Technology Degree Programs Offer Unprecedented Options

Whether you’re taking on a two-year associate degree program, a four-year baccalaureate (bachelor’s) program, or a short-term certification course, e-learning courses allow you to earn your credentials on your own time. Some students view lectures on their lunch breaks or at night — others stick to a more traditional schedule. You’ll be able to determine what works for you, which can be liberating if you struggle with on-campus coursework.

By looking online, you’ll find dozens of degree and certification options, including programs specialized for occupations like:

• Web Design- Web designers develop and test websites, and many entry-level jobs require only an associate degree. The 2019 median pay for web developers was $73,760 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
• Software Development- These creative professionals create applications for computers, smartphones, and other devices. Most hold a bachelor’s degree. Their 2019 median annual pay was $107,510.
• Database Management- This degree can prepare you for a career as a database administrator (DBA), a profession that requires using specialized database software to store information. Their 2019 median annual pay was $93,750. Most database administrators hold a bachelor’s degree.
• Video Game Design- Game designers work long hours programming and testing video games for various systems. Their average annual salary is about $90,270, and most entry-level positions require a bachelor’s degree.
• Cybersecurity- Information security analysts respond to cybersecurity threats and establish security measures to protect sensitive data. Most hold a bachelor’s degree. Their median annual pay was $99,730 per year in 2019.

This is a small selection — thanks in part to the 2020 pandemic, more colleges are offering online courses than ever before, and technology students have an incredible array of e-learning options.

Online technology degree programs can also be significantly less expensive than traditional in-person college courses. However, you’ll need to spend some time researching your options in order to find the right program for your career.

Finding an Online Technology Degree Program

When evaluating schools, spend some time assessing each of your options. Start by setting clear goals and expectations. Learn about the advantages of different types of technology degrees. Look for job outlook statistics, average salaries, and other key information about various tech-sector jobs. Visit several college websites and collect information about their programs. Some questions to ask:

• Does the school have a strong reputation for its technology programs?
• How long will the degree program take to complete?
• What is the degree program’s completion rate?
• Will online courses provide face-to-face access to professors and other classmates?
• Can a student complete the entire course online, or are some required classes on-campus only?

Finally, make sure that the degree program is accredited by the Department of Education. If you’re applying for financial aid through federal loans, you’ll need to spend those funds at an accredited institution, and accreditation indicates that the coursework fulfills certain levels of educational standards. Technology degree programs vary considerably from one institution for the next, so look for at least 3-4 options before making a decision.

Some students pursue certifications instead of full degrees. This can be a wise option when adding skills, but non-degree certifications aren’t always accredited, so you’ll need to research these carefully. Look into each certification and make sure that it will make a useful addition to your resume. Ask schools for information about course completion rates, and if the program offers job placement, collect as much information as possible about their job placement program.

Online Resources Can Help You Earn Your Technology Degree

Not all online college classes are the same — in fact, each institution handles e-learning in a different way, and tuition costs can vary considerably for similar degrees. To avoid degree remorse, you’ll need to look at a variety of options from accredited schools.

The good news: Online college classes provide a convenient, flexible, and affordable way to further your career. Technology-related degrees are considered a fairly safe bet for students; as a whole, the tech job market offers high salaries, excellent benefits, and a tremendous job outlook. To start your career the right way, you’ll need a degree or certification — and online classes help you build skills that will appeal to your future employers.