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Online Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology

Earning an information technology degree online could be your first step toward a career with wide-reaching impact. The IT field touches every corner of the business world, enables advances in industries ranging from automotive design to healthcare, and connects people around the world. Plus, this fast-growing field is projected to add over half a million new jobs between 2021 and 2030. Since many of these roles call for a bachelor’s degree, consider earning your IT degree online at University of the Cumberlands.

 

What is IT?

Information technology (IT) includes all the ways we use technology to store, retrieve, and work with data. Having the power to harness information means businesses can run smoothly, achieve goals, and stay connected. Here are just a few of the functions you could provide in the field of IT:

  • Ensure all business computers in a network can access critical resources
  • Troubleshoot computer problems for home users and organizations
  • Install, run, and maintain hardware like routers, servers, and computers
  • Protect sensitive data by keeping cyber threats like malware and hackers at bay
  • Design and build websites or software using programming languages

Simply put, IT involves solving real-world problems using technology. Every industry needs IT professionals across a wide range of roles. And as more businesses rely on advances like big data, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence, possibilities in this field keep expanding.  

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What Careers Can I Do With an Online Information Technology Degree?

Earning your information technology degree online could unlock a range of IT career paths. Jobs in this field should increase 13 percent from 2021 to 2030—much faster than average. The majority of these roles call for a bachelor’s degree.

After earning an IT online degree, you could pursue IT career paths like:

Businesses large and small, in every industry, rely on IT professionals. You may find the above roles and other career paths in industries such as finance, insurance, education, healthcare, government, and beyond.

To learn about more careers, click here to view a career infographic. 

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Is an Online IT Degree Worth It?

Earning an information technology degree online is an investment in your future. Many students wonder if all their hard work and dedication will pay off. Earning an online IT degree from University of the Cumberlands may be worthwhile for the following reasons:

  • You could jumpstart a new career path. Many roles in IT require a degree—and more importantly, knowledge of critical tech concepts as well as business strategy. Earning your degree could help you prepare for new opportunities and hopefully find your perfect role.
  • You could earn a higher salary. Computer and information technology jobs paid a median annual salary of $80,600 in 2021. That’s over twice the median salary for all jobs. The takeaway: IT roles often pay better than jobs in other fields.
  • You could follow your interests. If you love all things tech, earning an IT degree could be ideal. Our program offers a comprehensive overview of the field. You could dive into topics like computer programming, cyber security, web design, and other cutting-edge subjects.
  • Online learning may offer unique benefits. Our online programs offer more flexibility than traditional programs. If you’re worried about leaving your current job to pursue new goals, consider studying online at a pace that fits your schedule. University of the Cumberlands is regionally accredited, and you will get the same great education as on-campus students.

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Two Degree Options: Bachelor of Science vs. Bachelor of Applied Science

University of the Cumberlands offers both a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Bachelor of Applied Science in Information Technology degree. So which is right for you? We discuss the differences: 

  • Bachelor of Science (BS). As its name implies, the Bachelor of Science emphasizes courses in math and science over those involving humanities and arts. They also focus more on the specific area of study.
  • Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS). A heavily career-oriented approach, the Bachelor of Applied Science is often sought by students who have already obtained a corresponding associate degree. These programs emphasize professional development and advanced technical skills that can be applied in the workplace.

All in all, the degrees are very similar and an academic advisor will help you determine which is right for you. Both require 120 credit hours (starting in 2021/2022) and have many of the same course requirements. The few key differences are that the BAS allows for community college courses to transfer more seamlessly and requires technical writing. Specific course differences are noted in the curriculum and degree requirements section listed below. 

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Curriculum and Degree Requirements

Why should you consider earning your online bachelor’s in Information Technology from University of the Cumberlands? For one, we strive to be the best school possible for online learners. For two, our curriculum is designed to help you learn the IT skills in demand today, readying you to begin—or advance—your information technology career. 

A growing need for security

Security is top of mind at UC, since it’s one of the biggest issues driving growth in the IT field. Computer hackers and cyberattacks leak critical information and put businesses at risk. By earning an online IT degree through University of the Cumberlands’ online information technology degree program, you’ll be ready to prevent and respond to threats by:

  • Developing and implementing current security policies
  • Managing compliance with federal regulations including Sarbanes-Oxley, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
  • Creating disaster prevention and recovery plans
  • Recognizing and preventing exploitation in hardware, software and network configurations
  • Writing new software to tackle security threats

With data breaches and cyberattacks happening every day, it’s no surprise that information security analyst roles are projected to increase 31 percent between 2019 and 2029. With a degree from University of the Cumberlands, you’ll be ready to meet this demand. Our graduates are well-positioned to work for businesses like computer companies, consulting firms and financial institutions in need of cybersecurity pros. 

