Whether you're just starting out in the technology field or you're looking to take your career to the next level, the online technology programs at SNHU can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed as both a business professional and technologist.
Choose from a wide variety of technology programs including IT, computer science, game programming and development, cyber security, computer information systems and more. Associate, bachelor's and master's degree options are available using the latest technologies and tools to gain the expertise that employers seek in this fast-growing and challenging field. Our online technology degrees are designed to make it possible to pursue a high-quality education without putting your life on hold, with academic support available whenever you need it.
Take the next step in your technology career with the flexible, affordable technology programs at SNHU.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get a technology degree?
In today’s exciting business world, information technology takes on a variety of roles. To study information technology means you may seek an academic program in a traditional technical field, like data analytics. Or, it might mean that you incorporate creative thinking skills and artistic ability, and focus on jobs in game programming or graphic design.
Here are just a few of the exciting information technology programs available:
- Computer science: The study of computer science could mean focusing on data analysis, information security, project management or software engineering. In each of these areas, you will learn to solve real-world problems through the use of data and computer software. You may learn to design new software for solving problems or you may learn to apply existing software principles and products to your work. The paths available within the study of computer science are varied and exciting.
- Game programming and development: Studying game programming and development means you can combine your systems design and analytical thinking skills with your creative nature. Solve complex logic problems while making narratives come to life. Work in a growing, dynamic career field as an animator, programmer, or even writer. With a foundation in physics and engineering principles, there are many opportunities for an exciting career that lets you bring your creative ideas to life.
- Cyber security: Studying cybersecurity means you may become an expert in preventing cyber-attacks on various technological systems. You might work for a private company or for the state or federal government. Prevention of identity theft is a key part of this role, as is learning how to anticipate and prevent cyber-attacks that can hurt people and organizations both personally and financially.
- Health information management: The world of healthcare is more technologically advanced than ever, often in ways we may not even realize. Lab results, insurance claims, patient date and even surgery relies on technology in a variety of forms. Having a solid foundation in data analytics as well as an understanding of the terminology and professional skills required to excel in health information management will provide you with a career poised to help others every day.
Each of these programs incorporates elements of technology and information systems to create a well-rounded educational opportunity that you can use to further your career.
What is the best technology degree to get?
What is the best technology degree to get?
With a variety of information technology degrees available, the answer to this question has a lot to do with your interests and goals.
Do you like programming and the more technical aspects of computer science? Or do you want to incorporate some creative thinking into your course of study? Perhaps a focus in game programming and development is the way to go.
To get started, we do offer an associate degree in information technologies at Southern New Hampshire University. That technology program is a great way to see if a career in information technology is right for you. From there, our admission counselors and academic advisors can conduct a free audit of your transcripts to see what credits – up to 90 – may transfer to an online bachelor’s degree.
Or, if you already have a bachelor’s degree and are interested in taking your technology career in a new direction, consider a master’s program in one of our many technology programs, including cyber security, health information management and information technology.
If you'd like to incorporate technology practices into a non-traditional field such as healthcare, there are a wealth of ways to apply an undergraduate health information management degree or a master's in HIM to a rewarding career.
If a business program interests you, you may wish to explore an MBA in engineering.
As you can see, there are many directions in which technology programs can take you.
How many years does it take to get a technology degree?
Technology and IT degrees are available at every level, from associate degrees to master's programs. The length of time it takes to earn a degree in this field really depends on your goals.
If an associate degree in information technologies or AS in Computer Science is best for you, you might be able to finish in about 18 months. If a bachelor’s degree is on the horizon, you can generally finish in 3-4 years. Some students can finish much faster if they have transfer credits to apply to their program. And a master’s degree can typically be finished in under 2 years. Again, that timeline can be reduced once credits are transferred in.
Every student at Southern New Hampshire University receives a free transcript evaluation. We have one of the most generous transfer acceptance programs in the country. Up to 90 credits may transfer to an undergraduate degree, up to 45 for an associate degree and up to 12 for a master's degree.
