors such as your skillset and interest, you should choose a concentration you are excited about and feel you can excel in.
Programs are more specific compared to areas of studies, and should be selected after careful deliberation. However, many online colleges will allow you to use credits completed toward one program to another as long as they share similar courses. Some popular online programs in the computer and information technology world include:
Information technology (IT) refers to everything that businesses use computers for. IT is building communications networks for a company, safeguarding data and information, creating and administering databases, helping employees troubleshoot problems with their computers or mobile devices, or doing a range of other work to ensure the efficiency and security of business information systems.
The field of network security focuses on strategies for safeguarding this information from cybercriminals and other outside threats. Network security specialists work to maintain the confidentiality and integrity of data, and to ensure the information remains accessible to authorized users.
Computer science combines the principles of engineering, mathematics and science to study and develop computers, networks, hardware, software, databases and much more. Because of that, there is a wide range of potential careers within the field, from software engineering to computer programming or system analysis.
Cybersecurity professionals identify computer vulnerabilities and monitor for threats. As organizations put more data online and cyberattacks increase, the demand for cybersecurity professionals will likely grow. The cybersecurity field attracts detail oriented, analytical problem-solvers with previous information technology experience.
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Data science is relatively different in contrast to the other computers and IT programs. It deals with controlling and manipulating vast amounts of data using modern tools to find unseen patterns and extract meaningful information. Data scientists use complex algorithms to derive meaning from codes or blocks of information, meaning this is a field for someone heavily interested in data and its usage.
Software engineering is a further classification under computer science. In software engineering, individuals learn the ins and out of developing and maintaining software.
We already mentioned how vast of a field computers and information technology covers, but eventually you will want to explore career path possible with your degree. That is why we have compiled a list of potential career paths based on data from the BLS that may be available to you if you choose to pursue a degree in online computers and information technology.
Computer systems analysts study an organization’s current computer systems and design ways to improve efficiency. Computer systems analysts typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. Studying a computer science or information systems field is common, although not always a requirement.
The median annual wage for computer systems analysts was $99,270 in May 2021. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $60,680, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $158,010. (1)
(1) Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Computer Systems Analysts, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-systems-analysts.htm (visited May 16, 2022).
Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems. Most information security analysts work for computer companies, consulting firms, or business and financial companies. Information security analysts typically need a bachelor’s degree in a computer science field, along with related work experience.
The median annual wage for information security analysts was $102,600 in May 2021. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $61,520, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $165,920. (2)
(2) Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Information Security Analysts,at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm (visited May 16, 2022).
Computer support specialists maintain computer networks and provide technical help to computer users. Entry requirements vary for computer support specialists. Network support specialists typically need an associate’s degree, and user support specialists typically need to complete some college courses. However, candidates may qualify with a high school diploma plus relevant information technology (IT) certifications.
The median annual wage for computer network support specialists was $62,760 in May 2021. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $38,560, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $102,410. (3)
(3) Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Computer Support Specialists,at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-support-specialists.htm (visited May 16, 2022).
Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of computer networks. Network and computer systems administrators work with the physical computer networks of a variety of organizations and therefore are employed in many industries. Most employers require network and computer systems administrators to have a bachelor’s degree in a field related to computer or information science.
The median annual wage for network and computer systems administrators was $80,600 in May 2021. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $49,560, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $130,830. (4)
(4) Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Network and Computer Systems Administrators,at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/network-and-computer-systems-administrators.htm (visited May 16, 2022).
Web developers create and maintain websites. Digital designers develop, create, and test website or interface layout, functions, and navigation for usability. Some web developers and digital designers work in the computer systems design and related services industry. Others are self-employed. Still others work in industries including publishing, management consulting, and advertising.
The median annual wage for web developers and digital designers was $77,200 in May 2020. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $40,750, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $146,430. (5)
(5) Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Web Developers and Digital Designers,at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/web-developers.htm (visited May 16, 2022).
Question:
What is the difference between computer science and information technology?
Answer:
Information technology covers a broad support range of computing concepts as they relate to and support business operations – such as human-computer interaction, information management, programming, networking and web systems.
IT professionals can work in a wide range of roles, including information security specialist, information technology manager and systems specialist.Computer science degrees, on the other hand, focus more heavily on software development. Computer scientists have a deep understanding of popular software languages like Python, Java and C++, as well as development and testing tools such as Eclipse, OpenGL, Cucumber with Maven and Junit testing. Graduates of computer science are likely to pursue careers as full-stack developers.
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