Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Data Science and Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, Information Systems, Software Engineering, and Web Design and Development. Each major below links to what it includes, the skills you build, career paths, suggested minors and how many colleges report awarding it.
Colleges: active, degree-granting U.S. schools that reported awarding at least one degree or certificate in the field, IPEDS completions, awards conferred July 2023 to June 2024 (C2024_A).
Computer Science
Studies how computers and software work and how to design programs that solve problems. Computer science majors learn programming, data structures, algorithms, computer architecture, operating systems and theory, with electives in areas such as artificial intelligence, security and software engineering.
Skills: Programming, Algorithmic problem solving, Debugging, and Version control. Pairs well with: Mathematics, Business, Cybersecurity.
Information Technology
Focuses on setting up, running and supporting the computer systems organizations depend on. Information technology programs are more applied than computer science.
Skills: Troubleshooting, Network configuration, System administration, and Customer support. Pairs well with: Cybersecurity, Business, Project Management.
Cybersecurity
Teaches you to protect computer systems, networks and data from attacks. Cybersecurity majors learn network security, ethical hacking, digital forensics, cryptography, security policy and incident response.
Skills: Threat detection, Security tools, Risk assessment, and Incident response. Pairs well with: Computer Science, Criminal Justice, Legal Studies.
Data Science and Analytics
Combines statistics, programming and domain knowledge to find insights in data. Data science majors learn statistics, programming, data management, machine learning and visualization, then apply them to real data sets.
Skills: Statistical analysis, Programming, Data cleaning, and Visualization. Pairs well with: Business, Mathematics, Public Health.
Artificial Intelligence
Studies how to build computer systems that learn, reason and understand language and images. Artificial intelligence majors, a newer offering at many colleges, build on computer science and mathematics.
Skills: Machine learning, Programming, Data preparation, and Mathematical modeling. Pairs well with: Mathematics, Philosophy and Ethics, Psychology.
Information Systems
Connects business and technology: how organizations choose, build and use information systems. Information systems majors, often housed in business schools as management information systems (MIS), study databases, systems analysis, business processes, project management and IT strategy.
Skills: Requirements gathering, Database design, Process improvement, and Project coordination. Pairs well with: Accounting, Data Analytics, Cybersecurity.
Software Engineering
Applies engineering methods to designing, building, testing and maintaining software. Software engineering majors learn programming plus the practices teams use to deliver reliable software: requirements, design, testing, version control and project management.
Skills: Programming, Testing and debugging, Version control, and Teamwork. Pairs well with: Mathematics, Business, Cybersecurity.
Web Design and Development
Teaches you to design and build websites and web applications. Web design and development programs cover HTML, CSS, JavaScript, user experience design, accessibility and the back-end systems that power websites.
Skills: Front-end development, Responsive design, Accessibility, and Debugging. Pairs well with: Graphic Design, Marketing, Computer Science.
Practical training for technology careers
These Career Education Institute courses connect to the careers above. Each is a short, self-paced online course about one job.
A self-paced online course on what computer systems analysts do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: requirements gathering, process mapping, and system design
Why it fits: Connected to your Computer Science major
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: Connected to your Computer Science major
A self-paced online course on what web developers do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: HTML, CSS and JavaScript, a front-end framework such as React, and responsive design
Why it fits: Connected to your Computer Science major
A self-paced online course on what IT managers do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: IT strategy, budgeting, and infrastructure and cloud
Why it fits: Connected to your Computer Science major
A self-paced online course on what database administrators do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: SQL, database platforms (SQL Server, Oracle, PostgreSQL), and backup and recovery
Why it fits: Connected to your Computer Science major
A self-paced online course on what data scientists do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: python or R, SQL, and statistics
Why it fits: Connected to your Computer Science major
Why consider career training alongside college?
Your college major gives you an academic foundation. Short career training can add practical knowledge of a specific job: what the work involves day to day, its vocabulary, common tasks, tools and safety rules. You do not have to wait until graduation: many students take a short course to test a career before choosing a major, to prepare for an internship or a part-time job, or to show employers they understand the work.
Technology majors: frequently asked questions
What are the best technology majors?
The best major depends on the career you want. Common choices include Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Data Science and Analytics, and Artificial Intelligence. Compare the careers, coursework and skills for each.
How many technology majors are there?
This guide covers 8 majors in technology: Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Data Science and Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, Information Systems, Software Engineering, and Web Design and Development. Colleges may use different names for similar programs.
What careers can you get with a technology major?
Careers connected to these majors include software developer, web developer, IT support specialist, network administrator, cybersecurity analyst, data scientist, statistician, and computer systems analyst. Some require a degree and a license, while others start with a certificate or on-the-job training.
Which technology majors are offered at the most colleges?
Computer Science (1,583 colleges), Information Technology (1,130 colleges), Cybersecurity (890 colleges), and Information Systems (673 colleges), based on IPEDS completions data.
Which technology programs can you start with a certificate or associate degree?
Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Data Science and Analytics, Software Engineering, and Web Design and Development are commonly offered as certificates or associate degrees, as well as at higher levels at some schools.
What skills do technology majors build?
Common skills include programming, algorithmic problem solving, troubleshooting, network configuration, threat detection, security tools, statistical analysis, and machine learning.
Can I study technology online?
Many colleges that offer these majors also report offering fully online programs. Use the college search with a major selected and “Offers fully online programs”, then confirm with each school which programs are online.
Can I start training for a technology career before I finish college?
Yes. Short online career training can help you learn what a specific job involves and build practical knowledge while you study. It does not replace a degree or a required license.