If you’re considering

With so many programs available, choosing just one can be overwhelming. Consider one of these top online programs from some of the nation’s best colleges for online study:

American Public University Associate of Science in Computer Applications

American Public University specializes in online study. It’s A.S. in Computer Science is a popular choice for students who want to fast-track into a career in computer science.

According to the website, “[t]he Associate of Science in Computer Applications Program fills the need in the Information Technology marketplace for entry-level application development professionals and for foundational education in application development. This program focuses on the acquisition of the theory, principles, practices, methodologies, competencies, tools, and technologies associated with application development. This program produces academically sound entry-level application development professionals with the necessary foundation to be productive in the IT industry.”

Students are required to take only 21 courses to graduate. This is a viable option for students who desire a shorter path from college to career. Furthermore, graduates who later decide to pursue their bachelor’s degree may transfer their credits toward the first two years of an undergraduate degree program.

Drexel University Online Bachelor of Science in Computing and Information Technology

Drexel University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Computing and Information Technology. According to the Drexel University website, “The Bachelor’s in Computing and Security Technology (CST) program focuses on educating professionals in a variety of corporate, government and non-profit organizations for critical roles in computer system administration and computing security.”

Students may choose one of two program concentrations: computing technology or computing security. Drexel University will accept up to 113 transfer credits toward this 185 quarter credit (equivalent to 124 semester credits) program. Another attractive advantage to Drexel’s program is that you may earn college credit if you have IT certifications, such as A+, Windows 2000, CCNA, etc. The disadvantage is that students are permitted to enroll on a part-time basis only.

University of Colorado Online Master of Science in Information Systems

The University of Colorado now offers an MS in Information Systems. According to the website, “This exciting new curriculum is based on national standards that were developed by a joint committee of the Association for Information Systems (AIS) and the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). In addition to the AIS and ACM committee, the new curriculum has also been strongly influenced by the IS community and has received the endorsement of eight major IS professional groups.”

The University of Colorado accepts up to nine transfer credits from other graduate programs. Students are required to choose from 12 core courses and will take an additional 24 credit hours from the following fields of specialization:

• The Enterprise Technology Management

• Business Intelligence

• Health Information Technology

• Web & Mobile Computing

• Geographic Information Systems Option

Graduate students are also permitted to choose two free electives in their program.

Get Started Online Today

Many online programs have rolling start dates, so you may be able to begin your online study sooner than you think. Regardless of whether you’re interested in a basic degree in computers and information technology or want to pursue advanced graduate study, there are plenty of options available to you – beginning with the three listed above.

Here are some options to consider if you’re ready to earn a computer science degree online:

Associate of Science in Computer Science

For this degree you will have to complete 64 credit hours – 24 credit hours of fundamental general education core; 16 hours of additional general education requirements; and 24 credit hours in your major area. If you attend full time, you can earn your Associate of Science in Computer Science in approximately two years. Students pursuing this option may qualify for entry-level position in the computer science field, such as help desk worker.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Students who are enrolled on a full-time basis can expect to earn their B.S. in Computer Science in approximately four years, sometimes five. Students who have completed the A.S. in Computer Science may wish to enroll in the B.S. program for an additional two years of study to earn their baccalaureate degrees. Otherwise, students who start from scratch are required to complete 24 credit hours in fundamental general education core classes; 26 credit hours in additional general education requirements; 2 hours in prerequisite competencies; 6 hours of university electives; and 72 credit hours in the major field of study. This degree qualifies students to perform ordinary functions required in the field of computer science, including but not limited to software/hardware management, troubleshooting, etc.

Subsequent B.S. in Computer Science

If you have already earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and want to earn a subsequent B.S., you can do so by completing an addition 64 semester hours. This degree is good for students who want to update, specialize, or expand their knowledge in the field of computer science.

Joint Programs of Study: B.S. and M.S. in Computer Science

If you would like to pursue graduate study – starting from the beginning of any college coursework – you may be interested in pursuing the joint program of study and earn two degrees in less time by completing 164 semester hours of coursework. According to the Franklin University website, this program of study is appropriate under the following circumstances:

“The Joint Programs of Study option affords Franklin University undergraduate students, who are interested in pursuing a graduate degree at Franklin University, the opportunity to enroll in graduate coursework that may serve as university elective coursework in meeting the hour requirements for the Baccalaureate degree.”

