Online BS in Information Technology

If you hold an unexpired, currently recognized IT certification, you may be eligible for a course substitution in UMass Global’s instructor-led BS in Cybersecurity or BS in Information Technology program. Eligible certifications include:

• Cisco: CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate), CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional)
• CompTIA: CompTIA A+, CompTIA Cloud Essentials, CompTIA IT Fundamentals, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, CompTIA CASP
• EC-Council: CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)
• ISACA: CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor), CISM (Certified Information Security Manager)
• (ISC)²: CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
• Oracle: Oracle DBA
• PMI: PMP (Project Management Professional)
• Red Hat: RHCSA (Red Hat Certified Systems Administrator)
• Six Sigma: Six Sigma Green Belt
• VMware: VCP (VMware Certified Professional)

Certification eligibility and applicable course substitutions are subject to review and UMass Global requirements.

Whether it’s better to be an IT generalist or an IT specialist depends on various factors, including your career goals, the job market, personal preference, and the specific needs of the organizations you wish to work for. 

Companies often seek IT generalists because they possess a broad range of skills and knowledge across different IT domains and can bridge the gap between specialists from different areas. Generalists often have a better understanding of how different technologies interact, which can be valuable in creative problem-solving and innovation. 

Conversely, employers look for IT specialists when they need deep expertise in high‑stakes areas like cybersecurity, cloud computing, data analytics, or network architecture, where mistakes can be costly or risky. Specialists can design, optimize, and secure complex systems more efficiently, helping organizations reduce downtime, protect sensitive data, and gain a competitive advantage with advanced technology solutions.

There are many obvious benefits to earning a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Information Technology (IT):

• High demand for IT professionals: There is a high demand for skilled IT professionals across various industries, and the demand is expected to continue to grow. Having a BS in Information Technology can open various career paths and provide job stability.
• Good compensation: IT careers are known for offering competitive salaries and benefits, making it a financially rewarding career path.
• Opportunity for advancement: An IT degree can provide a foundation for career growth and advancement. With experience and additional training, IT professionals can move into management positions or specialize in specific areas of IT.
• Constant innovation: The field of IT is continually evolving, and professionals need to stay up to date with the latest technologies and trends. Pursuing a BS in IT provides an opportunity to learn about the latest advancements in the field and prepare for future opportunities.
• Flexibility: IT is a versatile field, and professionals can work in various industries and sectors. They can also work remotely, providing a flexible work-life balance.

Overall, earning a BS in Information Technology provides a foundation for a rewarding career path with job security, advancement opportunities, and strong earning potential.

A BA program designation represents a Bachelor of Arts degree, whereas a BS designation represents a Bachelor of Science degree. The titles and designations of programs differ between universities, but at University of Massachusetts Global our IT programs have a structure aligned with a Bachelor of Science. Traditionally, degrees listed as a BS align more closely with science, math, and technology; BA programs generally align with arts, humanities, and the social sciences. Through this BS in Information Technology program, you will learn skills aligned with programming, networking, discrete mathematics, and computer systems architecture.

A Bachelor's in Cybersecurity focuses on protecting digital systems from threats, emphasizing security protocols, risk management, and ethical hacking. In contrast, a Bachelor's in Information Technology (IT) covers a broader range of topics including network administration, database management, and software development. Cybersecurity suits individuals interested in safeguarding data and thwarting cyber threats, while IT is ideal for those interested in managing technology infrastructure and optimizing system performance.