Information technology (IT) continues to grow in terms of demand and wages, making it a popular major in college. ut in a rapidly changing field, some students want to get to their basic and field courses as quickly as possible.

This desire for quick placement in a job has led to the rise of the associate degree in computer science. While an associate’s degree may not include any general education courses, like English or creative writing, it prepares you a lot for your new career with laser-focused courses and hands-on learning.

Is an associate’s degree enough for a career in technology?

Below, we’ll highlight the IT careers that are more than happy to accept you and your associate degree. But before we dive into potential careers, let’s see what the real differences are between an associate’s degree and a bachelor’s degree.

Bachelor’s degree vs associate degree

There are certain factors to consider when comparing an associate’s degree to a bachelor’s degree. Here are some key concerns to keep in mind:

• Time: A bachelor’s degree typically takes around four years, while an associate’s program is typically a two-year degree. This may vary depending on the course load you can handle.

• Cost: A bachelor’s degree will cost at least $ 40,000. It’s just for the tuition fees – not the room, board, books, etc. – in a public school. For an associate’s degree, students can expect to cut this cost by at least half. Of course, the type of institution and the program can significantly affect this cost.

• Field of study / career: Not all career paths will hire a candidate with an associate’s degree – some require a bachelor’s degree. If they don’t require a bachelor’s degree, you may still have to compete with applicants who have it.

• Earnings: A person with a bachelor’s degree tends to have a higher average salary than those with an associate’s degree. This may not be true in all areas, but it is worth considering.

The advantage of the associate degree program is that there are fewer general education courses. Associate programs tend to be career-oriented, so if you’re looking for an information technology degree, you can expect two years of mostly computer-specific courses.

Technology is a good field for associate’s degrees because most companies don’t care if their tech gurus are familiar with Chaucer or knowledgeable about geology.

Plus, you can land good jobs with just an associate’s degree. While annual salaries aren’t initially high, these seven IT jobs only require an associate’s degree and can progress to relatively well-paying jobs over time.

Network system administrator

Objective of the diploma: Network systems or network systems administration

Median annual salary: $ 82,050 per year / $ 39.45 per hour

Employment growth forecast over 10 years: 5%

Businesses depend on their computers and networks, and a network system administrator keeps these key elements operational. They are responsible for installing and upgrading hardware and software, as well as troubleshooting computer issues. In some cases, this position is also in charge of network security. With a median salary of $ 82,050 per year, it’s not a bad job.

Computer systems analyst

Objective of the diploma: Computer systems analysis, computer information technology

Median annual salary: $ 88,740 per year / $ 42.66 per hour

Employment growth forecast over 10 years: 9%

Computer systems analysts are jack of all trades in the IT field. They work with company management as an IT department representative, implement software, install hardware on systems, and may even do project management. It has a 10-year job growth outlook, which is well above average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

IT network architect

Objective of the diploma: Computer networks

Median annual salary: $ 109,020 per year / $ 52.41 per hour

Employment growth forecast over 10 years: 5%

A computer network architect is a company’s maestro when it comes to networking. From local networks to wide area networks to intranet, the job of the network architect is to implement, maintain and update these networks while keeping in mind the objectives and the security of the company.

It can be more difficult to land an associate’s degree, but if you have the right experience, it can be a well-paying job with a median annual salary above $ 100,000 per year.

Database administrator

Objective of the diploma: Database administration

Median annual salary: $ 90,070 per year / $ 43.31 per hour

Employment growth forecast over 10 years: 9%

Data is essential to the day-to-day operations of many businesses, and it can sometimes be very sensitive. Think of large businesses or organizations that need to keep track of a lot of information, such as an insurance company, university, or bank. A database administrator helps the business design, implement and maintain its database software to store and organize its data. Maintaining data security is a high priority. Its 10-year expected employment growth rate is promising 9%.

Programmer

Objective of the diploma: Software development, computer programming

Median annual salary: $ 84,280 per year / $ 40.52 per hour

Employment growth forecast over 10 years: -7%

Computer programmers build the code that makes computer programs work. They can also do a lot of troubleshooting to keep this code working. While the outlook for this position is less than ideal due to outsourcing, BLS data shows there were over 250,000 computer programmer positions in the United States in 2018. If coding is your passion, go for it. There will be jobs.

Web developer

Objective of the diploma: Web development

Median annual salary: $ 69,430 per year / $ 33.38 per hour

Employment growth forecast over 10 years: 13%

Web developers are responsible for building websites and making sure they work properly. Their job can also include web design, but many companies hire web designers for this process.

While web developers don’t make as much money as others on this list, the demand for this position is skyrocketing. It’s a career with a lot of doors open right now and for the foreseeable future.

IT support specialist

Objective of the diploma: Information technology, computer or office support

Median annual salary: $ 53,470 per year / $ 25.70 per hour

Employment growth forecast over 10 years: ten%

If troubleshooting and problem solving are your strong points, this could be your area. IT support specialists provide advice and help as needed for computer users and businesses.

From removing computer viruses to helping people understand new software, the IT Support Specialist helps people make good use of their computers and electronics. It’s one of the lowest-paying IT jobs, but in 2018 there were 863,000 IT support specialist jobs, and it is expected to grow faster than the career average over the next decade. Plus, this can be one of the easiest jobs to get and with an associate’s degree.

The fast lane may be the right lane

If you’re wondering if an associate’s degree is the right decision for you, and you’re worried that you won’t be able to land a job with it, rest assured. The field of computer science is growing and accessible to holders of an associate degree.

If you’re ready to start working towards your new career in IT, the choice between a bachelor’s degree and an associate’s degree is yours. You should be able to land a rewarding job with a good paycheck anyway. Good luck!