Students who graduate from this program of study are eligible for administrative positions within the computer science industry, such as project management.

Joint Program of Study: B.S. in Computer Science and MBA

This program of study is ideal for students who want an undergraduate degree in computer science and a graduate degree business administration. Students who enroll in this program will complete both degrees in less time than they would if they pursued each degree separately. The program requirements are as follows: 24 credit hours of fundamental general education core; 26 hours in additional general education requirements; 2 hours of prerequisite competencies; 8 semester hours of graduate-level courses for B.S degree; 72 hours in major area of study; and 32 semester hours for MBA completion.

Graduation from this program cracks the field wide open for opportunities in the field of computer science and business administration, giving the graduate a marketable degree combo.

If you’re in the market for a quality, computer science online degree, consider Franklin University and its wide array of program options. Regardless of whether you choose an accelerated program or want to take it one (traditional) semester at a time, Franklin’s program offers an impressive list of options.

Drexel’s Degree Completion Program in Information Technology Facts

Drexel’s online degree program is geared specifically to individuals who have already earned an associate’s degree in any discipline – with five years’ technical work experience – the option to earn a BS in Information Technology. Drexel’s program focuses on the following areas:

IT Infrastructure and Services
Networking Technology
Server Technology
Systems Analysis
Use of Technologies for Solving Complex Problems in Computing Systems

Applications are currently being accepted for the 2010-2011 academic year.

Drexel Pro – Education for the Working Professional

Drexel University has created partnerships with employers to educate their workforces. Its partnership with more than “250 corporations, health systems, school districts, and professional associations” allows Drexel to offer incentives for working adults to complete their degrees, such as reduced tuition.

According to the Drexel Pro website, the university works with individuals who work in these industries:

• Engineering
• Healthcare
• Business
• Public Health
• Clinical Research
• Technology
• Education
• More

Prospective students can visit the website to see if their company works in partnership with Drexel. Companies can also visit the website to see how they can partner with Drexel to provide distance learning opportunities, customized training options, and reduced college tuition to their employees.

One of the “Best Colleges 2010,” According to U.S. News & World Report

Drexel has been offering online courses since 1996 and has been listed as one of the “Best Colleges 2010” by U.S. News & World Report.

Upon completion of Drexel’s BS in Information Technology, graduates from the program will qualify for the following career options:

• Information Security Engineer
• Network Operations Technician
• Network Systems and Data Communications Analyst
• Network and Computer Systems Administrator
• Technical Support Analyst

Students are required to complete 188 credit hours toward the degree and can transfer up to 90 credit hours from their associate’s degrees toward program completion. This program is designed for individuals who have already completed an associate’s degree, so student will not complete a total of 188 credit hours once they enter the program. The total number of remaining credit hours will be determined after credits have been transferred from previous coursework.

Drexel University also offers an MS Degree Completion Program in Information Technology. For a complete list of BS/MS degree requirements, including required courses and course descriptions click here.

Online Degree Programs Offer Flexible Class Schedules

Online degree programs, such as those offered by Drexel University, are quickly becoming the preferred avenue for earning a college degree. Working adults can study in their own time and access their courses 24/7. If your company is not already in partnership with Drexel Pro, contact your company’s educational affairs office to see if a partnership with Drexel Pro can benefit your organization’s vision for a more highly-educated workforce.

Information technology

Free-Ed.net offers a variety of free distance learning courses, including courses in information technology. Free-Ed.net offers college-level courses online at no cost. Students can learn at their own pace without boundaries. According to the website, everything the student needs is offered online, including textbooks. Free-Ed.net offers free education opportunities online but is not accredited. Students do not submit assignments and are not graded on their work.

Why take online courses if they’re not accredited?

