Online and Distance Learning

Online IT programs and courses help in providing the knowledge and skills required for jobs in this challenging field of IT and computer engineering.

During the struggling economy, companies are looking to increase their international reach and are looking to the IT profession to lead the way.  And the IT industry expects to expand and grow for many years to come. This growth needs computer software engineers, network administrators, network programmers, and more.  As well as requiring IT degree graduates, the profession also needs people with industry certification, e.g., Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator, Cisco Certified Network Associate.

So choose an IT or computer science degree for a rewarding career for now and the future.

The importance of online IT programs

Information technology allows for global communication. It allows businesses to reach much further than they previously were able to.

Keeping up with a constant stream of information allows business owners and managers to make sound decisions for their companies. Without the ever-expanding technology discovered by IT specialists, communication would be hindered and progress would be slowed.

In the information economy, familiarity with computers is essential and a qualification in IT or computer studies is highly desirable. But is it possible to study IT online? 

Certainly information technology learning online is particularly challenging.  But with persistence, it is possible to obtain any level of certification in a wide vartiety of aspects of IT, e.g., database management, network administration or basic computer education online.

What jobs are there for graduates of online IT programs?

Graduates of IT or computing degrees are in demand in all companies in the US and that demand is projected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to expand over the next 5 years. The Bureau rates the IT industry as growing much faster than some of the other expanding industries today.  To be involved in this industry expansion, obtaining information technology degrees online or at a traditional college should ensure a secure future.

Here are just examples of the fields it is possible to work in with a relevant computer qualification:

• A+ Certification Technician
• Database Administration
• Computer Maintenance
• Hardware Engineer
• Computer Security
• Computer Software Engineer
• Network Administration
• Network Security Administrator
• Network (Systems) Engineer
• Network Programmer/Analyst
• Network/Information Systems Manager

Also check out jobs for graduates of online IT programs in entertainment.

Which IT programs should you take?

Most employers require a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, information technology or related computer studies area. Employers sometimes also require industry certification such as the CompTIA A+/Network+ Service Technician, Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA), Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), Microsoft Certified Professional + Internet (MCP+I) and the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE).

How much can graduates of IT earn?

Online IT programs or computing programs can be very rewarding financially. For example, Certification as a Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) can earn you a median salary of over $70,000.

Pursuing a masters degree in compuing can also be financially rewarding, with a starting salary of over $64,000. But pursuing a doctorate degree is not advised if you want high financial returns in the short term.

See the Payscales chart in the right-hand column for regularly updated details of actual salaries for someone with a Bachelor's degree in IT.

More information

Use this link to find programs and schools near you.

Use the search facility on this site to find more online it programs.

Remember to compare the admission requirements and course content of several schools before you choose a program.

Campus Programs

For those students who feel that online learning and distance education is not for them, the web site also has a section on campus programs. 

You can also search for an IT program or a school near you.