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Key takeaway: Online technology degrees are offered at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s level by accredited schools nationwide, focusing on applied computing – IT operations, network administration, systems management, cybersecurity, and cloud infrastructure. Related occupations pay a median $61,860 to $171,200 a year, and the field is projected to fill roughly 268,100 openings annually through 2034 (BLS OEWS, May 2025)1. Compare accredited programs below.
An online technology degree teaches applied computing skills used to manage, secure, and optimize digital systems. Unlike research-oriented computer science programs, technology degrees emphasize real-world implementation across IT operations, networking, systems management, cybersecurity, and cloud deployment, and they integrate certification preparation for credentials like CompTIA, AWS, Cisco, and Microsoft.
These accredited schools offer online programs, report technology completions, and are ordered by our independent BOC Score. Request information to compare programs, costs, and formats.
Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS). To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked against schools at the same credential level:
Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:Accreditor: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on CollegesIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:Accreditor: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University CommissionIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Can You Get A Technology Degree Online? explains how accredited online technology programs work, including specializations, cost, and salary outcomes.
Browse technology programs by state ->
An online technology degree focuses on applied computing and hands-on IT skills used to manage, secure, and optimize digital systems. Programs emphasize practical implementation over theoretical research.
Technology degrees emphasize IT operations, network administration, systems management, and certification readiness. Computer science programs focus on software development, algorithms, and computational theory. Technology graduates manage and secure existing systems; CS graduates build new software.
Online technology programs are commonly offered at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s levels. Associate programs typically require 60-64 credits, bachelor’s programs require 120-128 credits, and master’s programs require 30-36 credits.
Common certifications include CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+; Cisco CCNA; AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner; Microsoft Azure certifications; CISSP for security professionals; and LPIC-1 for Linux administration. These are recognized industry-wide and often integrated into program coursework.
Verify institutional accreditation through the U.S. Department of Education database. Some programs also hold ABET Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) accreditation or CAE-CD recognition for cybersecurity programs.
Yes. Online and on-campus technology programs share the same learning objectives, accreditation standards, and degree titles. Technology is particularly well-suited to online delivery because the virtual lab environments used in coursework are the same tools used in professional IT work.
Higher degree levels correlate with broader role access and higher earning potential, from help-desk and support roles at the associate level to IT management and security architecture at the master’s level.
| Degree Level | Credits | Typical Duration | Salary Range | Common Roles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate | 60-64 | 2 years | $40,000-$55,000 | Help desk tech, network support, junior sysadmin |
| Bachelor’s | 120-128 | 4 years | $65,000-$133,000 | Network admin, security analyst, systems admin |
| Master’s | 30-36 | 1.5-2 years | $100,000-$171,000 | IT manager, security architect, CTO |
Salary ranges are approximate and reflect entry-level to mid-career earnings based on BLS data1 and program surveys.
A 4-year bachelor’s runs about $24,000 (public in-state) to $180,000 (private nonprofit), and many online programs charge the same rate regardless of residency (NCES IPEDS). For lower-cost options and the full value discussion, see Affordable Technology Programs and Is a Technology Degree Worth It.
Core coursework builds from networking and infrastructure fundamentals (TCP/IP, routing, switching) through operating systems and server administration, cybersecurity principles and tools, cloud deployment and automation, database administration, and scripting with Python, Bash, and PowerShell. Most programs let you focus through a specialization – information technology, cybersecurity, cloud computing, network administration, DevOps, or database systems – and align coursework with industry certifications.
See the full breakdown on the Technology Curriculum and Technology Concentrations pages.
Technology graduates apply their skills across industries that depend on IT infrastructure, security, and data management. Support and help-desk roles are accessible with an associate degree; analyst, administrator, and developer roles generally require a bachelor’s; management and architecture roles typically require a bachelor’s plus experience.
| Career | Median Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034) | Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | $133,080 | 15.8% | 115,200 |
| Information Security Analyst | $124,910 | 28.5% | 16,000 |
| Computer Network Architect | $130,390 | 11.9% | 11,200 |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrator | $96,800 | -4.2% | 14,300 |
| Computer Network Support Specialist | $73,340 | 1.8% | 9,600 |
| Computer User Support Specialist | $60,340 | -3.7% | 40,800 |
| Web Developer | $90,930 | 7.5% | 5,400 |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $171,200 | 15.2% | 55,600 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.1
Technology programs often integrate certification preparation into coursework, and industry certifications validate technical competency that employers expect alongside a degree. Common credentials supported by online technology programs include:
These certifications are recognized industry-wide and often map directly to specific program modules or electives.
Programs that integrate hands-on labs and industry certification preparation provide the strongest career launch.
Technology or computer science? Choose technology for applied IT operations, systems management, and certification-aligned coursework; choose computer science for software development, algorithms, and computational theory.
Compare programs by level or specialty:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025; Employment Projections 2024–2034. ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
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