IT Associate Degree Online AS in Information Technology
Program Overview Why get an online information technology degree?
Technology is at the heart of every business. From grassroots startups to multinational corporations, information technology (IT) informs the way organizations operate and collaborate. The Associate of Science (AS) in Information Technologies at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) can help you gain a fundamental understanding of technology’s role in the workplace, so you can enter the field with confidence.
When you earn your IT associate degree online, you'll develop technical skills that can position you for success in a variety of entry-level IT roles. And if you want to continue your education, you can carry over all 60 credits from your associate program into a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Information Technology degree or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Information Technology degree at SNHU.
Skills you'll learn:
- Basic IT problem solving to meet what organizations and users need
- Tools and tech to build and run computer networks and systems
- Best practices to communicate and collaborate with project stakeholders
- Tech competencies like cloud computing, AI and IoT
Courses & Curriculum Online information technology courses built for the modern workforce
SNHU's associate degree in information technologies will help equip you with the foundational knowledge and critical-thinking skills needed to advance your career or pursue a new one. In your courses, you'll learn to solve fundamental information technology problems and identify current and emerging tools to meet both technical specs and organizational goals.
By focusing on topics like scripting, cross-platform technologies and cybersecurity, you'll learn hands-on, career-relevant skills employers look for. Upon graduating, you'll have experience with Python scripting language, TestOut simulation labs and on-demand cloud computing platforms and application programming interfaces (APIs).
Online information technology degree courses
The degree courses in this associate program are thoughtfully designed to blend technical and non-technical skills — both of which are essential to entry-level roles in the IT field. In addition to exploring scripting, operating systems and computer systems security, you'll also deepen your understanding of successful communication in STEM settings, systems thinking strategies and effective collaboration.
If you choose to continue on to your Bachelor of Science in Information Technology or Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology at SNHU, you can easily carry over all 60 credits of your associate degree. The best part? You'll have completed exactly half of your bachelor's degree should you decide to continue your education at SNHU.
Courses may include:
Visit the course catalog to view the full AS in Information Technologies.
The Commons: SNHU's gen ed program
All undergraduate students are required to take general education courses, which are part of SNHU's newly redesigned program, The Commons. The goal of The Commons' curriculum is to empower you with some of the most in-demand skills, so you can succeed not only in your academic career, but in your personal and professional life too.
Courses may include:
PC (Windows OS) Technical Requirements
Component Type | PC (Windows OS) |
---|---|
Operating System | Currently supported operating system from Microsoft. |
Memory (RAM) | 8GB or higher |
Hard Drive | 100GB or higher |
Antivirus Software | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
SNHU Purchase Programs | Visit Dell |
Internet/ Bandwidth | 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100ms Latency |
Apple (Mac OS) Technical Requirements
Component Type | Apple (Mac OS) |
---|---|
Operating System | Currently supported operating system from Apple. |
Memory (RAM) | 8GB or higher |
Hard Drive | 100GB or higher |
Antivirus Software | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
SNHU Purchase Programs | Visit Apple |
Internet/ Bandwidth | 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100ms Latency |
Additional Information:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Note: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10.
- Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for Microsoft 365 plans for business, education and government.
- Antivirus software: Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
Licensure and Certification Disclosures
SNHU has provided additional information for programs that educationally prepare students for professional licensure or certification. Learn more about what that means for your program on our licensure and certification disclosure page.
Apply for free in minutes
Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!
Upcoming term starts: January 06, 2025 | March 03, 2025
Next term starts:
Oct. 28, 2024
Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?
Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 93.2% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2023 survey with 21,000+ respondents.
What to expect:
8-week terms
Learn around your schedule
24/7 online support
What does an online course look like?
You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:
- Schedule of weekly assignments
- Discussion boards
- Grades
- Instructor announcements
What support services are available?
- Chat with your advisors
Get hands-on help from dedicated academic and career advisors. - Drop in for tutoring
Work with a tutor, any time of the day or night – no appointment necessary. - Learn from industry professionals
Instructors lead discussions and offer guidance – and they’re just an email away. - Use the online library
Access 600,000+ resources or chat with a librarian 24/7. - Reach out for accessibility help
Receive accommodations as an eligible student with disabilities. - Focus on your well-being
Connect with professionals to improve your health and wellness.
