Are you thinking about starting a career in Information Technology? Information Technology, also known as IT, refers to the use of technology to manage data for businesses and organizations. An IT degree is highly versatile, giving you the opportunity to work in a variety of different settings.
Earning an IT degree will provide you with a thorough understanding of how these technologies are applied to solve different problems within an organization. As an IT major, you’ll be learning about the generation, organization, representation, application, and analysis of digital information.
Therefore, if you’re interested to know more on what can you do with an Information Technology Degree keep reading!
12 Careers You Can Pursue With an Information Technology Degree
Information technology (IT) is rapidly growing, and so is the demand for professionals with the right skills and knowledge to keep up with the latest developments. Pursuing an information technology degree can open up a variety of exciting career paths in this dynamic industry. From software development to cybersecurity, IT graduates have a range of careers to choose from. Here’s a list of options you can pursue:
Network Architect
Average Salary: $109,020
Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s degree
If you want a dynamic job that will give you the opportunity to handle a variety of technology-related tasks, then you might enjoy being a Network Architect. As a network architect, you’ll be responsible for designing networks and intranets, often for corporate use.
Additionally, Network Architects are in charge of network modeling, security, maintenance, and documentation. Their day-to-day tasks include maintaining and troubleshooting the company’s communication networks, including intranets, local area networks (LANs), and wide area networks (WANs).
Software Developer
Average Salary: $105,590
Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s degree
As the name implies, Software Developers are responsible for creating a variety of software programs. Whether you’re creating games, apps, or business software, being a Software Developer will typically give you the chance to use your creative side.
Software developers are in charge of creating application systems that meet the needs of both users and businesses. Their responsibilities typically include testing software codes, running diagnostic programs and troubleshooting, and assuring system compatibility.
Computer Programmer
Average Salary: $84,280
Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s degree
If you enjoy coding, then you’ll likely enjoy being a Computer Programmer. Computer Programmers often work with Software Developers to code a variety of programs. They’re experts in creating computer programs and mobile applications. In addition to designing and testing code, they deploy software updates, debug or improve functionality, and troubleshoot program elements that are not working.
Web Developer
Average Salary: $69,430
Entry-Level Education: Associate’s degree
As a Web Developer, you’ll be responsible for creating and maintaining web pages. You’ll be able to customize the look and feel of websites, and will be responsible for maximizing the site’s functionality. Moreover, web developers are in charge of building and managing a website to attract clients and direct web traffic. They do the coding, design, layout, and technical components of the page to ensure that website visitors have a functional user experience. Web developers must also analyze software and databases to create new apps.
Research Scientist
Average Salary: $118,370
Entry-Level Education: Master’s degree
Technology is constantly advancing, which is partly thanks to research scientists in the field of Information Technology. As a Research Scientist, your career will be dedicated to finding new ways to improve technology.
Research scientists are also responsible for planning, carrying out, and analyzing data from experiments, trials, and laboratory-based investigations. They typically conduct experiments in various fields, including medical research, pharmacology, and geology.
Computer Systems Analyst
Average Salary: $88,740
Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s degree
Do you have the ability to prioritize a wide variety of tasks all at once? Computer Systems Analysts are responsible for improving the function of network systems. Computer Systems Analysts make sure that systems are consistently up to date and running smoothly.
Other tasks of computer systems analysts include being in charge of developing and designing computer applications and network solutions to meet company tasks and needs. Moreover, they assess the effectiveness and performance of systems to configure and upgrade infrastructure for smooth navigation and controls.
Information Security Analyst
Average Salary: $98,350
Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s degree
For those interested in digital security, becoming an Information Security Analyst can be a rewarding career. Information Security Analysts research and improve digital security, sometimes in collaboration with Computer Systems Analysts.
Information Security Analysts are mainly responsible for developing security solutions to ensure that data held on a company’s network is not vulnerable to various cyber-attacks. Moreover, they contribute to the development of safety rules and ensure that safety standards are met.
