Online Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Technology (IT)

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Program at a Glance

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that America will add more than 667,000 IT jobs from 2020 to 2030.*
An optional internship enables you to gain practical job experience in the field.
Earn your degree 100% online, on your schedule.
Choose from six optional career-focused concentrations:

Cybersecurity
Data analytics
Game development

IT generalist
Networking
Programming and software development

How Do I Get Started?

We offer multiple start dates to give you flexibility in your education, life, and work schedules.

Course Effort

15–18 Hours per Week

Course Length

10-Week Terms

Average Completion

2 years

Of Full-Time Study

Credits Required

(60 Semester Credits)

Cost per Credit

$371

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Purdue Global Career Outcomes 2020–2021

Each year, our Center for Career Advancement sends a NACE First Destination survey to our graduating class to learn more about their career choices and potential income within 18 months of graduation. We’re proud of our recent Purdue Global alumni accomplishments.

91%

Graduates in Purdue Global’s Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology program were employed or continued their education within 18 months of graduation.

“Career Outcomes Rate” is not the same as an “employment rate”—it includes graduates who are: (1) employed (whether full or part time); (2) participating in a program of voluntary service, (3) serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, or (4) enrolled in a program of continuing education. This rate may also include graduates employed in jobs unrelated to their degree or who were employed while attending Purdue Global. (9,106 graduates surveyed across associate's, bachelor's, master's, JD, EJD, and DNP programs from July 1, 2019, to December 31, 2020. 7,803 of 9,106 replied.)

Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology Overview

Turn your passion for tech into a professional IT credential. With Purdue Global’s information technology associate's degree, you can enhance your skills and knowledge and be ready to pursue your career goals.

This online IT associate’s degree offers a solid technical foundation in creating software applications, managing databases, developing websites, installing and maintaining networks, troubleshooting hardware and software problems, and more.

Courses are reviewed and revised continually by our dedicated curriculum department and advisory board to ensure they reflect the most recent developments in the field. Coursework is focused on preparing you to:

Use technical skills and methods to solve problems
Analyze users’ technical needs
Construct information technology solutions
Understand technology trends, practices, and products

Who Should Apply?

If you seek entry-level employment in the IT field or wish to pursue an IT bachelor's degree in the future, this program is for you. View the Admissions section below for requirements to enroll.

See the University Catalog for policy and degree plan information specific to this program.

Earn your degree faster with our PME2Degree^® program. Many occupations across each branch of the military have been evaluated for credit toward a Purdue Global degree. Use our Military Transfer Credit Estimator to see how much of your training counts as credit.

HOW MANY CREDITS HAVE YOU EARNED?

The HLC (HLCommission.org) is an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Take the Next Step in Your Education and Career

Build a Pathway Toward Certification

The coursework covers topics you will need to understand should you decide to pursue relevant industry credentials. Certifications can validate your skills and help you secure a professional role within the evolving IT field.^†

Earn Credit for Prior Certifications

If you’ve already completed certification exams, you may be eligible for credit toward your degree.

Learn More About Eligible Certification Exams

Get a Head Start on Your Bachelor’s Degree

By completing your associate’s degree, you’ll not only earn a valuable credential to make an immediate impact on your career, you’ll also lay the groundwork for a bachelor’s degree in IT, cybersecurity, or cloud computing. Transfer your associate’s degree into a Purdue Global bachelor’s degree.^‡

Ways to Save

Transfer Credits

Earn credit for prior coursework completed at eligible institutions, including community colleges.

Save Time and Money on Your Degree
Prior Work Experience

You could earn undergraduate credit for your life and professional career experiences.

Your Experience Counts
Financial Aid

Title IV federal financial aid is available for many of our degree programs.

Financial Aid FAQ
Grants

Learn about federal financial grants and loan programs that may be available.

Federal and State Grants
Corporate Partner Benefits

Employees of Purdue Global partner organizations may be eligible for special tuition reductions.

Employee Savings and Benefits
Military Tuition Reduction

55% reduction per credit for current servicemembers, 38% per credit for veterans for undergraduate programs.

Tuition Savings for Military
Prior Military Experience

We offer credit for ACE-evaluated training and CLEP and DANTES examinations.

Credit for Military Training
International Tuition Reduction

International students living outside of the United States are eligible for a 25% tuition reduction.

International Tuition and Benefits

Calculate your estimated tuition and ways to save.

Select a discount option

Curriculum offers a solid technical foundation in creating software applications, managing databases, developing websites, installing and maintaining networks, troubleshooting hardware and software problems, and more.

See All IT Courses

Sample Courses

Microsoft Office Applications on Demand
Information Technology Concepts
Software Development Concepts
Networking Concepts

Program Requirements

Core Credits
20
Major Credits
35
Elective Credits
35
Total Credits
90

Cybersecurity

Explore fundamental Cybersecurity topics, certifications, and job roles. Gain essential networking skills related to CompTIA Network+ certification and build foundational security skills related to CompTIA Security+ certification.
Data analytics

Gain exposure to the analytical methods and tools used by organizations as they leverage the value of data. Explore different uses of collected data, employ statistics in data analysis, and apply the appropriate visualization techniques for specific reporting needs.
IT generalist

Focus on networking, database management, programming, and web development.
Programming and software development

Study how to develop software for standalone applications, websites, and smartphones using C#, Java, or a combination of PHP, Javascript, HTML5, and CSS for web development programming languages.
Networking

Explore TCP/IP, which is the basis for all forms of networks, and focus on current industry-accepted practices for troubleshooting and administering Windows-based systems.
Game Development

Learn to design and develop programs and features including role-playing mechanics, storylines, character profiles, and more. You'll also study the creation of gamified experiences as well as how to implement challenges and scenarios.

Career Opportunities

The fast-moving field of IT demands qualified professionals trained in the latest technologies, systems, and industry advances. Our associate’s degree is designed to prepare you for diverse entry-level jobs within the IT field.

Top 5 Skills Employers Are Looking for:

Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Judgement and Decision Making
Reading Comprehension
Complex Problem-Solving

Labor market, salary, and projected growth information are supplied by Emsi. Average salary range is based on national data. Projected growth represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2018–2030) at the state level and is based on your geographic location. Actual outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, and opportunities for employment. Purdue Global cannot guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement.

100% IT faculty members who have advanced degrees

36% IT faculty members who hold a doctorate

237 Faculty publications in 2020–2021

More Than 36,000 Professional development hours logged by faculty in 2020–2021

Advanced and Doctoral Degrees: Statistics include all Purdue Global IT faculty members. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, May 2022.
Publications and Development Hours: Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school- or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, September 2021. 2020–2021 academic year.

Take 3 Weeks to Get to Know Us

Not sure if Purdue Global is right for you? Experience a Purdue Global undergraduate program for an introductory 3-week period.

There’s no financial obligation and no cost to apply.

That’s the Purdue Global Commitment.

Our Commitment

Download the Program Brochure

Download our brochure to learn more about the Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology and the benefits of earning your degree at Purdue Global.

Prepare for success with an associate's degree in IT.

View Brochure

NOTES AND CONDITIONS

^*Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Computer and Information Technology Occupations, www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm. National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

^†Certification Exams: Students are responsible for understanding the requirements of optional certification exams. The University cannot guarantee students will be eligible to sit for or pass exams. In some cases, work experience, additional coursework beyond the Purdue Global program, fieldwork, and/or background checks may be necessary to be eligible to take or to successfully pass the exams.

^‡Future Programs: The University cannot guarantee that students will be granted admission to any future programs. Speak to an Advisor about transfer credit opportunities and see the University Catalog for the Prior Learning Assessment policy.