Computer + Tech Degrees Overview

One of the most rapid-growing fields where qualified individuals are in short supply. From AI (artificial intelligence) to apps to digital record keeping, there are so many programs to choose from. While studying, the computer and tech industries will continue to invent new job opportunities you haven’t even heard of yet.

Medical Assistant Overview

Medical assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks to support the work of physicians and most healthcare professionals. Their responsibilities may differ depending on the type or specialty of the healthcare office they’re working in. Medical assistants are not to be confused with physician assistants, who are licensed and trained to do medical procedures with supervision from a physician.
Medical Assistant Role & Responsibility

Computer Network Support or Technical Support Specialists

Computer network support or technical support specialists, handle the everyday maintenance of their organization’s networks and manage tasks such as performing file backups on the network. The certificate program offers an introduction to computer architecture, hardware operating systems, information technology (IT) and network support and administration. Technical support or Computer Network Support Specialists may consider continuing on with an associate’s degree or even a bachelor’s degree to secure employment in larger software companies.

Role & Responsibility
  • Test and evaluate existing network systems
  • Perform regular maintenance to ensure that networks operate correctly
  • Troubleshoot local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and Internet systems
  • Set up or repair computer equipment and related devices
  • Provide other team members and managers in the organization with information about what gives customers the most trouble and about other concerns customers have
2020 Median Pay $103,590 per year | $49.80 per hour
Work Experience in Related Occupation

Less than 5 years
Number of Jobs, 2020

141,200
Job Outlook, 2020-30 33%
Employment Change 2020-30

47,100
How to become

Because of the wide range of skills used in different computer support jobs, there are many paths into the occupation. A bachelor’s degree is required for some computer support specialist positions, but an associate’s degree or postsecondary classes may be enough for others.

Cyber Security – Information Security Analysts

One of the fastest growing and most exciting fields on the rise is Cyber Security. Students can choose a bachelor’s or master’s degree where they will obtain the latest in cyber law, risk management, web development, data and web security, digital forensics, technical communication, IT basics and more. Graduates will join the cybersecurity professionals in hundreds of possibilities working for big tech companies, small media organizations, military or government work or even.

Role & Responsibility
  • Monitor their organization’s networks for security breaches and investigate a violation when one occurs
  • Install and use software, such as firewalls and data encryption programs, to protect sensitive information
  • Prepare reports that document security breaches and the extent of the damage caused by the breaches
  • Conduct penetration testing, which is when analysts simulate attacks to look for vulnerabilities in their systems before they can be exploited
  • Research the latest information technology (IT) security trends
  • Develop security standards and best practices for their organization
  • Recommend security enhancements to management or senior IT staff
  • Help computer users when they need to install or learn about new security products and procedures
2020 Median Pay $45,240 per year | $21.75 per hour
Work Experience in Related Occupation None
Number of Jobs, 2020 416,400
Job Outlook, 2020-30 9%
Employment Change 2020-30 37,100
How to become

Information security analysts usually need at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information assurance, programming, or a related field.
Some employers prefer applicants who have a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in information systems. Programs offering the MBA in information systems generally require 2 years of study beyond the undergraduate level and include both business and computer-related courses.

Data Science

Today’s growing need to create and analyze meaningful data across all industries has created a demand for a new kind of professional who is skilled in both analytics and computing. Data analytics or a data science specialty prepares students to scrutinize data for trends and patterns using computer programming and statistics. Obtaining a data science will put you in the driver’s seat in one of the hottest computer fields where graduates will apply practical and theoretical skills to handle large-scale data management and analysis challenges that arise in data-driven organizations.

Role & Responsibility
  • Explore problems in computing and develop theories and models to address those problems
  • Collaborate with scientists and engineers to solve complex computing problems
  • Determine computing needs and system requirements
  • Develop new computing languages, software systems, and other tools to improve how people work with computers
  • Design and conduct experiments to test the operation of software systems, frequently using techniques from data science and machine learning
  • Analyze the results of their experiments
  • Write papers for publication and present research findings at conferences
2020 Median Pay $126,830 per year | $60.97 per hour
Work Experience in Related Occupation None
Number of Jobs, 2020

33,000
Job Outlook, 2020-30 22%
Employment Change 2020-30

7,200
How to become

Computer and information research scientists typically need at least a master’s degree in computer science or a related field. In the federal government, a bachelor’s degree may be sufficient for some jobs.

Software Engineering

Software engineers apply engineering principles to create and maintain computer software to best optimize the hardware, OS, and other variables. Digital business becomes more essential everyday, creating a high demand for experienced software engineers. To begin your career as a software engineer, you should first earn at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field to develop the most useful background for designing software. A Master of Science (M.S.) in Software Engineering amplifies students’ skills in software creation through the inception, design and build, and testing and maintenance phases plus advanced knowledge in software architecture, project management, technical planning, risk management and software assurance. Students also learn how to build sustainable products while managing software projects with optimal efficiency.

Role & Responsibility
  • Analyze users’ needs and then design and develop software to meet those needs
  • Recommend software upgrades for customers’ existing programs and systems
  • Design application or system and plan how the pieces will work together
  • Create a variety of models and diagrams showing programmers the software code needed for an application
  • Create test plans, scenarios, and procedures for new software
  • Identify project risks and recommend steps to minimize those risks
  • Implement software testing, using either manual or automated programs and exploratory testing, and evaluate results
  • Document and report defects or problems with software
  • Provide feedback to software developers and stakeholders regarding usability and functionality
2020 Median Pay $110,140 per year | $52.95 per hour
Work Experience in Related Occupation None
Number of Jobs, 2020

1,847,900
Job Outlook, 2020-30 22%
Employment Change 2020-30

409,500
How to become

Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology or a related field. Some employers prefer to hire developers who have a master’s degree.

Web Developers and Digital Designers

Web Developers and Digital Designers is a very safe option and one of the most promising careers to pursue given that every business needs a functioning website that’s easy to use. Students who earn a Bachelor’s in Web Design will develop technical skills in scripting, programming, and software development, organization, communication and research. They will also be exposed to traditional concepts like multilanguage development, graphics, new media, cybersecurity and acquisition. Graduates will walk away with essential skills in JavaScript, HTML/CSS, and often other languages C++, Swift, or Python.

Role & Responsibility
  • Meet with clients to discuss the needs, design, and functionality of a website or interface
  • Create and test applications, interfaces, and navigation menus for a website
  • Write code for the website, using programming languages such as HTML or XML
  • Work with other team members to determine what information the site will contain
  • Work with graphics and other designers to determine the website’s layout
  • Integrate graphics, audio, and video into the website
  • Monitor website traffic
  • Create prototypes and mockups of websites or applications
  • Design and develop graphics
2020 Median Pay $77,200 per year| $37.12 per hour
Work Experience in Related Occupation None
Number of Jobs, 2020

199,400
Job Outlook, 2020-30 13%
Employment Change 2020-30

25,000
How to become

Educational requirements for web developers and digital designers range from a high school diploma to a bachelor’s degree. Some employers prefer web developer candidates who have a bachelor’s degree in a specific field, such as computer science or programming. Web developers need to have a thorough understanding of HTML programming. Many employers also want developers to understand other programming languages, such as JavaScript or SQL, and have knowledge of multimedia publishing tools, such as Flash. Throughout their career, web developers must keep up to date on new tools and computer languages.