IT remains a smart career choice for 2026 and beyond. Nearly every business today, not just tech companies, relies on complex computer and network systems to operate smoothly and keep data safe.
Industry-recognized certifications are important, especially for technical jobs. Still, a degree is one of the top credentials employers look for, particularly if you want higher pay, leadership roles, or advanced positions.
This guide covers the best online IT degrees for career advancement. It’s designed for:
- IT professionals seeking advancement
- Career changers entering tech
- Working adults balancing school and work
You’ll find a breakdown of key paths, from general IT to cybersecurity, management, data, and more. The goal is to help you see which degrees match real career growth opportunities.
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Why an Online IT Degree Can Accelerate Career Growth
Tech is changing, not shrinking. Tech workers are still doing better than most, with unemployment at about 2.8% compared to 4% for the overall U.S. workforce. Demand remains strong for networks, security, and software roles.
To work in IT, you need the right credentials. Technical skills are important, but employers also value formal qualifications. There are three main levels to think about:
- Certificates: Quick, focused skills for specific tools, but limited for leadership roles.
- Bachelor’s degrees: Solid foundation in IT plus problem-solving and teamwork skills.
- Master’s degrees: Advanced knowledge, strategic thinking, and leadership opportunities.
Many students now choose to earn these credentials online. Online IT degrees offer several benefits: Learn while you work. No need to quit your job.
- Gain real-world experience alongside your degree
- Flexible schedules to fit your lifestyle
- Build credentials that employers recognize
- Open doors to promotions and leadership roles
What Employers Look for in IT Degree Graduates
When a recruiter, manager, or CTO reviews your resume, they usually look for a few key things:
- Technical skills, such as networking, cloud, security, and databases
- Problem‑solving and analytical ability
- Systems thinking
- Leadership and project management
- Hands‑on experience, often through capstone projects or internships
- Accreditation and school reputation
The best online IT degrees for career advancement cover all these areas, especially when you combine them with real project experience.
Best Online IT Degrees for Career Advancement (Overview)
This section doesn’t rank online IT degrees. Instead, it explains the types of degrees and the careers they can help you pursue.
1. Information Technology (General IT)
This is the broadest IT bachelor’s degree. It usually combines core tech skills like networks, systems, security, and infrastructure with business and management courses.
The best online information technology programs are versatile. They prepare you for core roles that are present in almost every industry, from healthcare to finance, government to education.
Best for: Broad career foundations + management pathways
Common roles: IT Manager, Systems Administrator, IT Director
Top Schools offering Online IT Degrees
- Arizona State University – Online BS in Information Technology: Known for strong industry connections and flexible pacing.
- University of Massachusetts Lowell – Online BS in Information Technology: Great mix of technical foundations with business context.
- Western Governors University – Online BS in IT (competency‑based): Competency-based, which means you progress as you master skills.
2. Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is one of the best online IT degrees for career advancement. There are about 4.8 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs worldwide, and the workforce needs to grow by nearly 87% to meet demand. In the U.S. alone, there are about 500,000 open cybersecurity positions.
Best for: High‑demand security careers & salary growth
Common roles: Security Analyst, Cybersecurity Engineer, SOC Manager
Top Schools offering Online Cybersecurity Degrees
- University of Maryland Global Campus – Online BS/MS in Cybersecurity Technology: Known for strong employer recognition and practical focus.
- New York University – Online MS in Cybersecurity: An advanced degree that can help you break into high‑responsibility roles.
- Western Governors University – Online BS in Cybersecurity: Certifications are often woven into the curriculum.
Many security programs include industry certifications like CISSP, CEH, or CompTIA Security+, which can boost your career.
3. Information Systems / IT Management
This information technology degree online is less about raw code and more about leading tech in business. It blends technical fluency with management, strategy, and business process. Graduates often move into oversight roles where they’re responsible not just for technology, but for teams and budgets.
Best for: Leadership + hybrid tech/business roles
Common roles: IT Manager, Systems Manager, Technology Consultant
Top Schools offering Online Information Systems Degrees
- University of Arizona – Online MS in Management Information Systems: Big on strategy and enterprise systems
- Colorado State University Global – Online BS in MIS: The curriculum is practical and designed to address real business challenges.
- Arizona State University – Online BS in Computer Information Systems: Solid base for operational management roles.
