The Future of IT and How You Can Shape It

Today’s Information Technology degree means more than simply working on “computer stuff” — way more. A Bachelor’s or  Master’s in Information Technology degree from the University of Cincinnati Online will prepare you for the world of computer science and technology systems as it pertains to solving problems around the issues facing individuals, societies, and organizations.

Our IT master’s degree will teach you how to become a professional who is solution-minded as we foster in our students continuous innovation, research, leadership development, interdisciplinary problem solving, and real-world experience.

What Does Information Technology Entail?

Information technology involves the development, maintenance, and use of computer systems, networks, and software for the processing and distribution of data. IT professionals are tasked with protecting data and creating innovative products and solutions for public and private companies, small and large enterprises, and nonprofits across the globe.

What Are the Key Differences Between Earning Your Bachelor’s Vs. Your Master’s Degree in IT?

With an online Bachelor’s in Information Technology degree, you’ll focus on meeting the needs of users within organizational and societal contexts through the selection, creation, application, integration, and administration of computing technologies. Bachelor’s degree graduates hold positions ranging from software developer to programmer and from web developer to game developer.

With an online Master’s in Information Technology degree, you’ll study user experience design, learn how to create mobile applications, take a deep dive into how network forensics work, and much more. From cybersecurity through systems administration and social media technologies, our comprehensive IT curriculum prepares you for a fulfilling career in technology. Plus the additional education needed to advance your degree can be used to distinguish yourself from others in the workforce.

What Are the Latest Trends in IT?

Trends are rapidly changing as the information technology field changes. Learn more about what these 7 popular trends in IT entail. Who knows, maybe one of them is the perfect fit for you!

• 5G. By now we’ve all heard of “5G networks,” but what exactly does that mean? 5G refers to the 5th generation technology standard for our cellular networks. 5G started rolling out in 2018, and continues to be rolled out. This means the technology is all still relatively new and will require lots of IT professionals to help deploy and troubleshoot it.
• AI. AI stands for “Artificial Intelligence” and it refers to the use of automation, sophisticated computer software, and robotics within the realm of computer science. IT professionals would use this area of computer science to create  intelligent machines that act and work like humans do. Some examples include: automated cars, chatbots, sports analytics, and surveillance.
• Blockchain. Blockchains use encrypted technology to make data modification resistant. It works like a diary or spreadsheet that contains information about bank transactions, for example. For each online transaction, Blockchain would create a hash. Each block thereafter follows this process until each block refers to the previous block. This “spreadsheet” is spread over lots of computers within the same network, and together is referred to as Blockchain.
• VR/AR. Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality are more than just a video game headset. Virtual reality gives a user a total immersion experience in a “reality” that is created by a computer. It shuts out the physical world and puts the user in an imagined environment using a device.
  On the other hand, Augmented Reality refers to digital elements that are added to a live view. So for example, in the popular game Pokemon Go, when you held your camera over a designated space, a Pokemon character would appear. Snapchat and Instagram lenses and filters are also examples of AR.
• Edge Computing. Although it’s been around since the early 2000s, Edge Computing has come a long way and is ever-evolving. This type of computing involves bringing computation and data storage closer to where it’s needed, meaning data moves to the edge of a network, rather than deep in the centralized nodes of server storage. Edge Computing is used a lot in the Internet of Things (IoT), as in smart street lights, smart homes, and drones.
• Cybersecurity. As the entire world moves just about everything online, there has never been a greater need for more secure networks, computers, servers, mobile devices, etc. To work in Cybersecurity is to work to protect all of these systems from hackers, viruses, and other compromising situations that can put data at risk.
• Machine Learning. Ever heard of an algorithm? Then you’re familiar with Machine Learning. A subset of AI, Machine Learning means that a computer will “learn” more the more an algorithm is run through the machine/program. It’s closely related to computational statistics, or making predictions using computers. Facebook and Instagram use Machine Learning to show you what it has learned you want to see more of on your scroll, or to serve you ads based on your previous search history.

What Are the Fastest-Growing Careers in IT and Their Salaries?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 12 percent from 2018 to 2028, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. For people who already work in IT — or for those who want to join this booming industry — the opportunity to earn a decent living, while doing work that is in demand, is within reach. That is because IT careers are among the highest paying today. (All salary projections are as of May 2019.)

Computer and Information Research Scientist: Most professionals entering this field have their information technology Master’s degree. The average annual salary is $122,840.

Computer Network Architect: You can enter this field after receiving your bachelor’s degree. The average annual salary is $112,690.

Computer Programmers: Entry-level programming requires a bachelor’s degree. The average annual salary is $86,550.

Computer Systems Analysts: A bachelor’s degree is needed to be a computer systems analyst. The average annual salary is $90,920.

Database Administrator: You’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree to start in the database administration field. The average annual salary is $93,750.

Information Security Analyst: A bachelor’s degree is needed to be an information security analyst. The average annual salary is $99,730.

Network and Computer Systems Administrators: To work in this field, you’ll need to have obtained a bachelor’s degree in information technology. The average annual salary is $83,510.

Software Developers: A bachelor’s degree can get you a job as a software developer. The average annual salary is $103,620.

Web Developers: Web developers need an associate’s degree to start in the field. More education of course means you can seek out higher pay. The average annual salary is $73,760.

How to Start Earning your Information Technology Degree Today

The University of Cincinnati’s online Master of Science in Informational Technology (MSIT) gives working IT professionals an opportunity to study in the evenings and on weekends. The program is a good fit for individuals who work full-time and manage family or other demands. Students enrolled in the University’s program live across the U.S. and abroad. Most students choose to study part-time while they work in an IT-related role and finish the program in about two years.

Ready to enter the exciting world of Information Technology? We’re ready to help you get there!

Apply online today to get started on your Information Technology Master’s or Bachelor’s Degree!