IT Major: Guide to Degrees & Potential Career Paths

IT Major: Guide to Degrees & Potential Career Paths

Today, advanced technology and IT systems are integral to so many companies' basic ongoing operations, and overall employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2024 to 2034.1

Because IT systems are used differently across industries, IT departments may include a range of specialized roles. If you're trying to decide what type of IT career path or degree program to pursue, we've broken down some of the options below:

Information Technology Degrees

While different schools may offer variations, students looking to work with computer and information systems may consider a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) degree. A BSIT degree program focuses on the practical, hands-on daily challenges of keeping a company's IT systems running smoothly. For this reason, an IT major typically involves a stronger focus on business management, communication and information systems, and there may be a mathematics requirement.

Types of specialized IT degree programs may include cybersecurity and general information technology. The following are some of the potential career paths you may pursue with an IT degree:

Computer Systems Analysts

Computer Systems Analysts study an organization's current computer systems and procedures and design improvements to them. In doing so, these analysts may help the organization operate more efficiently.2

Information Security Analysts

Information Security Analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems.3

Computer Network Architects

Computer Network Architects design and implement data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and intranets.4

Database Architects

Database Architects create or organize systems to store and secure data.5

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Computer and Information Systems Managers plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities in an organization. They may help determine the IT goals of an organization and are responsible for implementing computer systems to meet those goals.6

Explore AIU's Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degree program and see how the curriculum may bring your academic goals into focus.

1 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Computer and Information Technology Occupations, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/ (visited June 30, 2026). This data represents national figures and is not based on school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.
2 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Computer Systems Analysts, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-systems-analysts.htm (visited June 30, 2026).
3 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Information Security Analysts, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm (visited June 30, 2026).
4 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Computer Network Architects, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-network-architects.htm (visited June 30, 2026).
5 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Database Administrators and Architects, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/database-administrators.htm (visited June 30, 2026).
6 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Computer and Information Systems Managers, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/computer-and-information-systems-managers.htm (visited June 30, 2026).

AIU cannot guarantee employment, salary or career advancement. Not all programs are available to residents of all states.
REQ2239582 06/2026