Where Can IT Colleges Take You?

Information technology, or IT, is a broad term for the field that includes nearly all disciplines related to the newest and most innovative forms of technology. Careers in IT are particularly popular among young, recent graduates ofIT colleges who have the most up to date technology training.

Here are just a few of the many programs offered by IT colleges, in addition to their potential earning and employment opportunity statistics according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Computer Programming

A computer programmer's job is to write programs, but a seemingly obvious task is actually very complex. They work along with software engineers and analysts and convert designed programs into a language that can be interpreted by a computer like C++ or Python.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of computer programmers is expected to decline slightly in upcoming years due to advances in programming language. In 2009 the median annual salary among computer programmers was $70,940. The top 10 percent of the field earned around $113,380.

Telecommunications

The telecommunications industry delivers both wired and wireless communications services including telephone, Internet and television. Careers within the industry involve working to provide a means of communication between people, businesses and households.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of telecommunications professionals is expected to slightly decline in upcoming years as advanced technology requires less human maintenance. Salary in the industry varies greatly depending on work location and experience, but professionals in the field generally earn higher than average salaries.

IT Security

Increased amounts of cyber-crime are an unfortunate effect of the Internet's popularity. Professionals working in IT security work to detect and prevent Internet crime and they also focus on bringing offenders to justice.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of IT security workers is expected to grow by 30 percent over the next decade, much faster than average for all occupations. In 2008, computer security specialists earned a median annual wage of $66,310 with the top 10 percent of the field earning more than $104,070.

Remember, these are just a few of the many careers you can find by earning degrees fromIT colleges.

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