IT Degree Online Bachelor's in Information Technology

Apply an IT perspective as you explore operations management, policies and administration with a Bachelor of Science in Information Technologies with a concentration in Business Management from Southern New Hampshire University.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information technology occupations are projected to grow 12% through 2028.¹ A concentration in business management can help graduates gain the knowledge and skills they need to stand out, and ultimately break into an entry-level role.

The business management concentration explores crucial aspects of successfully running a business – including communications and critical thinking skills as well as organizational leadership.

You'll gain a solid foundation in the principles of information technology, human relations in administration and fundamentals of international business – helping you succeed in a globalized workforce. Business processes and goals and necessary techniques are emphasized using authentic scenarios to ensure that business results are achieved.

Courses may include:

• Principles of Management
• Human Relations in Administration
• Introduction to International Business

Learn the basics of defending networks and information systems against cyber attacks by earning your Bachelor's in IT with a concentration in Cybersecurity.

As cyber crimes continue to grow in number and sophistication, the need for qualified defenders is expected to grow exponentially. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, information security analyst occupations are projected to grow 32% through 2028 – much faster than the national average.¹ Median annual pay for information security analysts was $99,730 as of May 2019.¹

Information security is critical to preventing identity theft and strengthening computer networks. Analysts are dynamic problem solvers who must analyze, anticipate and mitigate vulnerabilities in computer networks and systems.

Courses may include:

• Cyber Security Foundations
• Cyber Defense
• Network Security

In addition to this concentration, we also offer a full cyber security degree program. 

Using authentic scenarios and problems, the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in Data Analytics helps students in the online bachelor's IT program learn how to collect, analyze and interpret data and communicate their findings to stakeholders to help solve relevant organizational challenges.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that about 546,200 new jobs will be added through 2028 – making computer and information technology a promising field in the coming years.¹ Graduates with a data analytics concentration will have skills that can help supplement their background in IT and set them apart from other professionals in the field.

Courses may include:

• Leveraging Data for Organizational Results
• Data Validation: Quality and Cleaning
• Data Analysis Techniques

In addition to this concentration, we also offer a full data analytics degree.

Combine an IT foundation with project management skills to successfully reach organizational goals by choosing a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in Project Management.

This concentration helps students set and execute project goals from start to finish – from assessing cost and scope to project integration, quality and procurement.

With median annual wages of $88,240 in May 2019 – well above the national average for all occupations – a career in computers and information technology appears promising in the next decade.¹ Those with a background in project management will be uniquely qualified to manage workflow and adapt to unpredictable changes in timelines, scope and resources, as they will have an in-depth understanding of the daily challenges faced by IT professionals.

Former IT student Lydia Alonci said a pair of classes - leadership and project management - focused her interest in the field, a decision that led to her receiving a job at a Fortune 100 company right out of college.

"I realized that was what I really wanted to do," Alonci said. "Those have really changed the way that I look at the world and look at myself and what I can do. It's definitely empowered me to know where I can go and see the possibilities and kind of design the life that I want to have."

Courses may include:

• Adaptive Project Management
• Operations Management
• Resource Estimating and Scheduling

In addition to this IT concentration, we also offer a BS in computer science with a project management degree concentration.

Create software and apps that take advantage of new hardware, networks and technology with this specialized online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in Software Development.

Combined with the online bachelor's in IT, the software development concentration focuses on the software development lifecycle and programming languages Java, Python and C++ .

In addition, you'll explore the development and design of functional programs using best practices.

Job prospects for software developers appear promising for the next decade. According to the U.S. Bureau of Statistics, the number of software developer occupations are set to soar 21% through 2028 – much faster than the national average for all occupations.¹ The median annual pay for software developers was reportedly $107,510 in May 2019.¹

Courses may include:

• Foundations in Software Development
• Programming Languages
• Software Development Lifecycle

In addition to this IT concentration, we also offer a BS in computer science with a concentration in software engineering.

Flexible

With no set class meeting times, you can learn on your schedule and access online course materials 24/7.

Affordable

Take advantage of some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation, plus financial aid for those who qualify. We also make it easy to transfer to SNHU by accepting up to 90 credits from your previous institution.

Respected

Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 100,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.

Recently, Southern New Hampshire University has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:

• “Most Innovative” regional university honors from U.S. News & World Report each year since 2015
• A $1 million grant from Google.org to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
• Recognition as a 2017 Digital Learning Innovator by the Online Learning Consortium

Networking

As an SNHU student, you can tap into a powerful network of peers, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate your industry.

