Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Information Technology 2024
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It's difficult to name a single industry that hasn't been transformed by computing. The age of big data has delivered exciting innovations, but it's also made modern businesses heavily reliant on networked technologies. As a result, information technology (IT) has become one of computer science's most critical fields.
If you're looking for a reliable path to an IT career, an information technology degree is a great place to start. This degree guide profiles IT degrees and provides a ranked list of top online bachelor's programs.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top 10 Online Bachelor's in IT Programs 2024
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data
and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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George Mason University
Fairfax, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $546
Out-of-State | $1,523
Credits to Graduate: 120
Mason's BS in information technology degree from the College of Engineering and Computing can help you learn to use IT to help businesses. The fully online, primarily asynchronous program develops communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and technical skills.
The curriculum emphasizes the current best practices in information technology and explores ethical and social issues in IT, along with the global impact of IT. You can expect to take classes like applied IT programming, operating systems fundamentals, multimedia and web design, and a two-semester capstone sequence.
Florida International University
Miami, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $236
Out-of-State | $649
Credits to Graduate: 120
FIU offers an online BS in information technology degree from its School of Computing and Information Sciences. This program covers programming, database development, information systems, and operating systems. The fully online degree allows you to watch lectures on your schedule and receive feedback from instructors in real time.
Admission requirements include an application fee, SAT or ACT scores, and high school transcripts. Before starting the degree requirements, you must complete nine prerequisites, including introduction to psychology, pre-calculus algebra, and introduction to the computing field.
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT - 4 years
- Online
Cost per Six-Month Term:
In-State | $3,625
Out-of-State | $3,625
Courses to Graduate: 36
WGU's online BS in information technology degree includes third-party certifications from CompTIA and AWS at no additional cost beyond regular tuition. You can master the fundamentals of computer technology and information systems while developing skills in data management, scripting and programming, the business of IT, and networking and security.
The 36-course program requires independent study along with support from WGU faculty. At the end of your program, you complete a capstone project to showcase your learning and growth as a student.
Mercer University
Macon, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $6,300
Out-of-State | $6,300
Credits to Graduate: 120
Mercer's online information technology and informatics BS degree offers the flexibility that working professionals need. The program offers five start dates each year and features accelerated eight-week sessions. You can complete the degree fully online, on campus, or through hybrid delivery.
The curriculum includes classes like decision theory, digital logic and programming, human-computer interaction and design, and a capstone project. Potential roles for graduates include computer systems analyst, IT officer, and data analyst.
Oregon Institute of Technology
Klamath Falls, OR - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: International Accreditation Council for Business Education
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $308
Out-of-State | $308
Credits to Graduate: 181
At Oregon Tech, the online information technology BS program provides a hands-on, interdisciplinary foundation in the IT field. You can refine your analytical, problem-solving, project management, and communication skills. Graduates work at companies like Intel, Nike, Google, and Asante Health Systems.
The career-focused program requires cybersecurity fundamentals, introduction to systems analysis, senior project management, and strategic management courses. You can focus your studies on a concentration like application development, information security, data management and analytics, or network and systems administration.
University of La Verne
La Verne, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $665
Out-of-State | $665
Credits to Graduate: 63
La Verne's online information technology BS degree takes as little as 18 months to complete, depending on transfer credits and course load. The program focuses on the skills you need to succeed in professional IT roles, including critical thinking, solving technology-based problems, legal and ethical issues in IT, and communication.
Prerequisites include statistics, discrete mathematics, foundations of business ethics, and a system engineering seminar. Core requirements include the digital society, systems architecture, a senior project, and an internship.
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Cincinnati, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $3,534-$6,785
Out-of-State | $3,534-$6,785
Credits to Graduate: 120
UC's BS in information technology online degree offers four concentrations: data technologies, networking and systems, game development and simulation, and software application development. The program emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning and requires five semesters of cooperative education, giving students paid work experience in their sophomore year.
