Online Bachelors in Technology

Man and woman discussing technology while on laptop

Are you passionate about information technology, cybersecurity, or software development? Find out if an online bachelor’s in technology may be the right career choice for you. Use this Campus Explorer guide to uncover the average salaries, common courses, and career opportunities for a bachelor’s degree holder in the technology industry.

Contents

What Is an Online Bachelor’s in Technology?

Technology is a broad term that covers many industries and even more career paths. At its core, a bachelor’s degree program in technology helps you practice the skills and get the knowledge necessary to compete in high-tech careers. The specific tasks vary, but most tech workers work closely with code and design elements.

Some of the industries that use technology include health informatics, computer programming, engineering, and cybersecurity. Some bachelor’s degrees focus on a particular aspect of technology, like software development, while others offer a wide range of courses and learning opportunities. Study technology to improve your application as one of these in-demand careers:

Computer programmer
Data scientist
Database manager
Software engineer
Security consultant
Web developer

Use a bachelor’s degree to brush up on skills related to your career path. Consider taking courses outside of your specialty to enjoy a broad base of knowledge. Enrolling in a bachelor’s degree in technology, instead of a more specific career, gives you the opportunity to combine courses in security, development, programming, and engineering.

Courses combine theoretical and practical knowledge to help you become more competitive and feel more confident in your career. Here are a few typical topics that may be available in your chosen online bachelor’s degree program:

Programming
Data communication
Operating systems
Computer forensics
Web architecture
Cloud computing
Cybersecurity

Cover these topics through an online program for flexible, hands-on studies. Instead of an on-campus lecture, online programs offer you the opportunity for hands-on digital learning experiences. Learn about the theories and foundations of these topics before diving in with example tasks and self-guided projects.

Consider a career in technology if you’re passionate about staying at the forefront of digital hardware, software, and cloud-based innovations. Many roles are detail-oriented and task-based, but some professionals work closely in groups or manage teams of technology experts.

How Much Does a Bachelor’s in Technology Cost?

You can complete the most affordable programs for as little as $21,000. Most online bachelor’s in technology programs, however, cost around $38,500 to $60,600, according to U.S. News.

On-campus programs cost slightly more because of campus living expenses and additional fees. While you still need to pay for accommodations and other living expenses as a student of an online program, you can remain in your current living situation. Starting an online program doesn’t require a move across the country or across the state.

If you’re considering a part-time or flexible bachelor’s degree, then you may be able to continue to work through your program. You can continue to earn money and valuable industry experience as you improve your skills and knowledge of the field of technology.

There are many ways to reduce the cost of tuition or even have tuition fully covered, particularly for online programs. Explore scholarships, grants, employer reimbursement programs, and other opportunities to reduce the total cost of your BA degree.

Some employers offer tuition reimbursement opportunities to pay for your full degree or part of your degree program. These opportunities may be offered for any program, or they may be targeted to degrees in your industry. If you’re already working in the technology industry, then ask your employer for any possible grants, scholarships, or tuition coverage as part of your benefits package.

woman working in technology while working from home

Average Salary for a Bachelor’s in Technology

There are many technology-related careers, so the average salary depends on your area of specialty and experience. According to PayScale, the median salary for a Bachelor of Technology degree holder was around $86,600 in July 2021.

Computer programmers had a median annual pay of approximately $89,200 in 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, or BLS. The annual wage for data scientists was approximately $53,000 in 2018.

Software developers, testers, and quality assurance analysts earned approximately $110,100 in 2020. The 2020 median pay for web developers and digital designers was around $77,200.

Salary expectations vary depending on the work environment, years of experience, and other factors. You can work in the technology industry in a large corporation, government office, small business, or start-up. Many of these positions offer remote or partially remote opportunities. Most tech workers spend their days working on the computer, but some management or educational positions include time leading meetings, giving presentations, or training other tech workers.

What Is the Job Outlook for Bachelor’s in Technology Degree Holders?

Many roles in technology are expected to increase in number in the coming years. According to BLS, the number of software developers is expected to increase by approximately 22% from 2019 to 2029. This is far faster than the average rate of job growth in the nation.

The number of web developers is expected to increase by 8% in the same 10-year period. This may be a slower expected increase than software developers, but is still faster than the national average job growth.

From web development to data science, the field of technology includes a wide range of career opportunities. These positions can offer you rewarding opportunities in this cutting-edge industry. Become part of the latest web, app, or software development process as an entrepreneur or part of a larger community of professionals.

You can pursue a career in technology from a number of professional settings. Some tech workers work in offices, while others work in educational settings or from home. This versatility makes a technology position attractive for many individuals seeking part-time or full-time work, either in their local community or around the world.

Courses in Bachelor’s in Technology

An online bachelor’s in technology program combines general education courses with degree-specific ones to help you perform tasks and discuss topics in the industry. Many bachelor’s degree programs offer concentrations in technology, but you can also take a Bachelor of Science in Technology for a broad skill and knowledge base.

Most courses focus on programming, data management, web architecture, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. Here are some example classes that may be part of your program:

Risk management and mitigation in systems design
Fundamentals of information technology
Cross-platform technologies
Web-oriented services
Computing as a service
User-centered systems design and evaluation

These courses help you improve your application as you apply for a position in the technology industry. Most bachelor’s degrees balance theoretical and hands-on knowledge, so you’ll learn how to work in the industry and how to look for innovative solutions to common problems.