Our professional admission counselors and academic advisors will work with you every step of the way to ensure that you receive every transfer credit possible. We know that balancing school with your busy schedule can be challenging. Many of our students work full-time jobs and have families and other commitments. We also have a lot of students who are active-duty military. We work with each and every student to ensure that everyone achieves their educational goals at a pace that works for them.
Online courses mean 24/7 access to the learning materials, and the ability to submit assignments when it's convenient for you. You'll also have access to faculty who are professionals in the field and can offer guidance on career choices and goals.
What kind of jobs can you get with an IT degree?
Because information technology programs cover such a wide variety of skills and career areas, the job potential for a job in IT is great.
Some possible career paths are:
- Network administrator: This role has predicted job growth of 5% through 2028 and a median salary of $83,510, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.1 In this role, you may use hardware and software to manage servers as well as desktop technology and even mobile equipment. Managing email and data storage networks may be your responsibility. Linking workstations among employees and ensuring that telecommunication systems are working properly are also key in this role.
- Computer systems analyst: In this role, you may focus on a particular system within your organization, such as finance or engineering. You may use data modeling to design computer systems. A high level of collaboration is key for success in this role as you may work to help other team members leverage computer systems to serve the organization most efficiently. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth is predicted to be 9% through 2028, with a median salary of $90,920.1
Which technology jobs pay the most?
It’s no secret that jobs in the technology sector tend to pay very well. Of course, we recommend seeking the career path that is right for you. It’s important to love what you do.
Some of the information technology jobs that tend to pay the most are:
- Computer network architect: This role also pays well, with a median salary of $112,690 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.1 Your role may focus on designing computer networks, upgrading hardware or researching new technologies to best support the organization for which you work.
- Database administrator: With a median salary of $97,750 and projected job growth of 9% between through 2028, this is also a role that offers high salaries along with meaningful work.1 Here you may use your knowledge of systems management to ensure that data is properly backed up and secure and to identify needs of stakeholders so they may create and use databases in the course of their work.
The list of possible jobs for people with technology degrees is long. There are many options to work in the information technology field, provide support for others and apply creative thinking in a meaningful, functional way.
Which technology field is best for the future?
The best technology programs are the ones that align with your career goals and interests.
If you have an aptitude for graphic design, you may be interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree in game art and development or graphic design and media arts.
If healthcare is your area of interest, the best IT field for your future might be a bachelor’s or master’s degree in health information management.
Some specific fields that are predicted to continue to do well in coming years are:
- Information security analyst: Also known as a cyber security specialist, an information security analyst is tasked with identifying potential threats to a company’s digital security, and preventing attacks from getting through. As more and more of our lives become automated and digitized, this role will only become more important. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics agrees. This field shows predicted job growth of 32% between 2018 and 2028.1 That is much greater than the national average of occupations.
- Computer systems analyst: Every company has an internal network of computers and technology systems that are integral to the operation of the business. A computer systems analyst is charged with the responsibility of ensuring that these systems are functional with all technology up to date. In this role, you may lead a team of technology experts to maintain, update and upgrade these systems.
- Network and computer systems administrators: Servers, desktops, and mobile equipment are mainstays in today’s business world. Email and data management and storage are key components to the technological health of any business. In this role, you could troubleshoot desktop and user-level technological issues, train staff on best practices for using their technology and devices, and even manage telecommunication networks.
References
Sources & Citations (1)
1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-and-information-research-scientists.htm (viewed June 26, 2020)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/network-and-computer-systems-administrators.htm (viewed June 26, 2020)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-systems-analysts.htm (viewed June 26, 2020)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-network-architects.htm (viewed June 26, 2020)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/database-administrators.htm (viewed June 26, 2020)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm (viewed June 26, 2020)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm (viewed June 26, 2020)
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.