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IT Associate Degree Online AS in Information Technology

Saul Cruz, who earned two degrees from SNHU, sitting at a computer next to a female coworker.

Cost per credit $330

Total courses 40

Term length 8 weeks

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Program Overview Why get an online information technology degree?

Technology is at the heart of every business. From grassroots startups to multinational corporations, information technology (IT) informs the way organizations operate and collaborate. The Associate of Science (AS) in Information Technologies at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) can help you gain a fundamental understanding of technology’s role in the workplace, so you can enter the field with confidence.

When you earn your IT associate degree online, you'll develop technical skills that can position you for success in a variety of entry-level IT roles. And if you want to continue your education, you can carry over all 60 credits from your associate program into a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Information Technology degree or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Information Technology degree at SNHU.

Skills you'll learn:

  • Basic IT problem solving to meet what organizations and users need
  • Tools and tech to build and run computer networks and systems
  • Best practices to communicate and collaborate with project stakeholders
  • Tech competencies like cloud computing, AI and IoT
2022 online degree graduate Gary Walker, standing in front of a laptop with a pair of headphones resting on his shoulders.

Courses & Curriculum Online information technology courses built for the modern workforce

SNHU's associate degree in information technologies will help equip you with the foundational knowledge and critical-thinking skills needed to advance your career or pursue a new one. In your courses, you'll learn to solve fundamental information technology problems and identify current and emerging tools to meet both technical specs and organizational goals.

By focusing on topics like scripting, cross-platform technologies and cybersecurity, you'll learn hands-on, career-relevant skills employers look for. Upon graduating, you'll have experience with Python scripting language, TestOut simulation labs and on-demand cloud computing platforms and application programming interfaces (APIs).

Degree Courses

Online information technology degree courses

The degree courses in this associate program are thoughtfully designed to blend technical and non-technical skills — both of which are essential to entry-level roles in the IT field. In addition to exploring scripting, operating systems and computer systems security, you'll also deepen your understanding of successful communication in STEM settings, systems thinking strategies and effective collaboration.

If you choose to continue on to your Bachelor of Science in Information Technology or Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology at SNHU, you can easily carry over all 60 credits of your associate degree. The best part? You'll have completed exactly half of your bachelor's degree should you decide to continue your education at SNHU.

Courses may include:

Course ID: IT 140
Students will learn the fundamentals of programming concepts including data types, variables, decision statements, loops, functions and file handling. By developing simple scripts, students will understand how to use common scripting language constructs including lists, literals, and regular expressions to build useful applications.
Course ID: IT 200
Students will learn about the fundamental knowledge and skills required in the information technology (IT) field. While exploring the various roles and functions of IT professionals, students will engage with basic technologies, hardware, software, and a systems thinking approach to solving problems.
Course ID: IT 202
Students will explore the different features and components of common operating systems while learning how industry best practices and organizational requirements impact the selection, implementation, and maintenance of their operating systems. Students will also learn how to troubleshoot and solve computing problems common to an organizational environment.
Course ID: IT 212
Students will learn the basics of interconnectivity of computing systems. With fundamental networking knowledge, students will design a basic and secure computing environment that consists of a network, server, client system, and firewall.
Course ID: IT 253
Students will explore the fundamentals of cybersecurity and related policies and procedures. Within the context of an organizational environment, they will examine concepts in the protection of data and personal information, and learn best practices in security planning within the information technology (IT) field.
Course ID: IT 272
Students will explore contemporary systems and technologies such as virtualization, the Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence (AI). They will further examine the business, commercial, and personal implications, risks, and strategies of using cross-platform technologies.
Course ID: MAT 140
This course emphasizes the algebra and concepts of functions. Students will learn the properties and graphing techniques for different types of functions including: linear, polynomial, rational, trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions. Students will also learn to solve a variety of real world problems that rely on a number of different problem solving strategies and an understanding of these different types of functions. This course is intended for those students who wish to prepare for Calculus.
Course ID: QSO 340
As modern organizations have become more complex, they have also become more project-driven. This course uses a basic project management framework in which the project life-cycle is broken into organizing, planning, monitoring and controlling the project. You will learn the methodologies and tools necessary at each stage for managing the projects effectively in terms of time, cost, quality, risk and resources.

Visit the course catalog to view the full AS in Information Technologies.

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Upcoming term starts: October 28, 2024 | January 06, 2025

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Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think

As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.

Online associate programs

Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 60-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$330
$990
$19,800
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$231
$693
$13,860

*before previously earned credits are applied

Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.

**Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.

Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.

Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

$3,960 $7,920 $11,880 $14,850
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

If 12 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your associate degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $15,840

If 24 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your associate degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $11,880

If 36 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your associate degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $7,920

If 45 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your associate degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $4,950

How we estimate your tuition cost:

We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for a master's degree. Most associate degrees require 60 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 45 credits, requiring a minimum of 15 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.

Career Outlook What can I do with an online associate degree in information technology?

Whether you're looking for the credentials to back up your IT knowledge or you're ready to build a whole new skill set, earning your associate degree in information technology is a great decision. What's even better is that employment opportunities in IT look promising.

Equipped with your associate degree, you'll be qualified to pursue or advance your career in a wide array of entry-level jobs, including computer support specialist, network technician, information technology support specialist or help desk analyst.1

Occupations

Graduates of the computer information systems degree program may pursue a number of different careers, including but not limited to:

Provide virtual or hands-on technical assistance to computer users, answer questions and resolve tech issues to enhance user experience.

Document and diagnose computer issues, determine their causes and guide users through the step-by-step process of determining a resolution.

Oversee the daily performance of computer systems, assist with proper installation of hardware and software, and provide individualized support to users.

Test and troubleshoot existing network systems – such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN) and cloud networks – and conduct regular network maintenance.