Opportunities to prepare you for your career:

• Technology Competitions: Participate in national tech competitions, including the National Cyber League – where SNHU fielded the first all-female team and earned multiple Top 10 finishes – and the Teradata University Network data competition – where SNHU teams have received two honorable mentions and earned one Top 10 finish.
• Technology Conferences: As a university dedicated to leveling the field for all learners, we recognize the power in making connections – particularly in STEM fields. That's why you'll find our students and alumni at major networking events like the Grace Hopper Celebration, Women in Cyber Security conference and ACM Richard Tapia Celebration of Diversity in Computing. Because we believe that, no matter where you're from or hope to go, you deserve a seat at the table.
• Cyber Security Center of Excellence: SNHU proudly supports cyber security students across the globe. To learn more about our contributions to the field, and connect with our academic leaders, visit our Cyber Security Center of Excellence page.

“You have to believe that even though you might feel small in a big, big crowd, you’re one of a kind,” said Lydia Alonci ’18, who was hired by a Fortune 100 Company when she attended Grace Hopper in 2017. “You’re unique, and the reason you’re here is because you got a degree in something that is valuable, and people are looking for you.”

96.5% of students would recommend SNHU.² Discover why SNHU may be right for you.

Part of our mission to expand access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. That’s why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials.

Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 6 (8-week) undergraduate terms.

Simply contact an admission counselor, who can help you explore financial options, answer all your questions and walk you through the application process. Start by:

• Completing a free undergraduate application
• Providing previous institutions attended – so we can retrieve transcripts for you at no cost

Test scores are not required as part of your application.

Notes:

• Laptop or Desktop?  Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
• IMPORTANT NOTE:  Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU, nor does the Microsoft Surface RT. 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 utilized for some course functions they cannot be your primary device.
• 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. The following platforms are no longer supported by Office 365:
  • Android 4.3 and earlier versions
  • Firefox version 5.0 and earlier versions
  • Internet Explorer 8-10 on Windows 7 and earlier versions
  • Internet Explorer 10 on Win Phone 8.0
  • Safari 6.0.4/OS X10.11 and earlier versions
• Antivirus software: Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
• Optional Accessories: 
  • Many laptops on the market today do not include CD/DVD drives.  While SNHU typically does not utilize CD/DVD content, this is a good accessory to have.
  • External Hard Drive - it is always a good idea to back up your files and an external hard drive is a great way to do that.
  • Extra power cord - if you have a laptop and are frequently on the move, many people find it useful to have a second power cord - one for home and one for your bag.
  • Headphones/earbuds - many SNHU courses include audio and video content.  These will make viewing and listening easier.

^*Windows 7 End of Life Statement for Students  

Effective Jan. 14, 2020, Microsoft will no longer support Windows 7. What does this mean for you?

As part of the continuing evolution of computer systems, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates for Windows 7. Keeping your computer current with security updates helps your computer run better and protect your information. Since Microsoft will no longer release updates, the information on your computer will be more vulnerable and your computer may not function as well.

We strongly recommend you update to Windows 10 at your earliest convenience. You can upgrade to Windows 10 for free.

Have questions? Contact the ITS help desk via the service portal or by phone at 1.855.877.9919. Technical support is available 24/7. 

Some courses may require software purchase or subscription:

• Adobe Dreamweaver (12 month subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud Student Edition)
• Adobe Photoshop (12 month subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud Student Edition)
• GameMaker (purchase required)
• ArcGIS (purchase of student license required)
• Cypherpath (purchase required)

Microsoft® Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are enrolled at SNHU. Upon graduation, you will need to convert to a paid subscription. Terms are subject to change at Microsoft’s discretion.

While there may be some crossover between these two disciplines, it's important to identify the ways in which they are different.

Information technology covers a broad support range of computing concepts as they relate to and support business operations – such as human-computer interaction, information management, programming, networking and web systems. IT professionals can work in a wide range of roles, including information security specialist, information technology manager and systems specialist.

Computer science, on the other hand, focus more heavily on software development. Computer scientists have a deep understanding of popular software languages like Python, Java and C++, as well as development and testing tools such as Eclipse, OpenGL, Cucumber with Maven and Junit testing. Graduates of computer science programs are likely to pursue careers as full-stack developers.

