Technology affects nearly every industry, providing opportunities for many careers. A bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology opens doors to entry-level positions, while a master’s degree allows professionals to pursue management roles.
The best tech degrees are flexible and offer specialized concentrations that fit individual career goals. Read on to learn about eight types of technology degrees.
Associate Degree
An associate degree is a two-year undergraduate academic program that provides students with the academic and technical skills required to work in a specific field. It is ideal for those who want to start working and don’t have the time to complete a 4-year Bachelor’s program.
Depending on the subject, an associate degree can lead to various careers such as an electrical engineering technician, computer support specialist, or registered nurse. There are also opportunities to get into the arts with an associate degree, such as in graphic or music art.
Those who wish to continue their studies can transfer their associate degree into a four-year bachelor’s program. In some cases, it is possible to do this within the same university, allowing students to study for just two years of a Bachelor’s degree program. This is particularly useful if you didn’t do as well in high school as you would have liked, and it gives you the chance to raise your GPA before applying for a Bachelor’s degree. Moreover, it is ideal if you are looking for a vocational career but are not sure whether or not to pursue a four-year degree.
Bachelor’s Degree
For individuals with a passion for technology, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer science or information technology (IT) offers numerous career opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for these majors are projected to grow by 13% from 2020 to 2030. Analytical individuals with a love of problem-solving may find satisfaction with this high-paying career option.
A bachelor’s degree, also known as a baccalaureate, takes four years to complete and requires 120 credit hours. Generally, a bachelor’s degree is the first step for students planning to advance into graduate school and obtain a master’s or doctorate.
In addition to core coursework, many bachelor’s degrees allow enrollees to select a concentration in their field of study. A tech concentration allows students to customize their education by focusing on one aspect of IT or computer science, such as cybersecurity or software design. Concentration requirements differ by college, but many require a specific number of credits, usually 12-24, in addition to general coursework. Some concentrations include internships and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Master’s Degree
Whether it’s because of a change in career or life stage, an increasing number of people are returning to study for a Master’s. It’s becoming increasingly common for professionals, including coders and nurses, to view a Master’s as a vital workplace credential to get prepared, hired, and paid in their field.
There are several types of Master’s degrees available. Some courses are tagged with specific professional fields, meaning the course is designed to help students advance their careers within that area. Others have a more hands-on approach, such as a professional science master’s degree. These are sometimes known as ‘hands-on’ or ‘practical’ master’s degrees.
Postgraduate certificates (PGCert) and diplomas are also available for those who want to study for a master’s but prefer not to spend as much time or money. These courses have the same taught modules as a master’s but exclude the research project and are often offered in flexible learning modes. The most popular master’s degree is the Master of Arts, followed by the Master of Science.
Doctorate Degree
Earning a doctorate takes time and effort, but it can also be a great way to improve your career. Doctorates are sought by individuals who want to advance within their field and show that they have extensive research experience.
These programs require students to perform research on a specific topic and develop a dissertation as part of their studies. As such, they teach critical thinking skills that can be applied to many industries. Those who have earned a doctorate typically see higher salaries than those with only a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
Doctorates are available in a wide range of fields and can take between four to eight years to complete. The type of doctorate a student chooses will depend on their desired career path. There are two main types of doctoral degrees: an academic doctorate and a professional doctorate.
An academic doctorate is the type most often pursued by those who want to work in academia. An academic doctorate requires between 60 and 120 semester credit hours, which equals 20 to 40 college classes.
Certificate
Technology influences almost every aspect of the world around us, from growing the food we eat to designing the cars we drive. If you’re looking to enter the field of technology, consider a degree that best fits your professional goals.
Certificate programs are shorter than traditional degrees, offering a faster route to employment in the field of technology. Many certificate programs require between 6-18 months of study and have no general education requirements, allowing students to focus solely on technology-specific coursework. Certificates are often preferred by working professionals seeking to accelerate their careers or recent high school graduates looking for a fast track into the workforce.
A bachelor’s or master’s degree requires a significant financial and time commitment. Choosing the right degree depends on your career path and your interests. Many degrees offer a range of options for tech concentrations that allow you to tailor your education to meet your specific needs. For example, a degree in management information systems can prepare you for a business job that involves technology, while a bachelor’s in computer science gives you the skills necessary to pursue a programming position.
Advanced Certificate
Graduate certificates offer advanced training and instruction in a specific subfield. They may be helpful for recent graduates and mid-career professionals seeking to advance within their field or enter a new one. Graduate certificates typically require less time to complete than degrees. Certificate programs are designed to cultivate the skills and tools that employers value in a certain discipline, focusing on practical applications rather than on general knowledge.
Compared to a master’s degree, which usually involves a two-year academic pursuit of several subjects across many areas of interest, graduate certificates are shorter and more focused. Students enrolled in certificate programs will often study topics such as learning design and technology, cybersecurity, or data science.
The program will help them develop knowledge that is specific to their career goals and will allow them to network with professionals who can give them advice on how to put the skills they are learning to good use in their own professional life. Erica Angell, a graduate student in the learning design and technology certificate program, says that her classes have changed her perspective on how she interacts with people in the workplace.
Associate’s Degree
The associate degree is a popular choice for students who want to get into college but are not sure what they want to study. Generally, the degree takes about two years to complete and can be completed at a community college. There are four types of associate degrees: AA (Associate of Arts), AS (Associate of Science), AAA (Associate of Applied Arts), and AAS (Associate of Applied Science). Typically, those who have an associate degree can transfer their course credits into a bachelor’s program at other universities or colleges if they choose to do so.
Students who choose to pursue an associate degree often do so because they wish to spend less time in college and more time gaining work experience. It is also a great option for those who want to enter a vocation or trade that does not require a bachelor’s degree, such as cybersecurity. However, many students who pursue an associate degree decide to return later for a bachelor’s degree to move up into management or supervisory positions.
Certificate in Technology
As technology continues to change rapidly, so does the skill set needed by professionals in the industry. Many IT jobs now require specialized knowledge, and certifications are an excellent way to gain that knowledge.
Obtaining IT certifications can make you stand out to tech recruiters and can often give you instant professional credibility, especially if they are vendor-specific. For example, earning a Microsoft certified solutions expert (MCSE) or Microsoft certified developer (MCSD) certification can prove your skills in a range of Windows products and services, including data systems management, networking, private clouds, and enterprise infrastructure.
A major benefit of taking the certification route is that it can be done at a much faster pace than obtaining a degree. This is an excellent option for people who need to bolster their resumes quickly and are looking to make a move within the industry. This is also a good option for people who have a lot of work experience and are looking to advance their careers, but do not have the time to study a full course load.