Information Technology Professionals

4 Reasons Why an IT Degree Offers a Great Career Path

by | Jul 11, 2022

Whether you’re looking into your career options or interested in advancing in your profession, an online Information Technology (IT) degree may be the choice for you. In an evolving digital world, the demand for skilled IT professionals continues to grow. Here are four reasons why an IT degree offers a great career path.

IT Positions are In-Demand in All Industries

Whether a small start-up company, a mid-size nonprofit organization or a large corporation, IT services are essential to businesses. You may focus on programming, network management, information security, or project management. An IT degree will set you up for long-term success regardless of the specific company or position you hold.

Skilled IT Professionals Earn Top Wages

Tech careers are considered one of the fasted-growing fields with a high return on investment. An entry-level IT professional can earn an average annual salary of $55,000 or more. As you progress in your career, you can expect an increase in salary.

An IT Career Allows for Flexible Schedules

Since the pandemic, many IT professionals have shifted to remote work with flexible schedules to support a better work/life balance. Remote employees also reported greater happiness and productivity. This flexibility in work scheduling has opened new opportunities for IT professionals. What if you could get a well-paying job and set your own work schedule? For many IT professionals, this is possible.

An IT Degree Can Help You Advance in Your Career

The knowledge and skills you acquire during your IT degree program can put you on track to better pay and a higher-level position. If you want to sit at the decision-making table in your organization, you must have a solid understanding of the IT aspects of your business. In today’s business environment, IT skills are key to innovation and consumer outreach. You will be able to immediately apply the skills you are learning right away.   At Bluefield University, our 120-credit online Information Technology program is designed to help you grow into your IT career. We accept up to 90 hours of transfer credit. Complete the major courses of our IT degree in as little as 12 months and be ready to apply your skills in your current or desired job. Our experienced faculty, Christ-centered mission, and project-based program are thoughtfully created to prepare you to enter the IT field. If you’re ready to take the next step in your IT career, apply now.

Do I only apply once?

  • No. Students must apply each academic year for the fall semester and submit the necessary documents.

Do I have to take the classes specified in the Associate's Degree tracks as they are listed on the information sheet?

  • No. Students may take any of the courses that are offered in a given term.

Where do I find the textbook listing, and where do I purchase the books?

  • Log in to myBU, and under the "Student" tab, you will find a list of the textbooks required (if any) for each course. Students are responsible for purchasing their own textbooks.

How long is a semester?

  • Our semesters are divided into two 8-week terms.

Is there an orientation?

  • Yes. Students can attend an orientation session that explains how to access courses, how to register for classes, and answers other questions.

Where can I find a course description?

Does the student need to take the SAT or ACT in order to take Dual Enrollment classes?

  • No. If a student decides to study at BU full time, BU is currently test-optional for the 2021-2022 admissions cycle.

Are the classes live? Do students need to log in and participate at certain times?

  • Classes are offered online, so a student can log-on and study at their convenience and their own pace. Students have assignments due each week; you can complete your assignments at any point in time before the deadline.

Does an Early College student need to come to campus for anything?

  • No. However, we would love to have you visit our campus if you are interested in continuing with traditional on-campus study. Students who complete their associate's degree have the option to walk at our commencement ceremony.

Are Early College students able to receive Financial Aid?

  • No. However, Early College courses are very affordable compared to other options. The cost for an online Dual Enrollment course is $100 per credit hour.

How do transferring credits work?

  • Each College or University completes a transcript review in order to decide which courses transfer. Sticking to general education classes generally makes transferring credits simple. All Early College courses at Bluefield University are general education classes that should transfer to another accredited institution.

Is an Early College student considered, and treated, as a transfer student when they become a full-time college student if they have earned enough credits to be a Junior?

  • No. Since they have not graduated from high school, they are considered a first-time college student regardless of how many credits transfer. However, by transferring credits when they enroll as a full-time student, they will have to take fewer classes to receive their bachelor's degree, which shortens the length of time to earn the degree.

Can I speak to someone if I have more questions?

  • Yes. Please contact the Office of Admissions by email or you can call them at 276.326.4231

 

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