Information technology (IT) is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world today. Searching for the best online information technology associate degrees can help you learn where to get the needed skills and experiences to thrive in your career. With the proper courses and the right program guide, an online Associate Degree in Information Technology provides the quality education you deserve.
By taking a deep dive into the curricula and requirements of various online schools such as colleges and universities, you will be able to find the perfect online information technology associate degrees for you. Learn more about the top skills and classes needed to get the information technology associate degree jobs of your dreams.
Where Can I Get an Information Technology Associate Degree Online?
Some of the best schools to get an Associate Degree in Information Technology online are Southern New Hampshire University, Regent University, and Pennsylvania State University. An online program in information technology is especially beneficial for students who are working while studying as they can stay at home and get the same quality education as everyone else.
What Schools Offer the Best Information Technology Associate Degrees?
- University of Maryland Global Campus
- Central Community College
- Colorado Tech University
- Florida State College at Jacksonville
- Franklin University
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Information Technology Associate Degree?
The requirements for an online information technology associate degree program include a GED test score or your high school diploma, college transcripts, or international transcripts if you are not a US citizen. Some schools require that you submit your government-issued ID and recommend you submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Most schools do not require SAT/ACT scores, although you do need to be proficient in the four principal school subjects math, science, language arts, and social studies. You will often be asked to sit for placement exams before enrolling in an associate degree program. The specifics of all these requirements vary depending on the state, school, or program.
Online Information Technology Associate Degree Admission Requirements
- Graduated from high school or completed GED
- Be at least 16 years old
- Submit official college or university transcripts if you attended another institution, and/or official military transcripts
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Submit a government-issued ID
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test scores
How to Get an Information Technology Associate Degree Online
You can get an information technology associate degree online by fulfilling all the graduate requirements. These requirements involve fulfilling the right number of credits and maintaining a certain GPA. Remember that these requirements vary between online schools.
Information Technology Degree Requirements
- Complete a minimum of 18 semester units with at least a grade of C
- Attain at least 2.0 minimum GPA in coursework
- Complete a minimum of 60 credits
- Up to 19 credits from general education
- Up to 43 credits from electives of information technology
Best Online Information Technology Associate Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Central Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology and Systems | Higher Learning Commission |
| College of Southern Maryland | Associate of Arts in Cloud and Information Technology | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Colorado Tech University | Associate of Science in Information Technology | Higher Learning Commission |
| Florida State College at Jacksonville | Associate of Science in Computer Information Technology | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Franklin University | Associate of Science in Information Technology | Higher Learning Commission |
| Pennsylvania State University | Associate of Science in Information Sciences and Technology | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Regent University | Associate of Science in Information Systems | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Southern Arkansas University Tech | Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Technology | Higher Learning Commission |
| Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) | Associate of Science in Information Technologies | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) | Associate of Arts-Computer Studies Specialization | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
Best Schools for Information Technology: Top Online Information Technology Associate Degree Programs
Below is a list of the top 10 best schools for information technology associate degrees. An online degree program in information technology is a viable option for anyone, but especially for students who need flexibility in time and schedule.
What Is an Online Information Technology Associate Degree?
An online information technology associate degree is an introductory program to help you develop your IT skills for career opportunities in the tech industry. It usually takes two years to complete, and the curriculum typically tackles programming, network systems, information security, and database development. Students gain hands-on experience working on practical projects.
Online vs In-Person Information Technology Associate Degrees
Online information technology associate degrees can be taken from the comfort of your own home, while in-person information technology associate degrees must be taken at a specific physical location at set times. Online classes provide learning convenience, shorter length courses, lower costs, flexible lecture schedules, and effective learning. Also, any education you get online will be the exact same education you’d get in person, just in a different format.
Top 5 Benefits of an Online Associate Degree in Information Technology
- Learning convenience. The style of an online information technology associate degree gives you the convenience to take your classes whenever you prefer. Although some classes have a set time, the majority allow you to log in from home, work, or other locations when you’d like with more spare time to attend to family and personal business.
- Shorter length. Even though an information technology associate degree requires the same number of credits as an in-person degree, students can accelerate their studies to finish even sooner. An in-person program can take a full two years, sometimes even longer.
- Lower cost. The cost of an online information technology associate degree is lower than the cost of an in-person degree. This is because you won’t be paying for accommodation, health expenses, and others due to you taking the program remotely.
