Technology - Information technology or systems

The rise in cyberattacks is driving organizations across industries to strengthen their cyber defense strategies, enhance cloud security and improve risk management to protect their data and systems.

As a result, skilled cybersecurity professionals are in demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 33% job growth for information security analysts from 2023 to 2033, making it one of the nation’s fastest-growing careers. With a median annual wage of $120,360 as of May 2023, this field offers strong earning potential and job stability.

This program equips you to pursue employment as an information security analyst and other critical roles such as cybersecurity analyst and security compliance analyst.

What you’ll learn in this program

This degree provides a strong IT foundation, equipping you to develop and oversee innovative information solutions that drive positive change. The curriculum offers a comprehensive IT foundation, covering both software and hardware technologies, as well as key areas such as software development, computer architecture and networking. You’ll also gain hands-on experience with Python, Java, Unix, PowerShell and SQL.

The cybersecurity concentration teaches you how to think like cyber attackers to build defensive security measures. Courses emphasize:

• Cloud and mobile security
• Network forensics and security analysis
• Security risk assessment
• System orchestration and configuration management

Choosing the right IT degree for you

ASU’s ABET-accredited online bachelor’s degrees in IT provide a strong foundation in engineering, mathematics and core industry concepts. While they share similarities, each program is tailored to different career paths.

• BS in information technology
  • Covers a broad IT foundation with hands-on projects in network security, data management and more. Prepares you to develop technology solutions and optimize efficiency across industries.
• BS in information technology with a concentration in cybersecurity
  • Focuses on network forensics, security analysis, cloud security and risk assessment. Equips you to secure digital infrastructures and protect organizations from cyber threats.
• BS in information technology with a concentration in networking
  • Emphasizes network design, high-availability architecture, performance analysis and cloud networking. Provides skills to build and maintain secure, scalable IT infrastructures.

No matter which program you choose, you can also pursue an Accelerated Master’s degree. Once accepted, you can earn a master’s degree in as little as one year after completing your undergraduate degree. This opportunity saves time and money while providing advanced knowledge in your field. Applicable master's degrees include:

• Master of Science in information technology

As companies invest in new technologies, mobile networks and cloud-based infrastructure, the demand for networking professionals continues to increase. With a networking-focused IT degree, you can pursue growing careers such as network administrator, engineer or service technician, systems architect or wireless network engineer.

For example, a high-growth career in this field is computer network architecture. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 13% job growth for computer network architects from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual salary for this role was $129,840 as of May 2023.

The skills you’ll develop

This program builds a strong IT foundation that adapts to industry advancements. The core curriculum blends theory and hands-on practice in infrastructure, cloud computing, DevOps, data and cybersecurity. You’ll work with industry-standard tools such as Python, Java, Unix, PowerShell and SQL, gaining the skills to design and implement impactful IT solutions across industries.

Beyond the broader IT curriculum, networking delves into the design, configuration and optimization of interconnected systems. You’ll gain hands-on experience with routing protocols, network hardware, wireless technologies and troubleshooting tools. You’ll also learn to secure networks using firewalls, intrusion detection and VPN configurations — specialized skills essential for managing and protecting complex network environments.

Choosing the right IT degree for you

ASU’s ABET-accredited online IT bachelor’s degrees build a solid foundation in engineering, mathematics and core industry concepts. While they share common elements, each program focuses on distinct career goals.

• BS in information technology
  • Covers a broad IT foundation with hands-on projects in network security, data management and more. Prepares you to develop technology solutions and optimize efficiency across industries.
• BS in information technology with a concentration in cybersecurity
  • Focuses on network forensics, security analysis, cloud security and risk assessment. Equips you to secure digital infrastructures and protect organizations from cyber threats.
• BS in information technology with a concentration in networking
  • Emphasizes network design, high-availability architecture, performance analysis and cloud networking. Provides skills to build and maintain secure, scalable IT infrastructures.

Whether you choose the networking concentration or another path, you can pursue an Accelerated Master’s degree. Once accepted, you can earn a master’s degree in as little as one year after completing your undergraduate degree. This opportunity saves time and money while providing advanced knowledge in your field. Applicable master's degrees include:

• Master of Science in information technology

An applied business degree is ideal for those looking for growth in their current roles or are preparing for leadership and management positions. In this program, you’ll gain a variety of business skills, such as:

• Analytical research and problem solving.
• Cross-functional communication and collaboration.
• Data analytics and visualization.
• Global applications and cultural sensitivity.
• Leadership and management.
• Personal ethics and integrity.

Additionally, you can tailor your learning by choosing up to two specializations in your areas of interest. Explore topics in more than 15 focus areas ranging from human resources and diversity, equity and inclusion to human factors engineering and marketing. This provides you with the opportunity to direct your learning and tailor coursework to your professional goals.

The careers an applied business degree prepares you for

Employers of all sizes and industries value broad-based business skills. Whether you want to advance in your current role, seek opportunities in a new organization or follow entrepreneurial pursuits, you’ll be on the path to accomplish your goals.

As a graduate, you can pursue a wide array of careers in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. You may find opportunities in communications, leadership and management, human resources, sales, training and more.

How does this program compare to a business administration degree?

While both programs provide insight into business practice and strategy, they have key differences. ASU Online’s bachelor’s in business administration concentration emphasizes building general management and operations skills.

By comparison, this applied business degree allows you to explore multiple areas of interest. You’ll have the flexibility to take courses in a variety of disciplines and understand how they integrate to form valuable business solutions.

Full-stack web development means building websites and applications from start to finish, encompassing the front end that users see and the back end that makes them work. Full-stack web developers’ responsibilities range from designing and programming to testing and maintaining applications.

This full-stack development degree concentration is unique because you’ll build a set of programming competencies, as well as gain experience in motion graphics, commercial photography, video production and print design.

Gain full-stack developer skills

In this Accrediting Council for Collegiate Graphic Communications (ACCGC)-accredited program, you’ll gain skills that complement front- and back-end development. Your versatility in designing visual applications and your technical programming abilities will be highly valued by employers across industries. In addition to learning about graphic media and web design, you’ll hone full-stack development abilities, including:

• Back-end languages, such as Java, Python, PHP and Ruby.
• Front-end languages, including HTML, CSS and JavaScript.
• Database management.
• Project management.
• Visual design.
• Web development.
• User experience.

Will I learn how to become a full-stack developer?

Yes. The full-stack development concentration provides you with the knowledge and competencies to become a full-stack web developer. You’ll also be qualified for a variety of other roles that may pique your interest, such as full-stack engineer, front-end developer, back-end developer and API engineer.

Additionally, this bachelor’s degree can be completed as part of an Accelerated Master’s program. When accepted, you can earn a master’s degree in as little as one year after completing your undergraduate degree. This opportunity saves you time and money while giving you advanced knowledge in your field. Applicable master’s degrees include:

• Master of Science in graphic information technology.