What Can You Do With a BS in Information Technology?

As businesses increasingly rely on digital tools, information technology (IT) has become critical to daily operations. Studying IT can prepare graduates for lucrative, in-demand careers.

What can you do with an IT degree? A bachelor’s degree in IT can lead to opportunities in cybersecurity; data analytics; and other dynamic, growing careers.

What Is a BS in Information Technology?

A Bachelor of Science (BS) in Information Technology is a four-year degree that combines business with technology. By learning how enterprises use technology in their daily operations, IT majors develop the skills to optimize and manage computer systems and networks.

In IT degree programs, undergraduate students study topics such as data networking, systems administration, information security, and systems analysis. Students can also specialize in areas like cybersecurity and data analytics. On the business side, these programs emphasize strategic management, information systems management, and project management.

With a BS in IT, graduates qualify for entry-level technology positions such as database administrator, information security analyst, systems analyst, and network administrator. Many of these roles report median salaries in the six figures with strong projected job growth.

Business Skills

With its emphasis on applied technology, an IT degree develops both business and technical skills . The core business skills emphasized in an IT program include:

Analytical thinking: IT professionals rely on strong assessment and analytical skills to evaluate IT systems and resolve issues.
Project management: Students strengthen their project planning and execution skills, with an emphasis on overseeing technology projects.
Problem-solving: Students develop problem-solving skills, such as assessing business operations and designing custom solutions like IT automation .

Technical Skills

IT majors develop technical skills such as the following:

Systems analysis: Students develop the knowledge and skills to assess IT systems for alignment with organizational goals. They also learn to optimize and upgrade systems.
Database management: Students practice maintaining and optimizing databases, with an emphasis on security and data integrity.
Computer programming: Students learn how to use computer programming languages to analyze systems, implement improvements, and test programs.

Careers With an IT Degree

Most IT jobs require a bachelor’s degree. Graduates work in areas such as systems analysis, information security, database management, and network administration.

In addition to these career paths, students can also work in areas such as data analytics, business intelligence analysis, quality assurance testing, and web development.

Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity analysts, also known as information security analysts, protect sensitive data and networks. They use encryption and cryptography to secure systems, and they use intrusion detection systems (IDSs) to identify security breaches. Cybersecurity specialists also test systems for vulnerabilities and recommend security improvements.

Information security analysts earned a median annual salary of $124,910 in 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Database Administrator

Database administrators oversee organizations’ data storage and security. They design and implement databases that keep information secure and provide access only to authorized users. They also implement backup systems, test database management systems, and use data mining to analyze datasets.

Database administrators and architects earned a median annual salary of $123,100 in 2024, according to the BLS.

Computer Systems Analyst

Computer systems analysts analyze IT systems to improve efficiency. They work closely with managers to understand organizations’ IT systems, recommend improvements, and update existing systems to add functionality. They also recommend hardware and software for new systems.

Computer systems analysts earned a median annual salary of $103,790 in 2024, according to the BLS.

Network Administrator

Network administrators install and maintain computer systems and networks. They analyze organizations’ needs and recommend hardware and software. They also upgrade and repair networks, implement security solutions, and optimize network performance.

Network and computer systems administrators earned a median annual salary of $96,800 in 2024, according to the BLS.

Computer Network Architect

Computer network architects design and implement custom communication networks, including cloud infrastructure. These IT professionals work with organizations to understand their computer network needs. After designing networks, they implement and test systems. They also upgrade software and hardware to improve computer networks.

Computer network architects earned a median annual salary of $130,390 in 2024, according to the BLS.

Benefits of Earning an IT Degree

Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in IT offers several career benefits.

Earning Potential

Investing in an IT degree can pay off. The median annual salary for computer and IT jobs in 2024 was $105,990, according to the BLS, more than double the $49,500 median annual salary for all occupations.

Compared with other bachelor’s degrees, an IT degree can lead to higher salaries. Overall, those with a bachelor’s degree earned a median annual salary of $70,000, according to 2023 data from the BLS, while those with a computer or IT degree earned a median annual salary of $100,000.

Demand

IT professionals benefit from strong demand, and many employers prefer or require a bachelor’s degree for IT jobs. The BLS projects the computer and IT field to have more than 317,000 job openings annually from 2024 to 2034, growing much faster than the average for all occupations.

Some career paths report even stronger demand for 2024 to 2034, with 9% job growth projected for computer systems analysts, 12% for network architects, and 29% for information security analysts.

Career Growth

An IT degree positions professionals for future career growth. With a bachelor’s degree, professionals can consider master’s programs in business or IT, including Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs. Graduate degrees can lead to leadership roles and higher earning potential.

Earn an IT Degree From NCCU Online

The online BS in IT program at NCCU combines a flexible format with a career-focused curriculum. Immersive courses help students develop specialized technology skills. The program also offers concentrations in cybersecurity, data analytics, and information communication technology (ICT) to customize your degree.

What can you do with an IT degree from NCCU Online? You’ll graduate prepared for professional certifications and in-demand IT careers. Contact NCCU Online today to learn more about our IT program.

Recommended Readings

Cybersecurity vs. Data Analytics: Which Concentration Is Right for You?

How to Choose Between CompTIA A+ vs. Security+

How to Get Into IT With a Bachelor’s Degree

Sources:

Indeed, IT Requirements and Qualifications (With Careers in IT)

Indeed, 19 Jobs You Can Do With an IT Degree

Payscale, Bachelor of Science (BS / BSc), Information Technology (IT) Degree

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Computer and Information Technology Occupations

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Computer Network Architects

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Computer Systems Analysts

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Database Administrators and Architects