What to Expect

Typically, an associate degree in information technology online program takes approximately two years to complete. However, with credit transfer and work experience, you may be able to get your degree in as little as 12 months. Some accelerated programs are available, as well.

Classes are 100% online and require no visits to campus. The program will vary by university, but courses typically include desktop computing, networking, and operating systems. Since IT is still a service-based industry, many programs require some business management and communication courses. In order to give you experience prior to graduation, some programs also require an internship.

It is important to remember, that even after completing an associate degree in information technology online program, some companies may also require a specialized certificate. Some specializations include game software development, network management, and web design. The IT industry changes on a daily basis, so you will need to continue your training on the latest technologies to remain viable in the industry.

Why Information Technology?

Even in today’s economy, IT is still one of the stronger industries based on opportunity, salary, and advancement. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the IT field is expected to grow 37 percent in the next ten years, which is higher than the industry average. There are a limited number of trained workers in this field, which ensures that there will be a high demand for graduate’s skills.

Career Choices

After graduating from an accredited associate degree in information technology online program, there will be many different career choices available to you.  Graduates hold positions such as IT project manager, network administrator, software developer, and systems security specialist. Also, all industries hire IT support, so you can get a job in any environment, including automotive, health care, or government, just to name a few.

Upon graduation from an associate degree in information technology online program, you will be prepared to dive right into a technical role, applying your skills and knowledge immediately.  With the convenience and flexibility of online classes, you can complete your degree with minimal disruption to your job and family commitments.  With just one to two years of training, you could be in demand in a fast growing, ever-changing career field.

Those who possess a video game design degree can choose to work in intimate private studios or join one of the large game design companies.  As technology advances, more and more career opportunities will emerge.  Game designers now create games for personal computers, consoles, arcades and the Internet.  There is a game available for every type of taste from sports, action and adventure to educational games and a game designer that makes it happen.

Game designers make an average annual salary of $61,403, however it is hard to track because of the speed of growth this industry experiences.  Video game designers are on the cutting edge of technology and are not likely to find themselves outmoded or undervalued.  Video game design degrees also lend themselves to other forms of computer programming which makes the video game designer more marketable in the workplace.

For highly qualified candidates there is a wealth of opportunity in this ever changing field as the demand for better and better quality video games continues to rise.  It is an industry that can realistically guarantee its top-notch performers job security and freedom from job burnout or boredom for as long as they wish to keep designing games.

More colleges now than ever are offering experiential degree options. These are credits which you earn towards your diploma, but instead of being based on classroom work, they’re based on your life experience. Your experience is evaluated in any one of several ways, depending upon the college or university’s requirements.

For example, you may have your experiential degree learning tested via external exams. These are exams written and given by entities other than your college, such as the College Board, which offers CLEP exams. These exams cover a wide range of basic subjects. Or your universities departments may offer exams within their own areas of study. If you are majoring in biology, for example, the biology department may offer a placement test that gives you credits for Biology 101 without having to take the course. Another option is the presentation of a learning portfolio. This is information and documentation you yourself have gathered about one specific area of prior learning.

What Kind of Prior Learning Experiences Contribute to My Experiential Degree?

Prior learning that contributes to your experiential degree isn’t limited to one particular type. Any activities that have given you the opportunity to learn college level material may be valid avenues for pursuing credit. These can include military training, on the job training, job experience itself, or organizations and volunteer activities you’ve participated in. Most schools require that your learning experience parallel that of a course taught there; if you are attending a culinary college, for example, they are unlikely to grant credit for an auto maintenance seminar you participated in.

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of an Experiential Degree?

The disadvantages are that you still typically end up paying a fee for the credits, without receiving time in the classroom. The advantages, however, are time saved, and typically some amount of money saved over taking a traditional class.