- Flexible class schedule. Compared to an in-person information technology associate degree, an online program has flexible scheduling. You may choose day, night, or weekend for your studies. You have any resources available at your fingertips on your computer.
- Effective learning. IT focuses on anything related to technology, so there’s no better platform to learn than from a computer itself. Taking an online program will allow you to actively practice the things you’re learning while you’re learning them.
Top 5 Benefits of an In-Person Associate Degree in Information Technology
- Networking opportunity. Unlike an online class, you’ll easily network and socialize with fellow students and learn from them physically in an in-person class setting. You’ll also be able to participate in extra-curricular activities.
- Face-to-face communication. An in-person degree program allows you the opportunity to interact with your instructors and peers directly during the program. This makes learning easier and more effective.
- Traditional experience. Recently graduated high school students are attracted to an in-person Associate Degree in Information Technology as they seek a more traditional college experience. These students are already accustomed to the structure and pattern of learning in person, so there’s no adjustment period.
- Greater group collaboration. An in-person information technology associate degree program helps for easy grouping and collaboration of students and encourages participation. Participation in group activities improves learning and assimilation.
- More effective connection. During in-person information technology associate degree programs, students get easier and more effective access to counseling sessions or career advice. This is because they can relate and connect easier when in-person with school counselors than virtually.
What Types of Online Associate Degree Can You Get in Information Technology?
The types of online associate degrees you can get in information technology are the Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), and Associate of Applied Science (AAS). For an information technology program, most students tend to take an Associate of Science or Applied Science.
Is It Better to Get an Associate of Arts Degree or an Associate of Science Degree in Information Technology?
It is better to get an Associate of Science (AS) in Information Technology because it focuses on math and science. If you’re interested in pursuing research positions in labs, engineering positions, and big tech corporations, you’re more likely to succeed with an Associate of Science.
An Associate of Arts (AA) focuses students on liberal arts and the business side of information technology. You’ll focus on communication skills, problem-solving, and critical thinking in the field. Although these are all extremely valuable qualities, the hands-on skills learned in an AS are more likely to help you break into the field in high-paying positions.
How Much Does an Online Information Technology Associate Degree Cost?
An online information technology associate degree will cost an average of $16,445 per year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics’ (NCES) data on the average cost of associate degrees in general. A public institution normally costs $15,748 per year. As for private schools, non-profit institutions cost $34,019 per year while for-profit institutions cost $32,379 per year. These figures include living and miscellaneous expenses, which you won’t have to pay in an online program.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Information Technology Associate Degree Online?
It usually takes two years to complete an Associate Degree in Information Technology. However, it is also flexible enough that you can complete it more quickly or more slowly, depending on your circumstances. There are also accelerated degree programs that allow students to finish in about a year and a half.
Are Online Information Technology Associate Degrees Respected?
Yes, online information technology associate degrees are respected just like an in-person information technology associate degree. Graduates are eligible for entry-level jobs within the IT field and learn the same core skills.
Is Information Technology Hard to Learn Online?
No, information technology is not hard to learn online. It does, however, require discipline and focus along with time management as there are no teachers present to tell you to stay motivated. Online courses help build a sense of independence because of this.
Information Technology Bootcamp vs Online Information Technology Associate Degree: Which Is Better?
An information technology associate degree is better than an information technology bootcamp because of its learning flexibility, tuition cost, convenience, employability, and length. The decision on which educational pathway to take rests on your shoulders. Below are some of the benefits of online information technology associate degrees and bootcamps.
Top 5 Benefits of an Online Information Technology Associate Degree
- Shorter duration. An online information technology associate degree takes 18-24 months or less to complete. You’ll get your degree in a shorter duration than a bachelor’s degree for example and be able to enter the field at a faster pace.
- Flexibility. One of the common benefits of an online degree is the flexibility it gives you to complete the program with ample time to handle other personal areas of your life. Bootcamps sometimes must be attended at a specific time.
- Low-cost tuition. The tuition and fees of an online associate degree are much cheaper than the cost of an information technology bootcamp program. With an online degree, you don’t have to worry about your expenses.
- Convenience. An online information technology associate degree gives you the ease to take your program lectures anywhere and at any time. You can simply choose the best time for your lectures with 100 percent access to all your coursework, assignments, and tests.
