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What is Computer Information Technology?
Texas is a big state. It's so big that it includes two time zones and, if it were its own country, it would be the 10th largest economy in the world. Its top ten industries all rank in the top three for their sectors, nationwide. Interestingly, Texas' industry that ranks top in the nation only makes their statewide list at #4.
Texas' top industry happens to be its manufacturing sector, which brings the Lone Star State nearly $240 billion in annual revenue. Texas' manufacturing ranks 2nd in the nation. Its second largest economic driver is the sector known as professional and business services. This includes smaller industries such as waste management, commercial laboratory services, and management services, including IT support. Professional and business services bring Texas a whopping $212 billion in annual revenue, ranking the sector 3rd in the United States.
Texas is also a huge exporter. Their top-ranking manufacturing sector earns $316 billion for the state in exported goods that are shipped across the world. Much of this manufacturing is likely focused on Texas' famous oil industry, which relies on manufacturing to convert raw crude oil into usable gasoline, diesel, and other sorts of fuels.
Given Texas' huge size, it's clear that the state needs a lot of computer information technology experts to maintain its competitiveness within each of its huge economic sectors. Even to thrive as an exporter, Texas needs top-notch CIT experts to manage the supply chain issues and ensure that customers receive their deliverables in a timely fashion.
With that in mind, Texas' legislature seeks to support its public colleges and universities with funds that go to IT and computer science degree programs. The goal is to send as many technology students to the graduation stage as possible. Naturally, Texas' many CIT degree program faculties use these funds to recruit and maintain the very best academia can provide. They look for candidates with the most interesting doctoral research and locals who boast a master’s computer science or IT degree. Qualified locals are always a great addition as they bring a pragmatic view to students who are preparing to enter the same Texan economy.
Students interested in attending one of the many colleges in Texas will have plenty of options all over the state. These include Texas A M University in College Station, the University of Texas at Austin or at Tyler, the University of Houston, the University of Dallas, the University of North Texas, and more. Anyone looking to attend a Texas university or any schools in this state can find options in a midsize city, large city, or even from a community college located near them.
A computer IT professional is a technology whiz who helps their company succeed by maintaining their technological solutions. They may also design new networking or database systems that can bring the organization to the next level of efficiency and profitability. Most CIT professionals specialize in certain areas of the IT arena.
Some may focus on database administration, where they manage how employees access the company's data, while also entering new data and making sure that the databases are secure. Database managers and designers might also be experts in cyber security, and all aim to enforce proper cyber security protocols. There are also IT workers who focus on networking, hardware issues, and even how the business side of a firm interacts with the technological arena.
Most IT professionals work in offices where they can address the needs of their colleagues. However, in the post-COVID era, many IT workers have migrated their work to remote locations. Each firm manages how its IT workers can work from a remote location, but it's often an option for at least part of each workweek.
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Computer Information Technology Education in Texas
Associate Degree in Computer Information Technology (AS)
While many emphasize a bachelor’s computer information technology degree, most will agree that an associate IT degree can also be a great starting point. That's because the CIT field places more emphasis on a worker's skill set and experience level than a degree. Thus, a two-year degree can be enough for many IT workers.
The requirements for an associate computer information technology major always includes the core college curriculum. Thus, each associate degree program graduate enters the workplace with the same basic knowledge base as their bachelor’s degree peers. Those core courses may seem superfluous to many, but they provide an expanded base of knowledge that can help to enhance communication and problem solving skills.
An associate IT degree is often adequate for landing an entry-level position. Many then earn certifications that boast of their skill with specific technological areas. Some popular certifications can be found in cyber security, programming languages, and hardware matters, to name a few.
National rankings - top 25 online associates in information technologyFind Your Online Information Technology Program
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Information Technology (BS)
A four-year degree is often considered the gold standard for employment. Though that is not always the case with computer information technology positions, it is certainly a leg-up that others may not have. Over the course of a four-year bachelor’s IT degree program, students can dive deeper into their area of specialty. They can also expand their knowledge base with courses, even a minor concentration, in related fields such as mathematics, data science, economics, computing machinery, computer security, or computer science.
Students in bachelor’s computer information technology degree programs also often have the opportunity to gain practical experience in their field. Internship programs provide students with the chance to enter the workplace and meet a new mentor. This sort of experience can make a big difference when it comes time to land their first job. Internships also help students gain a head start with meeting fellow IT professionals who can be a vital part of their professional network.
National rankings - top 25 online bachelors in information technology Check out the hardest majorsMaster's Degree in Computer Information Technology (MS)
A master’s degree in information technology or computer science is where careers take off. Those who are seeking a position in upper management or the C-suites, are urged to earn a master’s level information technology degree. Most will first consider a MS in information technology that focuses on their specific career track such as database management, cybersecurity, networking, hardware solutions, or server solutions. Each degree in information technology with a specialization will focus on its own major-specific coursework and criteria for graduation may vary.
Another possible approach to career advancement in information technology is a Master of Business Administration (MBA). These degrees start with a crash course in general business concepts, albeit at the master’s level. Then the second year is dedicated to a concentration area. These days, MBA students can find plenty of programs that allow them to concentrate on information technology. Many even choose a dual MBA where they work on an MS in information technology while simultaneously working on their MBA. Those dual MBA programs are intensive enough that they generally don't allow enough time for outside work, but professionals who complete these programs may be well on their way to the C-suites.
