Want to pursue a career in tech? Which degree is suitable for you? Do not worry. We have got you covered.
There is no doubt that the largest growing field today is technology. Every development in tech creates new opportunities, and it can be challenging for students to know where to begin. As the need for tech rises, more institutes are offering various technology degrees. The good news is that online tech programs are available for students from remote areas and those working simultaneously. Aspiring students can opt for the tech degree of their choice.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects are the main fields to study if you are interested in a career in technology. A STEM degree can be your first step towards building a career in the exciting technology area and contributing to innovation. STEM is an umbrella term for various domains, including software development, information technology, cyber security, computer engineering, information security, and many others.
The knowledge and skills you acquire with a degree in technology can allow you to start a high-paying career in the tech industry. Find a list of some high-paying tech degrees below to know which one suits your career goals.
1- Cybersecurity
Today, tech companies need systems that can secure their data and information. A degree in cybersecurity teaches you ways to prevent, determine, and respond to security risks. A cybersecurity degree may provide knowledge and skills in data privacy, cloud computing and security, cryptography, incident response, security architecture, and risk assessment and testing. Some programs may also train you on advanced research and engineering approaches.
After completing a bachelor’s degree, you can go for a Master of Science in Cybersecurity online program to improve your technical proficiencies and land the high-paying job of your dream in the industry.
Career paths with a degree in cybersecurity include security engineer and cybersecurity analyst. The average salary for a security engineer in the United States is about $75,376, and for a cybersecurity analyst, it is $83,681 per annum.
2- Web Development
If you are a person who is curious to know about how websites are created, a degree in web development might be a good fit for you. The program offers studies in information technology focused on developing websites and applications. Students who enroll in a web development degree program can learn about various web technologies, testing processes, and programming languages, such as JavaScript, CSS, and HTML, while practicing computer coding. Some colleges offer degrees in this particular subject, while others might offer computer science degrees with a concentration in web development.
Once you complete your degree, you can land a job as a web developer and application developer in many companies, as most of them today have some online presence.
Depending on the skills and experience of the professional, the average salary of a web developer in the US ranges from $61,011 to $86,303 per year.
3- Information Technology (IT)
If you are a computer enthusiast, a degree in IT is worth pursuing as it trains you for high-paying positions. It encompasses studying the use of computing systems and technology to manage information and data. Many colleges offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees in information technology. However, IT is a broad domain, so you can also pursue a master’s degree focusing on areas like informatics, data analytics, cloud computing, IT management, and information security.
Some high-wage careers in the field of information technology include IT analyst ($77,459 per year), IT technician ($49,683 per annum), IT manager ($151,125 per year), and network administrator ($69,000 per annum).
4- Data Science
Data science is one of the fastest-growing fields and in-demand degrees today. In this program, students learn how to gather and manage data and utilize it to make informed decisions. It is an interdisciplinary domain that includes computer science, mathematics, statistics, social sciences, and business. You may work independently or in teams during studies to analyze different data types and solve intricate problems.
Demand for data scientists is continuously growing, and hiring these skilled professionals is a top priority for many industries, including healthcare, information technology, energy, and financial services. Data scientists make an average of $135,000 annually in the United States, meaning that the time and effort you invest today in this program could pay off with a well-paying career later.
5- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial intelligence refers to machines or systems that act in a specific way to mimic human intelligence to perform various tasks. AI is concerned with the development of intelligent computer programs for machines.
The field incorporates elements of advanced mathematics, engineering, computer science, and cognitive studies. Various tech schools offer degree programs in AI, while some institutes offer specialization in AI within information systems and computer science degrees.
6- Web Design
It is a tech career associated with web development. Web designing concentrates on the website’s layout, features, and appearance.
Web designing involves both graphic design skills as well as technical skills to design sites and applications. The concentration consists of colors and graphics, applying style sheets and interpreting them, and staying up to date on new platforms. With a web designing degree, you learn about designing websites; however, studies may also include topics related to web development, such as coding, in the courses.
Web designers can opt from career paths including user interface ($85,397 annual mean salary), digital designing ($71,172 average yearly wage), and visual designing ($66,044 annual mean salary).
7- Database Management
Database management is related to information technology, where individuals can learn about database structures and how systems store information. Today, every business is gathering data in some way, which is why individuals proficient at designing, executing, and optimizing systems are in great demand. Students in this degree program may discover software management, security, metadata, and various databases and their applications. They might also learn programming languages, such as Structured Query Language (SQL).
Some positions you might find with a degree in database management include database manager and database engineer. The average annual pay in the US for a database manager is $62,380, while a database engineer can earn an average salary of $117,527 yearly.
Conclusion
Technology is a broad study domain encompassing various degrees in different areas. Students interested in pursuing a career in technology may find several programs; however, they might need clarification about where to start or which programs fit the best to their interests. You may want to go for some coding-related degree like web development, artificial intelligence, or data science, or you may want to pursue a degree in cyber security. No matter the field you are interested in, explore syllabus outlines and course details for the skills the degree targets. It will help you understand what you can expect from these programs and how studying them can lead to different career paths.
