Information technology, also known as IT, refers to the use of computer hardware, software, networks and databases. Professionals in this field are computing experts who may work for technology firms or be employed by companies in other industries. Depending on their job title, IT workers may have the following duties:
- Testing computer systems to ensure they are operating properly.
- Troubleshooting problems to find the appropriate solution.
- Performing maintenance tasks and upgrading software and equipment.
- Assisting customers or clients in resolving technical issues.
- Training others on the proper use of computer systems.
Information Technology Specializations
Information technology programs can prepare students for a variety of career paths. The following occupations are two specialties often pursued by those new to the field:
- Computer network support specialists back-up data, perform maintenance and assist users with network issues. They are sometimes called technical support specialists.
- Computer user support specialists work directly with people to train them to use computer systems or to help them troubleshoot technical problems. Help-desk technician is another name for these specialists.
How to Become an Information Technology (IT) Specialist
If you're interested in working in information technology, you might consider the following career path:
- Earn a high school diploma or GED.
- Complete postsecondary education. Some employers look for IT specialists with degrees, but you may also be able to launch a career by earning a certificate in information technology or completing a similar training program.
- Earn a certification. Many technology companies offer certifications which can demonstrate your skills and expertise.
- Advance your career. With experience and additional training, you can move to more advanced positions, such as those in information security and network architecture.
While preparing to become an IT specialist, you'll likely learn about all the following:
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Computer Programming
- Databases and Networks
Information Technology Certificates and Degrees
You don't have to spend years in college to begin a career in information technology. You could be ready for a job in just a few months, depending on which of the following education options you choose.
- Certificate: A certificate in information technology can be completed at some schools in a single semester. These programs may include a mix of required introductory courses along with electives in areas such as programming, databases and the internet. Graduates may enter the workforce immediately or continue their education to earn a degree.
- Associate Degree: An associate degree in information technology provides more opportunity to delve into topics such as computer languages, project management and cybersecurity. Although traditionally completed in two years, accelerated associate degrees that can be completed more quickly are offered by some colleges.
- Bachelor's Degree: While not necessary for many IT support positions, a bachelor's degree can lead to jobs as network architects, database administrators and information security analysts. Some professionals start with an associate degree, find a job as an IT support specialist and then earn a four-year degree through distance education programs offered at information technology online schools.
Information Technology Schools
Most colleges and universities offer IT programs. These include community colleges, tech schools and vocational institutions. Information technology lends itself well to online learning, and many online IT schools make it easy to earn a certificate or degree without ever setting foot on campus. Online information technology programs may make use of multimedia presentations, discussion boards and simulated labs to teach material.
Information Technology Certification
There are numerous industry certifications available to IT professionals. Some of these are intended for those who have years of experience and are working at high levels within an organization. However, if you're just getting started as an information technology specialist, the following options may be best for you:
- CompTIA A+ - A+ certification is often considered the entry level credential for support specialists. It signifies a person has the basic skills needed to work as a help desk technician or in a similar occupation.
- Cisco Certified Network Associate - Known as CCNA, this certification demonstrates the ability to install, operate and configure network components.
- Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate - There are a number of MCSA certifications. These show an IT professional or support specialist has a specific skillset, such as in Office 365, database administration or web applications.
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional - The CISSP credential is a good choice for those seeking a career in IT security.
Each certification program has its own eligibility criteria. Most require applicants pass an exam and pay a fee. Some may have continuing education requirements to maintain the credential.
Career Advancement in IT
Working as an IT support specialist is a fast way to enter the workforce, but many professionals choose to move into new roles as their careers advance. Either through their experience or by gaining additional education, they may go on to work as database administrators, information security analysts, computer network architects or in other positions.
Best Information Technology Schools for 2020
If you're looking to quickly start a career in IT, vocational programs can have you ready for the workforce in two years or less. The following are some of the top information technology trade schools in the country, according to our methodology. We found them by analyzing data from the U.S. Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics. These are schools with flexible scheduling, affordable tuition and strong student success measures.
