An online degree in information technology is rewarding and if you are searching for the best option online, check out this article to find out institutions offering the best online degrees.
A skill in information technology might not be enough to get lucrative jobs. If you have always wanted to pursue a career as a professional in the IT field, a good education is key.
You will be competing with others in the job market and without a degree in the required field, it will be challenging to secure lucrative jobs.
Although salaries in the IT field may reach six figures per year, statistics show massive growth for more jobs in decades to come.
Accreditation
Firstly, let’s talk about accreditation and why it’s important to apply to accredited institutions.
When doing your research on institutions to apply to, always look for colleges and universities accredited by recognized agencies.
According to Mydegreeguide.com, an accredited college or university proves that it has met the educational standards set by the U.S. Department of Education.
When you don’t attend an accredited college or university, you will likely be ineligible for federal financial aid. After graduating, it will be difficult to get a job as most employers only recognize degrees earned from accredited institutions.
Generally, there are three types of accreditation which include regional accreditation, national accreditation, and programmatic accreditation.
Depending on your state of residence, regional accreditation will be granted by different recognized accrediting agencies.
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Information Technology Degree Specializations
Below are some information technology subjects you may pursue;
- Information Technology- no speciality
- Cyber Security
- Computer Programming
- Data Analysis
- Digital Forensic
- Database Management
- Information Systems Security
- Health Information Management
- Network Administration
- Management Information Systems
- Software Engineering Management
- Web Development
What Is the Cost of an Online IT Degree?
The cost to obtain an online degree in information technology may vary based on state residency. Generally, most institutions charge lower tuition and fees for in-state students.
According to U.S.News.com, in-state learners pay $150 to $600 per credit. The total average program cost for in-state students is between $18,000 to $60,000.
Out-of-state students pay more as the estimated cost per credit ranges from $550 to $700. Out-of-state learners should expect to pay $68,000 to $82,000 for the entire program.
List of Institutions Offering the Best Online Degrees in Information Technology
Below are institutions that offer top online degrees in information technology.
- The University of Florida Online
- Florida International University
- Herzing University
- Bellevue University
- George Mason University
- California Baptist University
- DePaul University
- Liberty University
- Georgia Southern University
- American Public University
- Pennsylvania State University- World Campus
- University of Cincinnati
- Arizona State University
- University of Massachusetts Lowell
- Western Governors University
Best Online Degrees in Information Technology
Let’s explore top institutions offering the best online IT degrees.
#1. The University of Florida Online
- Location: Gainesville, Florida
The University of Florida in Gainesville comes in at #1 on this list. The public research university has a large student body with over 50,000 undergraduate and graduate students attending on campus.
The University of Florida Online offers an online Bachelor of Science in computer science. An online program designed to prepare the next generation of professionals in the IT field.
At UF Online, core courses will dive into important topics like software engineering, operating systems, and computer organization.
#2. Florida International University
- Location: Miami, Florida
Florida International University in Miami is another reliable public institution in the Sunshine State.
FIU is a renowned institution with qualified faculty educating students online and on campus. This university offers a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology.
You can also earn an online BA in information technology at Florida International University.
#3. Herzing University
- Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Herzing University is a private institution headquartered in Milwaukee and it operates several campuses across the United States.
This university offers students the opportunity to attend any of its nine campuses found in seven states across the U.S. or earn a degree fully online.
Herzing University offers both undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Herzing offers an online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology.
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#4. Bellevue University
- Location: Bellevue, Nebraska
Established in 1966, Bellevue University is a private institution known for its flexible online degree programs.
This university offers a variety of online programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. BU offers an online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, one of the best degrees you will find online.
#5. George Mason University
- Location: Fairfax, Virginia
George Mason University is widely recognized for providing a variety of fully online and hybrid-degree options. In-state learners take advantage of their state residency by combining in-person and online courses for a hybrid degree.
In-state learners pay $546 as cost per credit hour, while out-of-state students pay over $1,500.
#6. California Baptist University
- Location: Riverside, California
Established in 1950, California Baptist University is a private Christian with over 11,000 student enrolments.
Cal Baptist offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees in different fields of study. This Christian university offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Technology.
#7. DePaul University
- Location: Chicago, Illinois
DePaul University in Chicago is America’s largest Catholic university.
The university’s Jarvis School of Computing and Digital Media offers a fully online BS in information technology.
DePaul University is one of the best options online for prospective students.
#8. Liberty University
- Location: Lynchburg, Virginia
Liberty University in Lynchburg is an excellent educational institution that offers online and in-person degree programs.
The university’s online BS in information technology offers students the opportunity to choose between four specializations.
The options include application and database development, data networking and security, gaming design, and web and mobile programming.
#9. Georgia Southern University
- Location: Statesboro, Georgia
Established in 1906, Georgia Southern University’s campuses are located in Savannah and Hinesville.
Georgia Southern offers an online Bachelor of Science in information technology. Through this online program, you will learn how to design websites and mobile applications.
The program’s coursework incorporates web age development, E-commerce, introduction to cyber security, introduction to information technology, and data programming.
#10. American Public University System
- Location: Charles Town, West Virginia
With its headquarters in Charles Town, WV, the American Public University System is one of the best options for prospective students.
APUS offers an online BS in information technology. This online BS in information technology offered by APUS trains students for exciting tech careers.
Coursework covers important IT topics like human relations communication, web development, securing databases, and database concepts.
Also Read: What are the 12 Public Universities in Florida?
#11. Pennsylvania State University World Campus
- Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Penn State World Campus remains one of the best options for those seeking online degrees in information technology.
Penn State World Campus offers students the opportunity to choose either three virtual degree plans or three online certificates in information technologies.
#12. University of Cincinnati
- Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
One of the oldest institutions of higher education in the United States, the University of Cincinnati was established in 1819.
Cincinnati offers an online bachelor’s degree in information technology. Through this UC online program, you will become an expert in web development, software development, and computer programming.
#13. Arizona State University
- Location: Tempe, Arizona
Arizona State University is one of America’s largest public institutions by student enrolment.
ASU Online accepts thousands of students every academic year. Online learners from the same experienced faculty at ASU’s campus.
ASU’s online bachelor’s degree in information technology prepares students for future careers in human-computer interface, information system security, and web programming.
#14. University of Massachusetts Lowell
- Location: Lowell, Massachusetts
UMass Lowell accepts thousands of online learners each academic year.
You can earn an online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology at UMass Lowell.
#15. Western Governors University
- Location: Millcreek, Utah
Established in 1997, Western Governors University is the youngest institution on this list.
The university offers a self-paced degree program to adults seeking a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in different fields of study. Their online bachelor’s degree in information technology is one of the best options you will online.
Conclusion
Earning an online degree in information technology sets you on the right path for lucrative IT jobs. Ensure you apply to an institution with valid accreditation and choose programs that suit your schedule.