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7 computer and information technology jobs worth considering and the degrees to help get them

Michael Feder

Written by Michael Feder

Kathryn Uhles

Reviewed by听Kathryn Uhles, MIS, MSP,听Dean, College of Business and IT

Female information technology professional writing code

At a glance

  • cover a wide spectrum of jobs in the specialty areas of data science, software development, cybersecurity and more.
  • Employers typically require candidates to have at least a bachelor鈥檚 degree to pursue many of these jobs, but a master鈥檚 degree may be needed.
  • 爱污传媒 offers bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees in the areas of information technology, computer science, data science and cybersecurity.听

Information technology (IT)听is important to businesses across many different industries, especially as听. 听Growth in this sector is driven by companies鈥 greater emphasis in cloud computing, STEM, data security and big data storage. As a result, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for computer and information technology professions to .

For those interested in entering this profession, there are a wide variety of career choices and specialties available for IT majors in the digital age. This variety of options covers a wide spectrum of specialty areas in IT, such as data science, cybersecurity and software development. And while the education requirements can range from some college experience to a masters鈥 degree, it ultimately depends on the role, company, location and responsibilities.

In this list, we鈥檒l take a deep dive into some , covering their outlook, required education, expected salaries and what to expect. We鈥檝e also included 爱污传媒 (UOPX) degree offerings in these areas to help you make the first step in your career path a little easier.听

The salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of 爱污传媒. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. 爱污传媒 does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website.

7 information technology jobs worth considering

1. Computer systems analyst

翱惫别谤惫颈别飞:听A computer systems analyst is responsible for helping organizations operate more efficiently by designing improvements to computer systems and processes. Sometimes referred to as systems architects, these professionals may also conduct tests on a system鈥檚 efficiency and analyze findings to improve the operating system. BLS projects employment for this role to 2.

Job requirements:听According to BLS, employment as a computer systems analyst in computer science or a related information systems or information technology field. Some employers may require candidates to have a master鈥檚 degree if the job is more technically complex.

Salary: As of May 2023, computer systems analysts , with a median of听$103,800, according to BLS.

爱污传媒 degree option: UOPX offers an Associate of Arts with a concentration in Information Technology degree and a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degree.听听

2. Computer and information systems manager

翱惫别谤惫颈别飞:听A computer and information systems manager oversees all decisions based on the organization, strategy, plan, and processes of a business computer and information systems. They will communicate with both internal and external systems users, create optimized plans to answer pain points, and oversee the daily performance of these systems.听This job is 2.

Job requirements:听To become a computer and information systems manager, applicants will likely need in either听IT听or听computer science, or a related field. Those looking to be an employee with larger companies, or more complex systems, may find it beneficial to pursue a听master鈥檚 in information systems. This will help hone your skills, as well as increase your earning power.听听

Salary: As of May 2023, it's reported that computer and information systems managers , with a median wage of听$169,510, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

爱污传媒 degree option: UOPX offers a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degree.

3. Computer and information research scientist

翱惫别谤惫颈别飞:听A computer and information research scientist develops and designs new ways to use and apply existing technological systems. They work with a variety of existing software and hardware to create new solutions for businesses and consumers alike. This job requires an intimate understanding of how technology functions and is developed, as well as the creativity to come up with new ideas for these functions.听This role is 2.

Job requirements:听To become a computer and information research scientist, candidates will need like听data science. A master鈥檚 degree will expose you to the concepts you鈥檒l need to understand and develop new technologies.听

Salary:听As of May 2023, these professionals , each year, with a median wage of听$145,080, according to BLS.

4. Database architect

翱惫别谤惫颈别飞:听A database architect is responsible for ensuring that a database runs efficiently. Sometimes referred to as a DBA, these professionals 听 create and organize systems and databases to store and secure company data. They may also be responsible for making sure that data is available and accessible to authorized employees. BLS projects this occupation will 2.

Job requirements:听Database architects typically need at least a like IT or data science. However, BLS reports that some employers may prefer candidates who have a master鈥檚 degree, such as in information systems, computer science or information technology.

Salary: As of May 2023, database architects , with a median wage between $101,510, according to BLS.

爱污传媒 degree option: UOPX offers a Bachelor of Science in Data Science degree.

