Discover Technology Careers

A business administration degree provides the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in nearly any industry. Graduates can work in healthcare, technology, finance, government, and education. Most institutions offer undergraduate and graduate-level business degrees in various specializations, and some even extend to the doctoral level. Explore UMass Global’s full range of business programs.

With a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, you can explore diverse career paths. Some common career options include: 

• Business Analyst: Analyzing data, identifying trends, and making informed business recommendations
• Marketing Manager: Planning and executing marketing strategies to promote products or services
• Human Resources Manager: Overseeing employee recruitment, training, performance management, and organizational development
• Financial Analyst: Evaluating financial data, conducting investment research, and providing financial guidance
• Operations Manager: Optimizing processes, managing resources, and ensuring efficient business operations

Please note that these are just a few examples, and the possibilities are vast. The specific career path you choose may depend on your interests, specialization, and additional qualifications you may acquire. Discover more paths with our resource, "Different Types of Business Degrees and Career Paths."

With an IT degree, you can pursue a variety of rewarding careers in the tech industry. Some common job roles for IT graduates include software developer, network administrator, cybersecurity analyst, IT support specialist, and project manager. These roles offer excellent growth opportunities and the chance to work with cutting-edge technologies. Whether you're interested in coding, data analysis, or creating timelines, an IT degree can open doors to a wide range of exciting career paths.

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.

To pursue a career in information technology, a degree in the field is highly recommended. While some entry-level positions may accept candidates with certifications or relevant experience, a bachelor's degree in information technology provides a solid foundation of knowledge and skills. Another option is a computer science degree, which also covers a broader range of IT topics.

During an information technology degree program, students may learn an array of skills and knowledge that are essential in the tech landscape. They delve into the intricacies of computer programming, where they learn the art of crafting code that bring software applications to life. Students often explore the fascinating realm of database management, where they master the art of organizing and manipulating vast amounts of data to ensure its accessibility and integrity.

Additionally, students can engage in system analysis, where they develop the skills to analyze complex systems and identify areas for improvement, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency. Students can also expect to hone their problem-solving, collaboration, teamwork, and project planning skills.

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.

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 in the future. 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.

Information technology can be a challenging major, but with dedication and a passion for the field, it is definitely achievable. The difficulty of the major also depends on your IT specialization with some concentrations requiring more technical skills than others. The key is to stay updated with the latest advancements and technologies, as the industry is constantly evolving. With the right education and experience, a career in information technology can be highly rewarding and offer excellent growth opportunities.

The time it takes to complete a bachelor’s degree can range from 3 to 4 years, but with UMass Global’s MyPath self-paced option you have the freedom to complete as many courses as you can within a 24-week billing period, making it an ideal choice for accelerated progress.

Obviously, there is variability here, depending on your prior education and experience, but UMass Global offers a flexible IT degree program with multiple emphases, including the unique “self design” option discussed above. Because you can customize your specialization, tailoring it to your career goals and interests, you have more flexibility to complete your degree more quickly.
Also, because the degree is offered in UMass Global’s MyPath, our self-paced, competency-based format, you have options for how fast you earn your degree. In this format, there isn’t any limit on the number of courses you can complete within a 24-week billing period. You can progress through the program at your own pace, potentially completing it more quickly if you have prior IT knowledge or experience in areas covered with each course.
Overall, the speed at which you earn a degree depends on your dedication and the time you can commit to your studies. The B.S. in Information Technology, with its self-design option and competency-based format, offers flexibility to accelerate your IT degree while maintaining a high standard of education.

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, MCP: Server Virtualization, MCP: Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2012
• MTA: MTA Database Fundamentals Topics, MTA Software Development Fundamentals, MTA HTMLS Application Dev Fundamentals

When it comes to IT jobs, certifications can be highly beneficial. While not always required, certifications can demonstrate your expertise and enhance your job prospects. Some popular certifications in the IT field include CompTIA A+, Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Network+, and Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) HTML5. These certifications can validate your skills and knowledge in specific areas of IT, making you a more competitive candidate in the job market.

At UMass Global, our IT degree programs are designed to make you certification-ready upon completion of the course. Additionally, we offer competency-based education for our IT degrees that include when these certifications should be taken throughout the course.

No, information technology (IT) is not the same as data science. IT encompasses a broad range of activities related to managing, maintaining, and utilizing technology infrastructure, including computer systems, networks, software, and hardware. It focuses on the operational aspects of technology within organizations.

Data science, on the other hand, is a specialized field within IT that deals specifically with data-related tasks such as data analysis, machine learning, and data modeling. Data scientists use IT tools and infrastructure to extract insights and knowledge from data, helping organizations make informed decisions. While IT provides the foundation, data science is a subset that focuses on extracting value from data.

Data science is a distinct and specialized part of the IT world. While information technology spans a wide range of activities, everything from software development to infrastructure management, data science focuses specifically on extracting insights from data through techniques such as data analysis, machine learning, and statistical modeling. Data science leverages information technology to make sense of vast amounts of data that would otherwise be too overwhelming and too broad based to make any sense out of.

To become a data scientist, a combination of education, experience, and skills is typically required. Many data scientists hold undergraduate and advanced degrees in fields such as computer science, statistics, or data analytics. In addition to formal education, gaining hands-on experience with data analysis and programming languages like Python and R is crucial. Some data scientists continue to invest in their education by obtaining certificates and attending bootcamps to further their knowledge. Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest tools and techniques in the field are essential for long-term success.

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.

A BS in Cybersecurity is a degree program that focuses on developing the skills and knowledge needed to protect computer systems, networks, and data from cyber threats. It covers topics such as digital forensics, network security, ethical hacking, and risk management.

The career prospects for a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity are diverse and expanding. The increasing reliance on digital platforms has escalated the demand for professionals who can safeguard against cyber threats. Graduates can find a range of opportunities across industries such as finance, healthcare, defense, and retail, where the security of digital data is crucial. With a BS in Cybersecurity, you can pursue various intriguing, in-demand career paths. Some potential job roles include:

• Cybersecurity Analyst
• Information Security Manager
• Network Security Engineer
• Incident Responder
• Penetration Tester
• Security Consultant
• Forensics Investigator

To start a career in cybersecurity, it is recommended to pursue a degree in the field. This will provide you with a solid foundation of knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the industry. Additionally, gaining hands-on experience through internships or entry-level positions can greatly enhance your chances of securing a job. Networking with professionals in the field and staying updated on the latest trends and technologies will also help you stand out and advance in the cybersecurity industry.

A cybersecurity analyst plays a crucial role in protecting an organization's digital assets from cyber threats. They are responsible for monitoring and analyzing network traffic, identifying potential vulnerabilities, and implementing security measures to prevent unauthorized access. Additionally, they conduct regular security assessments and audits to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations. Overall, a cybersecurity analyst is instrumental in maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive data within an organization. Learn more about the day to day of a cybersecurity analyst.

At UMass Global, the BS in Cybersecurity program stands out in several ways:

• Industry-relevant courses: Our curriculum is designed from the career backwards, addressing the skills needed to become a cybersecurity professional. This ensures our coursework is completely relevant to the workplace, utilizing the latest tools, techniques, and best practices.
• Taught by working IT professionals: Our courses are taught by experienced IT professionals who bring real-world insights and expertise to the classroom, enhancing your learning experience.
• Career opportunities in cybersecurity: The demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to grow, and our program is career focused, preparing students for a wide range of career opportunities in this field.
• Difference from a general IT degree: While a general IT degree provides a broad understanding of IT concepts, our BS in Cybersecurity program focuses specifically on developing the specialized skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in cybersecurity.