- Employability. Aside from helping you prepare for industry certifications from CompTIA, Cisco, or Microsoft, online associate information technology degree curricula also qualify you to land entry-level positions in IT fields. Some online schools even partner with other companies to improve the employment outcomes of their graduates.
Top 5 Benefits of an Information Technology Bootcamp
- Project-based curricula. The curricula taught at information technology bootcamps are usually centered around practicals and projects. Information technology bootcamps require you to complete several projects which allows you to easily build your portfolio.
- Short duration. Full-time bootcamp students may complete their program within 12 to 14 weeks, all the while training and preparing themselves for the workforce.
- Focused training. The curriculum is only focused on developing your tech skills, so the topics are always just about information technology. You will develop relevant hands-on skills and experience upon completion.
- Career services. The career services of a bootcamp can help you polish your resume, teach you how to ace your technical interviews, and connect you with an alumni network. They include services like portfolio review and resume critique.
- Partnership with employers. Most bootcamp schools partner with tech companies. Through these partnerships, talents from bootcamps graduates are directly hired, meaning you have more chances of getting hired right after graduation.
Why You Should Get an Information Technology Associate Degree Online
You should get an information technology associate degree online to save cost and time, as well as leverage the flexible curriculum to give attention to your business, work, and family. With more job opportunities opening up in the field over the next decade, this is your chance to make sure you’re getting the right education and training to excel in IT.
You are more likely to succeed if you take your time properly absorbing the information than trying to rush through the important details. Taking up an information technology associate degree with a school that provides a strong curriculum, is accredited, and follows your interests is one of your best chances for success.
What Courses Do You Take in an Online Associate Degree Program in Information Technology?
The courses that you need to take in an online associate degree program in information technology include Information, People, and Technology, Networking and Telecommunications, Introduction to Information Systems, Principles of Programming, and Database Management Systems. These courses will help you develop the necessary knowledge and skills for a career in programming, engineering, and computer basics. Below are some of the courses you’ll be trained in.
Information, People, and Technology
It will teach you how the design, analysis, and use of information systems and technologies can organize, coordinate, and inform human enterprises. This course expands on simple tech concepts and applies them to business and personal interactions.
Networking and Telecommunications
This course will introduce you to digital network topologies such as signal modulation, digital packet switching and routing, transmission media, communications management, systems integration, and security.
Introduction to Information systems
It will train you on computer systems, databases, legal and ethical considerations, networks, intellectual property, and artificial intelligence. The course also touches on computer crimes, codes of conduct, computer security, privacy, the future of the Internet, computing, and their relationship to the business world.
Principles of Programming
This course will teach you fundamental programming principles. You will learn structured programming, algorithm design, top-down stepwise refinement, problem-solving, and software lifecycle. It will teach you how to design, code, test, debug, and document programs in a relevant programming language.
Database Management Systems
In this course, you’ll be taught the core concepts necessary for the designing, using, implementing, and administration of database systems. It will stress the fundamentals of the languages and facilities provided by database management systems, design and database modeling, and some practical techniques for administering and implementing database systems.
Continuing Education Paths for Online information technology associate Degree Graduates
After completing an online Associate Degree in Information Technology, many graduates choose to get continuing education online by pursuing an online Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, followed by a master’s degree. Some bachelor’s studies subjects in these programs include cyber security, project management, software development, and data analytics.
Related Online Information Technology Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Information Technology Associate Degree Programs
What you should look for in the best information technology associate degree programs include rich curricular content, full accreditation, availability of career services, a good reputation, and good employment outcomes. Before you choose an information technology associate degree program, these are important factors you need to consider.
Curricular Content
Rich and comprehensive curriculum content are some of the things you need to consider before choosing an online Associate Degree in Information Technology. The courses, especially the electives, should expose you to the fundamental aspects of information technology and also help you develop versatile skills needed in furthering your career in the field.
Accreditation
You must ensure that the online information technology associate degree you intend to choose is fully accredited to satisfy professional certification requirements. Accreditation shows prospective employers that your education meets the proper professional standards.
Availability of Career Services
One of the things you should consider when looking for an Associate Degree in Information Technology is the career services provided by the school. Some schools provide career services like resume critique and internship placement, while some schools partner with companies to improve the employment outcomes of their graduates.
