Computer & Information Technology Schools

Length of Information Technology Training

The length of IT training depends on the type of credential you pursue. Information technology trade school generally takes 24 to 48 months.**

Most Common Length of School**
(range in months)

• Web development
  24
• Information technology
  24-48
• Computer programming
  24-48
• Software engineering
  48
• Computer science
  48

Program Options

Information technology programs are widely available at universities, colleges, and vocational schools. They might also be known as information systems programs or computer technology programs.

Associate degree programs are typically about two years long.** They can prepare you for entry-level roles in areas like systems administration and technical support. Many allow you to transfer your credits into a bachelor's degree program if you later choose to continue your education.

Bachelor's degree programs generally take about four years to complete.** They are more comprehensive and often allow students to choose an area of focus, such as software development or cybersecurity.

Master's degree programs take an additional two to three years beyond the bachelor's level.** They are designed to prepare students for high-level roles in management, research, or systems design.

Typical Courses

Information technology and computer trade school courses often include:

• The fundamentals of IT
• Scripting and programming
• Networking platforms and technologies
• Systems security
• Cloud computing
• Data management
• Web development
• Project management

Skills You Can Learn

You can learn to:

• Install and maintain computer networks, servers, systems, and applications
• Troubleshoot hardware and software issues
• Communicate with end-users and team members
• Develop technological solutions that meet specific requirements
• Use different programming, scripting, and markup languages
• Store, protect, and process data
• Manage an IT project

Certification

A wide range of voluntary certifications is available for IT professionals. None are technically required to work in the industry. But some employers may prefer candidates with certifications that are relevant to their specific area of IT.

Here are a few examples of organizations that offer IT certifications:

• Amazon
• Cisco
• CompTIA
• Google
• IBM
• ISACA
• Microsoft
• Oracle

Education & Training FAQs

What's the difference between information technology and computer science?

Computer science programs focus on helping you learn how computers think. They teach students how to use algorithms and advanced mathematics to get a computer to work a certain way.

Information technology programs generally are about using existing digital tools to solve business problems. They teach students how to set up, manage, and maintain computer systems, networks, and databases.

Computer science programs place more emphasis on computing theory and programming. If you would rather design networks and help information systems run efficiently, you may want to pursue a degree in this area of IT.

Do I need an information technology degree to get hired?

That depends on the position and employer requirements. Some employers will only hire candidates with a certain level of education (normally a bachelor's degree, but an associate degree is enough for some roles). And some employers place a high value on certifications.

But in many cases, employers are more concerned about what you can do than what you have studied. If you can prove you have the skills to get the job done, your educational background may not matter.

Does information technology require a lot of math?

In many cases, you don't need to be great at math to work in information technology. However, you should have an analytical mindset and the ability to use reason and logic to solve problems. Trade school for information technology can include topics like calculus or discrete math, so be sure to do your research to see how much math is involved.

Information Technology Salary

According to the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, the median annual salary for computer and mathematical careers is $97,540.*** The top 10 percent of earners make over $163,640 a year.

Median Annual Wage Comparison***

• Software developers
  ^$121K
• Information security analysts
  ^$103K
• Database administrators
  ^$97K
• Network administrators
  ^$81K
• Web developers
  ^$77K
• Network support techs
  ^$63K

Job Openings & Outlook

Projections data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that employment in computer careers should increase by 10 percent from 2021 to 2031.*** That's significantly faster than the growth rate for all occupations overall.

Over that same decade, around 34,700 computer-related jobs are expected to become available each year.*** About 4,100 of those will be newly created positions. A further 10,200 openings will come from retirements. And 20,400 openings will occur as a result of people transferring into other occupations.

What an Information Technology Specialist Does

IT specialists use computer technology to build and support critical electronic infrastructure. They typically work as part of a team, either serving clients directly or supporting an organization's internal needs.

Depending on their specific role, they might:

• Maintain computer networks and optimize their performance
• Help users work through technical problems
• Fine-tune and update software applications
• Create and maintain websites
• Update data security protocols
• Back up and secure databases

Work Settings

IT specialists work in:

• Offices
• Server rooms
• Data centers
• Call centers

Found in nearly every industry, they are often employed by:

• Finance and insurance companies
• Healthcare facilities
• Engineering firms
• Consulting companies
• Telecommunications firms and Internet service providers
• Government agencies
• Educational institutions
• Retail stores

Careers

Information technology training can lead to a diverse range of careers, including these examples:

Computer support specialist: Troubleshoot computer- or network-related issues and provide advice to users.

Database administrator: Maintain and optimize the systems that store and organize data.

Network and computer systems administrator: Keep computer networks and data communication systems working smoothly and efficiently.

Web developer: Design the appearance and functionality of websites.

Software developer: Design the programs and systems that run on computers, tablets, smartphones, gaming consoles, and other devices.

Cyber security analyst: Come up with security measures to safeguard an organization's data against hackers and cyberattacks.

Career FAQs

How do I know if information technology is the right field for me?

Ask yourself if you:

• Have patience and perseverance: Whether you're dealing with a confused end-user or a challenging technical issue, you need to have the focus and determination to find a solution.
• Have strong problem-solving skills: When an organization's systems go down, you need to work through the issue and get things up and running again as soon as possible.
• Can explain complex concepts in plain English: You need the ability to communicate concepts and issues to laypeople.
• Love to learn: Staying on top of technological trends is critical in this field.

How do I get into an IT career?

Formal training at an information technology school can help you develop the relevant abilities. Indeed, many employers look for candidates with an associate or bachelor's degree in information technology or information systems. Relevant certifications can also boost your employment prospects in some cases.

However, in the IT industry, skills and experience often matter more than educational credentials. You may be able to pick up valuable expertise through boot camp programs, free online courses, or your own trial and error.

What jobs within IT are in greatest demand?

Here are the projected rates of employment growth for various IT occupations from 2021 to 2031, according to the BLS:***

• Information security analysts: 35 percent
• Web developers: 30 percent
• Applications software developers: 26 percent
• Computer and information research scientists: 21 percent
• Computer systems analysts: 9 percent
• Database administrators: 8 percent
• Computer network support specialists: 7 percent
• Computer user support specialists: 6 percent
• Computer network architects: 4 percent
• Network and computer systems administrators: 3 percent