Learn from instructors with industry experience
Our faculty bring with them decades of experience in the IT field and exhibit strong leadership both in the classroom and in their professional careers. This experience informs the development of courses and curriculum that can help position graduates for success, wherever they go next.
Featured Faculty
Jonathan Kamyck
Jonathan Kamyck is a senior associate dean on Southern New Hampshire University's STEM academic team. He led the development of the university's first competency-driven undergraduate academic program in cybersecurity. Prior to joining STEM academics, Kamyck served as SNHU’s information security officer. Other industry experience includes working as an information systems security manager (ISSM) for government defense contractors, consulting in the IT/cybersecurity space and earning his (ISC)2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).
Position
Senior Associate Dean, STEM
Joined SNHU
2014
Education
- MS in Organizational Leadership from Southern New Hampshire University
- MS in Information Assurance from Norwich University
- BS in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University
Read more about Jonathan Kamyck and other online faculty at SNHU.
A dedicated academics team
Dr. Curtis George brings over 20 years of experience as a senior engineer working on various projects. After a successful Navy career, his work informed the creation of embedded systems for military aircraft and enterprise software for NASA/NOAA. He also developed a role-playing game to acclimate international students to American campuses and even created an award-winning Spanish verb conjugation mobile application. Drawing from his own experience, George knows how an associate degree in information technology can position you for success in the field:
"In addition to knowing how business works, employers often want employees who understand the technology infrastructure that keeps their company functional. This goal can be achieved with an associate degree in information technology."
Why SNHU?
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 400,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- U.S. News & World Report
Named SNHU the 2024 Most Innovative University in the North - The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
Awarded SNHU the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology - Google.org
Gave SNHU a $1 million grant to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 180,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free
No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.
All it takes is 3 simple steps
It's easy, fast and free.
Whether you're applying for an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll fill out a form to verify your previous education experience. As part of our admissions process, we'll help you request transcripts from your previous school(s) to see if you can transfer any credits into your SNHU program! (Also for free!)
After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.
Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu
Accreditations
SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.
Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think
As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.
Online associate tuition
*before previously earned credits are applied
Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
**Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:
$3,960 $7,920 $11,880 $14,850If 12 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your associate degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $15,840
If 24 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your associate degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $11,880
If 36 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your associate degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $7,920
If 45 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your associate degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $4,950
How we estimate your tuition cost:
We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for an associate degree. Most associate degrees require 60 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 45 credits, requiring a minimum of 15 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.
Ways to save on online tuition
Career Outlook What can I do with an online associate degree in information technology?
Whether you're looking for the credentials to back up your IT knowledge or you're ready to build a whole new skill set, earning your associate degree in information technology is a great decision. What's even better is that employment opportunities in IT look promising.
Equipped with your associate degree, you'll be qualified to pursue or advance your career in a wide array of entry-level jobs, including computer support specialist, network technician, information technology support specialist or help desk analyst.1
Occupations
Graduates of the computer information systems degree program may pursue a number of different careers, including but not limited to:
Provide virtual or hands-on technical assistance to computer users, answer questions and resolve tech issues to enhance user experience.
Document and diagnose computer issues, determine their causes and guide users through the step-by-step process of determining a resolution.
Oversee the daily performance of computer systems, assist with proper installation of hardware and software, and provide individualized support to users.
Test and troubleshoot existing network systems – such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN) and cloud networks – and conduct regular network maintenance.
Increase in computer support specialist positions — with about 66,500 openings added annually through 2032 — projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).2
Median annual pay for computer support specialists as of May 2023, according to the BLS.2
Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
What SNHU students are saying
I gained a mass amount of knowledge over the entire IT field. I learned how many distinct aspects there are in the IT industry.
Rick McQueen '19
Frequently Asked Questions
Most definitely. An associate degree in information technology lays the foundation you need in technical knowledge and critical-thinking skills.
Southern New Hampshire University’s (SNHU) online associate degree in information technology (IT) aligns with the course requirements for 2 programs. Both the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in IT and the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Information Technologies online degrees allow you to carry over all 60 credits of your associate degree into a bachelor’s.
Earning an IT associate degree sets you up for success as a bachelor’s degree candidate. It can also help you hone in on a specialization, such as cybersecurity or data analytics. SNHU offers 5 BS in IT degree concentrations:
- Business management
- Cybersecurity
- Data analytics
- Project management
- Software development
It’s smart to think about your academic career path from the outset, since many employers look for or even require a bachelor's degree.
