On Twitter
If you have a question about going to college online, Melissa can help. Get direct access to our expert on Twitter.
Online College FAQ
How Are Online Colleges Different From Traditional Colleges?
How Do I Know Whether Online College Is Right for Me?
What Are the Benefits of Going to College Online?
Inside Online Learning
The Latest
Is Online Learning the Solution?The need for reform is at the top of many lists detailing current issues related to higher education. Concerns about ensuring quality and access, as well as funding and career preparation are all …
Online Degrees in
Technology
Benefits of Getting an Online Technology Degree
Today’s lightweight and portable laptops can already drastically outperform the biggest and fastest desktop computers from a mere five years ago. The huge leaps that technology has taken within the past decade have opened up a plethora of opportunities for specialists in the technological field. With the fast pace at which new electronics and methods of conducting business electronically are being developed, the future looks bright for the tech industry. Earning a technology degree online makes sense, as students primarily will be dealing with computers and the Internet. In addition, an online education allows even the busiest working adult an opportunity to earn a degree.
What Will I Learn in a Technology Program?
Technology courses cover the basics of computer language and usage. In addition, all technology students learn skills directly related to their concentration of choice. For example, an information technology major specializing in telecommunications will take courses in business systems, Web design, database concepts and IT security, as well as learning job-specific programs and coding such as Java and SQL. Technology programs vary greatly depending on the student’s specific major or concentration. Some curricula are focused on programming, while others are centered on the business aspect of technology. In all cases, the specific courses that students take will provide them with a solid understanding of that particular aspect of the vast technological field.
Popular Majors in the Technology Field
Information technology and Web development are two of the most popular majors available in this degree program. Businesses are beginning to rely more on technology to store data on clients, save transactions and handle finances. Responsibility for these tasks is delegated to experienced technology experts. Business technology, such as e-commerce, is another technology major seeing an uptick in popularity as students strive to learn how technology merges with commerce. Of all the bachelor’s degrees awarded in the 2006-07 time span, 5 percent were in technology, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Popular Jobs for Technology Students
Many technology program graduates find jobs at companies, helping them run their businesses efficiently and securely, while other degree holders will work on a freelance basis. An example of a typical technology position is a computer systems analyst. Computer systems analysts help companies incorporate new technology to increase productivity and efficiency. Depending on the business, analysts can focus on finance or administrative organization.
Job Prospects for Technology Students
The projected growth rate of jobs in this field is as rapid as the advance of technology itself. Computer systems analysts are expected to see a growth of 29 percent by 2016, and computer support specialists are expected to see 18 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some technology sectors—such as computer programming—will be experiencing an opposite effect, but most divisions will be experiencing positive expansion.



An Education Writer for OC.org, Melissa's background includes work in higher education...