What to Expect

Typically, an associate degree in information technology online program takes approximately two years to complete. Some accelerated programs are available, however. Classes are 100% online and require no visits to campus. The program will vary from institution to institution, but classes usually include desktop computing, networking, LAN/WAN technology, and operating systems. In addition, IT is still a service-based industry, and programs will usually require some business management and communication courses. Some programs require an internship, which will give you experience in the field prior to graduation.

It is important to remember, that even after completing an associate degree in information technology online program, some companies may also require a specialized certificate. Some specializations include game software development, network management, systems security, and web design. The IT industry changes on a daily basis, so you will need to continue your training on the latest technologies to remain viable in the industry.

Benefits of a BS in Information Technology

Even in today’s economy, IT is still one of the stronger industries based on opportunity, salary, and advancement. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the IT field is expected to grow 37 percent in the next ten years.  There are a limited number of trained workers in this field, which ensures that there will be a high demand for graduate’s skills.

Career Choices

Upon graduation from an accredited associate degree in information technology online program, there will be many different career choices for you.  Currently, some career options include IT project manager, network administrator, software developer, and systems security specialist. Also, all industries hire IT support, so you can get a job in the automotive, health care, or government industries, just to name a few.

Graduates from associate degree in information technology online programs will be prepared to dive right into a technical role, applying their skills and knowledge immediately.  With the convenience and flexibility of online classes, you can complete your degree with minimal disruption to your job and family commitments.  With just two years of training, you could be in demand in a fast growing, ever-changing career field.

People considering a career in video game design must have a love of technology, adventure and a knack for turning gaming fantasy into reality. Video game designers are highly creative pioneers in their field and the demand for their specialized talents are actively pursued by potential employers.

As the demand from consumers for newer and more sophisticated video games increase, so does the demand for those individuals who are skilled at designing them. As such, video game design is an exciting and challenging way to earn a living.

• Brown College was founded in 1946, and is located in Mendota Heights, Minnesota
• It is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology
• Extensive and thorough program offerings
• Hands-on training

Learn more about Brown College MN now.

About Brown College Online

For over 60 years now, Brown College MN has been dedicated to offering quality programs that are rich in concept, and which are executed by dedicated and competent faculty, and focused towards catering to learners who seek a firm foundation in the skills and knowledge required to get employment in today’s dynamic fields. Brown College MN offers programs in today’s in-demand fields namely criminal justice, technology, business management, broadcasting, and design. All the programs put emphasize on hands-on training and are tailored to be pertinent to modern day employer’s needs.

The Bachelor of Science in Game Design & Development is an example of the many programs offered at Brown College MN. For 180 quarter credits, you get to complete a degree program that will equip you with the skills and knowledge to work as an Animator, Modeler, programmer, concept artist, interactive media designer, Texture artist or web content designer to name but a few.

Brown College MN ensures you learn to apply all learnt skills to create electronic art, training simulators, virtual environments and games. Classes for the BS in Game Design & Development are tailored and designed to be as dazzling as the games themselves, representing an accelerated learning style.

Brown College Online Degree Programs

• Associate of Applied Science in Radio Broadcasting
• Bachelor of Science in Game Design & Development
• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
• Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
• Bachelor of Science in Interior Design
• Bachelor of Science in Business Management

Brown College Online Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition rates at Brown College MN are very affordable. The BS in Game Design & Development Degree for instance starts at just $362 per credit hour. Financial assistance is further extended to qualified students in form of federal grants, scholarships, loans, as well as private, low interest loans.

Learn more about the Online Degrees of Brown College MN now.

• Collins College Arizona  was established in 1978

• The university is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT)

• Collins College has several awards as the Arizona Private School Association School of the Year

• Collins specializes in visual arts and design

• It was founded by Al Collins, formerly of Esquire Magazine

Learn more about Collins College Arizona Online

About Collins College Arizona Online:

Al Collins, who had enjoyed a long and successful career with the design department of Esquire Magazine, saw a lack of educated professionals in the local advertising industry.