4. Computer Science (Applied / IT-Focused)
Computer science is more technical than general IT. It usually covers programming, algorithms, data structures, and systems architecture.
CS degrees are fantastic if you want:
- Higher technical ceilings
- Deeper software or engineering roles
- A pathway to specialized fields like AI or machine learning
Best for: Technical advancement + engineering‑adjacent work
Common roles: Software Developer, Systems Engineer, Solutions Architect
Top Schools offering Online Computer Science Degrees
- Georgia Institute of Technology – Online MS in Computer Science: Widely respected and rigorous
- University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign – Online MCS: Great balance of theory and application.
- Arizona State University – Online BS in Computer Science: Flexible and recognized by employers.
5. Data Analytics / IT Analytics
A growing trend in tech is data‑driven decision‑making. That means companies want people who can take big data and turn it into insights. These accredited online IT degrees sit at the crossroad of IT and business intelligence.
Best for: Data‑driven decision makers + analytics roles
Common roles: Data Analyst, IT Analyst, Business Intelligence Manager
Top Schools offering Online Data Analytics Degrees
- University of Texas at Austin – Online MS in Data Science: Focus on data modeling, analysis, and big data tools.
- Columbia University – Online MS in Applied Analytics: Blends analytics with strategy.
- Arizona State University – Online BS/MS in Data Analytics: You can choose either a bachelor’s or a master’s path.
IT Bachelor’s vs Master’s Degrees for Career Advancement
If you’re asking, “Do I need a master’s degree?” the answer depends on your career goals.
Online IT Bachelor’s Degrees
- Often enough for many IT roles
- Employers look for these for core technical jobs
- Takes ~4 years and offers solid ROI
Online IT Master’s Degrees
- Can lead to leadership, research, or strategic roles
- May increase salary potential more rapidly
- Helpful if you want to move into planning or architecture roles
Salary data shows that people with master’s degrees often earn more than those with bachelor’s degrees, but it depends on your role, industry, and experience.
IT Degree Salary and Advancement Outlook
According to the BLS, the median IT degree salary was about $105,990 in 2024. That’s double the U.S. median for all occupations.
Here’s a snapshot of common roles and salaries of online IT degree jobs:
- Information Security Analyst: $124,910 median salary (bachelor’s education)
- Computer Systems Analyst: $103,790 median salary
- Network & Systems Administrator: $96,800 median salary
At the higher end, IT managers and architect roles often pay over six figures, especially if you have experience and leadership skills.
Certifications vs Degrees — What Advances Careers Faster?
Certificates and degrees work best together.
Certifications (like CompTIA Security+, AWS Solutions Architect, PMP) are excellent for:
- Technical credibility
- Specific tool or platform expertise
- Faster initial job entry
Degrees are stronger for:
- Leadership and management roles
- Strategic thinking
- Recognition for broader problem-solving skills
How to Choose the Best Online IT Degree for Your Career Goals
Here are questions you should ask yourself to choose the most fitting IT degree for your goals:
- Career Target: What job do you want in 1, 3, or 5 years?
- Accreditation: Is the program regionally accredited?
- Curriculum Relevance: Does it match real employers’ needs?
- Flexibility: Can you balance work and study?
- Cost vs ROI: How does tuition compare to potential earnings?
- Employer Recognition: Do hiring managers know the school?
How to Maximize Career Advancement With an Online IT Degree
Here are some strategic tips:
- Pick an accredited program with strong employer recognition.
- Build leadership and communication skills, since they matter in every field, not just tech.
- Complete applied projects and capstone work that you can show to employers.
- Stack certifications with your degree.
- Leverage alumni networks and career services.
Conclusion
The top IT degrees for career growth are:
- General IT
- Cybersecurity
- Information Systems/IT Management
- Computer Science
- Data Analytics/IT Analytics
Online IT degrees can definitely help you advance your career, but success isn’t guaranteed. The combination of the right degree and real experience is what truly makes a difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which IT degree leads to the highest salary?
It depends. However, advanced roles like IT Director, Security Architect, Systems Manager, or Cloud Solutions Architect, which are often linked to graduate degrees or deeply technical majors, tend to offer the highest pay.
Is an online IT degree worth it for promotions?
Yes, especially if it’s from an accredited institution and paired with relevant skills and certifications. Online degrees have credibility with employers when the program quality and curriculum match industry standards.
