As the need for technology increases, more colleges are offering a variety of technology degrees. Aspiring technology professionals can choose programs in design, development, security, and other fields with new options. In many areas, earning a degree can help you identify and pursue high-paying careers.
In this article, we discuss some of the best tech degrees that can lead to high-paying jobs, with information about each and potential roles and salaries you can explore.
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Importance of tech degrees
Many companies prefer to hire candidates for tech jobs with advanced degrees. With a tech degree, you may earn a high-paying salary and opportunities for continuous learning and development. As technology changes and companies create new software and devices, the knowledge you gain with a degree can help you start a career in this industry. By exploring the best tech degrees, you can learn which degree fits your career goals before you enroll and prepare yourself for a tech career.
Best tech degrees for high-paying jobs
Here are some of the best technology degrees you can earn. For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, click the provided links.
1. Information technology
Information technology (IT) is the study of how people use technology and computing systems to manage data and information. Many schools offer bachelor’s degree programs in information technology, though you can pursue a master’s in this area or informatics, where you may focus more on data storage and retrieval. This is a broad field, so you can take courses in many areas like cloud computing, information security, data analytics, and IT management. Some high-paying careers in this field include:
IT analyst: IT analysts are consultants who observe and analyze an organization’s IT operations and make recommendations. The national average salary for this position is $76,990 per year.
IT technicians: IT technicians are professionals who provide basic technical support for an organization’s hardware and software. The national average salary for this position is $51,720 per year.
2. Computer science
In a computer science degree program, you focus more on information technology and digital development theories. This can involve learning why certain designs are more effective and how different data processes can affect program behavior. Computer science students study design, development, and software analysis to understand system functions. Some technology professionals earn doctorate degrees in computer science, though many earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Some careers in computer science include:
Systems analyst: A systems analyst, or technology analyst, assesses business requirements and designs and implements new technology solutions. The national average salary for this position is $82,239 per year.
Data scientist: Data scientists use math and statistics to gather and analyze large amounts of data for an organization. The national average salary for this position is $101,460 per year.
3. Web development
Web development programs offer information technology studies specializing in developing applications and sites. Students can learn a variety of programming languages while practicing coding. With this program, you might code websites and learn about testing processes that help you validate that the code works and that a website functions as you expect. Some programs offer degrees in this subject, while others might be general computer science degrees with a specialization in web development. Some jobs you might consider in this field include:
Web developer: A web developer is a person who programs websites to function on the internet. The national average salary for this position is $67,752 per year.
Application developer: An application developer codes, tests, releases, and updates applications, usually for mobile devices. The national average salary for this position is $87,602 per year.
4. Web design
With a degree in web design, you might learn about web development topics like coding, but the primary focus is designing websites. This includes using graphics and colors, interpreting and applying style sheets, and learning about new platforms or devices. People interested in coding the user interface (UI) of websites might want to consider a web design degree. Some high-paying careers in this area include:
Visual designer: Visual designers interpret design briefs to create artwork or interfaces for various platforms, ensuring brand consistency. The national average salary for this position is $66,129 per year.
User interface: UI designers design all the front-end pages customers might see, ensuring a clean and consistent layout. The national average salary for this position is $85,388 per year.
Digital designer: Digital designers design assets for their clients, such as websites, or for potential print products like advertisements or labels. The national average salary for this position is $70,978 per year.5. Computer networking
A degree in computer networking can help you learn about every aspect of how computers connect and interact. This can include physical connections like wires or wireless options, such as Wi-Fi and cloud-based computing. You might learn skills like device installation, repairs, and troubleshooting. In a computer networking program, you can take courses in server configurations, local area networking, router management, and cloud technology. Some careers you might consider with this degree include:
Network administrator: Network administrators oversee an organization’s local and wireless connections, ensuring stability and security. The national average salary for this position is $71,730 per year.
Network engineer: Network engineers install, maintain, inspect, and repair network connections between devices. The national average salary for this position is $90,148 per year.
6. System Administration
Systems administration degrees can help you learn about how hardware and software interact with each other. This can include learning about managing teams, overseeing programs, and performing risk assessments. You can take network administration, testing, operating system management, and device management courses. Many schools offer associate degree programs in system administration. Some careers in this area include:
System administrator: Systems administrators oversee technology quantities and their uses to ensure organizations have safe and functional devices. The national average salary for this position is $76,288 per year.
IT manager: IT managers oversee technology departments to ensure the staff has the tools to support an organization’s technology needs. The national average salary for this position is $87,879 per year.
7. Database management
Database management is an area in information technology where you can learn how to understand database structures and how systems store information. You can learn about software management, metadata, security, and different databases and their uses. Courses might include information technology, management information systems, and structured query language (SQL). Some roles you might find with a database management degree include:
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Database manager: Database managers develop and oversee an organization’s databases and how staff can retrieve or store data. The national average salary for this position is $62,460 per year.
Database Engineer: Database engineers create, test, and deliver new database software and programs as solutions for a client’s database needs. The national average salary for this position is $116,502 per year.
8. Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity degrees can teach you how to identify, prevent, and respond to technology risks. Some areas where this is important are data, information systems, and networks. You might learn about common cybersecurity attacks, security protection software, and risk management. Courses you may take include cryptography, hacking, and computer science theory. Some cybersecurity programs also teach advanced research and engineering techniques. Careers you might consider with this degree include:
Cybersecurity analyst: Cybersecurity analysts help protect an organization’s systems and information by monitoring threats and reviewing security controls. The national average salary for this position is $83,681 per year.
Security Engineer: Security engineers design, test and monitor security software and the controls, like authentication methods and firewalls, that protect a company’s data. The national average salary for this position is $75,376 per year.
9. Software development
Like a web development degree, this degree can help you learn how to code and understand different programming languages. Rather than coding specifically for websites, aspiring software developers can learn how to develop code for computer programs and software applications. With some programs, you may specialize in a specific programming language or earn certifications you can include on your resume. Courses can include project management, web development, coding, and testing. Some careers you might consider with this degree include:
Software engineer: Software engineers design, code, develop, and maintain computer software and programs. The national average salary for this position is $93,809 per year.
Full-stack developer: Full-stack developers code the back-end functionality of programs and the front-end design elements of programs. The national average salary for this position is $101,002 per year.
Tips for choosing the best tech degree
Below are a few tips you can use when deciding which tech degree to pursue:
Consider all possible career paths
Explore all the different jobs you can get with a specific degree. For example, a degree in information technology could lead to a job in technical support or as a business consultant. If you’re unsure of the exact job you want after graduating, choosing a degree that offers a wide range of career options may be a good decision.
Follow your passions
When considering which tech degree to pursue, think about more than your desired salary. Choosing a career that you enjoy and aligns with your passions is important. Being passionate about your work may lead to better work results, which might also lead to a higher salary.
Learn about course requirements
For each degree that interests you, explore the common course requirements for that program. Most colleges and universities provide information about the required courses for a specific degree before you enroll. You can then see which degrees have more courses that interest you or align with your career goals.
I hope you find this article helpful.
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