Information Technology :

What is an Information Technology degree?

By earning your Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology from UIU, you’ll improve your skills in computer applications, information systems, operating systems, programming and more. An IT professional should be able to work with data and help others within their organization access and understand that data, so the IT program at UIU will teach you a variety of methods you can use to work with data and how to find the best solution for a given situation.

If you’re interested in Information Technology, but don’t want to declare it as your major, you can minor in Information Technology. Because so many fields rely on computers and other technology, this minor complements a wide range of degrees and can prepare you for real-life obstacles you may encounter in your profession.

Getting your Information Technology Degree Online

Get the same high-quality Information Technology education that you would get from a UIU classroom, at home or in your office. Upper Iowa University offers an online Information Technology degree, as well as in-person and distance learning options to meet your educational needs.

How to apply

To apply, visit our Online Application portal to create an account and start your application. Still unsure if this program is right for you? Reach out to our admissions to ask specific questions or request additional information about the Information Technology program at Upper Iowa University.

Careers in Information Technology

Candidates with IT skills are in high demand for a wide range of professional positions. Because so many industries rely on data and computer systems for their everyday operations, someone who understands data systems and user interfaces is a valuable asset to any business or organization.

Potential job titles for graduates with an Information Technology degree include:

• Computer Network Architect
• Computer Support Specialist
• Computer Systems Administrator
• Computer Systems Analyst
• Network Administrator
• Systems Support Specialist

Information Technology Salary Information

Graduates with Information Technology degrees are eligible for higher annual salaries than most other professions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), here are the median pay figures for popular jobs in the IT field that only require a Bachelor’s degree as the entry-level education:

• Computer Network Architect: $116,780
• Computer Programmer: $89,190
• Computer Systems Analyst: $93,730
• Database Administrator or Architect: $98,860

Additionally, the projected growth for computer and IT occupations from 2020 to 2030 is 13%, which is faster than the average for all other occupations, according to the BLS.^[1]

Benefits of an Information Technology Degree

If you have a knack for computers, why not pursue a career doing what you love? The career options for IT professionals are nearly limitless and since there are so many different areas of focus (programming new software, testing or quality assurance, or analyzing systems, to name a few), so you can choose the direction that appeals most to you. This flexibility also gives you the option to shift roles if you want to try something new at any stage in your career.

IT professionals have a higher earning potential, are in high demand for employment, and many report feeling a sense of purpose in their work because they are equipped to solve problems, build something new, and be an important part of attaining goals. Plus, many positions have potential to work remotely, which can aid in work-life balance. ^[2]

Information Technology Courses

With a degree in Information Technology, you will graduate ready to enter the workforce and manage computer data systems for companies and organizations of all kinds. This program offers fundamental knowledge of computer science and is aligned with nationally recognized standards in Information Technology.

Core courses for IT students include:

• Introduction to Computer Applications and Technology
• Trigonometry and Analytic Geometry
• IT Infrastructure
• Foundations of Information Systems
• Elementary Statistics
• Web Systems and System Integration

Information Technology Skills

Because the IT program at UIU is aligned with the nationally recognized standards in Information Technology, you can expect to learn some of the most current and marketable IT skills that are needed to effectively conduct work in the field.

Successful IT professionals show skills in:

• Web development
• Data mining and analysis
• Project management
• Communication
• Analysis
• Problem solving
• Organization^[3]

Best Minors for Information Technology Majors

Round out your education with a minor in a discipline that suits your interests and complements the work you do with technology. Because computers intersect nearly every aspect of our lives and there are so many different directions you can take within the IT field, choosing a minor can be a great way to narrow or broaden your focus.

Some popular minor choices for IT majors are:

• Information Systems
• Graphic Design
• Criminal Justice
• Marketing

If you are interested in IT, but don’t want to declare it as your major, consider taking on an Information Technology minor to broaden your knowledge in that area, while focusing the majority of your time in a different field.

What is Information Technology?

Information Technology can involve varying responsibilities, but is typically related to one or several of the following:

• Software for data management or other functions
• Video conferencing equipment
• Personal computers

What does an IT person do?

IT professionals create, maintain and monitor the network and communication systems that companies and organizations rely on. Technicians typically provide general support for computers, phones or other technology. They sometimes work with network equipment like cabling, routers, adapters and more.