Employment Outcomes
What is the job outlook for graduates of the program? How do employers assess and regard the school and program? The prospects of landing employment with your dream companies or in your dream jobs will be greatly influenced by the school in which you completed your associate degree. You can find these answers under the reviews of these courses and from former students.
Reputation of the School
It is a smart decision to do research and contact alumni to know your school’s reputation. How others rate and view your school can inform you about your chances of getting hired and the quality of your education.
What Is the Most Affordable Online Information Technology Associate Degree?
The most affordable online information technology associate degree is the Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology and Systems at Central Community College. The price of tuition per credit is $92 for in-state students and $138 for out-of-state students.
Can I Get an Information Technology Associate Degree Online for Free?
No, you cannot get an information technology associate degree online for free. Accredited information technology associate degree programs are offered by universities and colleges that require tuition. Most schools offer scholarships, discounts, loans, and installment plans to help ease expenses. NCES reports that 72 percent of undergraduate students use some kind of aid to finance their education.
Salary and Job Outlook for Online Information Technology Associate Degree Graduates
An Associate Degree in IT prepares you for entry-level jobs in most of these fields. Read below to discover detailed information about the best-paying jobs for graduates with an Associate Degree in Information Technology.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With an Information Technology Associate Degree?
It is not hard to get a job with an information technology associate degree. It requires adequate preparation with the necessary skills and experience in the field. Students who are dedicated to learning the more complicated computer concepts and skills are sure to succeed.
What’s the Average Online Information Technology Degree Salary?
According to PayScale, the average annual salary for an online Associate of Science in Information Technology degree is about $63,000. Depending on your state, position, or company, this number could sway either way.
What Jobs Can You Get With an Online Information Technology Associate Degree?
Jobs you can get with an online information technology degree include a computer network architect or a database administrator. With the right training and experience, you can qualify for most entry-level jobs in IT with nothing more than an online Associate Degree in Information Technology. Below are the best five jobs that a degree in information technology can get you.
Information Technology Degree Jobs
- Computer Network Architect
- Software Developer
- Information Security Analyst
- Database Administrator
- Computer Systems Analyst
Potential Careers With an Online Information Technology Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With an Online Information Technology Associate Degree?
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for a computer and information technology job could be anywhere from $55,510 to $126,830. An employee’s specific salary depends on their position, their company, and their level of expertise. We’ve compiled a list below of the highest-paying information technology associate degree jobs.
Highest-Paying Online Information Technology Associate Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Information Technology Associate Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Computer Network Architect | $120,520 |
| Software Developer | $110,140 |
| Information Security Analyst | $102,600 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $99,270 |
| Database Administrator | $98,860 |
Best Jobs for Online Information Technology Associate Degree Grads
You may find it overwhelming to search for the best jobs in information technology for recent associate degree grads due to the wide range of options. Below are some of the best jobs for online information technology associate degree grads and their respective income forecast.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is an Online Information Technology Associate Degree Worth It?
Yes, an online information technology associate degree is worth it. For many, it is the first step in the undergraduate process and a perfect way to get a career started in the IT field. Many students elect to attend community colleges and earn their associate degree before moving on to complete a four-year Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology.
For adult learners and nontraditional students, pursuing an online Associate Degree in Information Technology is refreshing due to its flexible curriculum, reduced prices, and hands-on approach to computer technology.
Additional Reading About Information Technology
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Online Information Technology Associate Degree FAQ
No, you can not directly pursue a Master’s Degree in Information Technology with an online Associate Degree in Information Technology. You need to get a bachelor’s degree first to qualify. However, the training provided by the curriculum is enough to help you get your foot in the door, setting you up for certifications, internship opportunities, and entry-level positions in the field.
An online associate degree in information technology will prepare you for entry-level careers as computer support specialists and web developers. You also be able to pursue more advanced careers by transferring your credits toward a bachelor’s degree.
Yes, you can get an online information technology associate degree in one year. As you are the one who creates your schedule, you can decide to fast-track your studies by taking more credits per semester, which is commonly called an accelerated program.
No, it’s not necessary to get a bachelor’s degree after your Associate’s Degree in Information Technology. It is possible to jump right into the field after graduation, especially if your school provides career services. However, if you want to pursue a Master’s Degree in Information Technology or any other form of higher education, a bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
