Information technology "is the study, design, development, implementation, and support of computer-based information systems to address real -world problems" ( http://grad.towson.edu ). In other words, it is the science (and, indeed, some might even say the art) of working with computers in order to facilitate the easier and more efficient use of them by non-professionals and professionals alike.

Find Information Technology Programs

For additional information on online training please visit eLearners.com for details.

• Graphics and Imaging
• Operating Systems
• Personal Information Management
• Publishing
• Document Management
• Statistical Analysis & Mathematical Modeling
• Document Integration
• Administrative Systems

Types Of Associate, Undergraduate & Graduate Programs Available
Over the course of the past decade, more and more colleges and universities have begun offering degree programs in information technology. This is because of the ever-increasing importance of the skill-sets IT practitioners possess. An associate's degree in IT will prepare you for further study at the undergraduate level, as well as provide an adequate base of knowledge that you may attempt to parlay to a job as an entry-level programmer or database manager. A bachelor's degree in IT affords you the opportunity to learn about all aspects of the field, and to begin the process of narrowing down your areas of specific interest so that you can attain a certain amount of expertise. Graduate degrees in IT are generally either for those who wish to pursue collegiate teaching or research, or who wish to eventually work in the highest levels of the technology world - government computer development or computer and software design, for example.

Typical Admissions Requirements
Getting into an associate's degree program in IT is not terribly difficult at all. As long as you have an interest in the field and a bit of previous experience with computers, then you should be fine. At the higher levels of education in the IT field, however, competition can become rather stiff. Indeed, because of the high skill level of many applicants, and the popularity of the field in general, there are likely to be many people with high levels of ability vying for a small number of spots. Don't let that discourage you, however. If you are truly interested in the field, and even if you don't get in the first time you try, you should not throw in the towel. Perhaps with a bit of work experience, and a bit of additional effort, you, too, will be on your way to a degree in information technology.

Careers In This Field
Because of the many and wide-ranging applications of computers and software, there is a nearly infinite variety of career options available to graduates of IT programs. They include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Computer Software Engineer, Systems Software
• Computer Systems Analysts
• Computer Support Specialists
• Computer Programmers
• Computer and Information Systems Managers
• Computer Software Engineers, Applications
• Database Administrators
• Computer Security Specialists
• Computer and Information Scientists, Research

Salary Ranges In This Field
Because of the wide variety of careers available to those possessing degrees in IT, it is difficult to narrow down how much they stand to make. A government employee, for example, may very well make less money than an IT expert working with, say, a publicly-held financial institution on Wall Street. Also affecting the amount of money you stand to eventually make is the specific area of IT on which you choose to focus. Therefore, in order to more fully and accurately gauge what you'll eventually earn, it is best to do research on as specific an area as possible in the IT field.

Future Outlook
Because the IT field is so large and wide-ranging, it is virtually impossible to discuss the job outlook in general terms. However, the field of computer and information systems managers is as good a place to begin as any, and the outlook for it is likely indicative of larger trends in the field. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics:

"Employment of computer and information systems managers is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2014. Technological advancements will boost the employment of computer-related workers; as a result, the demand for managers to direct these workers also will increase. In addition, job openings will result from the need to replace managers who retire or move into other occupations.

Opportunities for obtaining a management position will be best for those with computer-related work experience; an MBA with technology as a core component, or a management information systems degree; and strong communication and administrative skills.

Despite the downturn in the technology sector in the early part of the decade, the outlook for computer and information systems managers remains strong. To remain competitive, firms will continue to install sophisticated computer networks and set up more complex Internet and intranet sites. Keeping a computer network running smoothly is essential to almost every organization. Firms will be more willing to hire managers who can accomplish that.

Similarly, the security of computer networks will continue to increase in importance as more business is conducted over the Internet. The security of the Nation's entire electronic infrastructure has come under renewed scrutiny in light of recent threats. Organizations need to understand how their systems are vulnerable and how to protect their infrastructure and Internet sites from hackers, viruses, and other acts of cyberterrorism. The emergence of cybersecurity as a key issue facing most organizations should lead to strong growth for computer managers. Firms will increasingly hire cybersecurity experts to fill key leadership roles in their information technology departments because the integrity of their computing environments is of utmost concern. As a result, there will be a high demand for managers proficient in computer security issues.

With the explosive growth of electronic commerce and the capacity of the Internet to create new relationships with customers, the role of computer and information systems managers will continue to evolve. Persons in these jobs will become increasingly vital to their companies. The expansion of the wireless Internet will spur the need for computer and information systems managers with both business savvy and technical proficiency." ( www.bls.gov )

Resources