Technology is one of the most lucrative and rapidly growing industries globally. With countless new innovations in products like smartphones, computers, and more, there is a high demand for qualified workers with technology degrees and the technological field. While there is a high demand for skilled workers in the tech industry, there is also an increased supply of new workers looking to find a way to break into tech. And with good reason.
Positions in technology are often well-paid and have many long-term benefits. With increased competition in the industry, it is crucial that you find a way to establish yourself as a quality candidate and separate yourself from the rest of the field. One of the best ways to ensure that you stand out as a potential candidate is by getting a technology degree. These are some of the best college degrees to pursue to break into the tech industry.
Computer Science
One of the best college degrees available for those looking to work in tech is a computer science degree. One of the biggest advantages of a computer science degree is that it opens the door to many potential tech-based job opportunities. Computer science degrees combine studies from math, science, and engineering. As such, computer science majors are often considered to be a jack of all trades in the tech industry. They can build and maintain computers and hardware, build and implement software programs, develop networks, and much more.
Potential career opportunities for computer science degrees include professions such as; computer programmers, system analysts, computer and information scientists, information security analysts, software and web development, and more. All of these career options pay upwards of $70,000 per year, with many of them making over 6 figures. Almost every major university offers a computer science program at this point. Some of the top programs in the country include MIT, Stanford, and the University of California – Berkeley.
Web Design
For the more creative or artistically inclined, web design degrees can be a great bridge into the tech industry. Web designers are generally in charge of building, maintaining, or developing websites. Sometimes this means building an entirely new website and sometimes web designers work to redesign and edit an existing website. The median salary of a web designer according to Indeed is between $60,000-$85,000 per year.
Along with being creative and artistic, web designers also need to have in-depth technical knowledge. Degrees in web development and design require a knowledge of coding, software programming, information technology, and more. Although the field can at times be oversaturated with potential candidates, obtaining a degree can be a great way to separate yourself as a top candidate.
Information Technology
Information technology degrees, or IT degrees as they’re commonly referred to, are one of the most versatile tech-based degrees. Almost all companies in all industries employ IT professionals to some extent. Smaller businesses will often either employ a small team or contract with an IT firm. Meanwhile, larger companies and corporations will oftentimes employ entire IT departments within the office. The two major positions often associate with IT degrees are information analyst and information technician. Analysts typically make around $75,000 per year while technicians tend to be closer to the $50,000 mark. However, both positions present great opportunities for career and salary growth.
Information technology degrees are generally broad and cover a wide range of tech and computer-based sciences. During the 4-year degree program, IT majors will also have opportunities to specialize in subsections like data analysis or programming. Nearly every college university offers an IT program. Some of the top schools for IT students include Cornell, New York University, and Purdue.
Software Engineering
The final degree we will cover today is software engineering. One of the most technically challenging degrees, software engineering degrees are often highly sought after post-school. Software engineers typically focus on either front-end or back-end software development. Front-end developers work with the user interface. They are in charge of ensuring a smooth and easy experience for product users. Back-end developers on the other hand are in charge of the behind-the-scenes work. Ensuring the coding continues to function and work properly at all times. The most skilled software engineers will do full-stack development and work on both front and back-end development.
According to Indeed, front and back-end developer salaries are typically around $94,000 per year. Meanwhile, full-stack developers will generally make around $104,000 per year. Most software engineering degrees are a 4-year program and are offered by most schools around the country.
Summary
While it can be challenging to break into the tech industry, obtaining a college degree can be a great place to start. Programs like computer science, web design, information technology, and software engineering are all great degree options. Obtaining one of these degrees is a great way to separate yourself from other candidates and ensure a high paid job right out of college. Whether you are looking for something more creative or more technical, there is a tech-based degree available for everyone.