There are many reasons why individuals choose to take information technology courses online. For instance, employees may want to brush up on their computer skills or learn new skills to qualify for a promotion in the workplace. For others, taking free courses is a way to test-drive college online, especially if they’ve been out of school for five years or more and want to test the college waters.

Taking free courses before enrolling in a college course also gives individual students peace of mind that they are making the right decision about college. Often, students choose degree programs without any prior experience in that field or without realistic expectations of what they can do in the curriculum. That’s why a sample of coursework is essential to predicting long-term success.

Free.Ed.net is a free educational resource that offers the following courses in the College of Computers and Information Technology:

• Computer Science
• Computer Programming
• Web Scripting and Design
• Computer Operating Systems
• Computer Hardware and Repair
• Computer Database Operations
• Computer Productivity Operations
• Computer Graphics and Gaming

For prospective students who want to check out computers and information technology before enrolling in an online degree program, Free-Ed.net offers a smorgasbord of course options for free.

Sample a College Course Today

There is another option for students who want to try a free course for college credit at TestDriveCollegeOnline. This site offers the opportunity for students to take one free course online, either English Composition I or Introduction to Psychology. These courses offer a realistic “test drive” of college for students who need the reassurance that they can handle the rigors of earning a college degree online.

There’s no need to let financial issues hold you back from taking an online class. Whether you want to learn new skills or test your ability to handle a college course online, there’s no reason why you can’t get started today. Check out Free-Ed.net or TestDriveCollegeOnline to see if earning a college degree is right for you.

According to the GetEducated.com website, “Rankings [for this category] are based on a Spring 2008 survey of regionally accredited and regional candidate master’s degrees in computer science or information technology.” The tuition data is also documented from the spring 2008 survey.

At a price of $5,436.00, it’s no surprise why Columbus State University has received a superior rating out of 123 online master’s degrees offered in the same discipline throughout the United States. This non-profit, public institution offers a Computer Science & Information Systems graduate degree with an emphasis in Computer Science (General) and Information Assurance (Security).

Tuition and Fees for CSU Online Master’s Degrees in Computer Science and Information Assurance

All students, regardless of residency, must pay $432.00 per credit course. Students are also required to pay an additional technology fee of $42.00 per term. Total cost for this program is approximately $5,436, based on the spring 2008 survey.

Prerequisites for Admission into the Program

Applicants into the graduate program must possess a bachelor’s degree in the same subject area; however, there is no set requirement for the undergraduate grade point average. Non-USA students are accepted into the program.

Students Should Compare Schools before Making a Decision

Individuals who are interested in pursuing an online degree should investigate all of their options before pursuing a field of study. Many employers will pay for college courses taken by their employees, as long as the employee earns a grade of “C” or above.

Online degree programs are becoming a popular choice among working adults. As more accredited colleges and universities offer online degree programs as part of their curriculums, the degrees conferred through distance education have been readily accepted by employers.

GetEducated.com is dedicated to educating consumers about legitimate best buys in online education, as well as exposing degree and diploma mills. The website also focuses on the hottest careers, allows students to compare and review degrees, and educates students about financial aid options, such as cutting college costs, guides to student loans, and scholarship options.

By the year 2014, the healthcare industry must switch to electronic records, a move prompted by the current health care reform act. There is a nationwide push to train experts in this area so that medical facilities can make a smooth transition from paper to electronic medical records.

Health Informatics – Blending Information and Computer Sciences with Healthcare

Informatics is a blend of information science, computer science, and healthcare. Individuals who work in this field will need specialized training in working with electronic records using computers, but the training extends beyond the keyboard. Health informatics specialists must also be proficient in medical terminology and clinical guidelines. They must be trained in information communication systems, as well.

The need for health informatics specialists is on the rise. Colleges nationwide are expanding their curriculums to include opportunities for students who want to specialize in optimization of the healthcare industry’s acquisition, storage, and retrieval of sensitive information.

Julie Jacko, lead faculty member at the Institute of Health Informatics, says, “We can’t successfully make that shift as a nation unless we have experts in the workforce who know how to do it.” Most of Minnesota’s grant will go directly to students, although a portion will be used to make improvements in the current program. Other states will follow in their footsteps as more grant monies are distributed.