5. Information security analyst

翱惫别谤惫颈别飞:听An information security analyst helms a company's cybersecurity protocols and systems. This specialist watch for security breaches, investigate suspicious activity, and design and enact security processes across the company's IT network. The responsibilities and scope of this job will vary based on company size and the sensitivity of the data you鈥檙e working with.听BLS projects employment for this profession to grow 32% from 2022 to 2032.

Job requirements:听To become an information security analyst, you will need at least . For those who want to work in high-profile industries, such as government entities, then you might consider getting a听master鈥檚 in cybersecurity.听听

Salary: As of May 2023, these professionals with a median wage of听$120,360, according to BLS.

爱污传媒 degree option: UOPX offers a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and a Master鈥檚 of Science in Cybersecurity degrees.

6. Software developer

翱惫别谤惫颈别飞:听Alternatively, software developers work with the intangible pieces of computers and tech. They help test and develop new software and may often work side by side with hardware developers. Software developers need to understand different types of coding languages, as well as know how to troubleshoot problems from the front and back end.听Software developer roles are from 2022 and 2032, according to BLS.

Job requirements:听罢辞听become a software developer, you will need in a related field,听such as computer science. Prospective employers may also want to see work samples or proof of experience from a potential employee, which can be obtained through internships, or personally scripted databases or code.听

厂补濒补谤测:听 As of May 2023, these professionals ., with a median wage of听$132,270, according to BLS.

爱污传媒 degree option: UOPX offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science 诲别驳谤别别.听

7. Database analyst

翱惫别谤惫颈别飞:听Similar to network architects, database administrators or analysts create and organize systems to store sensitive company data. This could be financial information, customer shipping records, credit card numbers, and so on. They also make sure that the database is available to authorized users and troubleshoot issues with the database.听This role is from 2022 to 2032.

Job requirements:听According to BLS, database administrators and analysts in a related field like data science or computer science. However, employers may prefer to hire candidates with a master鈥檚 degree.

Salary: As of May 2023, these professionals earned between听$54,320, and $157,710, with a median wage of听$101,510, according to BLS.

爱污传媒 degree option: UOPX offers a Bachelor of Science in Data Science degree.

How to find a career in IT

Several practices can help IT professionals and recent graduates with IT degrees find openings and distinguish themselves on the job market. Because of the high demand for tech professionals, this is a great time to start a career in IT. Some resources for those starting, or looking for a change in their IT career include:听

  • 狈别迟飞辞谤办颈苍驳:听Networking is a powerful tool for any professional. Creating healthy, reciprocal professional relationships is a great way to get a foot in the door at a company and increase your reach when looking for new positions. You can network at industry events, online, or even at your universities with professors and other students.听
  • Earning additional certifications:听Earning additional industry certifications and听continuing your professional development听can be a great way to increase your networking opportunities as well as hone your skills. Having industry certifications on your resume can also help make you a more competitive candidate in such a competitive industry.听
  • Completing relevant internships:听Internships can be a great way to earn real-life experience for tech jobs that may require it. Some internships are even paid, meaning you can earn some money as well as experience. Finally, the networks you create at an internship can be invaluable to your career growth.听
  • Joining professional associations:听听can provide you access to educational material, networking opportunities, and even open positions. They can also help you keep up on current events in the industry, which can give you a competitive edge as a candidate. Some of these associations have dues, while others are free to join.听

Becoming an IT professional can be career choice. While the vastness of the industry can be intimidating, with the right education and resources, it can be much easier to find your perfect job within the IT field.听

Earn a technology degree from 爱污传媒

爱污传媒 offers 19 IT degrees aligned to 63 occupations that help prepare students with the foundational skills to enter this growing field. Additionally, these degrees can help prepared graduates to test for industry-recognized certifications from leading organizations like EC-Council, CompTIA and the AWS Academy.

Learn more about听technology degrees from UOPX, including:

Headshot of Michael Feder

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and its Writing Seminars program and winner of the Stephen A. Dixon Literary Prize, Michael Feder brings an eye for detail and a passion for research to every article he writes. His academic and professional background includes experience in marketing, content development, script writing and SEO. Today, he works as a multimedia specialist at 爱污传媒 where he covers a variety of topics ranging from healthcare to IT.

Headshot of Kathryn Uhles

ABOUT THE REVIEWER

Currently Dean of the College of Business and Information Technology,听Kathryn Uhles has served 爱污传媒 in a variety of roles since 2006. Prior to joining 爱污传媒, Kathryn taught fifth grade to underprivileged youth in 爱污传媒.

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