This depends on the area of IT you'd like to explore. For example, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, entry-level education for computer support specialists, in some cases, is an associate degree. On the other hand, many employers will require a Master's in IT for computer and information research scientists.

Generally, most employers will require a completion of a bachelor's-level program, along with some experience in a related occupation. For students in SNHU's BS in IT program, internships and experiential learning opportunities can help your resume stand out, and give you the confidence you need to succeed in a professional setting.

Megan Evans, a student of SNHU's online BA in Information Technology program, is living proof of this.

A former massage therapist, she knew she needed more than a degree in her hand to break into the tech field. So she landed a 10-week paid internship with Snag, an organization that connects hourly workers with employers, where she built up her skill set, network and confidence.

The experience, she noted, was eye-opening – allowing her to see aspects of the business beyond the tech side.

“I learned that I really love the product and marketing side of things,” Evans said. Beyond that, it allowed her to apply the technical writing skills she learned in classes, too. “When I made the reference guide I had to keep the information concise so that it would all fit nicely into the format I chose."

Reflecting on her time at Snag, Evans can't understate the impact it had –and will continue to have – on her career. “Without it, I wouldn’t have been able to understand the different departments within this industry and what to apply for in the future,” she said. “It gave me the confidence and relevant experience needed to progress further once I graduate from SNHU."

As a fast-growing field, there are many high demand jobs in IT. For those who are interested in advancing their career, here are a few of the top IT occupations, along with BLS salary and job growth projections. (Please note that these jobs may require specialized credentials or a master's degree):

Computer and information research scientists. As problem-solvers who use computing technology to help solve business challenges, computer and information research scientists are expected to be highly sought after in the coming years. The BLS predicts 16% job growth through 2028 – much faster than the national average for all occupations.¹ The median annual salary for these roles was reportedly $122,840 in May 2019.¹

Network and computer systems administrator. A valued asset to just about any organization, network and computer systems administrators are responsible for the daily operation of computer networks. Job prospects for network and computer systems administrators are set to grow 5% through 2028 – on par with the national average growth rate for all occupations.¹ In May 2019, it was reported that professionals in the field earned an average annual salary of $83,510.¹

Database administrator. Database administrators are responsible for creating efficient and secure databases where consumer data are stored – such as financial information or shipping records. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for database administrators are set to grow 9% through 2028.¹

Learn more about types of IT jobs.

At SNHU, we believe everyone deserves access to an education that can transform their life. For women in IT, who are still underrepresented in the workforce, this means offering networks and opportunities that tip the scales – so no matter who you are or where you come from, you have the tools you need to see yourself succeed.

Each year, SNHU sends students to major networking events like the Grace Hopper Celebration, Women in Cyber Security conference and ACM Richard Tapia Celebration of Diversity in Computing.

In addition, the National Cyber League is a great opportunity for women in tech to connect and compete with teams across the country. In fact, SNHU students represent the first-ever all female team to compete in a National Cyber League competition.

"The fact that such a small percentage of women who join the STEM field is distressing and even (fewer) women go into cyber security," said team captain Briana Beyerl. "I truly believe SNHU is making strides in encouraging women (to) join STEM fields, and I am immensely proud of that and grateful to have the opportunity to be part of the movement."

We try to support our students in personalized ways, too. When Jennifer Hanlon was looking for IT job listings, the SNHU career advising team stepped in to help her streamline her resume. Soon after, Hanlon snagged a job as a remote service technician, then earned a promotion just a few months later.

"I love being able to teach about technology and help people solve problems," she said.

We're proud to say that our commitment to inclusion has earned us a spot as one of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine's 2019 Most Inspiring Programs in STEM – but we're just getting started. We'll keep pushing to do better, because at SNHU, equity and access are at the heart of what we do.

¹Bureau 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 Sept. 10, 2019)
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm (viewed Nov. 25, 2019)
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm (Nov. 25, 2019)
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-and-information-research-scientists.htm (Nov. 25, 2019)
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-support-specialists.htm (Nov. 25, 2019)
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-systems-analysts.htm (Nov. 25, 2019)
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/database-administrators.htm (Nov. 25, 2019)
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/network-and-computer-systems-administrators.htm (Nov. 25, 2019)

Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

²According to a survey responses from over 9,200 SNHU online students conducted in the fall of 2019.