5%

Increase in computer support specialist positions — with about 66,500 openings added annually through 2032 — projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).2

$60,810

Median annual pay for computer support specialists as of May 2023, according to the BLS.2

Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.

What SNHU students are saying

SNHU Student, Rick McQueen

I gained a mass amount of knowledge over the entire IT field. I learned how many distinct aspects there are in the IT industry.

Rick McQueen '19

Information Technologies (AS)

Frequently Asked Questions

Most definitely. An associate degree in information technology lays the foundation you need in technical knowledge and critical-thinking skills.

Southern New Hampshire University’s (SNHU) online associate degree in information technology (IT) aligns with the course requirements for 2 programs. Both the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in IT and the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Information Technologies online degrees allow you to carry over all 60 credits of your associate degree into a bachelor’s.

Earning an IT associate degree sets you up for success as a bachelor’s degree candidate. It can also help you hone in on a specialization, such as cybersecurity or data analytics. SNHU offers 5 BS in IT degree concentrations:

  • Business management
  • Cybersecurity
  • Data analytics
  • Project management
  • Software development
Grace Donahue with the text Grace Donahue

It’s smart to think about your academic career path from the outset, since many employers look for or even require a bachelor's degree.

“A bachelor's degree can provide a greater depth of knowledge in a field, alongside general education courses that teach students transferable skills,” said SNHU career advisor Grace Donahue. “Certain careers and employers place an emphasis on a bachelor's degree rather than an associate, because it can offer greater long-term flexibility for students and show that they have the ability to learn new skills over time.”


It’s true that some information technology (IT) positions require a bachelor's degree or higher, but there are still many IT associate degree jobs available. Opportunities with the greatest potential for an associate degree in information technology include job titles like:

  • Computer support specialist
  • End-user test technician
  • Software quality assurance tester
  • Technical support specialist

"Just a few years ago, a bachelor's degree was a mandatory requirement for most IT positions," said Dr. Curtis George, associate dean of information technology at Southern New Hampshire University. Now more jobs are filled by qualified candidates with an associate degree in IT and some experience.

Smaller organizations are also more likely to focus on a candidate's experience and less on whether they have an associate versus a bachelor's degree.

Earning an information technology (IT) associate degree can give you the foundation you need to start working in the field. And once you get your foot in the door, you’ll gain the real-world experience you need to move ahead.

“Just like many fields, in IT you need the academics but you also need hands-on experience for resumes,” said Samantha Couture, an academic advisor at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). “It's highly beneficial and makes you more marketable and more competitive when applying for upper-level jobs if you have more of that experience.”

Ben Steinbach with the text Ben SteinbachBen Steinbach, a career outreach specialist at SNHU, believes that working at a help desk is an excellent entry-level job for IT professionals looking to break into the industry. “It’s typically in areas like that someone will take you under their wing or you’ll be learning new stuff and developing skills as you grow,” he said.

Donna Dukeshire with the text Donna Dukeshire

Completing an internship during your education is another great way to build both your resume and a strong professional network in the IT field. And as SNHU academic advisor Donna Dukeshire noted, it can help set you apart when applying to IT jobs.

Whether you're looking to gain skills to enter the field or trying to show your boss you have the credentials to move on up, earning your associate degree is a great first step in advancing your career.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that workers with their associate degrees made median weekly earnings that were 18% higher than those of people with a high school diploma alone in 2023.2

Many entry-level IT jobs include employee and client support – often in help desk technician roles. In 2023, the BLS reported that computer user support specialists earned an annual median wage of $59,240, while computer network support specialists earned an annual median wage of $71,530.

Certifications demonstrate your skills to potential employers, and they help you stand out from the crowds.

You might consider certification for specific information technology (IT) skills, such as IT support, network administration or IT security. Popular certifications include CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+ and AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate.

At Southern New Hampshire University, you can even get credit for IT certifications and credentials you've earned.

If you're already working in the information technology (IT) field, earning an associate degree could help solidify your capabilities and advance your career. If you're looking to break into the world of IT, earning your associate degree could be a great start.

"Yes, my AS in IT degree was worth it," said Rick McQueen '19. "I chose SNHU, because my current state college was not going to be able to give me the classes that I needed in a timely manner," he said. But with Southern New Hampshire University's (SNHU) 8-week undergraduate terms and 6 term starts per year, McQueen could take his information technology classes "at a much faster rate."

These highlights are just scratching the surface of potential benefits for earning your AS in IT. In fact, for the average U.S. worker, there's a clear benefit to getting a 2-year associate degree. According to 2023 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers with an associate degree had median weekly earnings of $1,058, compared with $899 for people with a high school diploma alone.2

But there are many ways to gauge the value of a degree. A few other factors to consider include:

  1. Cost per credit: The price can vary dramatically, so it pays to compare tuition rates. At $330 per credit hour, tuition for SNHU’s 60-credit online AS in Information Technology is among the lowest in the nation.
  2. Online vs. on campus: Generally speaking, online programs are more affordable.
  3. In-state vs. out-of-state tuition rates: Most schools charge more for out-of-state tuition. Online programs typically don’t differentiate.
  4. Transfer policy: SNHU accepts up to 45 transfer credits toward an associate degree and 90 transfer credits toward a bachelor's.

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Sources & Citations

1O*NET OnLine, on the internet, at:

  • https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/15-1232.00 (viewed April 19, 2024)
  • https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/15-1231.00 (viewed April 19, 2024)

2Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:

  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm (viewed April 19, 2024)
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-support-specialists.htm (viewed April 19, 2024)
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm#tab-2 (viewed April 19, 2024)
  • https://www.bls.gov/emp/chart-unemployment-earnings-education.htm (viewed April 19, 2024)

Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.