Information Technology programs and courses are frequently thought of as niche areas reserved only for computer geniuses, but in reality, that is far from the truth. The IT industry is a dynamic field that continually reinvents itself, undergoes changes, and opens new perspectives in today’s tech-oriented world. Read along with our guide to IT courses and programs to learn where to learn information technology, how to choose the right program and how to break into this dynamic industry.
Key Takeaways
- You can learn IT through a college degree, a certification-focused career school, a bootcamp or self-study. The right choice depends on your timeline, budget and how much structure you need.
- Certification-focused IT programs can prepare you for entry-level roles in months instead of years.
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment in computer and IT occupations to grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2024 to 2034.
- Information security analysts are the fastest-growing computer occupation, with 29% projected growth.
As organizations and businesses expand further into technology, relying on cloud computing services and software more, having IT training and certifications under your belt will help you launch a new IT career or excel in your current career. If you have taken the plunge into the IT world, you should equip yourself with the skills and knowledge needed to advance in this field (to which there’s no end in sight). Taking the right IT courses and degree programs will help your professional development and keep you abreast of the latest tools and trends in the industry.
MyComputerCareer offers IT courses and degree programs designed to prepare you for a rewarding career in IT and give you the opportunity to grow. Our team of highly trained and experienced IT professionals has also built relationships with employers looking for candidates who have the Information Technology certifications and skills taught at our campuses and in our online classes.
What Is the Job Outlook for IT Careers?
IT jobs are projected to keep growing faster than the job market overall. Whether you are already working in this field or want to switch careers into IT, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment in computer and information technology occupations to grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2024 to 2034.
What drives this growth are the advancing technologies and enterprises’ adoption of them. For example, the increased adoption of cyber security and cloud computing leads to an increase in employment and a rise in other technologies, such as data analytics and information technology management, mobile networking, artificial intelligence and health care IT.
Enterprises within this industry are those that offer custom computer facilities management, computer systems design, computer programming, and other related services. There are also IT jobs outside the IT industry – industries that hire IT workers include administrative, educational, support, information services, insurance, finance, government, health care, wired telecommunication, and more.
What Are the Benefits of IT Courses and Programs?
IT courses and programs help you build job-ready skills, earn certifications employers recognize and connect with people in the industry. Some of the benefits include:
1. Gaining knowledge and experience
If you are trying to get into IT or already have a job there, Information Technology courses and programs can help you learn more and gain hands-on experience. That makes Information Technology courses an outstanding way to get a better grasp of the technical aspects of your desired job position. People who complete a relevant course in IT give themselves a boost in their job search or job performance.
2. Making connections
Another significant benefit of completing IT programs that focus on employability and practical skills is that students make new connections by meeting like-minded classmates and tech professionals who provide training. Networking is an essential part of finding employment, so interacting with others in a learning space will provide friendships and insights that wouldn’t be possible otherwise.
3. Modernizing your skills
The world of IT is an ever-changing environment, which is why staying relevant is a necessary but also challenging task. Adding extra accomplishments or updating a current skill set is a reliable way to build experience and establish mastery in various aspects of your career.
4. Expanding your knowledge
If you have been out of school for a while, keeping the mind active will have noticeable benefits. Once you put yourself in unfamiliar situations and start completing new challenges, you may find a renewed enthusiasm for learning and continuing education, as well as an improved ability to adapt and expand your mind to new skill sets.
5. Earn a promotion and a better salary
One way to earn a raise or start at a higher salary is to build a strong base in a practical area or upskill (if you already have a good set of skills and expertise). As IT training programs are highly valued in today’s businesses, completing one will give you a leg up on the competition with these hard skills.
Cyber Security Specialist (CSS) Program
IT security plays a crucial role in most companies today because it is the point where information, communications, and information processing are protected against the unauthorized exploitation of systems, networks and technologies. The Cyber Security Specialist (CSS) program allows you to enhance your skills in three areas – computer forensics, network security, and information security.
Our CSS course covers the fundamentals of the required skill set. Upon completion, you will understand the vulnerability and threat landscape through risk assessments and threat modeling. With our training experts, you will explore the mindset of the modern cyber-criminal, as well as the Dark web, covering zero-day vulnerabilities, exploit kits, malware, and more. Also, you will learn about the global hacking and tracking infrastructures that nation-states run.
What Does a Cyber Security Specialist Do?
As the number of cyber-attacks continues to increase, the roles and responsibilities of cyber security specialists are expanding. These IT professionals are there to suggest computer security measures for any type of sensitive data that a company must protect. They design defensive systems and strategies against cyber-intruders, as well as continuously monitor systems for unusual activities. They report incidents and conduct counteractive protocols. Cyber security specialists are responsible for providing computer security during the development stages of computer networks, software systems, and data centers.
Cyber security specialists are responsible for updating security systems, developing new layers of protection, examining defensive systems, performing penetration tests, and providing reports based on those test results. They are heavily involved with creating their enterprise’s disaster recovery plan, which allows for the continued operation of their IT department. Information security is important, which is why these professionals often report directly to C-suite executives.
What Certifications Does the CSS Program Cover?
There are various cyber security specialist certifications available, and many employers prefer their job candidates to have one. Having a certification validates the required knowledge and skills for cyber security specialists.
The prerequisite for taking MyComputerCareer’s CSS course is a completion of the ITSA (Information Technology Security and Administration) program or equivalent training, certifications or experience. The CSS course will help you gain additional knowledge and credentials in advanced Cyber Security and Networking, as well as Information Assurance. You will receive six certifications through this program, including:
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA CySA+
- CompTIA Network+
- CEH
- CCNA
- Linux Essentials
Cyber security specialists and information security analysts can advance to become CSOs (Chief Security Officers) or other kinds of computer and information systems managers. Important soft skills for this job role include strong analytical and problem-solving skills, being detail-oriented, and the ability to anticipate cyber security risks.
