Best Online Associate in Information Technology Programs
BestColleges.com is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers.
Drawing on their firsthand industry expertise, our Integrity Network members serve as an additional step in our editing process, helping us confirm our content is accurate and up to date. These contributors:
- Suggest changes to inaccurate or misleading information.
- Provide specific, corrective feedback.
- Identify critical information that writers may have missed.
Integrity Network members typically work full time in their industry profession and review content for BestColleges.com as a side project. All Integrity Network members are paid members of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.
An associate degree in information technology provides a foundation in web development and database management fundamentals. Many students attend a community college because these two-year institutions typically offer learners an affordable postsecondary education. After completing their associate degree, graduates may continue to a four-year university, find entry-level work, or do both.
Online associate degrees are not necessarily less expensive than their on-campus counterparts. However, there are multiple benefits to choosing an online associate in information technology program. For example, the best online colleges offer flexible schedules, financial aid, and the program may take less time to complete. Students can also save on expenses related to on-campus housing or transportation.
If you’re interested in starting a career in information technology, read on to learn more on how you can get started.
Featured Online Associate in Information Technology Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Accredited Online Associate in Information Technology Programs
Keiser University
Fort Lauderdale, FL- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$20,800
- Out-of-state$20,800
- In-State$29,632
- Out-of-state$29,632
- Retention Rate68%
- Acceptance Rate97%
- Students Enrolled18,800
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment50%
- AccreditationYes
Saint Leo University
- Saint Leo, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$23,990
- Out-of-state$23,990
- In-State$15,218
- Out-of-state$15,218
- Retention Rate55%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled2,779
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment84%
- AccreditationYes
Peirce College
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$14,400
- Out-of-state$14,400
- In-State$13,896
- Out-of-state$13,896
- Retention Rate100%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled875
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
Randolph Community College
- Asheboro, NC
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,280
- Out-of-state$8,040
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,289
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment94%
- AccreditationYes
Union County College
- Cranford, NJ
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,562
- Out-of-state$10,562
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate68%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled7,930
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment73%
- AccreditationYes
Minnesota State Community and Technical College
- Fergus Falls, MN
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,267
- Out-of-state$5,267
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance Rate100%
- Students Enrolled5,360
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment51%
- AccreditationYes
Campbell University
- Buies Creek, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$35,580
- Out-of-state$35,580
- In-State$14,041
- Out-of-state$14,041
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate89%
- Students Enrolled5,259
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment27%
- AccreditationYes
College of Southern Maryland
- La Plata, MD
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,200
- Out-of-state$9,240
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate66%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled5,660
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment91%
- AccreditationYes
St. Petersburg College
- St. Petersburg, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$1,943
- Out-of-state$7,774
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled24,543
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment76%
- AccreditationYes
Northern Virginia Community College
- Annandale, VA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,051
- Out-of-state$10,790
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled49,560
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment63%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.
We use datasets from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools and our methodologies. This ranking is from 2023. To learn more, check out our full ranking methodologies.
What Can I Expect From an Online Associate in Information Technology Program?
Analytical thinking, excellent organization, communication, and leadership skills make learners good candidates for an associate in information technology. Online programs may also require some experience with digital technology, computer software, and even cloud computing. Learners should consider their previous academic and work experience and long-term career goals when choosing a program.
Part-time programs can take over three years to complete but might be an excellent option for working professionals. Plus, there are different tracks available to students considering an online associate in information technology. An associate of science (AS) degree is a 2-year transfer degree offered at a community college or four-year university.
Students with an AS can transfer credits and save money on a bachelor’s in information technology. On the other hand, an associate of applied science (AAS) is a technical degree, preparing students for employment after graduation. Consequently, AAS credits don’t usually transfer to a bachelor’s program as easily as AS transfer credits.
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Programs.
What Courses Will I Take in an Online Associate in Information Technology Program?
- Introduction to Information Technology: Students explore the fundamentals of computer software, hardware, networks, and operating systems. Topics include computer configuration, software installation, troubleshooting, and administration. Additionally, students learn about best practices, ethics, and security concepts.
- Fundamentals of Web Development: This foundational course in web technology covers standard tools for website development, user-centered design, and creating web documents. Emphasis is often on coding with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and using XML and SVG applications.
- Database Management: Studies provide an introduction to data management systems, data models, query languages like SQL, and parallel data processing. Topics include database concepts, such as updating and deleting data and writing queries to retrieve and insert data.
- Web Programming: Students typically get a hands-on learning experience to help them develop skills to write client-side web applications. Studies include JavaScript programming and manipulating XHTML documents to create rich interactive user interfaces.
- Network Infrastructure Management: Learners gain knowledge and hands-on skills in designing and troubleshooting network infrastructures. Topics include DNS name resolution, routers, switches, routing protocol, and VLANs in physical and virtual environments.
Find the Tools You Need to Get Started on Your Degree
What Can I Do With an Online Associate in Information Technology Degree?
Career Outlook
Computer and information technology occupations are in demand, according to the BLS. Not only that, but these types of careers span across industries, so professionals often specialize. An associate degree may help candidates land entry-level positions, but experience and a bachelor’s degree will make them more competitive.