Known as Mt. SAC, this college supports more than 240 degree and certificate programs. What's more, Mt. San Antonio College is an affordable option and says California residents can attend classes for approximately $1,400 a year. The college opened in 1946 and has educated more than 1.2 million people since then.
Information technology programs at Mt. SAC: IT programs at Mt. SAC are housed within the Computer Information Systems Department. The college has four associate degree options, including a liberal arts degree with an emphasis on information technology. There are more than a dozen certificate programs in specialties such as Android programming, big data analytics and network security. Distance learners can earn an online computer information technology certificate.
West Kentucky Community and Technical College provides an affordable and flexible education to students from different walks of life. The school offers 8-week and 12-week courses and has provided online learning options for more than 20 years. According to the college, students can attend WKCTC for two years for the same price they may pay for a single year at a university.
Information technology programs at WKCTC: The computer information technology program at WKCTC includes an Associate of Applied Science degree that is available in seven different tracks. These include specializations such as informatics, programming and networking administration. The school also has more than a dozen short-term certificate programs in IT areas such as digital forensics, information security specialist and CIT fundamentals.
Offering classes on eight campuses as well as online, Chattahoochee Technical College lets students choose from more than 50 degree, diploma and certificate programs. The college is a relatively new addition to the Technical College System of Georgia and was founded in 2009 with the merger of three previously independent technical schools. Chattahoochee Tech features affordable tuition and a number of financial aid options.
Information technology programs at Chattahoochee Tech: There are a half dozen options at Chattahoochee Tech related to computer information systems. Some, such as a CompTIA A+ Certified Technician Preparation Certificate, can be used as the basis for professional credentials. Others, including an associate degree in networking, cover a broader range of topics and may lead to a number of different jobs.
With classes available at three campus locations, Madisonville Community College is another top choice for information technology programs. The school has some of the lowest tuition rates in Kentucky, and some program costs may even be covered through the Work Ready Scholarship Program for students who are eligible.
Information technology programs at MCC: Students interested in computer and information technologies can earn either an associate degree or a certificate in the field from MCC. These include an Associate in Applied Science which is available in seven tracks including video game design, internet technologies and business software and support. There are also more than a dozen related short-term certificate programs. Some, such as the computer support technician certificate, may be eligible for tuition coverage through Work Ready Kentucky program.
Nearly 5,500 students take classes at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College. More than 140 programs of study are available through four campuses and eight other learning locations. Some programs are also available online. WGTC was formed in 2010 with the merger of two other technical colleges with histories dating back to 1963.
Information technology programs at WGTC: There are more than two dozen programs at WGTC that fall under the category of computer information science. These culminate in degrees, diplomas and technical certificates of credit in fields such as cybersecurity, computer support specialist and networking specialist. Graduates may move directly into the workforce after finishing some programs or, with others, transfer credits to a four-year school and earn a bachelor's degree.
You can find affordable tuition, online learning options and a practical education at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College. As a public two-year school, it offers some of the lowest tuition rates in Kentucky. What's more, many program costs are covered thanks to the Work Ready Kentucky program that pays for eligible students to study in-demand fields.
Information technology programs at ECTC: Elizabethtown Community and Technical College offers a comprehensive IT program. Students interested in computer information technology can choose from six associate degree paths and more than a dozen certificate options. Several of the certificate programs are eligible for tuition support through Work Ready Kentucky. Thanks to a partnership with Western Kentucky University, students who earn a transfer associate degree can finish their bachelor's degree entirely online.
While its roots go back to 1961, Albany Technical College didn't join the Technical College System of Georgia until 1988. The school says it is the only technical college in the state with a full service, on-campus Career Development Center. That may be part of why they claim that the average, in-field job placement rate for its graduates exceeds 92%.
Information technology programs at ATC: The computer support specialist associate degree program at ATC is designed to provide students with both a general education background and practical IT skills. The school also offers students an opportunity to earn a computer support specialist diploma and a technical certificate of credit for those who want to work as a Microsoft Office applications specialist. All three programs are available online as well as on-campus.