He and his wife,  Florence Collins founded the Collins Graphic Design School in 1978 and it soon became known for the career-specific approach to visual design.

Recognizing that most of their potential students would be adults already working in the industry, they began with evening classes and now offer a widely varied array of Bachelor-level degrees in their much larger campus as well as online.

Learn more about Collins College Arizona Online

Collins College Arizona Online Degree Programs:

Film, Video & Visual FX
BA Film & Video Production
AA Digital Video Production
Interactive Media
BA Game Design
Visual Arts & Design
BA Graphic Design
AA Graphic Design
BA Interior Design
BA Visual Art w/ Game Art Major

Collins College Arizona Online Tuition and Financial Aid:

On-campus degree fees average around $35,000. Online fees vary from course to course and a range of financial aid options are available, as well as scholarships and payment plans.

Learn more about Collins College Arizona Online

• DeVry University was founded in 1931 in Chicago, Illinois.
• Regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association
• More than 90% of graduates hold positions in their chosen field within six months of graduation.
• Offers an accelerated course schedule, allowing most students to complete a four year degree in three years

Want to learn more? Take 2 minutes and get the complete scoop from DeVry University Online.

About DeVry University Online

DeVry’s online degree programs provide an accelerated format, so students can complete their degree faster. All course materials, from the syllabus to books, are online, adding to the convenience. The faculty members are all highly qualified and hold advanced degrees.

DeVry offers many online computer programs, including associate’s and bachelor’s degrees. There is a wide selection of unique computer and information technology degrees, from Enterprise Computing to Web Game Programming. DeVry also has programs in the fields of multimedia design, computer engineering technology, and simulation programming.

Want to learn more? Take 2 minutes and get complete details (pre-reqs, tuition, scholarships, program details, etc.) from DeVry University Online.

DeVry University Online Degree Programs

Associate Online Degree Programs

• Accounting
• Electronics & Computer Technology (ECT)
• Health Information Technology
• Network Systems Administration
• Web Graphic Design

Bachelor’s Online Degree Programs

Business Administration with concentrations in:

• Accounting
• Business Information Systems
• Finance
• Health Services Management
• Hospitality Management
• Human Resource Management
• Operations Management
• Project Management
• Sales & Marketing
• Security Management
• Small Business Management & Entrepreneurship
• Technical Communication
• Computer Engineering Technology (CET)

Computer Information Systems with technical tracks in:

• Business/Management
• Computer Forensics
• Database Management
• Enterprise Computing
• Health Information Systems
• Information Systems Security
• Systems Analysis and Integration
• Web Development and Administration
• Web Game Programming
• Electronics Engineering Technology (EET)
• Game & Simulation Programming
• Multimedia Design & Development (MDD)
• Graphic and Multimedia Design
• Graphics and Multimedia Management
• Web Design and Development
• Web Game Programming
• Network and Communications Management

Technical Management with technical specialties in:

• Criminal Justice
• Health Information Management

Master’s Online Degree Programs

• Educational Technology (MSET)
• Educational Technology (certificate)
• Electrical Engineering (MSEE)

DeVry University Online Tuition and Financial Aid

DeVry University online tuition starts at $345 per credit hour. Many financial aid options are available, including student loans, grants, payment plans, and scholarships.

Interested? Take 2 minutes and get complete details (pre-reqs, tuition, scholarships, program details, etc.) from DeVry University Online.

Source: University website, 2009.

• Westwood College was founded in 1953 in Denver, Colorado
• Westwood College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT)
• The university is also accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS)
• Online Degree Programs and 17 Campuses
  
• Over 2 dozen Online Degree Programs
  

Need more info? Take a couple minutes and get the complete scoop from Westwood College Online.

About Westwood College Online

Westwood College was founded in Denver, Colorado but today has 17 campuses as well as a growing online educational division known as Westwood College Online. Westwood College Online enables to students to earn their degree without having ever to step foot on a college campus. Clearly this is a convenient choice for busy adults who have family and work commitments to keep while they attend college.