“A bachelor's degree can provide a greater depth of knowledge in a field, alongside general education courses that teach students transferable skills,” said SNHU career advisor Grace Donahue. “Certain careers and employers place an emphasis on a bachelor's degree rather than an associate, because it can offer greater long-term flexibility for students and show that they have the ability to learn new skills over time.”
It’s true that some information technology (IT) positions require a bachelor's degree or higher, but there are still many IT associate degree jobs available. Opportunities with the greatest potential for an associate degree in information technology include job titles like:
- Computer support specialist
- End-user test technician
- Software quality assurance tester
- Technical support specialist
"Just a few years ago, a bachelor's degree was a mandatory requirement for most IT positions," said Dr. Curtis George, associate dean of information technology at Southern New Hampshire University. Now more jobs are filled by qualified candidates with an associate degree in IT and some experience.
Smaller organizations are also more likely to focus on a candidate's experience and less on whether they have an associate versus a bachelor's degree.
Earning an information technology (IT) associate degree can give you the foundation you need to start working in the field. And once you get your foot in the door, you’ll gain the real-world experience you need to move ahead.
“Just like many fields, in IT you need the academics but you also need hands-on experience for resumes,” said Samantha Couture, an academic advisor at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). “It's highly beneficial and makes you more marketable and more competitive when applying for upper-level jobs if you have more of that experience.”
Ben Steinbach, a career outreach specialist at SNHU, believes that working at a help desk is an excellent entry-level job for IT professionals looking to break into the industry. “It’s typically in areas like that someone will take you under their wing or you’ll be learning new stuff and developing skills as you grow,” he said.
Completing an internship during your education is another great way to build both your resume and a strong professional network in the IT field. And as SNHU academic advisor Donna Dukeshire noted, it can help set you apart when applying to IT jobs.
Whether you're looking to gain skills to enter the field or trying to show your boss you have the credentials to move on up, earning your associate degree is a great first step in advancing your career.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that workers with their associate degrees made median weekly earnings that were 18% higher than those of people with a high school diploma alone in 2023.2
Many entry-level IT jobs include employee and client support – often in help desk technician roles. In 2023, the BLS reported that computer user support specialists earned an annual median wage of $59,240, while computer network support specialists earned an annual median wage of $71,530.
Certifications demonstrate your skills to potential employers, and they help you stand out from the crowds.
You might consider certification for specific information technology (IT) skills, such as IT support, network administration or IT security. Popular certifications include CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+ and AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate.
At Southern New Hampshire University, you can even get credit for IT certifications and credentials you've earned.
If you're already working in the information technology (IT) field, earning an associate degree could help solidify your capabilities and advance your career. If you're looking to break into the world of IT, earning your associate degree could be a great start.
"Yes, my AS in IT degree was worth it," said Rick McQueen '19. "I chose SNHU, because my current state college was not going to be able to give me the classes that I needed in a timely manner," he said. But with Southern New Hampshire University's (SNHU) 8-week undergraduate terms and 6 term starts per year, McQueen could take his information technology classes "at a much faster rate."
These highlights are just scratching the surface of potential benefits for earning your AS in IT. In fact, for the average U.S. worker, there's a clear benefit to getting a 2-year associate degree. According to 2023 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers with an associate degree had median weekly earnings of $1,058, compared with $899 for people with a high school diploma alone.2
But there are many ways to gauge the value of a degree. A few other factors to consider include:
- Cost per credit: The price can vary dramatically, so it pays to compare tuition rates. At $330 per credit hour, tuition for SNHU’s 60-credit online AS in Information Technology is among the lowest in the nation.
- Online vs. on campus: Generally speaking, online programs are more affordable.
- In-state vs. out-of-state tuition rates: Most schools charge more for out-of-state tuition. Online programs typically don’t differentiate.
- Transfer policy: SNHU accepts up to 45 transfer credits toward an associate degree and 90 transfer credits toward a bachelor's.
Sources & Citations
1O*NET OnLine, on the internet, at:
- https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/15-1232.00 (viewed April 19, 2024)
- https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/15-1231.00 (viewed April 19, 2024)
2Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm (viewed April 19, 2024)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-support-specialists.htm (viewed April 19, 2024)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm#tab-2 (viewed April 19, 2024)
- https://www.bls.gov/emp/chart-unemployment-earnings-education.htm (viewed April 19, 2024)
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.