What Are the Different Types of Information Technology Degree Programs?

Among the different types of information technology degree programs are those related to business, network security, computer science, software engineering and development, biomedical engineering and health informatics. Project and information management degrees are also among the options made available to students at several schools offering information technology education. Individuals interested in information technology degree programs usually find that they are able to obtain an associate's, bachelor's or master’s degree in information technology, or may even earn a post-graduate degree if they are inclined to do so. In some instances, students may opt to earn an information technology certificate, which is often sufficient enough to strengthen an individual’s technical skills as may be required for certain modern work environments.

Several colleges and universities offer students the opportunity to earn an information technology diploma, certificate or degree online or through extension courses. Whether online or through brick-and-mortar campus classrooms, many programs are designed to accommodate working students and may offer evening and weekend class schedules. Most information technology degree programs take a minimum of two or more years to complete, but programs offering a certificate or a diploma may take less time.

Internet-based information technology degree programs may offer more flexibility for working students, but many such programs still require students to log in to live lectures, as well as complete tests at precise times. Some may even require students to engage in testing at a local campus or other designated location. Class discussions and group assignments, however, can often be arranged at times that are more conducive to a student’s schedule and may usually be performed through the use of online tools, such as private subject forums and chat programs.

The precise courses offered in different information technology degree programs will vary according to the type of program a student engages in, the specific subject he or she is pursuing a degree in and which school he or she attends. Examples of some of the basic subjects commonly covered in most information technology degree programs include those relating to computer hardware, software, various databases and security, and how humans and computers interact. A preview of some of the courses offered in such programs indicates that students interested in information technology degree programs should be proficient in mathematics, as a number of subjects are likely to require the use of calculus and statistics.