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:
Upcoming Start Dates
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
90
(60 Semester Credits)
Cost per Credit
$371
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.
Military Transfer Credit
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?Purdue University Global Is Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
The HLC (HLCommission.org) is an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Admissions Requirements
You must be a high school graduate or possess a General Education Development (GED) certificate or other equivalency diploma. You are also encouraged to complete orientation before you start classes. Refer to the University Catalog or speak to an Advisor to learn more.
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.
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
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Transfer Credits
Earn credit for prior coursework completed at eligible institutions, including community colleges.
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Prior Work Experience
You could earn undergraduate credit for your life and professional career experiences.
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Financial Aid
Title IV federal financial aid is available for many of our degree programs.
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Grants
Learn about federal financial grants and loan programs that may be available.
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Corporate Partner Benefits
Employees of Purdue Global partner organizations may be eligible for special tuition reductions.
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Military Tuition Reduction
55% reduction per credit for current servicemembers, 38% per credit for veterans for undergraduate programs.
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Prior Military Experience
We offer credit for ACE-evaluated training and CLEP and DANTES examinations.
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International Tuition Reduction
International students living outside of the United States are eligible for a 25% tuition reduction.
Program Cost Estimator
Calculate your estimated tuition and ways to save.
What Courses Will I Take?
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 CoursesSample Courses
- Microsoft Office Applications on Demand
- Information Technology Concepts
- Software Development Concepts
- Networking Concepts
Program Requirements
- Core Credits20
- Major Credits35
- Elective Credits35
- Total Credits90
Degree Concentrations
Concentrations allow you to personalize your education by focusing your electives on an area of study that best fits your desired career path. Choose from six optional career-focused concentrations:
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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.
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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.
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IT generalist
Focus on networking, database management, programming, and web development.
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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.
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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.
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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
Top Jobs With This Degree
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.
Get to Know Our Faculty
Purdue Global faculty members are real-world practitioners who bring knowledge gained through the powerful combination of higher learning and industry experience.
View Information Technology Faculty Directory
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.
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.
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.
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.