Associate’s Vs. Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology

Why Get an Associate's Degree Versus a Bachelor's in Information Technology?

There are a few things that every information technology student needs to know as they prepare to take on a career in the field. With the majority of the world carrying out business and everyday communications in the digital world, the field of information technology has become extraordinarily important. Professionals in infotech work in every industry, from library science and higher education to finance and social media.

With the demand for information technology professionals so high, numerous colleges and universities offer credentials in information technology, from one-year certificates to master's degrees. One of the benefits of getting an Associate in Information Technology is that the pay is quite good and there are hot jobs in high demand. For many, though, obtaining an associate's degree in information technology versus a bachelor's degree is often an excellent gambit for many reasons. Here are three reasons why you should get an associate's degree in infotech versus a bachelor's degree.

Less Time

Attending an online school or community college for an associate's in information technology involves two years or less of full-time study. In addition, many community colleges offer concentrations within a number of different majors - the rough equivalent of a minor in a bachelor's degree - allowing the student to customize their area of expertise. Students who opt to attend a community college for an associate's degree in infotech will not only save time, but a great deal of money over online programs or at a four-year college - both factors of particular importance to independent students or those raising families.

It Will Get Your Foot In the Door

Very often, an associate's degree in infotech is enough to access entry-level positions within the information technology sector. With the high demand for skilled labor in this industry, an AAS degree holder who performed well in their program - particularly if they did related work or internships during their studies - will be well set up to access opportunities that can lead to career growth and higher pay later on.

Your Employer May Pay for Your Bachelor's

An increasingly large amount of employers in the infotech and data industries have implemented tuition reimbursement or payment programs that long-term employees can take advantage of - particularly if the company has a need for higher-skilled employees. After getting your associate's degree, investigate companies that offer these programs - obtaining a bachelor's degree will afford access to higher-paid positions, greater benefit opportunities, and even additional company perks. Some tuition reimbursement or payment programs come with strings attached, but even if you don't work for that company forever, you'll have gotten your bachelor's degree for free.

Starting out with associate degree study at a community college is a path more and more students are taking to fulfill their academic and career goals - it saves a great deal of money, and with more and more state and regional colleges and universities creating transfer agreements with community colleges, it affords students better chances of having each and every credit they've taken transfer to a four-year college.

If the information technology industry interests you, starting out with an associate's degree can save a great deal of time and cash in the long run - particularly as some associate's programs can be parlayed into different bachelor's degree programs later. For independent students, particularly those with families, saving time and money is of the utmost importance - but the initial investment can provide job security, good pay, and benefits for many years to come.

Related Resource: The 19 Best Online Associates in Information Technology Degree Programs