Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor’s of Information Technology 2025

Badge for FASTEST ONLINE BACHELOR'S IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Chloe Dembski

Updated: Nov 5, 2024

Key Takeaways

The fastest information technology degree program online can be completed in 2-3 years.
With the strong projected employment growth and the higher-than-average salary for jobs in the IT industry, an online information technology degree can position graduates for success.
While earning an associate degree in IT can qualify graduates for entry-level positions, the fastest online information technology bachelor’s degree can open up positions with much higher pay and more responsibility.

Table of Contents

Fastest Online Bachelor's in Information Technology Degree Programs in 2025

University of Denver
Liberty University
Regent University
+3
Western Kentucky University
–1
Georgia Southern University
–1
Regis University
–1
Purdue University Global
California Baptist University
+1
Western Governors University
–1
Bellevue University

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, the top schools in our ranking of the fastest online bachelor’s in information technology degree programs saw a fair amount of movement. Regent University gained the most ranking positions as the university has introduced several enhancements to its online Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Technology program to better serve its students. The curriculum now offers specialized courses in eCommerce, database fundamentals, contingency planning, and network defense, allowing students to tailor their education to specific career paths.

Additionally, the program emphasizes practical experience by actively encouraging internships, considering them an integral part of the curriculum, and collaborates with the Career Development Center to help place students in computer internship positions. These improvements aim to provide a comprehensive and practical education, equipping students with the skills and certifications needed to excel in the dynamic field of information technology.

two information technology professionals working together

Fastest Online Accelerated Bachelor’s in Information Technology Degree Programs

Methodology

In addition to considering the program’s length, we’ve also considered its accreditation, reputation, cost, financial aid, and student services. These factors will ensure you a smooth and top-notch online education experience. Rest assured that your degree will be highly valued in the job market.

Career Outlook for Students with Information Technology Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Information Technology

Degree Level: Bachelor's

Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
Avg. Cost of Degree*: $9,953
Avg. Expenses*: $17,409
Avg. Starting Salary*: $61,324
Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $78,332
Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 8 years
Job Growth: 17.94%
Number of Jobs: 3,697,200
* denotes ‘annually’
** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

Career	Job Growth	Avg. Salary
Computer and Information Systems Managers	17.42%	$169,510
Computer and Information Research Scientists	25.68%	$145,080
Database Architects	10.75%	$134,700
Software Developers	17.94%	$132,270
Computer Network Architects	13.44%	$129,840
Information Security Analysts	32.71%	$120,360
Data Scientists	36.03%	$108,020
Computer Occupations, All Other	10.85%	$104,920
Computer Systems Analysts	10.72%	$103,800
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers	11.80%	$101,800

Top Industries

Industry	Avg. Salary
Computer and Information Systems Managers	$169,510
Computer and Information Research Scientists	$145,080
Database Architects	$134,700
Software Developers	$132,270
Computer Network Architects	$129,840
Information Security Analysts	$120,360
Data Scientists	$108,020
Computer Occupations, All Other	$104,920
Computer Systems Analysts	$103,800
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers	$101,800

Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Department of Education College Scorecard, The Department of Education NCES, and The Council for Community and Economic Research.

The previous ten years have seen substantial growth in the information technology (IT) industry, which is expected to continue. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information technology opportunities will rise by 15% between 2021 and 2031, which is faster than the average for all occupations. A career in IT is exciting right now!

While some jobs accept applicants with certificates in IT, the BLS states that a bachelor’s degree is the most typical prerequisite for a career as an IT professional. If you want to gain competency in the field but don’t want to spend four years studying on campus, you can pursue accelerated online information technology degree programs.

College professor talking with information technology students in a computer lab

What to Expect in Accelerated Online Information Technology Bachelor’s Degree Programs

Accelerated programs in information technology move at a much quicker pace than typical IT programs, which enable students to finish their degree requirements faster. Although the general curriculum of accelerated online information technology bachelor’s degrees are the same as in an on-campus IT degree, the accelerated online format—typically through online courses—remains the fundamental distinction.

Traditional bachelor’s in information technology courses are 15 to 16 weeks long, while accelerated information technology degrees usually have courses that are 5 to 8 weeks long.

