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As computers, networks, and other forms of information technology embed themselves deeper and deeper into every aspect of culture and the global economy, the demand for people with the knowledge and skills to operate, manage, repair, and troubleshoot them continues to grow. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for computer network, systems, and database administrators “is expected to grow much faster than the average, and job prospects should be excellent,” with a projected increase of 30 percent between 2008 and 2018. According to Indeed.com, which tracks job market trends by the keywords employers use in employment ads, every one of the top 10 job trends are information technology or network management related. Moreover, employers are ready to pay top dollar for qualified, skilled IT and network employees. According to payscale.com, median salaries for employees in these fields range from $58,000-81,000.

A degree in information technology and/or network management has become increasingly necessary in order to enter into and move up in this rapidly growing field. Every year more people are choosing to pursue their college degrees online because of the greater flexibility and affordability an online degree provides. For those looking to earn an online information technology degree, we’ve put together a list of the best online colleges and universities with online information technology programs and related degrees in 2013. Our information technology degree rankings are based on several factors, including school reputation (rankings, awards, recognition), student satisfaction (retention and graduation rates), peer and instructional quality (student-teacher ratios and acceptance rates), as well as overall affordability (cost and availability of financial aid). Only fully accredited online colleges and universities were considered.

#1. Kaplan University

An under-appreciated school with a growing online repertoire, Kaplan University displays strong student satisfaction and quality indicators. Kaplan offers an online associate’s degree in Information Technology, as well as online bachelor’s degrees in Network Security, Healthcare Information Technology, and Information Technology Management. Each degree is designed to prepare graduates for employment in a number of IT positions in education, manufacturing, or government.

–>Click here for more information on Kaplan University

#2. Rasmussen College Online

With more than 110 years of academic excellence, Rasmussen College is a trusted, respected, and accredited higher education institution. Rasmussen offers an online associate’s degree in Information Systems Management, with concentrations in Network Administration, Network Security, Database Administration, Web Programming, and Computer Information Technology, as well as an online bachelor’s degree in Business Management with and Information Technology concentration. To help you advance your career as quickly as possible, you can complete your Bachelor’s degree in our Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree Completion Program in as little as 18 months.* Our other programs also have a streamlined completion time: you can earn your Associate’s degree in as little as 18 months or a Certificate in as little as nine months. Time to complete is dependent on the number of credits taken per quarter, as well as the number of credits transferred, once they are reviewed and accepted by the university.

–>Click here for more information on Rasmussen College Online

 

#3. Walden University Online

Recognized for its online programs by U.S. News & World Report in 2010 and ranked #14 by the Online Education Database, Walden University Online is known not only for its quality online degree programs, but also for its commitment to diversity and social change. Walden offers an online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology designed to provide students with the technical skills needed to succeed in the field of information technology, while providing them with a strong understanding of key managerial and organizational concepts. In addition, Walden offers a variety of associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in other areas of information systems and technology, including healthcare informatics, information systems management, and data security.

–>Click here for more information on Walden University Online

 

#4. Champlain College Online

Ranked the #3 overall online college by the Online Education Database and #16 in our list of the top 25 online colleges and universities of 2011, Champlain College was named one of America’s “top up-and-coming schools” by U.S. News & World Report in 2010. Champlain College Online currently offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems, with the opportunity for students to concentrate in Information Security, Computer Forensics & Investigation, Networking, and Web Design & Development. Champlain also offers a Master of Science in Managing Innovation & Information Technology that prepares graduate for careers as an IS Consultant, IS Director, IS Project Manager, or CIO/CTO.

–>Click here for more information on Champlain College Online

 

#5. Utica College Online

Founded by Syracuse University, and still maintaining close ties, Utica College Online was ranked #21 on our list of the top 25 online colleges and universities of 2011. Utica College Online offers one of the only undergraduate degrees cybersecurity with its Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity in which students can choose to concentrate in Cybercrime Investigation & Forensics or Information Assurance. Utica also offers a Master of Science in Cybersecurity Intelligence and Forensics. Both degrees will prepare graduates to take positions within the rapidly growing and high-demand cybersecurity field.

 

#6. Northeastern University Online

Northeastern University Online’s high graduation and retention rates, coupled with a very low student-teacher ratio and selective admissions, earned the schools a #5 ranking in our list of the top 25 online colleges and universities of 2011. Northeastern University Online offers a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology designed to prepare students the programming, system analysis, and software skills required to pursue a variety of careers in information technology. Northeastern also offers online master’s degree programs in a number of areas in information science and technology, including a Master of Science in Information Assurance and a Master of Professional Studies in Geographic Information Technology.

 

#7. Penn State World Campus

With its combination of outstanding student satisfaction indicators, high peer and instructional quality, a wide diversity of degree programs, and a world-class reputation, Penn State World Campus topped our list of the top 25 online colleges and universities of 2011. in partnership with Penn State’s highly regarded College of Information Sciences and Technology, Penn State World Campus offers an Associate in Science in Information Sciences and Technology, a Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences and Technology, as well as a Master of Professional Studies in Information Sciences. Each of these programs is offered in a fully online format and are designed to provide students with the theoretical foundation and skills needed to integrate information technology into different systems to improve their performance.

 

#8. UMassOnline

Winner of a number of Sloan Consortium and United States Distance Learning Association awards for its online courses and programs, UMassOnline was ranked #13 on our list of the top 25 online colleges and universities of 2011, displaying top-notch student satisfaction indicators and outstanding affordability. UMassOnline offers an Associate of Science in Information Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, as well as a number of IT-related undergraduate and graduate certificates. The programs are designed to provide students with a broad knowledge base and the necessary skills for succeeding in any number of information technology jobs.

#9. Drexel University Online

Ranked #11 on our list of the top 25 online colleges and universities of 2011 for its outstanding student satisfaction and instructional quality indicators, Drexel University Online was also awarded the 2010 Sloan Consortium Award for Excellence in Institution-Wide Online Education and recognized as a top 100 university of 2011 by U.S. News & World Report. Drexel offers online bachelor’s degrees in Computing and Security Technology, Information Technology, and Information Systems, as well as a Master of Science in Information Systems and, starting in Fall 2011, a Master of Science in Health Informatics. All of Drexel’s online technology degrees seek to prepare professionals for a variety of corporate, government and non-profit organization positions that provide critical computer system administration and computing security.

 

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