National rankings - top 25 online masters in information technologyPhD Degree in Computer Information Technology (PhD)
Information technology is one field in the business world that can certainly reward a doctoral degree. At this level, IT professionals focus very closely on specific subjects for their work. Cyber security experts might focus their doctoral dissertation on research into cryptography, for instance. Others might work on other issues related to cyber security, such as designing cyber security systems and protocols.
Interestingly, many private firms will hire PhDs to continue their research. This can be a real boon to those who are interested in expanding their knowledge, as well as that of the wider field. A similar career path might be to land a position as a research faculty member with a Texas university. Some popular areas for these opportunities are cryptography, computer language design, artificial intelligence, and hardware design - including microchips.
An IT expert with a PhD is also a great candidate for consulting firms who need focused expertise. They might also choose to open their own IT startup firm, including consulting practices.
Get the UniversityHQ financial aid guide How to pay for college guideBecome an Information Technology Specialist in Texas
There are many routes to become a computer information technology professional in Texas. The field tends to emphasize skills and knowledge over degrees, so anyone with the moxie to self-teach themselves may be able to enter an IT department. There are many stories of young people who were able to learn computer programming at an early age and even started work on software development projects while still in high school.
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In fact, high school is a great time to start one's path to success in IT. Students with a passion for computing can start learning by taking free or very affordable IT courses online. One great place to start is with a web development course. The programming languages involved in that field are relatively easy to learn and master. Some high school students are even able to turn their knowledge into a part-time job creating or maintaining websites for members of their local community.
Naturally, high school students should focus on learning as much mathematics as possible. The analytical thinking skills it offers will be vital to later success. They should also take any and all computer courses their high school has to offer. In their last two years of high school, students might see if there is a co-op learning program through a local community college. These programs can offer more courses in information technology.
When it comes time to start applying for a computer information technology college degree program, students should look for the best program for them. Whether that is a community college and an associate IT degree or a university information technology program, that program should be fully accredited.
The bare minimum for a college degree program in Texas should be a CHEA-approved regional accreditation. Students should also seek out programs that boast ABET credentials. ABET accredits STEM-focused programs, including those in information technology. Their focus on tech is vital and elevates the program beyond regional excellence to national acclaim. This is especially important for students who are interested in master’s degrees, or career opportunities, in other parts of the country.
Careers for CIT (CIS) Graduates
- Data Entry Keyers
This is an entry-level position that many IT workers start out with while they are finishing their degrees. Data entry keyers are tasked with entering figures into databases. They must be able to reach and maintain a high rate of speed with their work. - Graphic Designers
These days, graphic designers and graphic artists must have a mastery of multiple computer programs. The most popular is probably Photoshop, but others in the Adobe Creative Suite are also popular. Graphic designers may work on highly creative projects related to web or print advertising, or they might work on more dry material, such as laying out textbooks. - Special Effects Artists and Animators
Films from Pixar and DreamWorks have made this a very popular option for students of art and computing. Some animated films have even developed their own animation technology to give their films a unique look and feel. Special effects artists need to master applications such as Photoshop, Blender, and Illustrator, among others. - Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary
These jobs often require, or prefer, a PhD in computer science. These days, a specialty focus on artificial intelligence, cyber security, or cryptography can pave the way to a tenure track position. Note that adjunct positions may be available to those with a master’s degree in computer science. - Computer Hardware Engineers
These engineers help to create the physical hardware that supports the software solutions firms need the most. Hardware engineers may work on designing computer parts, network nodes, or even processors. This is a field that will reward a master’s degree far more than lesser credentials. - Data Scientists
These tech wizards focus their work on crunching the numbers to help their company’s projects succeed. Many work in marketing, helping to bring understanding to how consumers make their decisions. They may also work in public health, where they evaluate how disease spreads. - Web and Digital Interface Designers
Interface designers ensure that software solutions are attractive and have intuitive layouts for their end users. Web designers need to be able to write code in HTML, JavaScript, CSS, and other coding languages. PHP is a popular choice, but so is Java and Ruby. - Web Developers
Website developers are distinct from designers in that they work on the back end of websites. They make sure that sites are connected to the right databases, utilize cookies in the optimal ways, and deliver information in a speedy fashion. Web developers need to know back-end languages such as Java, PHP, Python, and C++, to name a few. - Computer Programmers
Programmers are tech workers that focus their work on writing computer code for various software packages. They usually focus on specific types of software and thus they learn the appropriate languages. While a college degree is highly valued, computer programmers also need to earn and maintain certifications in their chosen languages. - Database Architects
These IT experts focus on the databases that hold their firm's intellectual property. Database architects design databases and help to build them using languages from the SQL family of coding languages. Architects often need experience working in cyber security, especially if their firm's databases hold sensitive data.
Search Programs Offering Information Technology Majors
- Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
- Software Designer/Developers
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators
- Database Administrators
- Computer Network Architects
- Computer User Support Specialists
- Information Security Analysts
- Computer Systems Analyst
- Computer and Information Systems Managers
- Chief Executives
- Business Analyst
- Cyber Security Analyst
- UI Developer
- Application Developer
- IT Project Manager
- Full Stack Software Developer
- Network Analyst (WAN/LAN/etc.)