Information technology is a booming and continually-developing industry that makes up an integral part of most of the corporations, government agencies, and individual pursuits in the U.S. and around the world. Featured on this page, we list the top information technology programs available in the United States. The schools listed may offer certificates of completion, associate degree programs, bachelor degree programs, and even master programs.
A bachelor’s IT degree program is often considered the minimum requirement for most information technology positions. Today, many college students interested in an information technology career are choosing to seek their information technology degree online. The flexible online format is ideal for students who must balance their schoolwork with other commitments, such as a full-time job or childcare. Whether you want to be a full-time student or part-time, online classes can work for you.
Online information technology degrees provide the same quality of education as in the classroom. As part of our list, we look at the quality of the program, graduation rate, job placement, and tuition costs. Each of these qualities helps determine how well a student will succeed by enrolling in an information technology program in the U.S.
The growing age of technology implies that a greater need for IT professionals will be required. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates an 18 percent growth in the field through 2020. With the amount of growth expected, corporations will seek out qualified candidates.
In this list, we are focusing on the best online information technology degree programs.
Rank | School | Location |
---|---|---|
1 | University of Massachusetts | Amherst, Massachusetts |
2 | Brigham Young University – Idaho | Rexburg, Idaho |
3 | Colorado State University – Global Campus | Aurora, Colorado |
4 | Georgia Southern University | Statesboro, Georgia |
5 | Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology | Okmulgee, Oklahoma |
Here are the Best Information Technology Degree Programs
University of Massachusetts
UMass aims to provide students in the Bachelor’s in Information Technology online degree program a “solid foundation in the discipline and the broad expertise” needed to succeed in the field of technology. Students can choose between four different concentrations for their IT Bachelor’s degree: Computer Science, Computing, Information Technology, and Operation and Information Technology.
School Overview
Brigham Young University – Idaho
Brigham Young University–Idaho is affiliated with The Church of Latter-day Saints and offers a variety of online degree programs, including a bachelor’s of science in computer information technology. The 120-credit program is offered entirely online and includes 51 credits of the main courses that provide instruction in networking design, database administration, project management, and programming. Students may also select a minor or concentration in programs offered through BYU–I’s Business Department.
Dedicated students can study year round to earn their degree quickly. Otherwise, part-time students can take up to eight years to complete the program. BYU–I through Pathway admits students as well. BYU-I’s Pathway is a low-cost program that blends online learning with local meetings that prepare students for entrance into a four-year degree program. The Pathway program also allows students to earn college credit that they can transfer to BYU–I during admission. During the fall, winter, and spring terms, students can submit his/her application.
School Overview
Colorado State University – Global Campus
The online Bachelor IT degree program at Colorado State University-Global Campus aligns the knowledge of hardware and software with the understanding of business and innovation. The 120-credit curriculum prepares students for IT jobs and all necessary certification exams. Students take the core courses in order. The general education and elective requirements give students the opportunity to apply the knowledge to various subfields in information technology.
Students learn to choose and service software/hardware systems which meet a company’s unique information technology requirements. The program provides practical knowledge in all areas of information technology.
School Overview
Georgia Southern University
Georgia Southern University is a public university located on a 900-acre campus in Statesboro, Georgia, United States. To be accepted into the Web BSIT (online bachelor’s in information technology) program, students must have already completed the first two years of general study towards the bachelor’s degree. The 126 credit program allows up to 90 transfer credits and is an excellent option for individuals with some college experience of working professionals. With an asynchronous course format, someone working full time can still complete the degree in a very reasonable amount of time.
School Overview
Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology
Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology, founded in 1946, is a recognized leader in applied technology education and is known for world-class teaching facilities, partnerships with industry, and has nearly a 90 percent career placement rate. Online information technology programs are available at OSUIT.
The OSU Institute of Technology School of Information Technologies offers three Bachelor of Technology degrees in Network Infrastructure, Software Development, and Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics. Each of the online IT programs is available at any time of the year.
School Overview
University of Wisconsin – Stout
The University of Wisconsin System is a nationally ranked institution that offers a fully online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. UW offers three different bachelor programs online: information science, information architecture, and information technology.
UW-Stout’s online Bachelor of Science degree in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) provides a flexible program for technical college graduates to transfer credits, and working professionals to build upon their previous education. Classes can be taken part-time with a flexible schedule to meet students needs.
School Overview
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw State offers one of the top online IT programs in the nation. The 121-program includes 43 credits of general education requirements, 18 credits of “area f” courses, 41 credits of upper-division major courses, 12 credits of concentration courses, and seven credits of free electives. Students must choose from one of the following online information technology emphasis: enterprise systems, information assurance and security, mobile and web development, and health information and technology.
School Overview
Mesa Community College
Nationally recognized for its career and technical programs, Mesa Community College is home to 30,000 students and is an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution with a diverse student body. MCC offers what is called the Information Technology Career Cluster, which essentially is a number of programs and degrees revolving around computers and technology. There are seven programs in the ITCC: business, computer information systems, digital arts, geospatial technologies, multimedia and game technology, networking and security, and web technology. Students can obtain an Associate in Applied Science in Computer Programming, Information Technology: Cisco Networking, Programming and System Analysis, and others. They also offer a number of certificates of completion in computer programming, network administration, web developing, and other similar majors.
School Overview
Penn State University – World Campus
Penn State University is unquestionably one of the premier leaders in online education. The university provides more than 125 degree and certificate programs online and has over 18,000 online learners all over the world. That’s more online students than the total student body of many schools on this list. Penn State’s online Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences and Technology degree assists students with some college experience or working professionals in different fields to gain the understanding and expertise necessary to make a successful jump into IT. The entire online information technology program can be completed in just over three years, allowing students to take advantage of an asynchronous format for complete flexibility.
School Overview
Bellevue University
Established in 1966, Bellevue University offers an online Bachelor of Science in informational technology meant for busy individuals who want a career in IT. Students will take courses in Microsoft security management, Microsoft operating system management, computer and network security fundamentals, administration of data storage technologies, and computer hardware and software management. The school also offers other online programs in science and technology, including a Bachelor of Science in Web Technologies, a Bachelor of Science in Software Development, and a Master of Science in Computer Information Systems degree.
School Overview
Western Governors University
Western Governor’s University is a university online that has created a learning environment for online students. Not only does the university offer three different bachelor degrees in information technology, but the programs come at an affordable tuition rate allowing students to take as many classes as they’d like without paying extra. WGU focuses on creating skilled professionals as passing courses is competency based. To continue with other courses, students have to test well and demonstrate competency in a subject. An online information technology education through Western Governor also has students complete 14 recognized industry certifications.
School Overview
Columbus State University
Regionally ranked and accredited, Columbus State University is a great option for students interested in an information technology degree. U.S. News has ranked CSU’s online bachelor’s program 205 out of more than 1,200 online programs. The school has university professors that have IT experience in and out of the classroom, so students can learn from people with real-world experience in the field. The IT program at CSU offers students courses in database design and development, systems analysis and design, architecture and operating systems, information technology management, and introduction to digital media.
School Overview
University of North Texas
Founded in 1890, the University of North Texas provides students with a number of options related to the information technology field. The UNT’s College of Information offers a bachelor’s of science in information science. From learning about digital curation, information systems, knowledge management, and information architecture, students will be well prepared to enter the field of information technology. Students also have the option of customizing their studies. They can have a minor or certificate from another study area or can select one of the five degree concentrations the school offers: human language technology, information management and health informatics, information science and knowledge organization, digital content and information systems, or project and knowledge management.
School Overview
Excelsior College
Excelsior College is a private, non-profit college, located at 7 Columbia Circle in Albany, New York, offering degrees at the undergraduate and graduate level. Of those, the bachelor’s of science in information technology covers different IT areas of study including security, networking, and database and software design. This 120 credit IT degree online requires 60 credits in the arts and sciences (six of which must be in written English), 48 credits in technology, and 12 elective credits. Students can follow the general program track or choose from three concentrations: cybersecurity, network management, or information security. Courses are offered asynchronously and provide students with the flexibility to balance work, family, and education.
School Overview
Kansas State University
Located in Manhattan, Kansas State University is a public research university with nearly 25,000 students enrolled in the university. The school offers a Bachelor of Science in Technology Management completion program, which combines advanced business courses with technical areas of concentration such as digital media, computer systems technology, and electronic and computer engineering technology. The program is designed for students who have already completed some coursework. Those interested in the program must be able to transfer between 39 and 45 hours of a core concentration of classwork in order to finish the program. A minimum of 124 hours is required to obtain the degree, including the courses that were transferred into the program.
School Overview
George Mason University
George Mason University is a private institution located in Fairfax, Virginia. The school offers a bachelor’s of science in information technology that ranks among the best online IT degree programs in the nation. In GMU’s 120-credit bachelor’s of science in information technology, students choose a concentration such as health information technology, web development, and multimedia, or information security. The program has an application deadline of January 15 for Fall and April 1 for Spring.
School Overview
University of West Florida
Located in Pensacola, Florida, the University of West Florida offers a number of online programs, including a bachelor’s of science in network systems operations. With an emphasis on networking and telecommunications, this IT degree helps students understand how technology supports organizations. Students are able to learn how to maintain, design, and implement distance systems, networks, and telecommunications in complex organizations. Graduates of the program are ready to enter the field and pursue careers as distance learning technicians, website administrators, field engineers, and training technology supervisors.
School Overview
Arizona State University
Arizona State University is a public research university with five campuses across the Phoenix metropolitan area, and four regional learning centers throughout Arizona. With that students can be located anywhere to take courses online including the online information technology program. The program at ASU Online focuses on preparing students for careers in IT departments and related fields such as web design and interactive media. Students choose one of three options for concentration: design and construction of web applications, security administration of computer and network stems or video game design and development.
School Overview
Central Washington University
Accredited by the North West Commission on Colleges and Universities, Central Washington University provides two information technology programs: a bachelor of applied science in information technology and administrative management and a bachelor of science in information technology and administrative management. Students working towards the bachelor of applied science degree can specialize in cybersecurity, administrative management, or information technology. Students working towards the bachelor of science degree can specialize in cybersecurity, retail management and technology, and administrative management.
School Overview
City University of Seattle
The City University of Seattle offers students more than 60 online degree programs. Online students benefit from expert instruction from experienced faculty. CityU offers rolling application deadlines and an asynchronous course format giving students the flexibility to start and continue their studies at any time. The online IT program from CityU also has the unique feature of being part of the university’s technology institute, which is a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense institution.
School Overview
Park University
With its main campus located in Parkville, Missouri, Park University is an independent, non-profit private university that has offers an online Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems degree and an online Bachelor of Science in Information and Computer Science degree program. ICS students can specialize in networking and security, software engineering, computer science, and data management. Online students will take accelerated, eight-week terms that are available five times a year: January, March, June, August, and October.
School Overview
Oregon Institute of Technology
As the only public polytechnic university established in the Northwestern United States, Oregon Institute of Technology offers a challenging information technology program for those who wish to obtain an online degree. Students will take their classes completely online and be prepared for careers in computer science and information technology-related fields. Courses offered include web development, network security, project management, and database design and management. In order to provide a broad education, OIT may also require students to complete a series of accounting, business, and management classes.
School Overview
Regent University
Regent University is a private Christian research university located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States. RU offers online information technology degrees in computer systems and information security. To complete the B.S. in Information Systems Technology, students must complete 120 credits. Of those, 48 of these credits from the major selection, while an additional 15 credits make up the emphasis. The university offers a bachelor’s in information technology degree that blends information technology and information students along with a focus on business education.
School Overview
Lindenwood University
Established in 1827, Lindenwood University offers a variety of degrees, from undergraduate to doctoral. They offer a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Information Systems through their Computer Science department. This program focuses on business-oriented computer methods and business applications. Students can expect to learn about accounting, management, and organizational behavior. Students are required to spend two years learning to represent information with data structures and write and debug programs.
Senior students will focus on larger-scale, application-oriented software. They are also required to participate in a capstone course where they will be put into teams and expected to solve complex real-world problems within their field of study. Once graduated, students will be able to develop quality computer software and use their knowledge and skills with a number of other disciplines. The School of Accelerated Degrees also offers the following undergraduate degrees: Information Technology, Business Systems Development and Cyber Security, and an MS in Information Technology.
School Overview
Peirce College
Peirce College is a private, non-profit 4-year college located in Center City Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Online programs available to students are Networking, Administration and Information Security, Programming and Application Development, and Competency-Based Education. Peirce also offers a new competency-based education program for earning your IT degree with a concentration in Networking, Administration and Information Security, so you can put what you already know to good use.
School Overview
Western Kentucky University
Established in 1906, Western Kentucky University offers an online Bachelor of Science in computer information technology. Students have the option of pursuing an online degree as a full bachelor’s program or as a completion degree. The program is designed for students who already have an AAS degree and want to pursue a career in database administration, web development, information security analysis, computer programming, and other information technology-related jobs. Due to WKU’s partnerships with Microsoft DreamSpark, Test out, and VMWare, students at WKU receive training resources at a minimal cost when it comes to assisting them in learning information technology design techniques and development.
School Overview
New Jersey Institute of Technology
The New Jersey Institute of Technology offers a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology through it’s Yung Wu College of Computing. Students can choose a degree specialization, as the program takes an interdisciplinary approach, and students can apply their knowledge of hardware and software to a specific field. Twelve courses are required for students going into a specialization like architectural design, criminal justice, gaming, and systems integration. The program emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning by requiring that the student complete a capstone project, internships, and university-wide research. If they wish, undergraduate IT students can also double major in either Applied Physics or Applied Math.
School Overview
Lipscomb University
Located in Nashville, Lipscomb University has a College of Computing and Technology whose aim is to advance student knowledge and contribute to society’s welfare. The school offers two Bachelor of Science degree programs related to the field of computers: Information Technology and Information Technology Management. Students in the IT program practice problem-solving within their field, develop important business and managerial knowledge, discover the impact information technologies have on individuals and organizations and evaluate computing and information technologies. Students also learn how to create, design, manage and utilize computer-based information systems, including computer hardware and software.
School Overview
Concordia University – Wisconsin
Concordia University – Wisconsin offers a Master of Science in Information Technology. Students will have the opportunity to participate in numerous hands-on experiences. They will learn about network applications, data networking, computer concepts, information technology security, and ethical computing. The program is c0mprised of a total of 36 credit hours and each course takes between 8 and 10 weeks to complete. The eight-week courses are not fully online, as students in those classes will be required to attend at least one class at the university’s Mequon campus, which take place during the evening.
School Overview
Liberty University
A Christian university, Liberty University’s School of Business provides a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs built on the institution’s Christian mission, which is to produce qualified graduates with an education based on Christian values and principles. Through the School of Business, students can complete a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degree online. There are four specializations for students to choose from: Web and Mobile Programming, Data Networking and Security, Application and Database Development, and Gaming Design. Students can expect to be competent in key areas of the information technology profession after graduating, such as system administration, programming, and database management. Up to 90 credit hours can be transferred into LU’s program from another accredited program.
School Overview
King University
The online Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Technology at King University in Tennessee requires 45 completed credits for application but then helps students finish their degree quickly if desired with the option for a 16-month accelerated program. If students wish to take classes part-time, the program length is around four years. The degree offers concentrations in business, web design, cyber security, health informatics and others. The degree is also portfolio-based helping students to develop work interesting to employers and practical experience.
School Overview
University of Denver
The University of Denver provides students with a convenient, flexible way to complete their bachelor’s degree in information technology. Designed for students that already have some college experience the degree requires 185 credits to complete, with the University of Denver accepting 135 transfer credits from accredited institutions. Fully online students follow a 10-week term schedule. Students will gain in-depth knowledge of programming, networking, and hands-on experience as they will be required to complete a capstone service-learning project.
School Overview
Northeastern University
Northeastern University’s classes comprise the online IT program with core instruction in quantitative methods, computer programming, and technical before moving on to more specialized instruction in database management, operating systems, networks, and the Internet. Online information technology students can select concentrations in areas like app development, business analysis, and web and multimedia design. The program totals around 120 credits and students have to option to do a fast-track option to finish the program faster.
School Overview
University of Southern California
The University of Southern California emphasizes providing the same educational experience for both online and on-campus students. Classes in the several online IT programs from USC meet simultaneously with on-campus sections, but are recorded and archived for student reference at any time. The university limits online enrollment to be able to provide the necessary academic support for program success and completion.
School Overview
Drexel University
Drexel University, in Philadelphia, offers a wide array of online information technology options including a BS in Computing and Security Technology. Drexel works to make distance learning more affordable, offering reduced tuition rates for online students as well as special alumni military, and DU partner discounts. The program is divided into four ten-week quarters over two years for students who already have their associate’s degree. Designed specifically for experienced workers, or students well on their way, Drexel’s online IT degree is a rigorous but hugely respected program.
School Overview
LeTourneau University
LeTourneau University is a private, Christian university located in Longview, Texas, United States. The school focuses on programs in engineering, aeronautical science, education, and business. The Computer Information Systems degree is entirely online. The Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems is designed to fit student’s analytical skills and technologically focused interests. Students learn to apply concepts of best practices in information technology management and work with stakeholders to identify computer information system and security utilization and needs. The program requires 126 credit hours.
School Overview
Campbell University
Campbell University, located in Buies Creek, North Carolina has over 6,000 undergraduate students currently enrolled, Campbell offers three different online IT programs. The online information technology program offers a Bachelor of Applied Science in Information Technology Management and Security and also a Bachelor of Science in I.T. Management. The program requires 124 credit hours, and the length of the program extends to about four years.
School Overview
Pace University
Pace University, located in Manhattan, New York, offers a Bachelor of Science in information technology program online. 120 credits are required to complete the online information technology degree. Classes include web authoring and digital media, distributed computing, systems analysis and design, mobile device forensics, introduction to private security, and simulation techniques. Applications are accepted any time of the year and applicants must pay the $50 application fee, write an essay, send transcripts, recommendation letters, and standardized test scores.
School Overview
South University
South University, located in Savannah, Georgia, provides excellent IT instruction online and on campus. The online program offers five different concentration areas including, General Information Technology, Network Administration, Multimedia and Web Development, Database Administration, and Information and System Security. The flexible degree allows students to complete the 180 required credit hours at their own pace wherever they may be. South’s program prepares students with the technical proficiency as well as the experience needed to jump right into any number of IT professions.
School Overview
Fisher College
Fisher College is a private, nonprofit, independent institution located in Boston Massachusetts. The Computer Information Systems (CIS) concentration of the Bachelor of Science in Management program is designed to give students an understanding of business functions, management principles, and the critical role of technology in any modern business or other organization. The 120-credit curriculum emphasizes the importance of each of those understands.
School Overview
Tiffin University
The online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology couples a bachelor’s degree with industry-recognized certifications in information technology to provide graduates with an advantage when beginning their career in the IT field. The online information technology program is offered in two 7-week terms per semester starting in January, March, May, July, August, and October.
School Overview
Research Method
This bachelor degree program list was compiled drawing from the best online universities in the nation offering online information technology programs. Each school was evaluated and ranked based on a combination of flexibility, faculty experience, the success of graduates in their fields, options for financial aid and overall quality of program based on student feedback.
We know that finding the best school to fit your unique needs can be a huge challenge. For that reason, we work hard to develop lists of the best schools based on the characteristics most important for you. Whether that be the cost of attendance, student success, resources available, flexibility of schedule, or any other number of important factors, we’ve got you covered. For more information about our ranking process and to find lists of schools based on specific characteristics, check out our methodology page.
If you believe your school should appear on our top online information technology programs, please contact us for possible inclusion in an updated version of the list. We’re constantly looking to recognize top-tier institutions.