Fast Forward to Information Technology

Advance Your Career with Online IT Programs

Information Technology — IT — is an area that is exploding with job opportunities. Computers impact every area of our lives both at work and at home. Study IT online for a career with high demand, good pay and opportunities for advancement.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reports that demand is expected to "grow faster than other occupations through the year 2014." Some of these occupations include:

• computer and information systems managers
• computer systems administrators
• computer software engineers
• computer programmers
• computer support specialists
• computer security support specialists

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Computer and information systems managers direct and supervise activities relating to IT. Their responsibilities include:

• developing network infrastructure
• programming and systems design
• implementing Internet and intranet sites
• maintaining network security

Computer Systems Administrators

Computer systems administrators provide the day-to-day support for software users. These IT employees are responsible for:

• installing hardware and software
• supporting the network, Internet and/or intranet systems
• monitoring the network operating system
• troubleshooting and resolving network problems

Computer Software Engineers

Computer software engineers apply the principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis to the development of software. Their IT responsibilities include:

• analyzing user needs
• developing algorithms - a logical sequence of steps
• testing computer programs
• maintaining software applications

Computer Programmers

Computer programmers tell the computer what to do - what information to access and how to process it. The responsibilities of these IT employees include:

• designing and writing a program of detailed instructions
• testing program performance
• maintaining programs
• updating programs

Computer Support Specialists

Computer support specialists are IT employees who provide technical assistance, support and advice. Their responsibilities include:

• troubleshooting problems
• providing technical support for network hardware
• analyzing and solving software application problems
• offering help-desk support to computer users

Computer Security Support Specialists

Computer security specialists may plan, coordinate and implement the organization's information security. These IT employees are responsible for:

• educating users about computer security
• installing security software
• monitoring the network for security breaches
• responding to cyber attacks

Education Requirements

Degree requirements vary by occupation. In some cases, obtaining a two-year associate degree in IT can help you get your foot in the door. If you are going for a bachelor's degree, consider getting your degree in computer science. An advantage of a computer science degree is you can use it to enter virtually any IT avenue you wish to explore after graduation. And, with the increasing number of colleges offering online IT degree programs, you have many more opportunities to earn a degree.

Get information about online IT courses and programs now.