Real-world information technology applications

At UC’s School of Computer and Information Sciences, our goal is to prepare you for real-world challenges. That includes everything from building applications that make everyday life easier to keeping organizations’ sensitive data safe from prying eyes. We won’t tell you what to do with your IT degree, but we’ll show you how to achieve goals in whatever corner of the IT world you’re interested in.

Wondering what you’ll learn? Our bachelor’s degree program in Information Technology Sciences (ITS) includes 30 semester hours of core IT courses, like:

  • Application Software
  • Introduction to Object Oriented Programming
  • Hardware
  • Web Design
  • Networking
  • Server Administration
  • Business Intelligence

You can also choose to hone career-specific skills by choosing one of the following concentrations (18 credit hours required):

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Cybersecurity 
  • Data Science
  • Gaming
  • Infrastructure 
  • Management 
  • Software Engineering 

As part of University of the Cumberlands’ Bachelor in Information Technology online degree requirements, each student must complete at least 120 semester hours, including those within the major and the coursework required to fulfill the degree requirements within:

  • 68 semester hours required in the sections of General Education
  • 30 semester hours required in Bachelor Core Requirements
  • Elective Courses make up the remainder of the required credit hours

Click here for BS Course Details | Click here for BAS Course Details

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Tuition

Costs for programs of study at University of the Cumberlands are competitive and affordable. Click here to view tuition rates and fees.

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Admission Requirements

In order to be considered for admission to this University of the Cumberlands online program students must complete the following:

  • Apply online
  • Submit official transcripts from all applicable colleges/universities attended; must be submitted directly to University of the Cumberlands from the issuing institution and must be sealed or unopened.
  • If you have 0-11 hours of college credit, an official high school transcript must be submitted showing a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. GED students must provide official scores from the General Education Development Test (GED). Click here for the GED to GPA calculator. 
  • If you have 12+ hours of college credit, you must submit an official college transcript with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. High school transcripts are not required if you have obtained 12+ hours of college credit.
  • Documentation of language fluency for non-native speakers of English, such as a score report from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the 8 International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or a report from Duolingo. This requirement is waived for students who have completed bachelor’s or master’s level coursework in the U.S. at an accredited institution. The minimum acceptable TOEFL or IELTS scores for admission are: 
    • Paper-based TOEFL (PBT) - 550 
    • Internet-based TOEFL (IBT) - 79 
    • IELTS - 6
    • Duolingo - 95

All admissions materials should be submitted to:
University of the Cumberlands
Graduate & Online Admissions
649 S. 10th Street
Williamsburg, KY 40769

Phone: 606.539.4372
Toll Free: 800.343.1609
Email: ucoadm@ucumberlands.edu

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Credit for Prior Learning

University of the Cumberlands recognizes that students entering or returning to college bring with them a wide variety of prior learning experiences through work, travel, volunteering, activities in professional organizations, or self-study. Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) allows qualified students to earn credit for college-level learning outside of the classroom.

The School of Computer and Information Sciences will accept the following certifications as replacements for the corresponding course. 

Click here to view certifications. 

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Pathways for KCTCS Students

Under this pathway a KCTCS CIT graduate could earn a BS in Information Sciences at the University of the Cumberlands in 12 months for less than $10,000.

In order to provide for a more seamless pathway for students completing the Associate of Applied Science degree in Computer Information Technology to move towards completion of the Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology Sciences, University of the Cumberlands (UC) and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) enter into this Articulation Agreement.

Upon successful completion of the Associate of Applied Science degree in Computer Information Technology from KCTCS, coursework will be applied towards the requirements of the Bachelor in Science degree in Information Technology Sciences from the School of Computer and Information Sciences at UC.

Click here to learn more about the pathway requirements. 

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Accreditation

Click here to view University of the Cumberlands' accreditation information. 

In addition to the overall institutional accreditation statement above, UC has been named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the National Security (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). There are just over 200 universities nationwide with CAE-CD designation, and only two other universities in Kentucky included in this elite group.

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Faculty

Click here to view a list of the information technology faculty. 

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Admissions Office

Contact Us

Phone:  606.539.4372
Toll-Free:  855.791.7201
Email:  ucoadm@ucumberlands.edu

 

Visit Us In Person

649 S. 10th Street Suite C
Williamsburg, KY 40769