Technology is an incredibly broad field, so you have the opportunity to personalize your coursework. Choose electives that match your passion and your desired career, or consider choosing a broad range of courses to prepare for an unknown position in the industry.

You typically need to take a few general education courses in math, science, literature, history, and communication. Online courses offer flexibility in timeline and course selection. There are still some requirements, but you can find part-time, full-time, or accelerated program options to study at your own pace.

man working in technology at his corporate office space

FAQs on Online Bachelor’s in Technology

What Jobs Require a Bachelor’s in Technology?

Many software developer, quality assurance analyst, and tester positions require a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Other careers in technology typically only require an associate’s degree or don’t have a degree requirement, but the training and knowledge of a bachelor’s degree program may help expand your career opportunities.

While computer programmers, web developers, and other technology professionals may not be required to have a bachelor’s degree, the knowledge and skills learned in an online course can be essential for success in your chosen career path. College courses in technology give you real-world experience coding, designing websites and performing data analysis, in addition to theoretical knowledge of the field.

This coursework can also prepare you to work in a more hands-on way with the routers, adapters, and cables used in an IT network. Some graduates pursue a career as an technician installing IT network components in commercial and residential locations.

Consider the aspects of technology that appeal to you as you look for potential careers in the field. Many of the most successful tech professionals have started their own business and created their own position, so an entrepreneurial spirit can help you connect your passions with your future career.

Does a Bachelor’s in Technology Offer Good Job Prospects?

Many positions in the technology industry are expected to grow at a rapid rate and continue to offer competitive salaries. The high job growth rate makes it a competitive option if you’re concerned about your future employability as a bachelor’s degree holder.

In addition to a high job growth and competitive salary, a career in the tech industry can also be very rewarding. You don’t need to work alone in a cubicle with your computer, but you can work closely with a team of IT professionals or offer assistance and training to customers. You can combine your passion for helping others with your love of technology to help navigate new hardware or software use.

Technology is a field that’s constantly changing, so it offers great job prospects if you love learning new things. Stay ahead of the latest trends and brush up on the latest software to stay competitive in this fast-paced field. You won’t stop learning when you leave your degree program, but will have many opportunities to improve your knowledge base and hone your skills.

What Are the Different Fields of Bachelor’s in Technology?

The technology industry includes many fields, but here are some of the most common ones that successful graduates pursue:
– Software development: Brainstorm new software programs and work closely with other developers to write code, analyze existing code, and solve problems to create a better product.
– Programming: Combine your passion for well-written code and your desire to inspire others as a computer programmer. You’ll not only write code for a variety of programs, but offer guidance and testing.
– Cybersecurity: Protect individuals and businesses from cybercrime. Whether it’s ransomware, spyware, or other malware attacks, cybersecurity technicians work to proactively protect against these attacks.
– Web development: Develop and maintain the latest websites to improve search results and functionality. Web developers work on both front-end and back-end aspects of a website for a safe, convenient experience.
– Computer science: Dive into the world of computer science to understand the theories and big-picture applications of computer technology. Create theories of technology development or research new aspects of technology.
– Data science: Create order in unstructured data as a data scientist. Organize data gathered from emails, social media, or other sources with the latest database technology and organizational strategies.

You can study these fields through a BA in technology or a program with a concentration in your chosen field. If you’re not sure which field to pursue, consider a degree in technology to learn more about these and other career options. A technology degree can also prepare you to launch your own business offering essential products or services in the industry.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor’s in Technology Degree?

Most online bachelor’s degree programs in technology require between 36 and 48 months to complete, which is similar to on-campus programs. If you’re considering a part-time program, it could take up to 72 months to complete.

One of the greatest advantages of an online program is that you can tailor your coursework to your schedule requirements. Complete your coursework in the evenings, weekends, or other irregular times without worrying about heading to campus in time for in-person classes. Some online programs require you to attend virtual classes at specific times, but many are more flexible in nature.

Consider an accelerated online program to quickly launch your career. Some online degree programs can be completed in just 36 months, so you can start applying for positions or negotiating promotions in less time than a traditional four-year institution.

If you already have a bachelor’s degree, associate’s degree or college credits, then you may be able to complete your program in even less time. Ask about credit transfer options to see how you can make use of existing credits and degrees to streamline your technology degree program.

What Does a Bachelor’s in Technology Program Curriculum Typically Include?

Study technology to dive into programming, data science, database management, cybersecurity, web development, and other exciting areas of this modern field.
Like most Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degrees require you to take courses outside of your concentration. Expect to take courses in science, math, English, and the humanities to broaden your understanding and complement your technology courses.

You typically also have some flexibility in your course offerings. There are some courses you’re required to take to complete your degree, but other credits come with several options for you to focus on your passion or broaden your knowledge base.

Summary Information

Degree program can be fully completed online
Popular concentrations include computer science and software development
Accelerated, standard, and part-time opportunities available

Online programs can cost as little as $21,000
Average costs are around $38,500 to $60,600
Costs are highly variable
A number of scholarship opportunities are associated with this program

The cost of a criminal justice bachelor’s degree program varies based on the institution and the number of credits it requires
Accelerated programs that prepare students for certain jobs in criminal justice, like working in corrections, can be very affordable (in fact, some cost as little as $9,000 per year).
Expenses besides tuition include a computer, the internet, school supplies, and books and study materials.

Online Bachelor's in Technology Degree Programs