5 Things to Consider When Choosing an Online IT Degree

If you have chosen to study information technology (IT) online, you’ve made an excellent decision. Booming and innovative, there are several advantages to studying IT, including significant opportunities for growth and exceptional career prospects.

When it comes to selecting which online institution you will attend and which specific program you will enroll in, there are several important criteria to assess.

To facilitate this process, this guide breaks down five essential factors to consider when choosing an online IT degree.

1. Accreditation

One of the most salient components to look for in the institution where you’ll be getting your online IT degree is accreditation. Not only are these institutions and programs more well-recognized, but they are eligible for federal.

This means that if you plan to apply for federal funds to assist with your online studies, your institution/degree needs to be accredited by the Department of Education.

Accreditation also helps reassure potential employers that you attended a reputable institution. You have acquired the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in the industry.

Be mindful, however, that accreditation is not the sole criterion you should be basing your decision on; after all, accreditation does not necessarily equal quality.

2. Use of Technology

In IT and similar degrees, such as machine learning and data science, technology is very important. Do your research into how your prospective institutions utilize technology and what kind of technological practices they implement to teach students.

Does the institution prioritize innovation in their teaching practices? Are their curriculums up to date to include the most recent technological developments in the IT-sphere?

3. Student Support Services

While traditional institutions will have support staff, such as counselors and administrative officers, on campus to assist students with queries, it can be a bit more difficult to assess what support services are available with online institutions.

Be sure to keep an eye out for information pertaining to support tools when navigating their websites. If you have trouble finding the information on the site, reach out via email and consider asking some of the following questions: what services are available to support online learners (i.e. an online chat box for assistance with technical difficulties, online tutoring services, online counseling)?  Where can these services be found?

4. Networking Opportunities 

Networking is a vital component of most fruitful careers. While it is important to build up a solid knowledge base, it’s equally important to establish a strong professional network to boost your chances of securing a job after finishing your IT degree.

With a healthy professional network, you will have people rooting for you and you can turn to them for a variety of objectives, including career guidance, industry insights, or even job prospects.

Ask yourself the following questions when assessing different programs at various online institutions: Does this institution host virtual networking events? Does it hold webinars offering tips on how to network effectively in your industry?

Does it offer Zoom lectures in which you can verbally engage in discussions with your faculty and peers? Are virtual office hours offered by professors, thereby giving you the opportunity to make yourself stand out to them? 

5. Tuition Costs

When it comes to pursuing post-secondary education, finances can often be a massive hurdle. While online education is typically more affordable than traditional on-campus education, it’s still a hefty investment.

With that in mind, it’s vital to evaluate the tuition costs of each institution you’re considering attending. Similar to traditional education providers, online institutions vary in how much they charge per year for various degrees.

Plan ahead to cross-reference the tuition costs of each college as well as any additional costs you may incur. Price it out and assess which institution best fits for your budget. After all, your education should set you on a path to success without setting you back financially.

Summary

Pursuing an online IT degree is an excellent first step in realizing your dream of an exciting and fruitful career in the industry. By assessing these five criteria when comparing different programs across different online institutions, you will greatly facilitate the process of choosing the right one for you.

In selecting the best fit for your personal circumstances and educational goals, you’ll not only set yourself up for success but you’ll enhance your sense of personal fulfillment.