An online associate degree in information technology may provide students with the skills and training needed to organize, install, and support a company’s computer systems. In these two-year programs, students may gain knowledge about information systems, partake in team projects, and understand database and multimedia systems. Coursework within these two-year programs may include a handful of general education requirements alongside electives and major-specific courses, such as database design and development, desktop administration, and programming logic.

IT graduates may either seek entry-level employment or pursue additional education and enroll in a bachelor’s-level degree program. Associate-level graduates may employment opportunities in a variety of areas, such as healthcare, banks, educational facilities, and corporations.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: High School Diploma or GED
• Program Length: Two years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Entry-Level Employment or Bachelor’s Program
• Projected Employment Growth: 28% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

The curriculum within an online association degree program in information technology may combine several general education requirements along with major-specific courses and electives. Students enrolled in these two-year programs may learn how to design, install, and maintain network and technology infrastructures. Core online information technology courses may include the following:

• Programming Logic
• Networking and Telecommunications
• Database Design and Development
• Multimedia Web Development
• Software Applications
• Desktop Administration
• Systems Analysis and Design

Career Options

Graduates of online associate degree programs in information technology may find career opportunities in educational facilities, finance, banks, corporations, and healthcare. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for those pursuing careers as network and computer systems administrators are expected to increase by 28% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Network and Computer Systems Administrator
• Help Desk Administrator
• Web Developer
• Media Technician
• Technician Support Specialist

Continuing Education

Graduates of associate-level programs in information technology may pursue additional education and transfer their credits into a bachelor’s degree program in information technology or similar field. In these four-year programs, students may gain additional training and skills on computer networking, security, and database development.

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook