* Degree type: An associate's degree typically takes two years, while a bachelor's degree takes four years. Master's degrees in IT can take an additional one to two years beyond a bachelor's. There are also certificate programs which can take anywhere from a few months to a year.
* Course load: Full-time students generally complete their degrees faster than part-time students.
* Institution: Some institutions offer accelerated programs that allow students to graduate sooner. The structure of the program (e.g., semester vs. quarter system) will also impact the total time.
* Transfer credits: Students who transfer credits from previous education may shorten their time to graduation.
In short, you can expect:
* Associate's Degree: 2 years (full-time)
* Bachelor's Degree: 4 years (full-time)
* Master's Degree: 1-2 years (full-time, after a bachelor's)
* Certificates: A few months to 1 year
These are estimates, and individual experiences may vary.