What Can You Do With an Associate Degree in Information Technology?

In today’s technology-driven economy, information technology (IT) plays a role in nearly every business and organization, from corner stores using electronic payment processing systems to large software companies creating programs and apps. With an IT associate degree, you could get a jumpstart toward your own career in this growing field.^*

"Education and training are important factors in preparing for a career in information technology," said Donna Dukeshire, an academic advisor and adjunct faculty member at SNHU. She's passionate about technology and has been advising in the IT program at SNHU since its inception.

According to Dukeshire, there are some things you can do to help you prepare for a career in IT, such as focusing on areas like networks, user-end applications and system administration. She said you may also want to develop soft skills in communication, critical thinking, problem-solving and teamwork. 

Is an Associate Degree Enough for an IT Job?

Earning an IT associate degree can give you the foundation to start working in the field and gain key real-world work experience to advance your career.

So, what can you do with an associate degree in information technology? Dukeshire said some roles you may be able to pursue include support specialist, network technician or network analyst.

As a computer support specialist, you could work for an organization or technology company to provide technical assistance for users and troubleshoot issues with hardware, software, email and operating systems, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). BLS reported that computer support specialists earned a median salary of $60,810 in 2023, and the role is projected to grow 5% from 2022 to 2032.*

Two roles within the computer support specialist realm are network and user support specialist. According to BLS, network support specialists typically require an associate degree, while user support specialists may require some college courses.*

Once you have gained experience in the IT field, other roles can open up to you, including systems administrator, front-line supervisor and technical support analyst.

Is the IT Field Growing?

As our reliance on technology in our personal and professional lives continues to grow and evolve, so will the job opportunities for skilled IT workers.*

“There is definitely career growth in IT,” Dukeshire said.* “The field is growing, and as technology advances, more people are needed.* An associate degree can open the door.”

BLS projects about 377,500 new computer and information technology jobs each year, on average.* BLS also reported that the field had a median annual wage of $104,420 in 2023 for all occupations.*

Accelerate Your IT Career Path

If you're ready to get started on a rewarding career path in information technology, an associate degree may be the first step to gaining the skills you need to succeed. In an IT associate degree program, you’ll learn how to solve technology-related problems using the latest methods and tools and explore strategies for maintaining and securing existing computer systems.

"What attracted me to this program was the vast amount of technology it covers," said Rick McQueen '19 '21. "It covers simple coding projects to the implementation of systems in a business environment."

McQueen earned his associate and bachelor's in IT from SNHU. He said that the amount of information covered can help students develop a well-rounded knowledge base.

Another way you could help develop your base of knowledge is with industry certifications, such as those offered by CompTIA. These certifications are specific to IT skills such as IT support, network administration and IT security that may help demonstrate your skills and knowledge to potential employers.

Want to take your career to the next level? Continuing your education and earning a bachelor’s in information technology or a master's in information technology can help you specialize in a specific area of IT, such as network administration or software development, and even potentially move up to a leadership position.

No matter what your IT career path or plans for higher education are, it's important to stay focused on continuing education, Dukeshire said.

“Take advantage of every opportunity to advance your education,” she said. “Whether it’s going for certifications, trainings offered by your company or continuing on to a bachelor’s degree. Never stop learning. The IT field changes continuously, and you will need to keep up with those changes.”

*Cited job growth projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Actual salaries and/or earning potential may be the result of a combination of factors including, but not limited to: years of experience, industry of employment, geographic location, and worker skill.

Nicholas Patterson ’22 is a writer and alumnus of Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), where he earned his bachelor’s degree in English and creative writing. He is currently honing his craft further as he pursues an MFA in Creative Writing from SNHU. Connect with him on LinkedIn.