Do I Need an Information Technology Degree? What to Consider

Key takeaways

You can enter the information technology (IT) field without a degree, but you may find it easier to advance in your career with an IT degree. 

• The IT field is expanding at a higher-than-average rate, with a projected 317,700 job openings per year, many of which require a bachelor’s degree [1].

• Having an IT degree can help you learn in a structured environment, earn higher salaries, and land an IT job in companies that prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree.

• You can break into several IT roles with a bachelor’s degree in IT, like system administrator, network administrator, information security analyst, and help desk technician.

Use this guide to learn more about what an IT degree is, how IT differs from computer science, careers you can pursue with an IT degree, the benefits of getting one, and alternatives to a degree. Then, explore online degrees from respected universities.

What is an information technology degree?

Information technology refers to the use of computer systems to manage information, improve communications, and solve problems. It is a broad field of study that encompasses many specializations, such as cybersecurity and network administration. You can earn an associate degree or bachelor's degree by majoring in IT, or you can advance your knowledge with a master’s degree or doctorate.

Examples of information technology degrees:

• Bachelor of Information Technology

• Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity

• Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering

• Bachelor of Science in Network Engineering

• Master of Information Technology

• Master of Science in Information Systems

• Master of Science in Software Engineering 

Information technology degree coursework

You can expect to study the following subjects while earning an IT degree:

• Information systems

• Cybersecurity

• System administration and maintenance

• Web development and design

• Programming and scripting

• Data management

• Operating systems

More advanced degree programs may also cover software development, IT project management, InfoSec, and business information technology.

Read more: Information Systems vs. Information Technology (IS vs. IT)

IT vs. computer science

In the computer science field, you’ll design and build computers and computer programs. In IT, you’ll work to maintain and improve those computers, as well as the systems, security structures, databases, and networks that help them run. Several fields combine principles from both computer science and IT, like cloud computing, DevOps, and database administration.

So which should you choose? If you’re drawn more toward what you can do with computers, such as building websites, designing software, creating machine learning algorithms, then computer science might be what you’re looking for. If you’re interested in the ways computers run, IT is probably more suited for you. Learn more about the differences between computer science and IT degrees.

Other related fields, such as data science or computer engineering, are also worth exploring.

What can you do with an information technology degree?

Career opportunities in the information technology field are abundant. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs in the computer and information technology industry are expected to grow at a much faster rate than most occupations in the US from 2024 to 2034 [1]. This translates to around 317,700 job openings per year. An IT degree is an excellent starting point for career paths ranging from engineering to managerial. Nearly every industry requires IT professionals, so you have a wide range of specializations to choose from. The list below outlines a few careers that can begin with an information technology degree, along with their respective salaries and education requirements.

Systems administrator

Systems administrators troubleshoot, maintain, and support the operations surrounding computer networks and servers. Sysadmins in the US earn a median total salary of $111,000 per year [2]. Sixty percent of system administrators have a bachelor's degree, 24 percent have an associate degree, and 9 percent have a master's, according to Zippia [3].

Network administrator

A network administrator is responsible for ensuring an organization's network systems work securely and efficiently. In the US, network administrators earn a median annual total wage of $99,000 [4]. Fifty-five percent have a bachelor's degree, 30 percent have an associate degree, and 7 percent have a master's degree [5].

Information security analyst

Information security analysts protect organizations' sensitive data by monitoring cybersecurity threats and designing and implementing defense measures. Information security analysts in the US earn a median total salary of $126,000 per year [6]. Sixty-two percent have a bachelor's degree, 20 percent have an associate degree, and 13 percent have a master's degree [7].

Help desk technician

Help desk technicians are customer service representatives with specialized knowledge in troubleshooting problems that may arise with hardware, software, or networks. In the US, help desk technicians earn a median total salary of $64,000 per year [8]. Fifty percent of help desk technicians have a bachelor's degree, 32 percent have an associate degree, and 7 percent have a high school diploma [9].

All salary information represents the median total pay from Glassdoor as of December 2025. These figures include base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

Is an information technology degree worth it?

Real-world experience and technical skills can get you far in IT. In recent years, prominent companies like Google and Apple have stopped requiring four-year degrees as long as employees have the technical knowledge to complete the work [10]. Google has also released online education offerings, such as skill-building career certificates, to prepare candidates for entry-level roles.

How difficult is an IT degree?

Some people may find an IT degree challenging due to its focus on technical concepts, rigorous coursework in subjects like mathematics and computer science, and the constantly evolving nature of the field. However, you can overcome the challenges by developing effective study habits, utilizing university resources like tutoring services to hone your skills or clarify your concepts, and building a network by attending IT events and participating in online communities to keep up with trends in the industry.

Benefits of earning a degree in information technology

• Some employers might still prefer candidates with bachelor’s degrees. While many companies might be getting rid of their four-year degree requirements, the BLS indicates that some positions can require a bachelor’s degree [1].

• You’ll learn in a structured environment. Enrolling in a degree program can create a structured environment where you’ll have a set schedule and professors and peers to ask questions. 

• Higher degrees are linked to higher incomes. High school graduates in the US earn a median weekly income of $980, while bachelor's degree holders make a median of $1,747 a week, according to 2025 BLS data [11]. So while it’s possible to land a job in IT without a degree, you might find that you'll need to work up to the salary you desire.

Other ways to break into the IT field

If you’re trying to land an entry-level IT job, you can find less expensive and quicker ways to get the training you need, like IT certifications. Entry-level IT jobs generally require an understanding of various operating systems, networks, and basic security features. You can look through several job descriptions of positions you’re interested in to get a sense of what kind of skills you’ll want to have.

Find the tools you need to keep moving forward

Looking for your next step? Get expert career insights for your industry by subscribing to our LinkedIn newsletter, Career Chat! Or if you want to keep learning about courses, skills, and concepts in IT, check out these free resources:

• Take the quiz: Which IT Course Should You Take? 

• Watch on YouTube: Transform Your Career with Google IT Skills (Not Just for Tech!) 

• Save for later: Information Technology (IT) Terms: A to Z Glossary

Complete your bachelor’s degree or pursue your master’s degree with flexible programs from esteemed university partners on Coursera.