In fewer than four years, students can earn their bachelor’s in information technology degree from an accredited online college thanks to the more rigorous and compressed nature of accelerated undergraduate programs. Several universities offer the chance to finish the college degree requirements in just over a year for individuals looking for the quickest path.

Did you know that an online bachelor’s degree in information technology is one of the best degrees for weathering an economic downturn?

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for an accelerated program in information technology vary depending on the institution. The admissions process often starts with an online application and academic transcripts.

Successful candidates for online information technology degrees frequently have a strong background in mathematics, fundamental programming abilities, and a thorough understanding of core ideas in computer science.

Certain IT programs may expect students to take a sequence of preparatory courses to prepare them for success in four-year online programs. Their performance in these initial courses might determine their ability to enroll in the IT major.

Common Online Information Technology Courses

Computer Technical Support

Regardless of your specialization in accelerated degree programs in information technology, students will almost always encounter a technical support course since IT careers often begin in technical support. This course develops customer service skills, which are extremely important when addressing user concerns. Students will also learn to approach the troubleshooting process and recognize best practices in help desk support services.

Operating Systems

Although Microsoft Windows may be the operating system that comes to most people’s minds, many other database management solutions are currently being used in business IT environments. By using applicable skills like workstation image deployment and creating centralized workstation maintenance plans, this course will allow you to compare and contrast various operating systems.

Introduction to Networking

Many organizations are built on interconnected gadgets and systems, so IT professionals need to be experts in this field. Topics include the installation, deployment, and configuration of actual networking hardware. Additionally, by constructing a cost-effective network for a small office setting, students will practice using wireless networking technology.

Hardware and Software

This dual-subject course aims to increase familiarity with and comprehension of the typical hardware and software used in business IT operations. This subject teaches students how to deploy, configure, and connect devices while recording their progress and lessons acquired.

Information Technology Business Management

This course teaches students the business skills necessary for organizational planning and large-scale IT project management. Topics include developing leadership skills, analyzing procurement possibilities, defining the scope of projects, and effectively delivering your suggestions in a professional setting.

Management of Computer Information Systems

This IT course equips students to assess an organization’s present IT capabilities and create plans for efficiently fulfilling future requirements. Topics include identifying and evaluating risk factors for various action plans, building effective communication techniques when dealing with non-technical executives in your firm, and strategies for recognizing critical stakeholder demands.

Networking Security

Network security best practices allow students to understand security breaches and how they can cause significant harm to a business. Topics include the fundamentals of networking security, how to build a safe network environment, how to recognize typical security risks, and how to prevent security failures and minimize damage in the event of a failure.

Infrastructure and Hardware

This course prepares students to handle significant network changes. Topics include preparing for retiring outdated hardware, evaluating risk, and comprehending the benefits and drawbacks of fresh enterprise-level solutions.

Organizational Policy

Although it may appear straightforward in the abstract, creating an organization-wide policy structure requires significant thought. Students investigate the moral and legal ramifications of establishing IT policy, while also developing strategies for applying, evaluating, and enforcing organization-wide policy.

internet communications professional working for an IT company

Associate Degree in Information Technology vs. Bachelor Degree in Information Technology

Information Technology offers a wide range of career opportunities for individuals with varying levels of education. Depending on your career goals, interests, and the resources you are willing to invest in, you may pursue either a bachelor’s or associate degree in IT.

Associate degree programs may be cheaper than bachelor’s programs for several reasons, including the shorter duration—two years rather than four years. In most cases, community colleges have cheaper tuition rates than four-year institutions.

Because of these reasons, earning an associate degree may be a better alternative for those seeking a quality education at a reasonable price in a particular sector, such as data management.

Conversely, bachelor’s degree programs have higher tuition fees and a longer program duration, and that usually correlates to a higher financial commitment. Nevertheless, students pursuing bachelor’s degrees may be eligible for more grants and tuition assistance.

For those who qualify, financial aid opportunities can drastically lower or even eliminate the cost of tuition. While some financial aid opportunities may be accessible to associate degree students as well, they are less common than those for a bachelor’s degree.

