Technology is one of the fastest-growing sectors right now, demanding more jobs with each new advancement. However, since it’s such a vast field, it’s hard to know where to start if you want to build a career in tech.
Plus, getting a tech degree can be exhausting and time-consuming, especially if you already have a job. Luckily, online programs are the best way to progress in tech and get high-paying jobs without leaving your house.
Here are ten online degrees that can help you build a career in technology.
Computer Networking Technology
Computer networking is the interconnection of computing devices to exchange data and share resources. They operate on a system of policies known as communication protocols, transmitting data over physical or wireless technologies.
As a computer networking specialist, you will install, inspect, troubleshoot, and secure computer networks for various organizations. In addition, a degree in computer networking technology will teach about the security measures to monitor internal and external threats in computer networks.
You will develop skills to install, maintain, repair, and configure robust business computer networks.
Data Science
Collecting data is one of the essential parts of running any business. As a result, companies constantly search for skilled professionals to design, implement, and optimize their data systems.
With a data science online masters or bachelor’s, you’ll study scientific methods, processes, algorithms, and systems involved in extracting insights from unstructured data. Then, you’ll apply these insights to various application domains.
You’ll also learn how to update hardware and software and secure databases by developing policies and procedures.
Software Development
Software development is undoubtedly one of the most popular careers in tech, but it’s also one of the highest-paying. An online software development program will involve courses on designing, developing, and testing software and applications.
As a software engineer, your duties will involve monitoring and evaluating system performance, designing and implementing new programs and features, and directing and participating in programming activities.
Most software engineering programs also provide training for programming languages, security, operating systems, and the skills to build complete programs.
Cybersecurity
Over the past few years, many major corporations have fallen prey to costly data breaches. Now, the demand for cybersecurity employees is at an all-time high as companies search for professionals who can build systems to protect sensitive company information and data.
With the help of an online cybersecurity program, you can learn how to kickstart your security career, identify potential security risks, defend various systems against malicious cyber-attacks, and secure digital files and information systems.
As a cybersecurity employee, you may be responsible for providing technical support, implementing anti-malware software, and monitoring security access to company data.
IT Infrastructure
IT infrastructure is a set of information technology components serving as the foundation of an IT service. As an IT infrastructure engineer, you’ll be responsible for handling these components for various companies.
Your duties will include building and maintaining the hardware and software components of a company’s IT network. You’ll also work on their routers, computer hardware, servers, and system whenever another engineer spots a bug needing fixing.
The IT infrastructure of a company runs internal operations, collects data, develops and launches digital products, supports its online stores, and achieves other business objectives.
Systems Architecture
Just like every building needs an architect, every IT system needs one too. With an online degree in systems architecture, you’ll learn how to build a computer operating system from the ground up.
These courses focus on the designs and diagrams of such systems. As a system architect, you’ll be responsible for designing and implementing short and long-term strategic goals to manage and maintain systems and software for a company.
You will also be responsible for the analysis of certain processes and their outcomes to suggest the right combination of IT systems and components. Overall, you will help obtain set business, department, team, or functional goals.
Game Designer
To gaming enthusiasts, an online game design degree may seem like a dream come true. While this degree does require consistent hard work, the rewards make it all worth it. The demand for game designers is continually rising since the global market for video games is expected to grow in the coming years.
You’ll learn about game conceptualization, storyboarding, scripting, play mechanics, modeling, animation, prototyping, and programming. Some online courses for game design may also include coding since you can use computer programming languages to design a game. As a game designer, your duties revolve around designing characters, levels, puzzles, art, and animation.
Web Development
An online web development program will teach you how to develop websites and applications with the help of various web technologies and programming languages. By the end of the degree, you’ll have skills in implementing application features, integrating security measures, and managing site functionality. Since most businesses have an online presence, these skills are in high demand, and you’ll have no trouble finding a high-paying job.
Information Systems
A company’s information system collects, processes, stores, and distributes company data. As an IT manager, you will be responsible for handling such systems. An online information systems degree will help you explore the technical side of computer programs and teach you how to manage a team.
Some courses may include electronic commerce, database concepts, and system analysis and design. Your responsibilities as an IT manager involve operating computer systems, software, applications, and programs for various companies.
Web Design
Web design is often confused with web development, but these degrees are quite different. An online web design program will focus more on the look, layout, and features of a website than the programming.
You’ll also learn about the technical side of websites alongside the creative process and graphic design behind them. Web designers earn a promising salary, especially in today’s digitally advanced era, where having a web presence is crucial.
Conclusion
Tech is a challenging yet rewarding field, with one of the highest-paying jobs on the market. Online degrees can help you explore your desired field while focusing on your current job, so consider an online program instead of studying on campus.
