IT, or information technology, is the collection, protection and dissemination of information by and through the use of computers and other technical systems. Information technology is a career specialization that is constantly changing. Organizations of any kind, whether they are schools, businesses, or government agencies, depend on IT specialists to continually research new systems technology so that any sensitive data can be secure and properly managed. It is vital that a company in a competitive environment have someone on hand to use and maintain IT equipment.
Two-year programs, like a certification or an associate's degree in IT, give students the necessary fundamentals in information technology. These types of training programs are useful for people who are just starting out in their IT career and want to gain some type of qualification in the field before they enter into the workforce. While a certification in IT will not be the precursor to a high salary, training in an associate's degree in IT could earn you a salary of $30,000 in an entry-level job. To enter into an associate's IT program, you would need a strong math and science background, as well as a GED or a high school diploma. Typical courses in this type of IT training program are classes in computer programming, user interface and computer design.
Many universities offer four years of training in information technology through bachelor's degree programs in IT. Like an associate's degree program, you can also enter into a bachelor's program straight out of high school. Unlike an associate's degree program, the bachelor's offers a more general curriculum. Students will continue to take specialization courses such as intro to programming, website development, information systems and information security. However, they will also take many courses in general skills, such as ethics, general psychology, fundamentals of typography, and learning and behavior, so that a student can graduate ready to go into many IT positions, especially management.
The master's IT program is another way to obtain practical training in the field. For most master's programs, a bachelor's degree is needed for entrance. Once in the program, a person could take courses in advanced algorithms, computer architecture, database management, software engineering and information theory. Master's programs usually last no more than one and a half to two years, and those who graduate could continue on to a Ph.D., or work in a higher position at their current IT workplace.
The Ph.D. in information technology is a professional degree and the highest possible practical training degree program available. It is for those who wish to be a part of leading and advancing IT research in society. The Ph.D. program takes an indeterminate amount of time, because it is based on the completion of a thesis that is the result of years of IT research. The benefit of this program is that you get to work directly with professionals who have studied and worked in information technology for years. You also can command a high salary once you earn the Ph.D. in information technology.