Online Information Technology (IT) Degrees and Certificate Programs

Yes, you absolutely can earn an IT degree online. Purdue Global offers online degree programs in information technology that are well-respected, affordable, and flexible enough to fit to your busy schedule.

There are plenty of programs in high-growth areas to explore, including cybersecurity, network administration, and project management. Whether you’re seeking to get started in the IT field or to advance your profession, you can choose from a variety of certificates and degrees of varying levels to suit your needs.

One unique feature about our IT programs are the hands-on virtual labs. These are designed to simulate real-world, on-the-job situations, and allow you to practice skills relevant to the workplace. For example, graduate students might use the lab to gain tangible experience in such areas as configuring active directories, creating user accounts and assigning access, testing applications for usability, and implementing security access controls. By participating in labs, you’ll also build a portfolio of diverse learning skills.

In our IT programs, you’ll get access to the latest technological advancements while also enjoying opportunities to collaborate with fellow students and IT professionals. Some courses include live, online group meetings with your professor and classmates every week.

You can also join a variety of active communities and clubs with virtual events, such as the Cybersecurity Club, the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), and ACM Women in Computing (ACM-W). The Cybersecurity Center offers virtual cybersecurity competitions (National Cyber League - NCL) throughout the year as well.

See Notes and Conditions below for important information.

Among the types of information technology degrees are general IT degrees that provide a broad foundation of knowledge (i.e., the bachelor’s or master’s degree in information technology) and more specialist IT degrees that are tailored to a specific field (i.e., cybersecurity or programming). Our offerings include certificates, associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. No matter where your interests lie, Purdue Global can provide you with the in-demand skills you need to be well-equipped in the booming IT industry.

Discover a variety of Purdue Global programs that align with your particular goals:

• Analytics: Evaluate analytics-based solutions and analyze complex sets of data, applying principles of analysis to create detailed reports. Sharpen and learn relevant skills in the demanding data analytics field.
• Cloud Computing: Gain the technical skills to help organizations develop, innovate, and complete their cloud transformation. Acquire a foundation for critical industry certifications.
• Cybersecurity: Choose from many concentrations and be ready to pursue industry certifications.
• Google IT Skills: Cover a range of foundational topics in information technology in programs that were developed with Google.
• Information Security: Be prepared to protect sensitive data from hackers and develop critical techniques in important IT areas.
• Information Technology: Choose from several degree concentrations while learning crucial and foundational IT skills.
• Programming and Software Development: Gain specialized knowledge to seek entry-level employment in the field of programming and software development.

See Notes and Conditions below for important information.

There are several institutions that accredit IT degrees. Accreditation is given to specific degrees rather than at the university or school level.

At Purdue Global, we offer several accredited IT programs. Our bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity and bachelor’s degree in information technology are accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of ABET. According to ABET, students who attend an ABET-accredited program can have “confidence that a collegiate program has met standards essential to prepare graduates to enter critical STEM fields in the global workforce.” Learn more about ABET accreditation for Purdue Global IT programs.

As you review the different information technology degrees, it may be helpful to consider the accrediting institution and other designations that the program has achieved. For example, the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management at Purdue Global have received a designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CD).

Purdue Global is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The HLC is one of six regional institutional accreditors, covering degree-granting postsecondary educational institutions in the North Central region of the U.S.

As technology continues to become even more of an integral part of our lives, IT degree careers are in high demand. Employment in the computer and information technology field is expected to grow much faster than average at 15%, adding more than 682,000 new jobs through 2031.

Our online degree programs in information technology equip you with the skills you need to change careers and enter into the field, or to advance in your current profession. A degree in IT can even qualify you for some jobs in the federal government. Explore the various types of IT degrees we offer and be ready for a rewarding, in-demand career.

Some of the top jobs with an information technology degree include the following:

Information Security Analyst

Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems. Employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 35 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Computer Systems Analyst

Computer systems analysts study organizations’ computer systems in order to find effective, efficient solutions. Employment of computer systems analysts is projected to grow 9 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations.

Software Developer

Software developers create computer applications and programs. Employment of software developers is projected to grow 25 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Database Administrator

Database administrators develop and maintain systems to store and protect data. Employment of database administrators is projected to grow 9 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations.

Computer Support Specialist

Computer support specialists provide assistance to users and organizations. Overall employment of computer support specialists is projected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations from 2021 to 2031.

See Notes and Conditions below for important information.

The length of time it takes to earn an IT degree depends on the degree or certificate you’re pursuing, how many courses you take each term, and how many credits you transfer into the IT program.

You can significantly shorten the length to your degree by transferring IT certifications for college credit, or by transferring past work experience. Some popular certifications that qualify as college credit include those from Microsoft, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Cisco, CompTIA, Oracle, and more.

At Purdue Global, we offer many competency-based degree programs, known as ExcelTrack™, that allow you to skip certain subjects that you are already familiar with. These programs may allow you to graduate faster than a traditional program. ExcelTrack™ may be a good fit if you’re self-motivated and prefer to pursue your education at your own pace—even if you don’t have much IT experience. If you’d like more structure and live interaction, our traditional format will likely work better for you.

The option to earn an accelerated IT degree through ExcelTrack™ is available for the following programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Analytics
• Bachelor of Science in Cloud Computing and Solutions
• Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
• Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
• Master of Science in Information Technology 

For our traditional programs (not ExcelTrack™), undergraduate students should expect to spend 15–20 hours each week, per course, on schoolwork. Graduate students should expect to spend about 20 hours per week, per course. This may help you decide how many courses you can reasonably expect to take at a time. If you’re concerned about balancing work, school, and other life responsibilities, our blog offers some time management tips and tips for working and going to school while being a parent.

See Notes and Conditions below for important information.

Yes. Students can get credit for certifications. Additionally, Purdue Global allows you to use past learning credits and relevant work or military experience to speed up your program. Some of our programs let you earn an accelerated IT degree with ExcelTrack^®, our self-paced option that also saves you money.

See Notes and Conditions below for important information.

We are dedicated to finding you the fastest, most affordable path to your IT degree. Apply previous learning credits, work experience, and military training to save on tuition and graduate sooner. Use our tuition calculator to estimate how prior learning credits can impact your tuition costs and graduation date.

See Notes and Conditions below for important information.

Our online degree programs were designed for adults with busy schedules. You’ll receive hands-on experience to prepare you for the workforce, and connect with peers via IT internships and student clubs.