In your last year of the program, you'll spend two semesters working on a senior design experience and showcase your senior project to faculty, classmates, and prospective employers at UC's annual IT Expo.
University of Missouri-St Louis
Saint Louis, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: AACSB International
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $541
Out-of-State | $1,255
Credits to Graduate: 120
UMSL's information systems and technology BS degree from the College of Business Administration can prepare you for careers helping businesses use and create IT systems. You can complete the degree fully online, on campus, or through hybrid learning.
The curriculum includes courses like data programming, database management systems, IT project management, and data networks and security. You can customize your degree by focusing your electives on a particular track, like application development, business intelligence, cybersecurity, and web design. You'll also get the chance to participate in experiential learning opportunities.
Misericordia University
Dallas, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $675
Out-of-State | $675
Credits to Graduate: 121
Misericordia's online BS in information technology degree explores management information systems, information security, computer systems and architecture, and programming logic and design. You can also add a specialization in IT security. Electives include courses like game programming, psychology, and internet programming.
The hands-on program emphasizes personal attention for students, focuses on career preparation, and strongly encourages students to complete internships. Admission requirements include at least one year of high school biology and one year of high school physical science.
Regis University
Denver, CO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $572
Out-of-State | $572
Credits to Graduate: 120
Regis' online information technology BS program offers optional tracks in cybersecurity, web application development, and general information technology. Each IT major takes eight-week online classes in Java programming, systems administration, and networking infrastructure before completing a senior capstone.
The program's generous transfer policy lets you transfer up to 81 credits toward the degree. You can also consider Regis's FastForward program, which allows you to earn your bachelor's and master's degrees concurrently, saving you time and money. The program offers six start dates per year.
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Ranking Methodology Summary
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
What Is an Information Technology Degree?
A bachelor's degree in information technology is a four-year program that prepares you for in-demand, high-paying tech careers, such as software developer and information security analyst.
During an IT bachelor's program, you'll learn how to protect sensitive data, manage networks, and develop applications and websites.
Coursework blends advanced math and science with fundamental information technology knowledge, including programming languages and network security. You also learn web design, project management, and technology ethics.
Some courses feature a lab component, and many programs require an internship or capstone course. Common courses include:
- Information technology project management
- Human-computer interaction
- Networking essentials
- Web design and development
- Cybersecurity
Information Technology Degree Cost
The cost of a bachelor's degree varies depending on the school. In general, public institutions charge lower tuition rates than private schools. An online format can also cost less. Some online colleges offer tuition discounts for fully online learners.
At the very least, online students are often exempt from campus-based fees, like athletics fees or parking passes
In addition to tuition costs, consider fees, textbooks, and other expenses. And make sure to research your financial aid options to lower your out-of-pocket costs.
Admission Requirements for an IT Program
Admission requirements vary by school, but they typically include:
- A high school diploma or GED certificate
- Minimum high school GPA in the 2.75 range
- AP or college credits in pre-calculus, calculus, or other advanced mathematics
- Personal essay and/or letters of recommendation
- SAT or ACT test scores may be required or optional
Some schools have open admissions policies, while others are competitive and more selective. Elevated admission standards can benefit you, though: Employers tend to hold such colleges in high regard.
Reasons to Get Your Information Technology Degree Online
- Complete your bachelor's degree from any location.
- Balance school and work while earning your IT degree online.
- Compare online programs to find an option that matches your career interests.
- Choose an IT program that fits your budget and offers financial aid to online learners.
Information Technology Degree Concentrations
Data Analytics: This concentration prepares students to work with large amounts of data, primarily analyzing and extracting meaning from data sets. Graduates can use data to inform project-related and operational decision-making.
Information Security: Students in this concentration gain expertise in identifying and preventing cybersecurity breaches. They also implement security best practices and ensure that their companies adhere to IT standards.
