Computers and Technology at College Values Online

Contents

Admission Requirements

Featured Programs

Careers

Certifications

Degree Cost

Earnings & Pay

Job Outlook

Possible Majors

Rankings in Computers & Technology

Key Takeaways:

High-paying tech careers include software engineers and information security analysts, with salaries averaging over $100,000 annually.
Demand for tech skills is rising, with jobs growing 12% by 2028, driven by tech expansion and security needs.
Degree costs vary, with financial aid often reducing expenses; tech degrees offer strong return on investment.

Admission Requirements

Computer science and technology degrees provide an excellent return on investment due to the in-demand skills and knowledge they provide. Students graduating with a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree should qualify for a wide range of high-paying careers upon graduation. Below we take a look at the various admission standards for each level of degree.

Bachelor’s Degree

Featured Programs

The intense technical rigor and popularity of IT-related degrees make admission to bachelor degree programs of this kind competitive. Most institutions require a set list of prerequisite courses and minimum GPA standards to ensure the student has the ability to succeed if admitted into the major. Typically the more selective the overall institution, the more selective admission to the major will be.

Prerequisite courses vary depending on the type of computer and technology degree. For example, computer science degrees are more technical in nature than management information systems (MIS) and require more courses in:

math
science
programming

MIS programs blend computer science and business courses. These require applicants to successfully complete prerequisite classes in:

economics
accounting
finance

The general consensus is computer science majors should have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and have successfully completed sequence courses, such as:

C/C++
Java
calculus

Master’s Degree

Master’s programs in computers and technology provide students the opportunity to learn skills and concepts well beyond the baccalaureate level. They can contribute to the field of knowledge through engaging in their own original research. These programs include substantial coursework, as well as independent research under the guidance of qualified faculty members.

Admission standards generally include a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in a computer and technology-related degree such as:

computer science
information systems
MIS
web design
information technology

For programs that allow students from all academic backgrounds, there is usually a lengthy list of prerequisite courses that students must show on their transcript to demonstrate competence and aptitude for a master’s level program. In addition to coursework, candidates are evaluated on a holistic basis using metrics such as:

cumulative GPA
GRE test scores
letters of recommendation
statement of purpose

Less selective programs may not require or may waive the GRE test score requirement based on academic background and/or undergraduate GPA. It is critical to understand the admission requirements to each program, due to the variance in standards and required materials.

Doctoral/Ph.D.

Doctoral and Ph.D. degrees are both the highest academic degree an individual can obtain but are designed for different outcomes. A Ph.D. in a computer and technology-related major is designed to prepare the graduate for a career in research or academia. A doctoral degree is an applied degree that prepares individuals for high-level management positions.

Ph.D. program admissions are more traditional in nature and require a strong background in computer and technology courses. In addition, they may require a master’s degree, or at minimum, a bachelor’s degree. Additional requirements will include:

GRE test scores
personal statement
2-3 letters of recommendation
a personal statement

Most Ph.D. programs do not require professional work experience in the IT field.

Doctoral admissions generally require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a computer or technology-related degree or a master’s degree. For programs that allow applicants without a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field, admission requirements may be met with a list of completed courses or through significant professional experience. The vast majority of doctoral programs are structured for working professionals. They require applicants to have at least two years of management experience. Many programs will not have or will waive the GRE test score requirement. Applicants will also have to submit letters of recommendation and personal statements.

Careers

Demand for workers with computer and technology skills and knowledge shows no sign of slowing down. As technological innovation continues to increase and society’s reliance on technology continues to grow, IT-related jobs will continue to expand. Below we take a look at some of the top information technology jobs according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Computer Programmer
Computer programmers are charged with writing software using coding languages such as:

CSS
JavaScript
Python

Programmers work in many different contexts and industries including:

healthcare
education
private business
gaming

The job typically requires a bachelor’s degree and industry certifications. Those with internships will have an advantage when seeking initial job opportunities.

Quality Assurance Engineer
These individuals test software products to ensure feasibility of use and compliance with industry standards. This is a critical role, as these professionals often serve as the last line of defense before a product is released to the intended end-user. This occupation is prevalent in the mobile app and gaming industries, along with other technology that needs quality assurance testing.

Software Engineer
Software Engineer is one of the highest-paid computer and technology careers, with an average salary of $110,000 per year. The position requires in-depth knowledge of mathematics and computer science to develop or improve software used for:

networks
enterprise applications
operating systems

The minimum degree required is a bachelor’s in software engineering. It is common for these professionals to pursue graduate studies.

Support Specialists
This is an entry-level position, typically requiring a bachelor’s or associate’s degree. These individuals provide general support for end-users or employees, helping them solve issues with:

software
hardware
other technical support issues

In addition to earning the degree, employment chances may increase through acquiring industry certificates related to end-user technical support.

Web Developer
These professionals develop websites including:

appearance
navigation
content

They utilize a variety of skills including:

coding language
graphics
applications

A bachelor’s degree with industry certifications are helpful when pursuing employment opportunities. It is critical the applicant have a demonstrated background in web development through the completion of a portfolio.

