What is a Technology Degree?

A Technology Degree can be either an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s or doctoral credential in this industry. Students who enroll in these courses tend to study computers, software and medical tools with majors such as computer science, information science or software engineering.

Since the industry is rapidly expanding and includes a great deal of subjects, a Degree in the Technology field can lead to a wide range of jobs, each of which may require a different level of higher education.

What kinds of Technology Degree programs are available?

Students can earn a Bachelor’s Degree in a computer-related discipline, which includes computer science, information science or management information systems, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports. This program typically lasts for four years and may involve classes like computer programming, mathematics, statistics and computer engineering. After completing this course of study, students will be qualified to hold positions such as computer and information systems manager, computer support specialist, computer systems analyst or computer software engineer.

As the healthcare industry continues to expand, students can also pursue a Technology Degree in this field. For example, many schools offer a Bachelor’s Degree program in medical Technology. According to the BLS, classes for this credential may include mathematics, chemistry, computer applications, management and microbiology. After completing this four-year program, students can hold jobs such as clinical laboratory technologist.

While some positions in the Technology field – such as computer network administrator and computer programmer – may accept individuals who have an associate’s Degree in an area like information Technology or computer science, it may be beneficial to earn a bachelor’s. The BLS reports that most employers in this industry prefer higher education.

Individuals who want to complete a master’s Degree in Technology typically earn either a master’s of information systems (MIS) or a master’s of business administration (MBA) with a Technology concentration, the BLS reports. Students who enroll in an MIS program can expect to take courses in finance, networking, database management, systems security and accounting. Technology MBA students generally take classes such as electronic business, systems management and database management. Both of these Degree paths typically take an extra two years of study after the completion of an undergraduate Degree, but can lead to positions such as software engineer.

Many schools also offer PhD programs in subjects like computer science, software engineering, information systems and information Technology, the BLS states. These programs typically require five years of education beyond a bachelor’s Degree and allow participants to study digital communication, computer software systems and microprocessors. Many of these doctoral courses also require a great deal of research. Upon completion of this advanced Degree, students can hold job titles like computer scientist.

What will the future of Technology jobs look like?

Technology is becoming an important part of many industries, from healthcare to marketing. Therefore, individuals who have skills in this area should see many job opportunities in the future, according to the BLS.

In particular, there are expected to be about 32 percent more jobs for computer software engineers through 2018, while employment opportunities for computer systems analysts are expected to increase by 20 percent. Many other positions in the Technology industry will see similar growth rates.

What is the salary for people in this profession?

The salary for students who land a job in the Technology field varies greatly by their profession, PayScale reports. For example, individuals who become computer programmers tend to make as much as $82,421 per year, while computer scientists earn up to $129,703 annually. Software engineers can make about $96,110 and clinical laboratory technologists earn approximately $64,554 each year.

Like many professions, jobs in Technology tend to provide the highest salaries to individuals who have completed advanced Degrees, such as a master’s or a doctorate. Still, the average pay for people who earn a bachelor’s can be very competitive.

*Source Reference: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. http://www.bls.gov