Studying Internet Technology: Degrees at a Glance
Internet technology programs teach students the skills necessary to manipulate and use technology related to the Internet, such as computer networks, online security tools, servers and programming. It may be offered as a standalone degree or included or as a concentration within a larger degree, such as computer information systems or information technologies. Web development degrees are similar and are also offered by some schools.
Graduates of these programs can go into a variety of information technology (IT) positions or may do web development work in a number of other industries. Job opportunities for these positions are expected to increase faster than average. For example, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs for web developers were expected to increase by 22% between 2010 and 2020.
| Training | Master's | |
|---|---|---|
| Who is this program for? | People interested in learning more about the Internet | Individuals who wish to further their understanding of and careers in an Internet-related field |
| Common Career Paths (with approximate mean annual salary) | - Computer support specialists ($52,000)* - Network and computer system administrators ($74,000 - this salary is more common for people with several years of experience)* - Information security analysts, web developers and computer network architects ($82,000 - this salary is more common for people with several years of experience)* | Career paths for the master's degree are similar to those of the training, although there might be more advancement opportunities for candidates holding a master's degree |
| Time to Completion | Varies by program/course | 1.5-2 years |
| Common Graduation Requirements | Varies by program/course | Field experience or capstone project |
| Prerequisites | Varies by program/course | - Undergraduate degree - GRE or GMAT scores (varies) - Prerequisite courses (varies) |
| Online Availability | Varies | Yes |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Training in Internet Technology
Training in Internet technology is offered in many different forms, such as individual courses designed either as an overview of Internet technology or to focus on a specific skill or program. Training may also be included within a degree or certificate program in IT, computer information systems or web development. Training courses may be offered at community colleges, universities and continuing education facilities, both online and on-campus. Some training courses may not require you to be enrolled in a formal degree program.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- You can couple your training with a degree from another field to prepare for Internet technology-related careers
- You can choose the level of education necessary for individual professional goals
- Your training may require a smaller investment of time/money, when compared to degree programs
Cons
- Without a degree, employers may require that you have significant experience
- Some courses may be unavailable without entering a degree program
- Not all training courses are offered for academic credit
Courses and Training Requirements
Internet technology, because it is offered in so many forms, can be taken in a number of ways. If you choose to complete an undergraduate degree or certificate program, you may need to be admitted to the school in question, and there will be a number of courses to complete, usually some mix of core classes and electives. Individual courses may not require any special admission process. Individual courses may teach you specific programs, like Dreamweaver or Visual Page, or functionalities, such as networks, web design, databases and Internet basics.
Online Degree Options
Training courses and programs may be offered online. Some courses may be archived and offered for free, while others may be offered live, with assignments that need to be completed. Some training may only be offered online, without an on-campus alternative. Online courses and training may be available at all levels, from one-off courses for beginners to graduate courses.
Getting Ahead With This Degree
Joining a professional society may help you complete your career goals. For example, the International Webmasters Association (IWA) offers members discounts on courses, access to a members' only area with product and service offers and a monthly newsletter. They also allow you to use their logo on business cards and allow you to work toward their web study and Certified Web Professional (CWP) certifications. The web study certification requires completion of certain courses, offered online, while the CWP credential requires work experience and an examination.
Master's Degrees in Internet Technology
Master's degree programs in Internet technology tend to be offered at universities and other colleges. Typically, programs award a Master of Science, and the programs tend to be offered either in a school's business computer science or information technology departments. They typically take two years to complete, depending on whether or not you attend full-time, as well as the individual program itself. Some master's degrees are offered specifically in Internet technology, though information systems or information technologies programs are more common.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- A graduate degree may be beneficial when pursuing a management role in the field
- Some potential careers pay more than average for level of education
- You may be able to pursue a master's degree without studying Internet technology at the undergraduate level
Cons
- Internet technology programs less common than information systems
- You may be competing for jobs against applicants with only a bachelor's degree and more experience
- Continuing education may be necessary to stay current with technology
Courses and Training Requirements
The curriculum in an Internet technology master's degree program varies based on whether or not the degree is specifically for Internet technology or is included in a larger degree. In general, master's degree programs cover web-related technologies and programs and may include a project. Degrees may also cover e-commerce, information security or network administration. Some programs may also include management and leadership courses.
Courses you may take include:
- Web application development
- IT project management
- Database management
- Internet programming
Online Degree Options
Master's degree programs may be offered fully or partially online. Some schools may offer certain concentrations online while others require on-campus participation. If a school offers both, online and on-campus programs are usually identical. Even if a program is not offered online, schools may hold evening classes to make attending class easier for working professionals.
Getting Ahead With This Degree
Earning certifications can demonstrate to employers that you know what you claim you do. Aside from those offered by the IWA, certifications are offered by a number of different Internet-related societies, such as the Institute for the Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP), the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium and the Certified Internet Web (CIW) Professionals. Certifications are offered in a number of specialties, including Internet business, network technology, web design, Internet security and information systems, and for specific programs such as Perl or JavaScript.