Cyber Security Engineer (CSE) Program
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of information security analysts, the closest BLS category to cybersecurity engineers, to grow 29% from 2024 to 2034. That makes it the fastest-growing computer occupation, with about 16,000 openings a year on average. Demand is driven by governments, businesses and other organizations relying more on digital platforms.
What Does a Cyber Security Engineer Do?
Cyber security engineers design and implement various network security solutions to defend against cyber-criminals and malicious software, as well as engage in monitoring and testing those information systems to ensure that all defenses are working correctly and up-to-date.
Training as a cyber security engineer prepares you for the roles and responsibilities that current employers demand from these professionals, such as:
- Evaluating the enterprises’ security needs and establishing the best standards and practices accordingly.
- Designing, implementing, overseeing, maintaining, and upgrading cyber security operations.
- Responding to security breaches.
- Regularly conducting penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities in the system and network.
- Troubleshooting all security and network incidents and issues.
- Assisting in security breach investigations.
- Communicating with other departments within the organization.
What Certifications Does the CSE Program Cover?
A cyber security engineer will usually need to have the following qualifications:
- Bachelor degree in Cyber Security Engineer (CSE) program, System Engineering, IT, computer science degrees, or a similar field.
- Experience with the operation, functionality, and maintenance of firewalls and other forms of endpoint security.
- Two years of working experience in cyber security operations, such as cyber forensics and incident detection and response.
- Proficiency in computer programming languages and tools, such as Java, C++, Python, Node, Power Shell, Go, or Ruby.
- Knowledge of the latest hacker tactics and cyber security trends.
- The ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
Our CSE program is intended for people who want to specialize in advanced server administration and networking systems design. It will prepare you for Information Technology certifications, including:
- CEH
- Cisco CCNA
- CompTIA CySA+
- Cisco CyberOps
- CFR
- CompTIA SecurityX (formerly CASP+)
Associate of Applied Science in Network Administration and Security Program
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Network Administration and Security degree provides knowledge about networking, practical hands-on experience, and professional development of workplace skills to prepare you for entry-level careers in network administration and security. The curriculum of our certificate program focuses on networking for all enterprises – from small business computer networks to complex enterprise networks. You will be exposed to various aspects of network software and hardware configuring, maintenance, monitoring, troubleshooting and diagnosing, and supporting LANs, WANs, intranets, and cloud networks.
This program also focuses on the necessary knowledge and skills required to protect, secure, and identify vulnerabilities in a network (as well as various network devices and operating systems). While earning your AAS, you will study various topics dealing with computer forensics, implementing information systems, data analysis, and database management. Upon completing the program, graduates are qualified to take degree or certification exams.
Network administration and security is a critical part of almost every organization that relies on information technology. As network systems continue to grow in government, finance, manufacturing, insurance, educational, and health care sectors, the demand for these positions is steadily increasing. Network administration and security certifications and degrees give an advantage, especially when recruitment managers look at your resume. Graduates of our program will be prepared to take industry-recognized network certifications, which will provide career opportunities for network engineers, network specialists, network analysts, system administrators, network administrators, etc.
What Certifications Does the AAS Program Cover?
MyComputerCareer’s AAS in Network Administration and Security is designed for anyone who wants to receive a well-rounded education and a valuable IT degree or certification. Our on-campus or online course consists of general education classes and IT classes to provide you with skills and understanding you need to become an AAS in network administration and security. These certifications are:
- CEH
- Cisco CCNA
- CFR
- CompTIA SecurityX (formerly CASP+)
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA CySA+
- Linux Essentials
- Cisco CyberOps
- Microsoft AI-901: Azure AI Fundamentals
- Microsoft AZ-104: Azure Administrator Associate
Information Technology Security and Administration (ITSA)
The Information Technology Security and Administration (ITSA) Program prepares graduates for employment in the IT sector as system administrators, support technicians, help desk employees, etc.
Our course work involves the development of your ability to create, store, exchange, communicate, and use the information to solve various technical issues related to information security and support. Upon completing it, you should qualify for employment in entry-level positions with governmental agencies, educational systems, and businesses that rely on computer systems and networks to design and manage information. The program incorporates competencies of industry-recognized certification exams.
The Information Technology Security and Administration program is designed for people seeking a career in the information technology industry. No prior IT experience is required. The jobs you can apply for with your newly-acquired professional skills include:
- PC repair technician
- System administrator
- Technical support engineer
- Level I, II, and III help desk
- Technical consultant
What Certifications Does the ITSA Program Cover?
The ITSA program includes test preparation for four highly sought certifications for networking, security, cloud administration and AI. With these certifications, you will gain core competencies required to launch a new career or advance in your current career.
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- Microsoft AI-901: Azure AI Fundamentals
- Microsoft AZ-104: Azure Administrator Associate
Start Learning IT With MyComputerCareer
The Information Technology industry provides numerous professional development opportunities for launching a new career path or continuing education by advancing your knowledge and skills. When you decide where to learn information technology, completing on-campus or online courses in Information Technology and getting certified should be your top priority because it will make your journey much easier. With MyComputerCareer by your side, you can get started in a matter of months. Besides the training programs we provide on-campus and through our online courses, we provide test preparation and career services to support your job search. We are also military-friendly, which means that we help veterans transition to civilian life by switching to a career in IT. For more information, contact us today.