Ivy Tech Community College serves as Indiana's only full-fledged community college. While it is a single institution, it offers programs at more than 40 locations statewide. The school is a top choice for information technology programs thanks to its low tuition rate and an average class size of 22. Overall, Ivy Tech offers more than 150 programs of study and more than 1,000 online courses.
Information technology programs at Ivy Tech: Information technology fall under the category of informatics at Ivy Tech. Students have four options within the program: paths that lead to certificates, technical certificates, degrees and transfer degrees. All are available online. Short-term certificate programs can be completed in two semesters and provide targeted instruction in areas such as CompTIA A+ and Network+. Degrees may be earned in two years and have a more comprehensive curriculum.
Hinds Community College serves more than 32,000 students each year, but it still manages to keep its class sizes small. The school has a 17:1 student-teacher ratio and provides more than 70 career and technical training options. For those pursing transfer degrees, credits from nearly 450 courses offered at Hinds Community College are guaranteed to transfer to Mississippi universities. More than 500 courses and more than a dozen degrees are offered fully online.
Information technology programs at Hinds: Information technology programs at Hinds cover computer networking, computer programming and cybersecurity. All three programs can be completed online or on-campus. The computer networking program covers topics such as network planning and design and network security while students enrolled in computer programming can expect to learn Java, C++ and systems analysis and design.
With more than 60 degree and certificate programs available, North Central State College is a top two-year school in Ohio. It maintains a 17:1 student-faculty ratio and hands out nearly $900,000 in scholarships annually to eligible students. The school has one of the lowest tuition rates in the state. High school students who take classes through the College Credit Plus program may be eligible for tuition coverage at NC State.
Information technology programs at NCSC: NC State offers an information technology pathway that can lead to an associate degree in either networking or cybersecurity. The degree programs are eligible for the Choose Ohio First scholarship which can provide up to $3,000 in financial aid. For distance learners, a Microsoft applications certificate is available online.
Financial Aid for Information Technology Programs
Skills and Qualities for IT Specialists
If you want to be successful as an IT support specialist, you'll need both computer knowledge and the following abilities:
- Active Listening: Help-desk technicians, in particular, need this skill. It means being able to listen carefully and ask questions in order to understand the technical problems someone may be encountering.
- Reading Comprehension: Technical support is commonly offered via chat nowadays which makes reading comprehension a crucial skill for IT specialists.
- Systems Analysis: Specialists who work with networks must be able to evaluate a system properly to pinpoint problems or improve its function.
- Near Vision: This may seem obvious, but it could be overlooked. IT professionals spend most of their time working on computers and generally need good vision to be able to do their jobs.
- Time Management: IT workers often juggle multiple projects or support tickets at once which makes time management skills essential.
Information Technology Specialists Salary and Career Outlook
As with other professions, information technology workers may be paid based upon their education and experience. For instance, those with multiple certifications may command higher wages than entry-level workers. Still, it's nice to know what to expect for an income before applying to information technology schools, and the chart below shows national averages for the profession.
Career growth for IT professionals is also shown below, but job opportunities can depend on where you live in the country and your particular skillset.
Career | Total Employment | Average Salary | Projected Job Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Information Security Analysts | 125,570 | $104,210 | 31.6% |
| Web Developers and Digital Interface Designers | 148,340 | $82,370 | 13% |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | 433,960 | $156,390 | 11.3% |
| Database Administrators and Architects | 125,460 | $96,110 | 9% |
Professional Resources for IT Specialists
The information technology sector is served by a number of associations and organizations. Here are couple that may be of interest to you.
- Association of Information Technology Professionals - Offered by CompTIA, the group conferring A+ certification, the AITP provides training, networking, leadership development and other career resources to IT workers.
- Association for Computing Machinery - This international organization brings together information technology professionals working in various sectors such as education, industry and research.
- Association for Information Science and Technology - ASIS&T hosts student chapters, publishes research and offers career development services for the IT sector.