Online information technology (IT) degrees give students a
thorough overview of the structure and function of computers,
computer software, networks, and databases. Armed with this
knowledge, students can then use their critical thinking skills
to troubleshoot hardware and software problems at an
organization, implement a sensible database structure, and even
set up and sustain wireless networks. While information
technology is a broad-based degree like computer science, IT
does not explore computer theory and algorithms to the same
extent as a degree program in computer science. IT tends to
emphasize learning computer systems to solve technical problems
in a workplace setting, and how to most effectively use existing
operating systems and software to accomplish workplace goals,
while computer science tends to emphasize the design of
operating systems and software. Since IT is such a broad field,
students often specialize in specific areas. Common IT
specializations include: network administration, web develo