IT School Online Programs

IT stands for information technology, a term that encompasses nearly all areas related to newer forms of technology. Careers in IT are as popular as the technology itself, and earning a degree through an IT school online can help you earn the credentials necessary to work in an innovative and exciting technology career.

Let's take a look at some IT school online programs, what kind of work you can find in the field and potential earning and employment opportunity statistics:

Computer Programming

• Simply put, computer programmers write programs. They work with software engineers and systems analysts. After software programs have been designed, programmers convert them into a language that a computer can understand like C++ or Python.


• Students enrolled in computer programming degree programs learn the ins and outs of computer language. Many programs also teach the basics of software engineering because programmers work with computer engineers and many become software engineers in the advanced stages of their careers.


• According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2009 the median annual salary earned by computer programmers was $70,940 with the top 10 percent of the field earning $113,380. Employment is expected to decline slightly in the upcoming decade due to advances in programming language, making it more important than ever for those interested in the field to earn a degree now.

IT Security

• As the Internet gains in popularity, cyber-crime unfortunately does as well. IT security professionals work to prevent and detect cyber-crime, in addition to bringing the criminals to justice. Many of these professionals specialize in a specific area like password protection, network security, or virus protection.


• Students enrolled in IT security programs are trained in the newest techniques for combating cyber-crime. Those enrolled in a program through an IT school online actually have an advantage over students in a ground school because the unique format of online education can better prepare them for work in the field.


• According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, network and computer systems administrators (which include computer security specialists) earned a median annual wage of $66,310 in 2008, with the top 10 percent of the field earning more than $104,070. Employment of these professionals is expected to grow by 30 percent over the next decade, which is much faster than average for all occupations.

Telecommunications

• Telecommunications is not a career, but rather an industry which delivers services throughout the U.S. including telephone, Internet and television. Services include both wired and wireless. Basically, people within the telecommunications industry work to provide a means of communication between people, businesses, households and anything in between.


• Degree programs in telecommunications might interest students who are passionate about technology and communications. IT school online telecommunication programs are designed for working technology professionals who have experience but want to move into more advanced forms of technology like wireless and fiber optic services.


• Because telecommunications itself is not a career, salary among professionals in the field varies greatly, although the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that technology professionals generally earn higher than average salaries. Employment of telecommunications professionals is expected to decline over the next decade since advanced forms of technology will require less maintenance.

Emily writes about Online Education for University-bound.com - a resource site for those interested in earning a degree online.