An online bachelor’s in technology is a flexible way to build broad undergraduate knowledge across core subject areas. Most programs cover foundational topics and then let you tailor electives or a concentration based on your goals.

BA stands for Bachelor of Arts and BS stands for Bachelor of Science. Some schools award a BA, while others award a BS with a technology major, so compare curriculum and requirements.

$56,372Median Earnings (1yr)College Scorecard
$22,796Median DebtCollege Scorecard
69.6%Programs OnlineCollege Scorecard

Quick answers

What is an online bachelor’s in technology?

An online bachelor’s in technology is an undergraduate degree that covers core subject areas through online coursework.

Is a BA different from a bachelor’s in technology?

BA stands for Bachelor of Arts and BS stands for Bachelor of Science. Some schools award a BA, while others award a BS with a technology major, so compare curriculum and requirements.

How are online bachelor’s programs typically structured?

Most programs include general education, a major core, electives or a concentration, and a capstone or integrative course.

What classes are common in a technology bachelor’s?

Common coursework includes core technology topics plus electives for specialization.

What admissions requirements are common?

Requirements vary by school and student type, but commonly include a high school diploma or equivalent and official transcripts.

Can transfer credits reduce required coursework?

Transfer credits can reduce how many courses you need, but policies vary by institution.

At a Glance

  • Degree type: Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA)
  • Typical duration: 4 years full-time
  • Credits: ~120 semester hours
  • Online availability: 69.6% of programs offered online (College Scorecard)
  • Accreditation: ABET programmatic accreditation available for some programs
  • Median debt: $22,796 (College Scorecard)

For a full map of this program area, start here: Technology Program Guide


Schools to compare

How we rank schools: Rankings are based on available IPEDS and College Scorecard data including graduation rate, admission rate, program availability, completions, and published tuition. Data is informational only—always confirm details directly with each school.

#1

Rochester Institute of Technology

Rochester, NY In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 71%
Graduation rate 72%
Tuition
In‑state$57,016
Out‑of‑state$57,016
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 45

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Pennsylvania College of Technology

Williamsport, PA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 50%
Tuition
In‑state$17,940
Out‑of‑state$25,680
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 79

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

University of California-Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, CA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 63%
Graduation rate 76%
Tuition
In‑state$14,560
Out‑of‑state$45,337
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 7

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Iowa State University

Ames, IA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 89%
Graduation rate 75%
Tuition
In‑state$10,497
Out‑of‑state$27,683
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 26

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

Arkansas Tech University

Russellville, AR In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 96%
Graduation rate 49%
Tuition
In‑state$8,508
Out‑of‑state$14,502
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 61

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#6

Seminole State College of Florida

Sanford, FL In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 43%
Tuition
In‑state$3,227
Out‑of‑state$11,447
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 72

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#7

Palm Beach State College

Lake Worth, FL In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 41%
Tuition
In‑state$3,050
Out‑of‑state$10,910
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 98

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#8

Temple University

Philadelphia, PA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 83%
Graduation rate 76%
Tuition
In‑state$22,082
Out‑of‑state$37,462
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 42

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard


How online bachelor’s programs are structured

Core degree components

Most online bachelor’s programs follow a similar structure:

  • General education courses, such as communication, math, and social science
  • Major core courses that build shared foundations
  • Electives or concentration courses that let you specialize
  • A capstone, project, or integrative course in the final term, depending on the school

Common online course features

Online formats may be asynchronous, but many still include weekly deadlines and participation. To compare how online formats differ, see: Online Course Formats

If you are trying to move faster, compare this degree level to accelerated pacing: Accelerated Technology Programs

Typical curriculum in a bachelor’s in technology

Course TopicWhat You Learn
Systems AdministrationServer management, user access, and system configuration
Networking & SecurityNetwork protocols, firewalls, and security fundamentals
Cloud Computing & VirtualizationCloud platforms, virtual environments, and deployment
Databases & Data AnalyticsStoring, querying, and analyzing structured data
Web & Application DevelopmentFront-end and back-end development fundamentals
IT Project ManagementPlanning, scheduling, and managing technology projects
Operating SystemsProcess management, file systems, and troubleshooting

Skills and tools you may build

Program outcomes vary, but many curricula emphasize:

  • Systems and network troubleshooting
  • Security and risk fundamentals
  • Working with cloud and virtual environments
  • Project planning and documentation

For a deeper breakdown of coursework and how it maps across degree levels, see: Technology Curriculum

Common concentrations and elective tracks

Concentrations can help you specialize within technology without changing the degree level. Availability varies by school, and some programs use elective tracks instead of formal concentrations.

Browse concentration pages here: Technology Concentrations

If you already know your direction, jump into a concentration:

Admissions requirements

Admissions requirements vary by school and student type. Some programs admit first-time college students. Others focus on transfer students.

Common requirements include:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Official transcripts
  • Placement requirements, when applicable
  • Transfer credit evaluation for applicants with prior college coursework

For a full checklist and degree level differences, see: Technology Admissions Requirements

Transfer credits and degree planning

Transfer credits can reduce how many courses you need, but rules vary by institution.

Before you enroll, confirm:

  • Maximum transfer credits allowed
  • Minimum grades required for transfer courses
  • Whether credits apply to the major core or only electives
  • Residency requirements, meaning a minimum number of credits must be completed at the institution

These pages can help you evaluate policies and plan realistically:

Accreditation and program quality checks

Accreditation is a baseline quality indicator. Verify that the institution holds recognized accreditation, then compare how the program is structured, supported, and delivered online.

Verify that any technology program you consider holds recognized institutional accreditation. Programmatic accreditation from ABET is available for some technology programs but is not required for most careers. ABET accredits programs in computing, engineering, and engineering technology.

Learn what to verify and how to compare schools: Technology Accreditation

Bachelor’s vs other technology degree levels

LevelTypical Credits1yr Median Earnings5yr Median EarningsMedian Debt
Certificate15-30$46,815$57,494$9,105
Associate60$43,896$52,772$14,321
Bachelor’s120$56,372$83,443$22,796

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, latest academic year.

If you are comparing degree levels, these pages can help:

For a value and fit discussion, see: Is a Technology Degree Worth It