The thing is, while the industry as a whole is growing, the BLS projects certain jobs to grow at a faster rate. Still, regardless of which career path graduates take, an associate in information technology is a foundational degree. And, pursuing an associate degree gives students time to explore potential career paths.
For example, students might want to choose a specialization as a computer support specialist to start. These entry-level positions provide an excellent foundation to begin a career.
See where an associate in information technology degree can take you. Learn more about technology careers.
Career Paths
Computer Support Specialists
Computer support specialists help support computer networks or directly assist computer users. While a bachelor’s degree is required for some computer support specialist positions, an associate degree may be enough for others. The BLS projects 9% growth between 2020 and 2030, with around 70,400 openings projected each year over the decade.
Median Annual Salary (May 2023)
$59,240
Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Industrial engineering technologists and technicians typically work with engineers to solve manufacturing production problems, design workflows, and analyze production costs. These jobs usually require an associate’s degree or a postsecondary certificate. The BLS projects 4% growth between 2020 and 2030, with around 6,300 projected openings each year over the decade.
Median Annual Salary (May 2023)
$62,610
Web Developers and Digital Designers
Web developers create and maintain websites, and digital designers focus on looks and interface functionality. Depending on the position, entry-level jobs may require a high school diploma, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree. A bootcamp certificate may also help a developer or designer secure a job. The BLS projects 13% growth from 2020 to 2030, with around 17,900 openings projected each year over the decade.
Median Annual Salary (May 2023)
$98,540
Network and Computer Systems Administrators
Network and computer systems administrators oversee computer networks in many industries, from healthcare to government. A bachelor’s degree is often required; however, an associate degree may be enough for some entry-level positions. The BLS says it projects 5% growth between 2020 and 2030, amounting to around 24,900 openings projected each year over the decade.
Median Annual Salary (May 2023)
$95,360
Computer Programmers
Computer programmers write and test code and correct mistakes in computer applications and software programs. While computer programmers usually have a bachelor’s degree, some employers hire professionals who have an associate degree and experience. The BLS says that despite a projected 10% decline, they still project around 9,700 job openings between 2020 and 2030.
Median Annual Salary (May 2023)
$99,700
Continuing Education
A bachelor’s degree is often the logical next step in continuing education since around 35% of jobs in the U.S. require one. However, careers in information technology offer many continuing education options, depending on the career path. Also, some occupations may require industry-specific certifications, such as in health information technology.
For example, a health information exchange certification demonstrates an individual’s mastery of information sharing between authorized providers.
There are also technology and security certifications in network security, smart technology, and fiber optics. And the best university coding bootcamps offer continuing education in coding languages, cybersecurity, data analytics, and web development.
Microsoft, Google, and Adobe certifications add value to a candidate’s portfolio as well. Certifications like Amazon’s AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate validates a candidate’s skill in cloud technology using Amazon web services.
Information Technology Not For You? Check Out These Related Careers.
How Do I Choose an Online Associate in Information Technology Program?
- Cost:Calculating the true cost of an online program means figuring direct expenses, including tuition, books, fees, and supplies. There are also other factors to consider in online versus on-campus comparisons, such as residency requirements and class schedules. Online programs are typically more flexible, may waive residency fees, and many online programs don’t require scheduled class times.
- Program Format:Full-time or part-time attendance and program format are vital considerations. Full-time and accelerated programs may save money, but many students opt for part-time classes to fit into their schedules. Similarly, some students need the flexibility of asynchronous courses versus synchronous courses, which require attending scheduled classes online.
- Location: Students often choose an online program versus on-campus because it makes school more convenient. However, the school’s location is still a consideration because some online programs require state residence or charge an out-of-state fee. Also, students may miss out on local internship opportunities or have to schedule practicums close to home without college assistance.
- Accreditation:College accreditation is an evaluative process and an institutional designation that ensures a school or program meets specific educational standards. Credits may not transfer to accredited institutions from schools without proper accreditation. The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology is one accrediting body for the information technology field.
- Student Support: Essential student services such as tutoring and mentorships contribute to student success by helping learners perfect their skills. Online student services should provide the same quality assistance with writing, advising, and additional resources students receive on campus. Career counseling services, career fairs, and support from peers and mentors typically help students find internships.
Frequently Asked Questions About Associate in Information Technology Programs
Earning an associate degree in information technology online is worth it for many students because taking classes online offers flexibility. An online program allows students to schedule school around work and saves traveling time and money on gas and parking. However, it is essential to know if the program format is synchronous or asynchronous.
Online programs that follow synchronous formats hold scheduled class meetings using video chat technology like Zoom. Also, an online associate in information technology might not be less expensive than attending an on-campus program. And it often comes with additional technology expenses.
Explore More College Resources
How to Choose Your College Class Schedule
Learn how to create the best class schedule each semester by considering important academic and nonacademic factors.
by Steve Bailey
Updated March 22, 2023
Full-Time vs. Part-Time Student: What’s the Difference?
Discover the challenges and opportunities full-time vs. part-time students face and get tips on which college experience is right for you.
by Marisa Upson
Updated October 12, 2023
Summer Semester: When Does It Start? And Should You Enroll?
School’s out — or, rather, in — for summer. Discover the pros and cons of enrolling in an optional summer semester in college.
by Anne Dennon
Updated March 20, 2023