Read time 7 minutes
Published on Apr 12, 2024
Read time 7 minutes
Published on Apr 12, 2024
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Approved by the assistant dean of the College of Engineering and Technology on April 3, 2024.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
What are technical majors? There is no universal answer to this question since there are many different types of technology degrees in fields as diverse as engineering, computer programming, software engineering, health informatics and cybersecurity. As you can see, technology influences nearly all aspects of modern life.
The applications of technology are essential for everything from growing the food you eat and designing the car you drive to calculating the calories burned during your workout and communicating with your friends and family.
In general, a technology degree is designed to teach students a solid framework of knowledge in curriculum areas such as mathematics, life sciences, creativity, physical sciences and information management. Technical majors focus on known principles, processes and technologies, as well as the processes used to drive future innovations and new discoveries in their respective fields.
There are many different technology-related degrees you might consider earning. There is no single “best” tech degree. Rather, look for degrees in technology that align with your academic interests and career goals.
At Grand Canyon University, undergraduate students may apply for any of the following bachelor’s degrees:
Although you can enter a STEM field with a bachelor’s degree, you may decide to pursue a master’s degree to enhance your career qualifications potentially further. Some examples of technical master’s degrees include the following:
Are you considering earning a technology degree? You can find STEM graduates working in virtually every industry — from aerospace and biochemistry to law and education, just to name a few.1 So, exactly what is a technology degree, and why should you consider earning one?
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There is a wide range of possibilities within the technical fields. Some of the careers you might consider pursuing are as follows:
Consultants are typically independent contractors who help companies find answers to current issues and strategize ways of improving the company’s network. Other duties consultants may take on are teaching IT staff, analyzing, and articulating data in reports and determining the requirements of an IT framework.
If you want to make a positive difference, then becoming a forensic analyst may be the right technical career for you. Forensic analysts recover various kinds of files off a computer’s hard drive that have been manipulated or deleted. They can also work in forensic crime labs, examining the collected evidence to figure out how crimes were carried out.
For those who aspire to drive meaningful change and tackle intricate challenges, pursuing a career in forensic project management could be a compelling path. In this role, you'd oversee projects that involve the recovery and analysis of various types of data from computer systems, often after they have been compromised or concealed. Your expertise would not only facilitate the restoration of critical information but also contribute to the meticulous examination of digital evidence within forensic crime laboratories to unravel the methodologies behind criminal activities.
An IT business analyst tests and analyzes information to benefit customers and the business. Analysts are responsible for testing new technology and software before they are implemented into the company environment to assess effectiveness and cost feasibility.
Future generations will need to be taught to develop secure networks and create new applications for companies. Teachers who can understand current trends in the industry may be highly effective in the classroom.
If you want to teach at a community college, you can expect to need at least a master’s degree. A doctoral degree is typically the minimum qualification for teaching at a four-year college or university. Along with teaching, you may conduct research on different areas of information technology.5
Yes! While many technical degree graduates do choose to pursue careers related to their studies, employers in other industries recognize that STEM graduates have been taught valuable, transferable career skills. A technology degree program can allow students to develop the following transferable skills:
According to the BLS, the job growth rate for computer and information technology occupations is estimated to be much faster than average, with about 377,500 new job openings projected every year from 2022 to 2032.4
While not offered at college, industry certifications allow technology professionals to demonstrate their core expertise for the purposes of positioning themselves to potentially pursue career advancement or lateral movement within the field. You can earn your certificate through various professional associations, companies or nonprofit organizations.
Here are a few popular certifications that are geared for IT professionals in different stages of their careers:
As with most occupations, the level of your education and experience can open the doors for different opportunities within the technology field. Although there are differences among various fields, subfields and employers, generally speaking, a bachelor’s degree can help you open the door to pursuing entry-level positions. A graduate degree and perhaps additional certifications can help you position yourself for possible advancement opportunities.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for computer and information technology professionals as of May 2022 was $100,530.2 You could earn a general bachelor’s degree in computer science or information technology, or you might pursue a more specialized degree in areas such as software development, data analytics or cybersecurity.
Earning your master’s degree can provide opportunities for you to gain the skills and training to manage teams and conduct research studies within your field. Many master’s in technology degree programs are available online to allow students the flexibility to earn their degree while balancing work and personal responsibilities.
A doctorate is a terminal degree. Doctoral programs require students to perform and demonstrate applications of quantitative or qualitative research methods. They typically require original research that culminates in a dissertation that adds to the body of knowledge in the field or subfield. With a doctorate, you might pursue a career in data science, research, leadership or higher education.3
You can earn your technology degree at Grand Canyon University. The College of Engineering and Technology delivers comprehensive curriculum intended to graduate technology professionals who are ethical, creative and collaborative innovators. Prepare for a career in technology by choosing from one of our many undergraduate and graduate technology degree programs. Complete the form on this page to explore all that GCU has to offer.
