7 computer and information technology jobs worth considering and the degrees to help get them

• Computer and information technology jobs cover a wide spectrum of jobs in the specialty areas of data science, software development, cybersecurity and more.
• According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for computer and information technology jobs is projected to grow 13% between 2020-2030.
• Employers typically require candidates to have at least a bachelor’s degree to pursue many of these jobs, but a master’s degree may be needed.
• University of Phoenix offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the areas of information technology, computer science, data science and cybersecurity. Visit phoenix.edu/technology to learn more!

Information technology (IT) is important to businesses across many different industries, especially as digital transformation continues to trend upward.  Growth in this sector is driven by companies’ greater emphasis in cloud computing, STEM, data security and big data storage. As a result, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for computer and information technology professions to increase by 13% between 2020-2030.

For those interested in entering this profession, there are a wide variety of career choices and specialties available for IT majors in the digital age. This variety of options covers a wide spectrum of specialty areas in IT, such as data science, cybersecurity and software development. And while the education requirements can range from some college experience to a masters’ degree, it ultimately depends on the role, company, location and responsibilities.

In this list, we’ll take a deep dive into some information technology jobs, covering their outlook, required education, expected salaries and what to expect. We’ve also included University of Phoenix (UOPX) degree offerings in these areas to help you make the first step in your career path a little easier. 

The salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of University of Phoenix. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. University of Phoenix does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website.

Overview: A computer systems analyst is responsible for helping organizations operate more efficiently by designing improvements to computer systems and processes. Sometimes referred to as systems architects, these professionals may also conduct tests on a system’s efficiency and analyze findings to improve the operating system. BLS projects employment for this role to grow by 7% between 2020-2030.

Job requirements: According to BLS, employment as a computer systems analyst typically requires a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related information systems or information technology field. Some employers may require candidates to have a master’s degree if the job is more technically complex.

Salary: According to the BLS, the salary range for computer systems analysts was $60,680 to $1058,010 per year in May 2021.  

University of Phoenix degree option: UOPX offers an Associate of Arts with a concentration in Information Technology degree and a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degree.  

Overview: A computer and information systems manager oversees all decisions based on the organization, strategy, plan, and processes of a business computer and information systems. They will communicate with both internal and external systems users, create optimized plans to answer pain points, and oversee the daily performance of these systems. This job is projected to grow 11% between 2020-2030.

Job requirements: To become a computer and information systems manager, applicants will likely need at least a bachelor’s degree in either IT or computer science, or a related field. Those looking to be an employee with larger companies, or more complex systems, may find it beneficial to pursue a master’s in information systems. This will help hone your skills, as well as increase your earning power.  

Salary: According to May 2021 annual salary range data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), “The lowest 10% [of computer and information systems managers] earned less than $95,220, and the highest 10% earned more than $208,000,” still making the lowest 10% of earnings for computer and information systems manager much higher than the average U.S. salary of $56,310.

University of Phoenix degree option: UOPX offers a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degree.

Overview: A computer and information research scientist develops and designs new ways to use and apply existing technological systems. They work with a variety of existing software and hardware to create new solutions for businesses and consumers alike. This job requires an intimate understanding of how technology functions and is developed, as well as the creativity to come up with new ideas for these functions. This role is projected to increase by 22% between 2020-2030.

Job requirements: To become a computer and information research scientist, candidates will need a master’s degree in an applicable field like data science. A master’s degree will expose you to the concepts you’ll need to understand and develop new technologies. 

Salary: According to May 2021 annual salary range data from the BLS, when it comes to computer and information research scientists' salaries, “The lowest 10% earned less than $74,210, and the highest 10% earned more than $208,000,” coming in still higher than the national salary average. 

Overview: A database architect is responsible for ensuring that a database runs efficiently. Sometimes referred to as a DBA, these professionals   create and organize systems and databases to store and secure company data. They may also be responsible for making sure that data is available and accessible to authorized employees. BLS projects this occupation will grow by 8% between 2020-2030.

Job requirements: Database architects typically need at least a bachelor's degree in a technology field like IT or data science. However, BLS reports that some employers may prefer candidates who have a master’s degree, such as in information systems, computer science or information technology.

Salary: According to May 2021 data from the BLS, the annual wage range for database architects is between $54,070 and $155,660.

University of Phoenix degree option: UOPX offers a Bachelor of Science in Data Science degree.

