Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Information Technology 2024
An information technology degree can prepare you for many well-paid tech careers. Explore program features and connect with top-ranked online degrees.By
At BestColleges.com, we believe in providing accurate and actionable information for students. Our writers, editors, and reporters are constantly asking themselves the question, ”What information is vital to students right now?” Answering this question is what drives us. Our mission is to inform students through straightforward, factual content informed by the latest data and trends.
The freelance Integrity Network at BestColleges is comprised of seasoned professionals who bring their expertise to almost every subject relevant to college students, including admissions, college majors, financial aid, and student mental health. Network members review and author content, pulling from their first-hand industry experience and ensuring content is as accurate and up-to-date as possible.
If you're interested in joining our Integrity Network, contact us at media@bestcolleges.com. Integrity Network members typically have a graduate or terminal degree and several years of relevant professional experience.
Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.
3,700+ Nonprofit, accredited colleges analyzed
6,000+ Users connected with programs every month
300+ College and university partners
40+ Expert reviewers
Learn more about our
At BestColleges.com, we believe in providing accurate and actionable information for students. Our writers, editors, and reporters are constantly asking themselves the question, ”What information is vital to students right now?” Answering this question is what drives us. Our mission is to inform students through straightforward, factual content informed by the latest data and trends.
The freelance Integrity Network at BestColleges is comprised of seasoned professionals who bring their expertise to almost every subject relevant to college students, including admissions, college majors, financial aid, and student mental health. Network members review and author content, pulling from their first-hand industry experience and ensuring content is as accurate and up-to-date as possible.
If you're interested in joining our Integrity Network, contact us at media@bestcolleges.com. Integrity Network members typically have a graduate or terminal degree and several years of relevant professional experience.
Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.
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
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA4 yearCampus + Online
$9,510
$32,970
91%
78%
$13,035
$34,347
84%
38,628
Public
Yes
$9,510
$32,970
Fairfax, VA4 yearCampus + Online
$9,510
$32,970
91%
78%
$13,035
$34,347
84%
38,628
Public
Yes
Florida International University
Miami, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$4,721
$16,529
64%
65%
$8,912
$21,393
90%
56,664
Public
Yes
$4,721
$16,529
Miami, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$4,721
$16,529
64%
65%
$8,912
$21,393
90%
56,664
Public
Yes
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT4 yearOnline
$7,162
$7,162
N/A
N/A
$7,500
$7,500
63%
150,116
Private
Yes
$7,162
$7,162
Salt Lake City, UT4 yearOnline
$7,162
$7,162
N/A
N/A
$7,500
$7,500
63%
150,116
Private
Yes
Mercer University
Macon, GA4 yearCampus + Online
$29,024
$29,024
75%
34%
$15,244
$15,244
86%
9,009
Private
Yes
$29,024
$29,024
Macon, GA4 yearCampus + Online
$29,024
$29,024
75%
34%
$15,244
$15,244
86%
9,009
Private
Yes
Oregon Institute of Technology
Klamath Falls, OR4 yearCampus + Online
$9,572
$30,465
91%
31%
$13,209
$22,174
68%
4,910
Public
Yes
$9,572
$30,465
Klamath Falls, OR4 yearCampus + Online
$9,572
$30,465
91%
31%
$13,209
$22,174
68%
4,910
Public
Yes
University of La Verne
La Verne, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$44,700
$44,700
72%
27%
$14,340
$14,340
80%
6,201
Private
Yes
$44,700
$44,700
La Verne, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$44,700
$44,700
72%
27%
$14,340
$14,340
80%
6,201
Private
Yes
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Cincinnati, OH4 yearCampus + Online
$10,099
$25,433
85%
66%
$13,224
$24,966
87%
40,329
Public
Yes
$10,099
$25,433
Cincinnati, OH4 yearCampus + Online
$10,099
$25,433
85%
66%
$13,224
$24,966
87%
40,329
Public
Yes
University of Missouri-St Louis
Saint Louis, MO4 yearCampus + Online
$12,015
$30,570
57%
50%
$12,528
$30,756
73%
15,189
Public
Yes
$12,015
$30,570
Saint Louis, MO4 yearCampus + Online
$12,015
$30,570
57%
50%
$12,528
$30,756
73%
15,189
Public
Yes
Misericordia University
Dallas, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$34,100
$34,100
89%
51%
$35,550
$35,550
84%
2,239
Private
Yes
$34,100
$34,100
Dallas, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$34,100
$34,100
89%
51%
$35,550
$35,550
84%
2,239
Private
Yes
Regis University
Denver, CO4 yearCampus + Online
$39,260
$39,260
81%
64%
$14,063
$14,063
79%
5,566
Private
Yes
$39,260
$39,260
Denver, CO4 yearCampus + Online
$39,260
$39,260
81%
64%
$14,063
$14,063
79%
5,566
Private
Yes
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 (2023-33): +6%
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 (2023-33): +33%
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 (2023-33): +11%
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 (2023-33): -3%
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 (2023-33): +9%
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
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.
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.
Explore More College Resources
Other Computers & Technology Resources
technology
programs
careers