An associate’s degree in information technology might qualify people for entry-level positions in this industry. Many entry-level positions require an associate degree, even though companies may favor applicants with bachelor’s degrees.

Graduates with an associate degree in information technology may be qualified for entry-levels positions as:

Web developers
Network systems administrators
Database administrators
Computer systems analysts
Computer support experts
Computer programmers

A bachelor’s degree in IT opens up similar job opportunities to those available with an associate degree. However, individuals with a bachelor’s degree may also have access to more mid-level and management positions.

Typical jobs for those with a bachelor’s degree in IT include:

IT computer forensics
Computer network architects
Consultants
Database administrators
IT business analysts
Software developers

An online bachelor’s degree in information technology is one of the most popular degree programs for professionals who are considering a career change.

Bottom Line: Earning an associate in information technology degree can qualify graduates for numerous entry-level positions, the fastest online information technology bachelor’s programs open up management positions and jobs with higher pay and more responsibility.

IT Certification

An IT certification typically takes six months to complete, making it a shorter alternative for gaining competency in IT and IT-related careers. Moreover, they also call for less dedication than accelerated IT degree programs because of the shorter duration and lower cost.

The scope of information technology certification programs is limited to a specific area within the field of information technology and demonstrates your proficiency in that area. You must usually pass an exam assessing your knowledge of the concepts to obtain a certification.

Your career might profit from a certification in many ways. Certification is a great choice if you’re seeking an organized strategy to pick up new skills and obtain a credential.

Whether you’ve just graduated or are looking to change careers, here are a few popular IT certifications to help you start your career.

Pursuing a certification can be a practical first step if your high school GPA or standardized test results don’t fulfill the standards for admission into a bachelor’s program. You can start your career in the field of your choice by earning the essential experience and abilities through certifications.

Bottom Line: Those looking for a career boost can benefit from earning one of the many certifications available within the IT field. Certifications prove to employers that you have in-depth knowledge of a specific area.

How to Shorten An Accelerated Information Technology Degree Even Further

Sign up for the College Level Examination Program and register for the subjects you want to take examinations in. If you pass these exams, you may receive up to 30 college credits toward your degree. Earning college credit for a job or military service through the Credit for Prior Learning program can save you a semester’s worth!

You can transfer previous college credits or continue to attend year-round by enrolling in the maximum number of 18 credits, which translates to 54 credits in a calendar year.

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Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor’s of Information Technology 2025

Key Takeaways

Fastest Online Bachelor's in Information Technology Degree Programs in 2025

2025 Ranking Update

Fastest Online Accelerated Bachelor’s in Information Technology Degree Programs

Methodology

Last Year’s Ranking:

Career Outlook for Information Technology degree at University of Denver

Most Influential Alumni

Career Outlook for Information Technology degree at Liberty University

Most Influential Alumni

Liberty University’s Online Degrees

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Career Outlook for Information Technology degree at Regent University

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Regent University’s Online Degrees

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Career Outlook for Information Technology degree at Western Kentucky University

Most Influential Alumni

Western Kentucky University’s Online Degrees

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Career Outlook for Information Technology degree at Georgia Southern University

Most Influential Alumni

Georgia Southern University’s Online Degrees

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Career Outlook for Information Technology degree at Regis University

Most Influential Alumni

Regis University’s Online Degrees

Purdue Global’s Online Degrees

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Career Outlook for Information Technology degree at California Baptist University

Most Influential Alumni

California Baptist University’s Online Degrees

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Career Outlook for Information Technology degree at Western Governors University

Most Influential Alumni

Career Outlook for Information Technology degree at Bellevue University

Most Influential Alumni

Bellevue University’s Online Degrees

Career Outlook for Students with Information Technology Degree

Information Technology

Degree Level: Bachelor's

Career Salaries

Top Industries

What to Expect in Accelerated Online Information Technology Bachelor’s Degree Programs

Admission Requirements

Common Online Information Technology Courses

Computer Technical Support

Operating Systems

Introduction to Networking

Hardware and Software

Information Technology Business Management

Management of Computer Information Systems

Networking Security

Infrastructure and Hardware

Organizational Policy

Associate Degree in Information Technology vs. Bachelor Degree in Information Technology

IT Certification