In Depth Guide to Technology & IT Degree Programs

1. What will you study in a Technology & IT degree program?

Technology & IT degree programs give you the specific knowledge you need to perform technological and network-related functions while also developing the problem solving capabilities and professional skills that can get you hired and keep you employed.

Technology and IT encompass an incredibly broad range of careers from programming to design to network security. What do all of these careers have in common? A focus on establishing and maintaining an efficient, effective technology-related process, product, or system.

Once you're in school, common areas of study for technology and IT degree programs, regardless of specialty, may include:

• Programming and algorithms
• Logic and reasoning
• Networks
• Systems development
• Web development
• Project planning
• Technical writing

2. Which characteristics do Technology & IT majors typically possess?

If you have ever found yourself tinkering and experimenting with computers on your own time, then you may be a good fit for a degree program in technology and IT. Whether you've taken apart a laptop, developed an iPhone app, or simply created a network with your friends computers, you may have the aptitude to succeed in a degree program in technology and IT.

If you're planning to go back to school for a technology-related degree, make sure you have a natural interest in technology and a curiosity about the way computers and other high-tech devices work and function. You should also possess significant analytical skills, attention to detail, the ability to focus, plus a respect for established protocols balanced with a strong desire to improve and expand on existing technology.

3. Which specific careers can Technology & IT majors pursue?

Network Administrator. Network administration involves designing, implementing, and supporting your company's computer and network system. In this career you would analyze issues, maintain related software and hardware, and ensure that the network functions with efficiency and reliability. Network security has grown into an important part of this job.

If you are interested in a career as a network administrator, consider earning a bachelor's degree in computer science, mathematics, or information systems.

Database Administrator. Every company's computer system uses data in many different ways and a database administrator's responsibilities include storing, organizing, and accessing that information appropriately. As a database administrator, you'd work closely with network administrators to ensure the security of the company's information.

For aspiring database administrators, think about earning a bachelor's degrees in computer science, information science, or management information systems (MIS). Remember, MIS typically places more focus on computer systems within a business environment.

Computer Programmer. Programmers write and test the software programs that make every computer-based system function, run, and perform--including everything from video games to cell phones to laptops. In this job you'd use programming languages to develop additional functionality while ensuring the stability of current tasks. The more programming languages you learn, the more employable you will be in the technology industry.

A bachelor's degree in computer science, mathematics, or information systems are great choices for computer programmers.

Technical Writer. Technical writers are different from most other writers because they typically focus exclusively on processes and procedures. They document technical functions and the processes that make them work for those developing a product and may also write technical user guides and menus to help customers.

A communications degree can't hurt, but a bachelor's degree in computer science or information technology plus excellent writing skills can make you a highly valued technical writer.

Video Game Developer. A software developer in this area focuses exclusively on developing games for a consumer market, whether for game systems like Xbox, cell phones, or the Web. As a game developer, you should to balance user desires with system capabilities, which can be challenging.

Video game designers should consider earning a bachelor's degree in computer science, mathematics, or information systems.

Web Designer. Web designers and developers create Web sites with a focus on effective design, functionality, and user experience. As a designer you'd take on responsibility for a site's day-to-day look and information. This career combines technological function with artistic flair.

An associate's or bachelor's degree in Web design and programming can get you started in your career as a Web designer.

Technology Manager. Technology and IT managers can have significant influence as work to benefit the entire company, including its productivity and products. As a tech manager, you could conceptualize cutting edge products or systems and then lead your team through the development and implementation process.

A bachelor's degree in computer science, mathematics, or information systems are good starting points. However, an MBA or master's level technology highly recommended for career growth and advancement into management positions.

4. Which well-known people in the industry have completed Technology & IT degree programs before becoming successful?

With technology becoming more and more important in both the domestic and global economy, technology leaders and innovators grow even more visible to the general public. Some companies have become industry leaders, such as Google, Hewlett-Packard, Cisco Systems, and more. Within high-tech circles, the leaders of those technology companies have earned the reputation and status equal to that of rock stars.

Examples of successful business leaders with technology degrees include:

• Mark Andreeson. Co-founded Netscape, which helped propel forward the use of Web browsers by the general public. Andreeson earned a bachelor's degree in computer science from the University of Illinois.
• Carol Bartz. CEO of Yahoo!, a leading global web company. Bartz earned an honors degree in computer science from the University of Wisconsin.
• Sergey Brin. Co-founded Google, the world's largest Internet company. Brin holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics and computer science from the University of Maryland.
• Vinton Cerf. Co-designed TCP/IP protocols and the overall architecture of the Internet--considered one the of the founders of the Internet. Cerf holds a master's degree in math from Stanford and a PhD in computer science from UCLA.

5. How much do Technology & IT majors typically earn in the various fields they can pursue?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, technology professionals earned the following mean salaries in 2008:

• Network administrators: $69,570
• Database administrators: $72,900
• Computer programmers: $73,470
• Technical writer: $64,210
• Video game developer: $73,470
• Web design and programming: $46,750 for graphic designers, those with significant Web capabilities typically demand higher salaries
• Technology manager: $118,710

6. Which part of the country or world do prominent Technology & IT communities flourish?

Large urban areas with clusters of technology-related companies typically have the largest number of job opportunities. Other areas to investigate are areas close to schools with a strong technology focus, such as MIT or Stanford, as these communities are traditionally more technology-centered.According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these metropolitan areas were leaders in technology and IT employment in 2008:

• San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
• Durham, NC
• San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, CA
• Lowell-Billerica-Chelmsford, MA-NH
• Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA

Other leading metropolitan areas include:

• Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
• Bethesda-Gaithersburg-Frederick, MD
• Madison, WI

7. What type of "real world" experience could you combine with your Technology & IT Degree program to supplement what the program teaches you?

Today, many technology and IT professionals working in the "real world" may choose to increase their earning potential or become eligible for advancement by earning an additional degree. Many network administrators, for example, advance to management positions by earning a postgraduate degree. This transition can be eased by attending school in a part-time capacity or by enrolling in an online degree program that allows them to study according to their own schedule.

Volunteer work and internships can be practical ways to gain "real world" experience as you study in your technology and IT degree program. You may want to investigate participating in programming clubs, product user groups, and even online technology communities to bolster your experience outside of the classroom.

8. What can a Technology & IT degree give you that on-the-job experience may not be able to?

The proper credential. While the importance of on-the-job experience should not be underestimated, degree programs can provide you with the credentials and education you need to succeed in the workplace. Today, even entry-level jobs in the technology and IT fields typically require formal education, whether it is a two year associate's degree program or an advanced master's program in computer science.

Career flexibility. With a technology and IT degree, you can become equipped to work in various places in different careers. From computer programmer to network engineer, database technologies to network security, the diverse curriculum of technology degrees can help you keep your career options open.

Access to internships. While enrolled in a technology and IT degree program, there should plenty of opportunities for you to gain hands-on experience in an internship. Because the technology and IT job markets continue to grow, interns are gaining importance in the workforce. In turn, an internship, coupled with your degree, can make you an attractive job candidate after you graduate.