Computer and Technology Degree Programs

computing technology degree

Online degrees in computer and technology are popular, and for good reason. These offerings provide ultra-convenient paths to some of the most financially rewarding and intrinsically meaningful jobs in the field no matter what your current level of education. In this article, we’ll discuss the many different types of computer/tech degree programs available to individuals interested in this captivating and ever-growing discipline.

Associate Degrees in Computers and Technology

Overview:

The most basic type of postsecondary degree available in the field, associate degrees in computers and technology are two-year programs that require approximately 60 credit hours of coursework. Widely available, these programs are frequently offered in flexible formats, including part-time, evening, hybrid, and even fully online classes. As the field is a broad one, there are many different types of associate in computers/technology one can earn. Some of these variations are listed below.

Types of Computer and Technology Associate Degrees

  • Associate of Science (AS) in Information Technologies
  • Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Information Technology
  • AS in Information Sciences and Technology
  • Associate of Arts (AA) in Information Technology
  • AA in Cybersecurity
  • AS in Computer Information Technology
  • Associate in Computer Science

Associate of Computer and Technology Degrees: Curriculum

The curriculum for associate degree programs in computers and technology will vary depending on the specific type of associate degree you choose as well as the school you attend. Still, most of these offerings are comprised of a general education component as well as courses in the computer and technology major. General education classes will cover topics in mathematics, language, communications, natural sciences, and behavioral sciences, for instance. Sample course titles in computers and technology are listed below for reference. Keep in mind that these are merely samples, and specific classes will vary.

Computer/Technology Associate Curriculum: Sample Course Titles

  • Fundamentals of Information Technology
  • Computer Platform Technologies
  • Introduction to Web Design and Development
  • Organization of Data
  • Information, People, and Technology
  • Introduction to HTML
  • Introduction to Java Programming
  • Programming Logic and Design
  • Fundamentals of Cybersecurity
  • Network Theory and Design
  • Systems Analysis and Design
  • Fundamentals of Databases
  • Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming

Technology/Computers Associate Degrees: Jobs and Salaries

Associate in computer and technology degrees have a fairly high return on investment. This means that they don’t require a great deal of time or money to attain, but they still prepare graduates for well-paid careers in the field. According to Payscale.com, individuals with an associate degree in information technology make approximately $54,000 a year on average. Your specific pay will vary depending on a number of factors, including your job title. For reference, we’ve listed some of the positions in the field requiring an associate in computers and technology along with their average annual wages below:

  • Network Analyst: $52,281
  • Information Technology Specialist: $50,653
  • Information Systems Manager: $64,743
  • Network Engineer: $56,213
  • Systems Analyst: $51,628
  • Computer/Network Support Technician: $48,126
  • Network Technician: $49,190
  • Information Technology Project Manager: $75,569

Bachelor’s Degrees in Computers and Technology

Overview:

Bachelor’s degrees in computers and technology are popular options for prospective students because of the variety of opportunities they provide for graduates, both in terms of potential careers and for future study in a graduate program. Considering the many types of bachelor’s programs in computers and technology (some of which are listed below), it’s a good idea to keep your future plans in mind when selecting your degree program.

Types of Bachelor of Computer and Technology Degree Programs

  • Bachelor of Science (BS) in Information Technologies
  • BS in Information Sciences and Technology
  • Bachelor of Computing and Security
  • BS in Computer Information Technology
  • BS in Information Technology Management
  • Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Information Technology and Systems
  • Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology
  • Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Information Technology
  • Bachelor’s in Computer Science

Technology and Computer Bachelor’s Degrees: Curriculum

Like most degree programs at the bachelor’s level, bachelor’s in computers and technology usually require about 120 credit hours of coursework. Traditionally, these requirements take approximately four years to fulfill, but accelerated offerings do exist that could allow you to earn your degree in significantly less time. The specific courses you take will depend in large part to the specialization or concentration you choose, if any. Some of these options are listed below:

Technology/Computer Degrees: Specializations and Concentrations

  • Networking and Computer Systems Security
  • Enterprise Computing
  • Information Systems
  • Computing Technology
  • Computing Security
  • Health Information Technology
  • Information Security
  • Network and Telecommunications
  • Web Development and Multimedia
  • Enterprise Systems
  • Information Assurance and Security
  • Mobile and Web Development
  • Gaming Design
  • Application and Database Development

There are other factors aside from the chosen concentration that will affect your specific coursework, including any credits you transfer in as well as the specific type of degree program and the school you choose to attend. Some sample course titles are listed below, but these are merely for the sake of example:

Bachelor’s Computer and Technology Curriculum: Sample Course Titles

  • Microcomputer Systems Architecture
  • Analysis and Design of Information Systems
  • Object-Oriented Programming
  • Architecture of Hardware and System Software
  • Introduction to Local Area Network Technology
  • Enterprise Systems Architecture
  • Ethics for the Information Technology Profession
  • Introduction to Information Sciences and Systems
  • Business Data Communications Systems
  • Database Design and Processing
  • Foundations of Information Systems
  • Intermediate Networking
  • Introduction to Computer-Based Systems
  • Dynamic Programming Languages
  • Software Systems Analysis
  • Programming and Data Structures

Bachelor’s in Computer and Technology: Jobs and Salaries

Individuals with a bachelor’s degree in computers and technology stand to earn a handsome salary for their work in the field. According to Payscale, professionals with this credential make about $70,000 a year on average. Of course, their specific wage will depend upon their job title, work experience, and employer. Here are some job titles associated with bachelor’s in computer and technology holders and their average salaries, according to Payscale:

  • Systems Administrator: $58,705
  • Network Engineer: $71,183
  • Software Engineer: $74,042
  • Information Technology Manager: $77,345
  • Network Administrator: $58,533
  • Software Developer: $65,146
  • Web Developer: $53,473
  • Information Security Analyst: $69,291
  • Information Technology Business Analyst: $62,345
  • Information Technology Specialist: $52,384

Master’s Degrees in Computers and Technology

Overview:

Those students willing to devote two years of study beyond a bachelor’s degree are rewarded with a master’s degree in computers and technology. This credential will open up even more doors of opportunity in the field, including advanced leadership positions. More and more technology and computer master’s degree programs are being offered online, making it more convenient for professionals in the field to earn this graduate credential, often while keeping their day jobs.

Technology and Computer Master’s Degrees: Curriculum

Most master’s degree programs in computers and technology are designed to enable students to specialize in a certain area of the field. They do so by offering specialization and concentration options like the ones below:

Technology/Computer Degree Programs: Specializations and Concentrations

  • Information Security and Assurance
  • Business Intelligence and Data Analytics
  • Networking
  • Health Information Technology
  • Business Information Systems
  • Large-Scale Data Management
  • User-Centered Design
  • Web Design
  • Leadership and Management
  • Network Design and Security
  • Software Design and Management

Computer/Technology Master’s Degrees: Sample Course Titles

  • Technology Strategy and Enterprise Architecture
  • Managing Technology Development and Innovation
  • Computer Systems Security Foundations
  • Networking and Telecommunications
  • Applied Networking Security
  • Secure Software Engineering
  • Statistical Analysis and Data Mining
  • Systems Analysis, Modeling, and Design
  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Advanced Database Topics
  • Applied Artificial Intelligence
  • Secure Network Design
  • Cyberlaw, Regulations, and Compliance
  • Data Mining and Analytics
  • Data Science Tools and Techniques
  • Financial Management for Information Technology Professionals
  • Managing Technology Operations and Innovation
  • Information Technology Sourcing and Development in a Global Economy

Master’s in Computers and Technology: Jobs and Salaries

The salary associated with a master’s in computers and technology will vary significantly depending on the specific type of degree you hold. To give you a rough idea, though, consider this: Payscale.com reports that individuals with a master of science degree in information technology make around $85,000 a year on average. Your annual wage will also depend on your particular job title, though. Below, you will find some of the occupations commonly associated with master’s in technology and computer science along with their respective average salaries, according to Payscale:

MS in Information Technology: 85K

  • Information Technology Project Manager: $90,873
  • Systems Administrator: $62,004
  • Software Engineer: $84,444
  • Information Technology Manager: $92,901
  • Information Technology Business Analyst: $74,641
  • Information Technology Director: $118,837
  • Software Developer: $75,560
  • Information Technology Consultant: $79,232
  • Network Engineer: $79,611
  • Data Analyst: 69,016
  • Network Administrator: $61,695

Doctor of Computers and Technology

Overview:

To achieve one’s maximum potential in the computer/technology discipline, it is helpful (if not necessary) to pursue a technology and computer doctoral degree. These programs of study are highly rigorous and require high-level research and critical thinking skills. Not all doctoral degrees in the field are alike, however. There are, in fact, many different types of doctorates in computers and technology to choose from. Some of these options are listed below for your reference:

Types of Doctorates in Computers and Technology

  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Information Technology
  • Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Information Systems
  • Doctor of Science in Computer Science
  • PhD in Technology Management
  • Doctor of Information Technology
  • PhD in Technology
  • PhD in Computer Science
  • DBA in Computer Science
  • PhD in Computer Information Systems
  • Doctorate in Cybersecurity

Doctoral Programs in Computers and Technology: Curriculum

Students who choose to enroll in a doctoral program in computers and technology can expect their courses to be grounded in research. They will be asked to analyze current research in the field and conduct their own original research using qualitative and quantitative research methods. This is where the similarities end, though. The exact coursework comprising the curriculum for a doctor of computer and technology program will vary depending on the specific type of degree one chooses. Even so, we’ve listed some sample course titles below to illustrate the types of classes one might expect to see on their course schedules.

Technology/Computers Doctorates: Sample Courses

  • Organizational and Social Dimensions of Information Systems
  • Advanced Software Development
  • Quality and Productivity in Industry and Technology
  • User Design and Evaluation
  • Discrete Mathematics for Computer Scientists
  • Techniques and Interpretation for Advanced Statistical Research
  • Applied Research in Information Assurance
  • Information Assurance Requirements for Compliance
  • Strategy and Management of Information Technology
  • Software Systems Design and Implementation
  • Economics for Information Sectors
  • Management of New and Emerging Technologies
  • Leading Information Technology as Internal and External Partners in Organizations
  • Process Optimization and Decision-Making in Information Technology
  • Current Topics in Technology Management

Computers and Technology Degrees: Jobs and Salaries

Salaries for computer and technology doctoral degree recipients will vary depending on the type of degree they receive. For the sake of example, though, Payscale.com reports that individuals with a PhD in information technology make approximately $101,000 a year on average. Different occupations will garner different wages, though. Below, you will find some of the job titles held by those with a doctor of computer and technology degree alongside their average salaries.

  • Senior Information Technology Manager: $108,959
  • Business Systems Analyst: $70,052
  • Information Technology Security Architect: $119,761
  • Project Management Director: $153,190
  • Senior Business Analyst: $94,621
  • Information Technology Director: $145,811
  • Chief Information Security Officer: $126,930
  • Software Engineer: $98,991
  • Cyber Security Analyst: $88,245
  • Information Technology Enterprise Architect: $171,456

Dozens upon dozens of options exist for prospective students with a desire to break into the field of computers and technology by earning a degree. No matter what your current level of education, career goals, or budget, there’s likely a program of study that can propel you to success in this cutting-edge field. As you consider your options, keep in mind that advancements in distance learning have transformed online degree programs, making them as effective and respected as they are convenient. In addition to fully online programs, many hybrid offerings exist in the discipline as well. These blended learning models provide the best of both worlds for students who desire the flexibility of online learning along with a level of engagement that can only be attained in a face-to-face environment.

Computer and Technology Degree Programs: