How to choose a bachelor's in information technology
Do you desire to build a future in the information technology field and want to know the best educational program to choose? With so many programs out there, it can be challenging to know which ones can prepare you for success.
Learn what criteria you can use to weigh your options for choosing a bachelor's in information technology program and make the best choice for you.
Guide to choosing a bachelor's degree in information technology
Pursuing a bachelor's degree is a big decision. If you're wondering how to choose a bachelor's in information technology program, here are five considerations to think about when evaluating programs to find the right one for you.
Check for institutional and programmatic accreditation
Institutional accreditation validates degree-granting colleges and universities in the U.S. so that students can feel confident about their education. Accreditation also allows schools to transfer credits to and from other colleges and provide federal financial aid to students. Legitimate accrediting bodies are recognized by the United States Department of Education (ED) and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Programmatic accreditation ensures that programs meet particular standards related to curriculum, faculty expertise, educational objectives, student outcomes, and more. For example, ABET (formerly Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) houses several programmatic accreditation commissions that evaluate natural science, engineering, computing, and technology programs in degree-granting institutions.
As an information technology degree-holder, you will likely work in critical roles that can significantly impact operations, security, and compliance. Employers will want to verify that you have received a quality education that has adequately prepared you for this responsibility. Confirming institutional and programmatic accreditation is critical when choosing a bachelor's in information technology.
Gather information on the program's curriculum
It's crucial to ensure that your program can prepare you for the career you want to have after you graduate. Consequently, the curriculum required for the degree program should include coursework in essential disciplines needed to succeed in the field.
For example, your information technology degree program should provide a lot of applied practice in:
- Information management
- Integrated systems
- System paradigms
- Platform technologies
- Networking
- User experience (UX) design
- Software development
It should also include relevant courses in discrete mathematics and other mathematical topics as appropriate. These courses help you develop a solid skill set that may allow you to fulfill the duties of your future professional role.
Consider the teaching faculty members' credentials
If you're wondering how to choose a bachelor's in information technology program, remember that it is important to vet the school's faculty before you enroll.
Make sure that the teaching staff in your chosen program have proven their knowledge and competency through their educational background or credentials. This ensures that they are in a position to advise you and evaluate your work.
Additionally, you may want to verify that the faculty you may be learning from have experience in the field of information technology. Those with extensive experience can often better understand and communicate concepts to the students they teach. Having field experience allows faculty to go beyond theory and teach practical applications.
Ask about school resources and career services
The world of information technology can be daunting to navigate, and it's essential that the degree program can provide you with the resources you need. This may mean offering advising and counseling services to ensure you can access academic assistance programs and that you are choosing the right elective courses.
Finally, it's a good idea to inquire with program administrators about whether and how the school helps students find jobs. Can faculty help with professional connections? Does the school have recruiting relationships with well-known companies?
Securing help when you start your professional career is key to a successful outcome.
Inquire about future education opportunities
Your chosen degree program should be designed to maximize student outcomes. If employers in your selected information technology specialty require or prefer certificate opportunities, you may consider choosing a program that offers or subsidizes those certificates.
For example, you may wish to use your information technology degree to become a data analyst. In that case, you might consider choosing a school that offers an additional data analytics certificate that you can earn alongside your degree to build on the skill set you are already developing and make your résumé more marketable.
Explore bachelor's degrees in information technology
Ready to begin your journey into the ever-expanding world of information technology? Then check out edX's bachelor's in information technology programs and get started today.