Is an Information Technology Degree Worth It?

By DeVry University

The information presented here is true and accurate as of the date of publication. DeVry’s programmatic offerings and their accreditations are subject to change. Please refer to the current academic catalog for details.
 

January 10, 2024

7 min read

Is it worth the time and effort to earn a degree? It’s natural to ask these types of questions while you’re thinking about pursuing a degree. The answer depends on what your personal career goals are. However, when it comes to the information technology (IT) field, earning a degree can be a worthwhile pursuit for many people.

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, many jobs in the information technology field require at least a bachelor’s degree or even graduate-level education for entry-level jobs.¹

Enrolling in a technology-driven program such as DeVry University’s Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology and Networking can provide you with the opportunity to study and develop industry-relevant skills from experienced faculty, as you prepare to pursue a career in information technology.

In this article, you’ll learn more about the different information technology degree programs offered at DeVry and the potential careers you may be able to consider in this field as we explore the following questions:
 

The topics and depth of study in one of DeVry's information technology degree programs will vary based on the degree level. Our information technology degrees can be found at the associate, bachelor’s and undergraduate certificate levels, with a Master’s in Information Technology Management available from our Keller Graduate School of Management. At DeVry, we strive to meet you where you are and help build your educational foundation for a career in information technology.

Earning an Undergraduate Certificate in Information Technology Essentials will take 1 year and 2 months on a normal schedule, or as little as 8 months—or even more quickly—with qualifying transfer credits.² If you’re looking to earn a college credential quickly on your schedule, our certificate and associate level degree programs may be the right fit for you. These programs teach foundational skills that you can continue to build your education on or use to begin your job search in the field. Many of DeVry’s programs are stackable, which means that the coursework you complete for a lower-level program may count toward your next related degree at DeVry when you’re ready to continue your education.³

²Normal schedule assumes 2 semesters of year-round, full-time enrollment in 4-13 credit hours a semester per 12-month period. Accelerated schedule does not include breaks and assumes 3 semesters of year-round, full-time enrollment in 4-13 credit hours a semester per 12-month period.

Here’s a brief overview of each of our information technology programs, and the topics covered at each level.

DeVry offers other bachelor-level degrees that are related to information technology, including our Bachelor's degree in Technical Management with a Specialization in Information Technology Networking-Networking Fundamentals.
 

This master’s degree includes the option for two different specializations in Data Administration and Management, and Information Security.

Whether an information technology degree itself is the right choice varies from person to person. However, as previously mentioned many entry-level jobs within the information technology field require a bachelor’s or master’s degree according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The BLS also cites that jobs in this field are expected to grow 10% on a national level between 2022 and 2032.⁴ If you are planning on pursuing a career in information technology, earning a bachelor’s or graduate-level degree may be something to consider.
 

⁴Growth projected on a national level. Local growth will vary by location. BLS projections are not specific to DeVry University students or graduates and may include earners at all stages of their career and not just entry level.

The benefits that come along with having an information technology degree may include career opportunities you can prepare to pursue in a variety of fields, thanks to the diversity of information technologies and wide array of industries that need IT professionals. Another benefit can be gaining a deeper understanding of how some aspects of your own field or industry works, or simply learning something new to apply on your career path.

Graduates of our Bachelor’s Degree Specialization in Information Technology Networking Fundamentals program can consider but are not limited to the following careers:

¹https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm
²Normal schedule does not include breaks and assumes 2 semesters of year-round, full-time enrollment in 4-13 credit hours a semester per 12-month period. Accelerated schedule does not include breaks and assumes 3 semesters of year-round, full-time enrollment in 4-13 credit hours a semester per 12-month period.
³At the time of application to the next credential level, an evaluation of qualifying transfer credit will occur and the most beneficial outcome will be applied. Future programmatic changes could impact the application of credits to a future program. Refer to the academic catalog for details.
⁴Growth projected on a national level. Local growth will vary by location. BLS projections are not specific to DeVry University students or graduates and may include earners at all stages of their career and not just entry level.