Westwood College Online offers 27 degree programs and serves a diverse multi-cultural student body. Westwood College Online provides students with free tutoring, computer support and other student services to help online students to not only feel connected but also to have the tools they need to succeed.

Westwood College Online is well-known for its online computer oriented degree programs. Obviously, this is a career path that is ever-growing and challenging. Both the School of Technology and the School of Design offer degree programs that are dominated by computer science. Westwood College Online offers degrees from Associate’s to Master’s in computer networking, game software development, IT security, animation, interior design and web design.

Westwood College Online is a Cisco Networking Academy and once students have earned their degrees, they will be prepared for the Cisco Certified Network Assistant professional designation, Microsoft Certified Professional designation as well as certain CompTIA certifications. Westwood College Online also offers its students lifetime career placement services. Students who graduate from Westwood College Online’s computer oriented programs will be prepared to enter the lucrative and in demand world of computer technology employment.

Interested? Take 2 minutes and get complete details (pre-reqs, scholarships, program details, etc.) from Westwood College Online.

Westwood College Online Computer Degree Programs

• Computer Networking Engineering
• Computer Networking Management
• Game Software Development
• Information Systems Security
• Animation
• Game Art and Design
• Interior Design
• Web Design and Multimedia

• Everest University traces its roots to 1890 with the founding of Tampa College which is now the Tampa campus of the university
• Everest University has a total of 9 campuses throughout Florida
• In 1995 the 9 Florida campuses were organized as Everest University Online
• Everest University is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS)
• Everest University awards Associate’s, Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees

Need more info? Take a couple minutes and get the complete scoop from Everest University Online.

About Everest University

Everest University is one of the largest private universities in Florida with more than 10,000 students enrolled on campuses and online. Everest University offers both traditional classroom learning and online learning to its prospective students. Using Everest University’s online education, busy adults can choose to advance their careers either by obtaining an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree or by building on a degree they already have to earn their Master’s degree.

The university’s online degree programs have no mandatory online login times therefore students can study on their own schedule and at their own pace. This format ensures that online students can earn their degree while still maintaining full-time employment and family obligations.

Everest University’s 100% online degree programs offer an Associate’s and Bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Science. An Associate’s degree can be earned in 18-24 months and a Bachelor’s can be earned in 36-48 months. The programs follow the traditional semester format with students taking 2-3 courses per semester.

These degree programs cover topics such as computer applications, database concepts, spreadsheets, microcomputer operating systems, desktop publishing and computer programming. Students who complete the Computer Information Science degrees will be prepared to start a career in the ever-expanding information technology industry or go on to build upon their degree to earn a Master’s or Doctorate in Computer Information Science.

Careers for students who hold an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Science would include computer operator, computer programmer or network administrator just to name a few.

Interested? Take 2 minutes and get complete details (pre-reqs, scholarships, program details, etc.) from Everest University Online.

Everest University Online Degree Programs

Associate

• Associate of Applied Science in Business
• Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice
• Associate of Science in Accounting
• Associate of Science in Computer Information Science
• Associate of Science in Criminal Investigations
• Associate of Science in Homeland Security
• Associate of Science in Paralegal

Bachelor

• Bachelor of Business
• Bachelor of Science in Accounting
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Science
• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
• Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security
• Bachelor of Science in Paralegal

Master

• Master of Business Administration
• Master of Science in Criminal Justice

Everest University Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition is $367 per credit hour for all undergraduate classes. Everest University accepts or participates in many forms of financial aid including: Federal Loans, Scholarships, Grants, Work-Study Programs and Active-Duty Military Scholarships and Tuition Reduction. The university has a financial aid department with staff available to assist students in finding ways to finance their education.

Want to learn more? Take 2 minutes and get the details you need (pre-reqs, term start dates, financial aid, etc.) from Everest University Online.