Certifications

Technology moves fast. The rate of obsolescence can be alarmingly quick. Some of the skills learned in college can be antiquated by the time the graduate hits the job market. Obtaining an IT certificate can show a potential employer the graduate has an updated specific skill set relevant to the job.

AWS Certified Developer
Offered by Amazon, this certification states the individual is able to create and debug cloud systems with AWS. To sit for this exam, individuals must have knowledge of programming and a year of experience with AWS systems.

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Offered by the International Council of E-Commerce Consultants, this certificate acknowledges the individual’s ability to find and eliminate security vulnerabilities in a variety of applications. The individual must have at least two years of experience working in information security.

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
This globally recognized certificate recognizes an individual as an expert in information security auditing. It is an excellent option for those working in:

IS auditing
quality control
security

Individuals must have at least five years of related experience and pass an entry-level exam before sitting for this certificate.

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
This highly regarded certification is offered through the International Systems Security Certification Consortium. It signifies the individual’s expertise in IT security and use of best practices.

Project Management Professional (PMP)
Individuals with a bachelor’s degree and three years of project management experience are qualified to earn this certificate that covers the five stages of a project:

initiation
planning
executing
monitoring
closing

Degree Cost

The average cost for a college education varies greatly by institution and program. The average bachelor’s degree is approximately $21,000 for public in-state programs and $48,000 for private institutions. Online degrees also have a wide range when it comes to cost. These degrees range from $39,000 – $60,500, but it is not uncommon to find excellent accredited programs with highly trained faculty that cost $10,000 – $15,000.

Also, potential students should not be scared off by high tuition sticker costs. Oftentimes, institutions will offer generous financial aid and scholarship packages that drastically reduce the out-of-pocket expenses paid by the student. With several affordable programs out there, it is possible to graduate from an undergraduate or graduate program with little to no debt. It is critical for the potential student to research financial aid opportunities within each institution, as well as outside options like government assistance and external scholarships.

Earnings & Pay

One of the main reasons computer and technology degrees are so popular is the high rate of pay. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median (average) salary for a computer and information technology professional is $88,240 as of May 2019. This is far above the average salary of $39,810 for all other occupations. Those with master’s degrees in disciplines related to computers and technology should earn salaries even higher than the median. Some of the top-paying jobs include:

computer and information research scientists ($122,840)
computer network architects ($112,690)
software developers ($107,510)

Job Outlook

The job outlook for individuals with computer and technology-related degrees continues to be strong. High demand is being driven by the continued expansion of technology into all phases of modern life. Other aspects, such as continued security threats and the desire for data-driven decision-making, also place an importance on hiring individuals who can address these issues. Overall, the growth rate for computer and technology jobs is expected to be 12 percent from 2018-2028. This is nearly double the average rate for all other occupations. In fact, a look at the fastest growing occupations shows several computer- and technology-related jobs on the list.

Information Security Analysts
With a $99,000 per year salary and a projected growth rate of 32%, this occupation is expected to add nearly 36,000 job openings to the economy during the 10-year period of 2018-2028.

Operations Research Analyst
With an average salary of $85,000 and a projected growth rate of 26 percent, this occupation is another of the fastest growing jobs in America. These individuals often have a degree in computer science. They spend their days helping organizations solve complex problems and make sound decisions using technology and data.

Software and Application Developers
This occupation is expected to increase by 21% and add 284,100 jobs to the economy. The average pay is $105,590 a year, which far exceeds the average salary of all other occupations.

Statistician
This occupation is expected to grow by 30% through 2028 and add 14,400 more jobs to the economy. The average pay of $92,030 is excellent. This job typically requires a master’s degree in mathematics, computer science, or a similar discipline.

Possible Majors

There are dozens of different majors to choose from when it comes to computer and technology-related degrees. Below we discuss some of the most popular options and what makes them unique.

Computer Programming
This major teaches students to write the distinct language that makes computers execute specific tasks and functions. It is a hands-on major and is currently undergoing a change, as technology moves to web-based technology.

Computer Science
This major is theoretical in nature and integrates mathematical principles that serve as the foundation for computers and their related applications. Any student considering this major should have strong math acumen. Lower-division studies focus on advanced mathematics courses.

Computers and Technology Possible Majors

Information Sciences
This field of study focuses on mathematics and communication in relation to computers and technology. Students take a variety of courses in:

mathematics
computer security
human and computer interaction
data analysis

Management Information Systems
This major blends information technology skills and knowledge with business concepts. The goal of any management information systems (MIS) program is to teach the student how to solve business problems and leverage opportunities using technology. Students take a variety of IT-related courses along with business classes in:

finance
economics
accounting
marketing

Software Engineering
Software engineering is a complex major that blends computer science and technology concepts with engineering. Software engineers work in nearly every sector of the economy due to the ubiquitous nature of software. They can be found working in:

healthcare
education
entertainment and gaming
science
government, and more

Possible jobs include:

software developer
computer hardware developer
systems analyst
software technician.

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Computers & Technology Degree Rankings

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Admission Requirements

Featured Programs

Careers

Certifications

Degree Cost

Earnings & Pay

Job Outlook

Possible Majors

Rankings in Computers & Technology

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