Once the transition from paper to electronic storage of medical information is complete, it will improve healthcare nationwide. Physicians will have immediate access to patient records, thus eliminating the waiting time for records to be transferred from one facility to another. Additionally, this will eliminate duplication of services and will ensure that patients receive a more thorough review of their records, a more comprehensive diagnosis of their medical issues, and create better patient outcomes in the long run.

Getting a College Degree in Healthcare Informatics

Individuals who are interested in pursuing this career can earn a certificate or advanced degree online or in a traditional classroom setting. Healthcare informatics specialties include the following: health informatics, biomedical informatics, and medical informatics, just to name a few.

In order to improve the quality and speed of medical services, more trained specialists in health informatics will be needed to fill the void. Individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in this expanding career field may want to take advantage of the training opportunities available to them.

This situation is a win-win for both universities and students. Graduate assistants work part-time jobs at their respective universities in exchange for tuition waivers and other benefits. Graduate assistants are work-study students at the graduate level. Colleges offer graduate assistantships as part of their college’s financial aid package. Ultimately, though, the student works for his tuition, often at a lower rate than it would cost to hire an employee who performs the same job.

Universities offer a variety of financial aid packages and benefits to students. Here are two typical examples of what IT graduate assistants can expect.

IT Graduate Assistantship Available at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Graduate students with a major in Information Technology can apply for the graduate assistant position in the Office of Student Activities, working 20 hours per week. This position offers a tuition waiver plus a monthly stipend of $1,167. Additionally, graduate students get student health insurance.

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in communications, graphic design, information technology, or a related field. This position may be renewed annually for a total of two years. A complete list of responsibilities is available on the University of Tennessee website. This position will remain open until filled.

West Virginia University Requires Background Check for Security Operations Graduate Assistants

West Virginia University is accepting applications for a graduate assistantship as security operations assistant until April 30. However, all applicants are subject to a background check. Any student in good standing who is qualified to apply for a graduate assistantship may be considered, as long as the student has at least one more academic year left to complete.

The student hired for this position will get a tuition waiver (pending approval by the student’s college) of $13,344 a year for a 12-month position or $10,008 for a ninth-month position. Preference is given to applicants who want to work for one full year. More information is available on the West Virginia University Division of Human Resources website

Graduate Assistantships Offer Relevant Experience

Students who work as graduate assistants graduate with relevant experience in their major field of study, which places them at an advantage when applying for work post-graduation. Because most graduate assistantships at the master’s level are offered for periods of one year and are renewable for up to two years, former GAs can offer future employers the added benefit of education and experience.

According to an article by Mini Swamy on TMCnet.com, director of education at ACC, Mary Millers, states, “As one of the fastest growing occupations in one of the fastest growing industries, a career in Health Information Technology places graduates in the expanding arena where healthcare meets the cutting edge of technology.”

Health Information Technology is One of the Hot Jobs of the Future

The Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook reports that employment opportunities are “expected to grow much faster than average” in this field. In fact, through the year 2018, an anticipated 20 percent increase in jobs is expected. ACC hopes to educate students to take advantage of the estimated 30,000 anticipated job openings in the next decade.

The median salary for health information technicians in 2008 was $30,610 in 2008, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports. It is projected that by 2018, there will be a need for 207,600 technicians in this field. Graduates with an associate’s degree can find employment in physicians’ offices, outpatient care centers, nursing homes, hospitals, and in federal government jobs.

Earn a Health Information Technology Degree Online

For individuals who do not live near an ACC campus, they can earn a health information technology degree online from the comfort of their homes. Here is a list of colleges that offer health information technology courses:

• Excelsior College offers a Certificate in Health Care Informatics for medical workers who already have a bachelor’s degree.
• Kaplan University offers an AAS in Health Information Technology.
• DeVry University offers an Associate’s Degree in Health Information Technology.
• Bellevue University offers a Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics.
• University of Phoenix offers a BS in Health Administration/Health Information Systems as well as a Master of Health in Administration/Health Care Informatics.
• Walden University Online offers a Master of Science in Health Informatics.
• Duke University offers an MSN in Nursing Informatics and Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing Informatics.
• Stanford University offers a Master of Science in Biomedical Informatics, a Certificate in Biomedical Informatics, and a Computational Genomics Certificate.

There are many benefits of working in this field. Health information technology offers individuals an opportunity to work in an expanding medical field – a field that ensures that patients get higher quality care because physicians have quick access to medical records. Electronic transmission of medical information also reduces mistakes and eliminates excessive paperwork, which means a cost savings to the patient. In essence, the field of health information technology is an integral part of maintaining the security of medical records and ensuring the safety of patients with accurate and up-to-date medical information.

Most Bachelor of Science programs require about 124 semester hours, with classes in general education in addition to your major field of study. A full-time student can expect to complete this degree in four to five years, depending on the number of classes he or she takes each semester. Some requirements may vary from state to state, but most colleges follow similar programs of study.

What are the Required Classes for a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology?

Here is a sample of what you can expect to study in your degree program:

·         Computer architecture

·         Project Management

·         Operating Systems

·         Object-Oriented Programming

·         Computer Security

·         Networking

·         Data Communications

You will also choose a concentration—an area of study with which you wish to specialize. For instance, you may choose to work in project management. You may, instead, want to become a video game designer. There are many options to choose from.

Here is a selection of information technology specialties:

·         Video Game Design

·         Object-Oriented Software Development

·         Information Security

·         Network Management

Conduct some research to decide what area of concentration is most appealing to you. As the information technology industry continues to grow, so will the number of specialties and sub-specialties needed in the field.

What Other Classes Will I Have to Take?

As with any degree program, you will be required to take some general education courses along with your information technology courses. While requirements may vary a little from state to state, here is what you can expect to take:

·         English

·         History

·         Political Science

·         Lab Science

·         Economics

·         Math

·         Humanities Elective

·         Other General Education Requirements, as Determined by the College

A Bachelor of Science in Information Technology offers opportunities for just about anyone who is interested in working with computers or knowledge security. If you prefer to sit at a desk, you could work at the help desk, answering questions and solving problems via telephone. If you like to supervise and delegate assignments, work as a project manager may be ideal for you.

Earning a Bachelor of Science in Information will open the door for a long and high-paying career in computers. Because technology continues to change, opportunities for employment in information technology will continue to grow for years to follow.

What is information technology?

“Information Technology” is a term that describes an industry that manages information with the use of computers and software. If you work in information technology, you could be responsible for performing any or all of the following functions:

Information storage

Information protection

Information processing

Information transmission

Information retrieval

What can I do with a degree in information technology?

With a career in information technology, there are many career paths to choose from. Whether you want to be a consultant, a team player, or manage projects, you can easily find your niche within this industry.

Here are a few jobs you may want to consider:

• IT Jobs in Computer Networking – With a job in computer networking, you can expect to work with communication within computers and devices.
• It Jobs in Information Security – Information security entails working with the protection of information, including but not limited to preventing unauthorized access, distribution, or modification of information within computer systems.
• IT Jobs in Business Intelligence – If you work in business intelligence, you will be required to work with business data. You will collect, integrate, analyze, and present it.
• IT Jobs in Linux – If you specialize in Linux, you will work with a computer Operating System that uses the Linux kernel. This server operating system is used in many organizations.
• IT Jobs in UNIX – This specialty involves working with the Operating System that is used in servers and work stations.
• IT Jobs in Project Management – If you like to manage large projects and its resources, you may want to consider working as an IT project manager.

There are many more fields and sub-fields you may want to consider in information technology. As you do your research, here are a few questions you’ll want to answer:

• What is the working environment?
• What level of education must I complete to qualify for this job?
• What special skills must I have?
• Will I be required to work independently or as part of a team?
• Would I like to work in supervision?
• How much will I earn in this field?

A career in information technology is one that you can begin online right now. New classes are starting soon. With hundreds of online degree programs available, you can get started without fighting traffic, looking for campus parking, or unnecessary distractions in the classroom. Everything you need to begin starts at your fingertips and is just a mouse-click away.