Careers: IT support specialist, software developer, network administrator, cybersecurity analyst, and web developer. Majors: Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Information Systems, and Software Engineering.
College majors for technology and information technology
Computer Science
Studies how computers and software work and how to design programs that solve problems.
Information Technology
Focuses on setting up, running and supporting the computer systems organizations depend on.
Cybersecurity
Teaches you to protect computer systems, networks and data from attacks.
Information Systems
Connects business and technology: how organizations choose, build and use information systems.
Software Engineering
Applies engineering methods to designing, building, testing and maintaining software.
Web Design and Development
Teaches you to design and build websites and web applications.
Health Information Management
Teaches you to manage, protect and code patient health records and data.
Radiologic Technology and Medical Imaging
Prepares you to create medical images such as X-rays, CT, MRI and ultrasound.
Project Management
Teaches you to plan, schedule, budget and deliver projects of any kind.
Careers in technology and information technology
IT Support Specialist
Help people solve computer, account and network problems: the classic way into IT.
- Typical training: 3–6 months
Software Developer
Design, build and improve the apps and systems people use every day.
- Typical training: 4 years or bootcamp plus portfolio
Network Administrator
Design, run and secure the networks and servers organizations depend on.
- Typical training: 1–4 years
Cybersecurity Analyst
Monitor, detect and respond to cyber threats that target an organization.
- Typical training: 1–4 years
Web Developer
Build fast, accessible websites and web applications people love to use.
- Typical training: 6 months to 4 years
Database Administrator
Keep databases fast, secure, backed up and available.
- Typical training: 4 years plus experience
Computer Systems Analyst
Bridge business needs and technology by designing better computer systems.
- Typical training: 4 years
Digital Marketing Specialist
Grow businesses online with search, ads, social media, email and analytics.
- Typical training: 6 months to 4 years
IT Manager
Lead technology teams, budgets and strategy for an organization.
- Typical training: Bachelor’s plus 5+ years of IT experience
Skills these careers use
- SQL
- Windows and macOS troubleshooting
- Active Directory and Microsoft 365 administration
- Networking basics (IP, DNS, DHCP)
- Hardware setup and repair
- Programming languages such as Python, JavaScript or Java
Minors that fit this interest
- Artificial Intelligence: Introduces machine learning and how AI systems are built and used.
- Computer Science: Adds programming and computational problem-solving skills.
- Cybersecurity: Adds skills in protecting systems, networks and data.
- Data Analytics: Adds skills in collecting, analyzing and presenting data.
- Information Systems: Adds knowledge of how organizations use databases and business software.
- Information Technology: Adds practical skills in networks, systems and user support.
- Web Development: Adds the skills to build websites with HTML, CSS and JavaScript.
Start building skills now
A self-paced online course on what IT support specialists do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: windows and macOS troubleshooting, active Directory and Microsoft 365 administration, and networking basics (IP, DNS, DHCP)
Why it fits: Fits your interest in Technology and Information Technology
A self-paced online course on what software developers do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: programming languages such as Python, JavaScript or Java, data structures and algorithms, and version control with Git
Why it fits: Fits your interest in Technology and Information Technology
A self-paced online course on what network administrators do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: routing and switching, TCP/IP and subnetting, and firewalls and VPNs
Why it fits: Fits your interest in Technology and Information Technology
A self-paced online course on what cybersecurity analysts do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: security monitoring and SIEM, incident response, and networking and operating systems
Why it fits: Fits your interest in Technology and Information Technology
Technology and Information Technology: frequently asked questions
What careers are there in technology and information technology?
Careers connected to technology and information technology include IT support specialist, software developer, network administrator, cybersecurity analyst, web developer, database administrator, computer systems analyst, and digital marketing specialist.
What should I major in if I am interested in technology and information technology?
Majors connected to technology and information technology include Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Information Systems, Software Engineering, and Web Design and Development. Compare what each includes, the skills it builds and where it leads.
What technology and information technology careers do not require a four-year degree?
Examples include IT support specialist, telecommunications technician, network technician, electronics technician, computer repair technician, and cell tower technician. They typically start with a high school diploma, a certificate, an associate degree, an apprenticeship or on-the-job training.
Which technology and information technology careers usually require a bachelor’s degree or more?
Examples include software developer, network administrator, cybersecurity analyst, web developer, database administrator, and computer systems analyst. Some also need a license or certification.
What skills do you need for a career in technology and information technology?
Skills that come up often in these careers include SQL, windows and macOS troubleshooting, active Directory and Microsoft 365 administration, networking basics (IP, DNS, DHCP), hardware setup and repair, and programming languages such as Python, JavaScript or Java, along with communication and problem solving.
What minors fit an interest in technology and information technology?
Minors connected to technology and information technology include Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, and Information Systems.
How do I start a career in technology and information technology?
Learn about the careers in the field, choose one or two that fit you, check the education or training each requires, and build practical knowledge early through classes, part-time work, volunteering or short career training.
Can I explore technology and information technology careers before choosing a college major?
Yes. Career profiles, job shadowing and short online career training let you learn what jobs in technology and information technology involve before you commit to a major or program.
Does Career Education Institute offer training related to technology and information technology?
Yes. Related online trainings include IT Support Specialist Training, Software Developer Training, Network Administrator Training, and Cybersecurity Analyst Training. They are general, non-credit courses that teach what a job involves; they do not grant a degree or license.
Which colleges offer programs related to technology and information technology?
Use the college search to find U.S. colleges that report awarding degrees in related majors, filtered by state, city, ZIP code, online programs and type of school.