BS in Information Technology (MyPath)

Despite its self-paced nature, MyPath is not an isolated study model. Faculty are actively involved in evaluating your assessments, providing feedback, answering questions, and guiding your improvement over time. You also work with academic advisors and one-stop specialists who help you set goals, monitor your momentum, and make term-by-term decisions that support steady progress toward graduation.

In UMass Global MyPath, grading is mastery-based instead of using traditional letter grades or GPA. You demonstrate what you know through applied projects, case studies, presentations, written analyses, and other real-world assessments, with faculty providing feedback and chances to revise and resubmit work as you build toward mastery.

Your transcript reflects whether you have met the required competencies in each course, using M (Mastered), WC (Withdrawn), or NS (Not Satisfied, used only while work is in progress between terms), with mastery aligned to the equivalency of a “B” level of performance.

In the UMass Global MyPath IT degree program, completion of the following courses allows you to prepare for and earn these industry-recognized certifications:

University of Massachusetts Global accepts the following industry standard certification examinations for college credit in the competency-based Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degree program:

• CIW: CIW Web Foundations Associate, CIW Database Design Specialist
• CompTIA: CompTIA IT Fundamentals, CompTIA Projects+, CompTIA Network+ Exam, CompTIA A+ 220-901, CompTIA A+ 220-902, CompTIA Security+
• Microsoft: Windows Server Admin Fundamentals
• MTA: MTA Software Development Fundamentals, MTA HTMLS Application Dev Fundamentals

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.

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.