IT Management: Many graduates with this concentration seek employment as chief information officers who manage IT budgets, network security compliance, and IT strategies, ensuring that everything aligns with the organization's strategic plan.
Smart Technology: Smart technology refers to devices and systems that interact with and respond to human commands and behaviors. Smart technology professionals often design automated equipment that adapts through machine learning and carries out self-upgrades.
Web Design and Application: This specialization prepares graduates to design and build websites. Some web designers also monitor and find ways to increase traffic to websites.
What Can You Do With an Information Technology Degree?
A bachelor's in information technology degree can help you qualify for entry-level roles in multiple computer science subfields. Common examples include:
- Network administration
- Database administration
- Cybersecurity and information security
- Software development
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports strong job growth projections for many IT-related career paths over the next decade, with information security and software development among the fastest-growing.
With additional experience and/or a graduate degree, you can qualify for well-paid senior roles in these and other computer science specializations.
Information technology degrees also have high cross-industry relevance, giving IT professionals access to a diversity of career choices and employment settings, such as healthcare administration.
Below are some of the roles you can step into with an information technology degree. Some duties may overlap, but salary and job outlook vary.
IT Technician
Median salary (2023): $59,920 | Job outlook (2022-32): +5%
Job duties:
- Testing and troubleshooting computing networks
- Performing preventative network maintenance
- Resolving networking, internet connectivity, and data management issues
Infosec Analyst
Median salary (2023): $120,360 | Job outlook (2022-32): +32%
Job duties:
- Assisting the development of organizational IT security policies
- Testing, maintaining, and upgrading security tools and technologies
- Analyzing the performance of security solutions
- Monitoring activity to ensure compliance with internal policies
Systems Analyst
Median salary (2023): $103,800 | Job outlook (2022-32): +10%
Job duties:
- Researching technologies and solutions that meet organizational needs
- Enhancing the capabilities of existing tools and systems
- Configuring upgrades and new technologies
- Training users in the use of computing technologies
Network Engineer
Median salary (2023): $95,360 | Job outlook (2022-32): +2%
Job duties:
- Designing and implementing computer network infrastructure
- Configuring networks and monitoring their performance
- Troubleshooting network issues
- Liaising with senior managers and executives to align network capabilities with broader business goals
Database Administrator
Median salary (2023):$101,510 | Job outlook (2022-32): +7%
Job duties:
- Designing, building, updating, and maintaining digital databases
- Managing the security of stored information
- Creating data backups and data restoration strategies
- Managing user permissions and monitoring database usage
Not Sure About IT? Check Out Related Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Information Technology Degrees
Is an information technology degree worth it?
An information technology degree can be a great investment, as many IT careers that require a bachelor's degree have median salaries in the six figures.
Start by calculating the return on investment. Compare the cost of the degree with its earning potential. Research information technology salary data, including salaries in your area and for your desired career path.
How many years is an IT degree?
Most bachelor's in information technology programs take four years to complete full time. But some in-person and top online schools may offer accelerated options. The degree often requires 120 credits, including general education, major coursework, and electives.
How difficult is an IT degree?
The difficulty level of an information technology degree will vary by person. IT bridges technical knowledge with business abilities. That means you'll need to understand and use technology while also considering its applications.
If you're concerned about the difficulty level of an IT degree, consider taking an intro class. It can also help to learn about programs that offer tutoring and other support systems.
Why should I get a degree in information technology?
During an information technology degree program, you will gain the technical and business skills needed for high-paying roles like software developer, information security analyst, and database administrator. A bachelor's in IT can also help you prepare for industry certifications or pursue a graduate degree in information technology.
What is the highest-paying IT type job?
The BLS identifies computer and information research scientists as earning the highest median salaries among computer science and IT professions. However, employers generally require a master's degree as an entry-level credential. Some computer and information research scientists hold doctoral degrees in IT or computer science.
If you apply your research skills to work in a specialized field, you may also need college training or a degree in that field.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed January 30, 2024.