Information Technology
Keeping networks, systems, and infrastructure running.
IT programs focus less on writing novel software and more on deploying, configuring, securing, and maintaining the technology organizations already rely on, networks, servers, cloud platforms, and end-user systems. It's a more hands-on, applied counterpart to computer science.
Coursework mixes networking fundamentals and system administration with security basics and often a business or communications component, since IT professionals frequently translate between technical systems and non-technical stakeholders.
Typical courses you might take
- ✓Intro to Information Technology
- ✓Networking Fundamentals
- ✓Operating Systems Administration
- ✓Database Management
- ✓IT Security Fundamentals
- ✓Cloud Computing
- ✓Systems Analysis & Design
- ✓IT Project Management
Sample four-year plan
Illustrative, not a registration planOne possible way these courses could be sequenced alongside general education and elective credit. Real programs vary in order, pacing, and prerequisites by school, use this to get a rough sense of the arc, not to plan actual registration.
- ✓Intro to Information Technology
- +General education requirement
- ✓Networking Fundamentals
- +General education requirement
- ✓Operating Systems Administration
- +General education requirement
- ✓Database Management
- +Free elective
- ✓IT Security Fundamentals
- +Free elective
- ✓Cloud Computing
- +Elective in the major (or minor coursework)
- ✓Systems Analysis & Design
- +Elective in the major (or minor coursework)
- ✓IT Project Management
- +Capstone, thesis, or culminating project (common in many programs)
Skills you'll build
This major might be a good fit if you...
- ★Enjoys hands-on troubleshooting more than abstract theory
- ★Likes being the person who fixes things
- ★Comfortable learning new tools and platforms quickly
- ★Interested in the infrastructure behind everyday technology
Common minors & double-major pairings
Business · Cybersecurity · Project Management
Roles this major could lead to
Factual, day-to-day descriptions from our Career Role Encyclopedia, not a guarantee this major leads to any specific job.
Software Engineer
Designs, builds, and maintains the software applications and systems people use.
DevOps / Site Reliability Engineer
Builds and maintains the infrastructure that keeps software running reliably.
Cybersecurity Analyst
Monitors, detects, and responds to security threats against an organization's systems.
Cloud Engineer
Designs and manages the cloud infrastructure applications run on.
Database Administrator
Keeps an organization's databases running, secure, and performant.
QA / Test Engineer
Finds and prevents bugs before software reaches users.
IT Support Specialist
Helps employees or customers solve technology problems.
Systems Administrator
Keeps an organization's servers, networks, and IT systems running.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Information Technology major?
Keeping networks, systems, and infrastructure running.
What courses do Information Technology majors take?
Typical coursework includes classes like Intro to Information Technology, Networking Fundamentals, Operating Systems Administration, among others, see the full course list above for this major's typical lineup.
What skills do you build in a Information Technology program?
Information Technology coursework typically builds skills like Network configuration and troubleshooting, System administration (Windows/Linux), Basic security hardening practices, Cloud platform fundamentals.
Is Information Technology a good major for me?
It tends to be a good fit if signals like "Enjoys hands-on troubleshooting more than abstract theory" or "Likes being the person who fixes things" describe you. See the full "good fit if you..." list above for more.
What can you do with a Information Technology degree?
Majors in this field often go on to roles like Software Engineer, DevOps / Site Reliability Engineer, Cybersecurity Analyst. See our Career Role Encyclopedia for more, a major shapes what you study, not a guarantee of any specific job.
What other majors pair well with Information Technology?
Common minor or double-major pairings include Business, Cybersecurity, Project Management.
How is Information Technology different from Cybersecurity?
They're related but distinct. Information Technology: Keeping networks, systems, and infrastructure running. Cybersecurity: Defending systems, networks, and data from attack. Use the compare tool to see courses and skills side by side.
How long does it take to earn a Information Technology degree?
Most bachelor's degrees, including this one, are designed to be completed in about four years of full-time study. Exact timing depends on your school, course load, transfer credit, and any changes of major along the way.
From our guides
Printed from majoratlas.com/majors/information-technology