Network Administrator
Average Salary: $82,050
Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s degree
Are you great at working with people as well as computers? If so, you should consider becoming a Network Administrator. Network Administrators coordinate multiple levels of network systems, keeping software up to date and managing personnel.
In a nutshell, network administrators are responsible for maintaining the organization’s computer systems. They investigate network faults, troubleshoot unresponsive programs, improve system processes, analyze client specifications, upgrade existing applications, and create a report of network issue resolutions.
Health IT
Average Salary: $45,000
The health field is becoming increasingly digitized, which means that Health IT is a growing field. If you want to incorporate your passion for technology with a career in healthcare, then Health IT is a great choice.
Health Information Technology specialists are in charge of managing and organizing medical records and databases. They assign codes to specific medical treatments using high-level software for future analysis and insurance billing purposes.
IT Support Specialist
Average Salary: $53,470
Interested in pursuing a degree?
Fill out the form and get all admission information you need regarding your chosen program.
Entry-Level Education: Associate’s degree
When people encounter technical problems that they can’t solve on their own, they frequently turn to a Support Specialist for help. As an IT Support Specialist, you’ll have the opportunity to directly help others, which can be highly rewarding.
IT Support Specialists are in charge of analyzing, debugging, and assessing technological difficulties. They may support internal clients, assisting staff in remaining productive, or external customers of a corporation, assisting them by phone or webchat.
IT Consultant
Average Salary: $71,900
Are you good at helping others understand complex systems and structures? If so, IT Consultant may be a great career choice for you. IT Consultants help their clients understand complicated technology and systems. To excel at consulting, you’ll need to be a great communicator in addition to being technologically savvy.
IT Consultants are also in charge of installing and maintaining the necessary software and hardware, designing new procedures, supervising all implementations, and making sure that all systems are running smoothly. Moreover, they constantly employ methods to secure databases and give clear instructions when needed.
IT Project Manager
Average Salary: $84,800
If you’re a highly organized person, then you might enjoy working as an IT Project Manager. IT Project managers plan and implement specific projects which require a high degree of organization. IT Project Managers are also often responsible for managing a team, which means that this career requires good interpersonal skills.
As an IT Project Manager, you’ll be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the technology team, handling customer inquiries and complaints, preparing reports, sharing updates during team and board meetings, and ensuring the effectiveness of operational procedures.
The Bottom Line
An information technology degree can lead to a wide range of career opportunities in various industries, including healthcare, finance, government, and more. With the rapid advancement of technology, the demand for IT professionals is only increasing. Graduates with an IT degree can pursue careers as software engineers, database administrators, cybersecurity analysts, network architects, and many more.
Additionally, with the option to specialize in a particular area of IT, graduates can tailor their career paths to their interests and strengths.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What careers can I pursue with an Information Technology degree?
With an IT degree, you can pursue careers in various fields, such as software development, cybersecurity, database administration, network engineering, IT consulting, system analysis, and more.
What are the job prospects like for IT degree holders?
Job prospects for IT degree holders are generally strong due to the increasing reliance on technology in nearly every industry. Many organizations actively seek skilled IT professionals to manage their digital infrastructure, leading to a high demand for qualified individuals.
Do I need to specialize in a specific area within IT?
While specializing in a particular area within IT can enhance your expertise and career prospects, it’s not always necessary. Some roles may require specialized knowledge, such as cybersecurity or data science, while others may be more generalist in nature, such as IT support or project management.
Can I work in non-technical roles with an IT degree?
Yes, having an IT degree can also open doors to non-technical roles within organizations. Skills gained through an IT degree, such as problem-solving, analytical thinking, and project management, are highly valued across various industries, including finance, healthcare, education, and government.
Is further education required for career advancement in IT?
While further education, such as obtaining certifications or pursuing a higher degree, can enhance your skills and qualifications, career advancement is not always required. Experience, continuous learning, and staying updated with the latest technologies are equally important for progressing your IT career.
