Do you enjoy solving problems? Do you feel at ease in front of a keyboard? When a machine isn’t working, are you the person your family and friends call to save the day? Rio Salado College’s Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Information Technology (IT) degree program could be a great fit for your combination of tech savvy and helpful nature. Take the first step toward a rewarding career in information technology with Rio Salado’s two-year associate degree program. With Rio’s flexible class schedules and affordable tuition rate, you can learn how to be a computer wiz on your own time without overheating your bank account.
What You’ll Learn
Rio’s Information Technology program is designed to prepare students for a variety of industry-recognized examinations and certifications. You’ll learn about the principles of business software, programming, databases, computer hardware components, networking, customer service, web development, project management, and information systems. You’ll gain knowledge in how to identify and define appropriate technology solutions, as well as how to apply the technical concepts you’ll learn in a business environment. Proper documentation and communication skills will be taught, giving you the tools you need to collaborate effectively in a team environment. You’ll also learn how to leverage project management skills to ensure the successful completion of your projects.
What Can I Do With an Information Technology Degree?
A degree in Information Technology can prepare you to take on a variety of in-demand technical careers. These roles include:
- IT support specialist
- Quality assurance tester
- Help desk analyst
- Computer forensic analyst
- Data analyst
- Web developer
- IT researcher
- Systems administrator
- Security analyst
- Application developer
- UX designer
- Network engineer
- Software architect
The IT program also offers certificate options that can give you an opportunity to specialize in certain aspects of information technology. These certificate programs include Cybersecurity Fundamentals, Desktop Support, Foundations of Mobile App Development, Microsoft Office Professional, Programming and Systems Analysis Level 1, Oracle Database Operations, and Web Foundations. Many of these programs can be completed in a relatively short time span- sometimes within a couple of months- which can be a great way to beef up your resume with a new skill-set.
Please note that many of the career roles listed above could require additional training and education. A two-year associate degree can help put your foot in the door, but you may need additional credentials to get all the way through to the other side.
What Does a Future in Information Technology Look Like?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, information technology roles like quality assurance tester, computer systems analyst, and UX designer are projected to grow faster than the average for most occupations. In an increasingly digital, interconnected world, the need for knowledgeable professionals who can read data like tea leaves, who can uncover vulnerabilities in systems with a detective’s sharp eye, who can be the hero people need in their darkest hour of technical difficulties will remain evergreen. Even with the proliferation of AI in technical fields, the human element is still needed to ensure these tools remain accurate. Your professional skills, combined with your human abilities to critically think, problem solve, and parse meaning from data will be needed in these ever-changing times.
Save Time and Money
Rio Salado’s class credits are transferable, which means that the progress you made at Rio may be accepted by many universities and colleges across the country. Keep in mind not all colleges take transfer credits, so be sure to check in with the university you’re planning to transfer to in order to make sure your Rio credits will be honored. Another benefit of taking classes at Rio if you’re planning on pursuing a bachelor degree elsewhere is that you can complete your general education requirements at Rio at a much more affordable tuition rate than you would at a four-year institution.
Learn More
If you’re interested in learning more about our Information Technology associate degree, check out the Rio Salado program page and click on the Request Information button on the page to get started.
Article by Austin Brietta