An information technology (IT) degree may be worth it for people who have an interest in technology and a desire for a tech-centered career. There is a wide variety of specializations you could pursue within the IT field, and you may find that the intellectually stimulating work is meaningful to you. Plus, you'll have opportunities for lifelong learning and making contributions to the field that push progress forward.

These days, high school students who are thinking about earning an IT degree may be hesitant to go into the technology industry, given the advances of artificial intelligence (AI). Is an information technology degree worth it if AI continues to improve? It’s worth taking a deep dive into the potential career impacts of AI on information technology careers, as well as the potential benefits of majoring in IT.

An information technology degree focuses on the use of computing systems and devices to store, manage, access and protect all sorts of information — from patients’ health records to customer data and beyond. A Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) degree covers a broad range of competencies, which is necessary considering that the field itself offers a wide spectrum of specialization areas.

The focus, however, is on how computer systems and devices can be used to accomplish the goals and needs of an organization. For example, an IT major will explore how a computer network can support the daily operations of a business or how it may enable innovative research and communications needs.

Some IT degrees offer a concentration, or a focus on a particular area of specialization. For example, you might choose to major in IT with a focus on cybersecurity. In this type of program, you would study all of the main competencies typically taught in an IT degree, but you would also focus on how to identify security vulnerabilities, reduce the risk of cyberattacks and respond to active threats.

IT Degree Courses

The exact courses you can expect to take during an information technology degree program will vary, depending on the school and program. In general, however, IT students tend to study topics such as the following:

• Fundamentals of networks and networking, including LANs, WANs and internet protocols
• Advanced router and switch configuration in enterprise networks
• The design, development, implementation and maintenance of relational database structures
• Linux server administration and maintenance
• Enterprise cloud computing solutions, such as migration strategies for applications, workflows and systems

You might also examine project management in the IT field, including traditional and agile project management, and you might study professionalism and ethics. It’s typical for an IT degree program to offer a blend of classroom coursework and hands-on projects designed to teach practical applications for the modern workplace.

Is an IT degree worth it, considering all of the advancements in artificial intelligence? It’s true that AI has been having a significant impact on many different professional fields, including IT. Before dismissing the idea of a future in IT, however, it’s worth taking a closer look at exactly how the integration of AI is affecting IT professionals.

AI Is Reshaping IT Roles, Not Eliminating Them

Artificial intelligence has the potential to reshape roles in IT by enabling some routine tasks to be automated, such as system monitoring, data analysis and basic troubleshooting. However, AI is not the same as human intelligence. IT professionals are still needed to provide a human touch, as well as high-level critical thinking. According to CIO, some industry experts believe that the implementation of AI won’t lead to mass layoffs in the tech industry.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

Human IT Expertise Remains Essential

All types of organizations need human professionals to provide IT expertise for solving complex problems and ensuring systems are secure. In addition, AI algorithms require human oversight for configuration/training, as well as for checking accuracy and ensuring ethical implementation. In other words, while AI can automate certain basic tasks, companies still rely on human professionals for critical thinking, problem-solving and creativity.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

AI Increases the Importance of Adaptability

Some industry leaders believe that it’s becoming increasingly important for IT workers to be adaptable. IT workers may find themselves needing to upskill, such as by learning AI literacy, so that they can work alongside the emerging technology.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

Beyond the impact of AI, is information technology a good major for you? Take a look at six compelling reasons why you may want to pursue an IT degree.

1. Plenty of Career Specialization Options

You may enjoy the idea of being able to choose from an array of specialization options within the IT field. There are numerous to choose from, including:

• Cybersecurity
• Cloud computing
• Software development
• Network and systems administration
• Data analytics

You could even choose to specialize in AI, focusing your work on machine learning models. There are many opportunities in the field, from technical support to infrastructure specialists to management.

2. Job Growth 

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects that the job growth rate for all types of professionals in the computer and information technology field will be much faster than average from 2024 to 2034. The BLS has projected that about 317,700 job openings will be available each year during this time period due to new roles being created in the field and to replace professionals who are retiring or transitioning out of IT.^{(See disclaimer 2)}

3. Salary Expectations

Salary expectations within the IT field can vary considerably, depending on factors like the specific occupation, years of experience, career qualifications, geographic location and employer. In general, however, the median annual salary for computer and information technology occupations was $105,990 as of May 2024, according to the BLS. This is higher than the median annual wage for all occupations, which was $49,500.^{(See disclaimer 3)}

4. Purpose

If you’re passionate about the applications of technology to daily life, you may find purpose in joining the IT field. You may find yourself working on projects like guarding against cyberattacks or facilitating remote education technology.

5. Opportunities for Innovation

If you want a career that allows you to think outside the box, IT professionals may have opportunities to push the boundaries, contributing to new advancements in technologies ranging from automation to artificial intelligence and beyond.

6. Always Learning and Growing

Another reason why you might consider studying IT in college is if you’re an intellectually curious individual who is committed to lifelong learning. In the constantly changing IT field, lifelong learning is a must. Professional development will help you stay on top of ever-evolving technology. 

If you’re still wondering, “Is information technology a good major?” then you may have some lingering questions about the field and your career options.

Will AI Make IT Jobs Obsolete?

There are certainly plenty of concerns about whether the use of artificial intelligence will make some IT jobs obsolete. Some industry experts believe that, rather than replacing jobs entirely, AI will provide new opportunities for upskilling and working alongside the technology.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

The College of Engineering and Technology at Grand Canyon University offers a range of online IT degrees for students who are passionate about the integration of technology into daily life.