Overview: An information security analyst helms a company's cybersecurity protocols and systems. This specialist watch for security breaches, investigate suspicious activity, and design and enact security processes across the company's IT network. The responsibilities and scope of this job will vary based on company size and the sensitivity of the data you’re working with. BLS projects employment for this profession to grow 33% from 2020-2030.

Job requirements: To become an information security analyst, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity or a related field. For those who want to work in high-profile industries, such as government entities, then you might consider getting a master’s in cybersecurity.  

Salary: According to May 2021 data from the BLS, the annual wage range for information security analysts is between $61,520 and $165,920.

University of Phoenix degree option: UOPX offers a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and a Master’s of Science in Cybersecurity degrees.

Overview: Alternatively, software developers work with the intangible pieces of computers and tech. They help test and develop new software and may often work side by side with hardware developers. Software developers need to understand different types of coding languages, as well as know how to troubleshoot problems from the front and back end. Software developer roles are projected to increase by 22% between 2020-2030, according to BLS.

Job requirements: To become a software developer, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as computer science. Prospective employers may also want to see work samples or proof of experience from a potential employee, which can be obtained through internships, or personally scripted databases or code. 

Salary: According to May 2021 annual salary range data from BLS, ”The lowest 10% [of software developers] earned less than $65,210, and the highest 10% earned more than $170,100.” This range is well above the national salary average. Specializing in the field, or pursuing an advanced degree like a master’s, can increase your earning power. 

University of Phoenix degree option: UOPX offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree. 

Overview: Similar to network architects, database administrators or analysts create and organize systems to store sensitive company data. This could be financial information, customer shipping records, credit card numbers, and so on. They also make sure that the database is available to authorized users and troubleshoot issues with the database. This role is projected to grow by 8% between 2020-2030.

Job requirements: According to BLS, database administrators and analysts typically need a bachelor’s degree in a related field like data science or computer science. However, employers may prefer to hire candidates with a master’s degree.

Salary: According  to May 2021 annual salary range data from the BLS, the top 10% of database administrators earn $155,660 annually, while the lowest 10% earn $54,070.

University of Phoenix degree option: UOPX offers a Bachelor of Science in Data Science degree.

Several practices can help IT professionals and recent graduates with IT degrees find openings and distinguish themselves on the job market. Because of the high demand for tech professionals, this is a great time to start a career in IT. Some resources for those starting, or looking for a change in their IT career include: 

• Networking: Networking is a powerful tool for any professional. Creating healthy, reciprocal professional relationships is a great way to get a foot in the door at a company and increase your reach when looking for new positions. You can network at industry events, online, or even at your universities with professors and other students. 
• Earning additional certifications: Earning additional industry certifications and continuing your professional development can be a great way to increase your networking opportunities as well as hone your skills. Having industry certifications on your resume can also help make you a more competitive candidate in such a competitive industry. 
• Completing relevant internships: Internships can be a great way to earn real-life experience for tech jobs that may require it. Some internships are even paid, meaning you can earn some money as well as experience. Finally, the networks you create at an internship can be invaluable to your career growth. 
• Joining professional associations: Professional associations can provide you access to educational material, networking opportunities, and even open positions. They can also help you keep up on current events in the industry, which can give you a competitive edge as a candidate. Some of these associations have dues, while others are free to join. 

Becoming an IT professional can be career choice. While the vastness of the industry can be intimidating, with the right education and resources, it can be much easier to find your perfect job within the IT field. 

University of Phoenix offers 19 IT degrees aligned to 63 occupations that help prepare students with the foundational skills to enter this growing field. Additionally, these degrees can help prepared graduates to test for industry-recognized certifications from leading organizations like EC-Council, CompTIA and the AWS Academy.

Learn more about technology degrees from UOPX, including:

• Bachelor of Science in Information Technology  - Businesses around the world depend on information technology to deliver products and services that customers use every day. Build the skills necessary for leadership in this critical field.
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Build skills that are foundational in today’s competitive job market, including java programming, software development and computer architecture.
• Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity​– Learn how to protect data from evolving cyberthreats and prepare yourself with crucial skills for careers in IT and systems security.
• Bachelor of Science in Data Science – Understand the ins-and-outs of managing, analyzing and visualizing data for businesses.
• Master of Science in Cybersecurity – Gain a deeper understanding of cybersecurity best practices to protect organizational infrastructure at the enterprise level.
• Master of Science in Information Systems – Learn the technical and leadership skills to manage entire IT systems.
• Master of Science in Data Science – Learn database design, statistical methods and business intelligence to improve business decision making.