Technology - Information technology

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