Information Technology Program
Information Technology provides essential supports for our computer-driven world
“IT provides the means to develop, process, analyze, exchange, store and secure information. To accomplish this, an IT department ensures that an organization’s systems, networks, data and applications all connect and function together properly.”
~ from techtarget.com
The IT profession is multi-faceted. IT workers can specialize in: software coding, computer & technology hardware, network & server administration, cybersecurity, and more. Many businesses seek IT professionals with mixed or overlapping skill sets.
Some of the ways that businesses use their IT teams’ skills are: user support and training, developing and maintaining new software, security monitoring, troubleshooting the performance of applications, server upgrades, backup and recovery of data and applications, software license management, data management, storage and protection, and more.
One long-time IT employee (and former Kirtland student) breaks the field down into two broad categories: Customer-Service-Oriented and Behind-the-Scenes Oriented.
1. Customer service oriented:
“I don’t have the interest in being locked ‘in the server room.’ I like to be out helping customers, assisting them and making their experiences easier by providing a bridge between their jobs and the IT world. I find it fulfilling.
Coming from a customer-based standpoint, no matter what I’m doing in IT or any job at all, I enjoy the customer service aspect.”
2. Behind the scenes oriented:
“I don’t want to talk to customers. I want to be left alone with my computer! I’m not interested in having direct customer interactions. But if it’s technical, you can call on me and I’ll find the answer.”
It’s your choice. Why go this direction?
You can potentially earn a very good salary
Even entry level PC technicians make an above-average wage, and with more experience, your pay level will almost certainly rise.
In a broad field, you’ll have career choices with your Associate Degree
After completing your degree, you may qualify for a number of interesting and well-paying positions, such as:
- business support specialist
- computer support specialist
- computer systems analyst
- cyber security technician (first level)
- desktop computer user support specialist
- IT support specialist or technician
- personal computer technician
You DO NOT need to have a computer background to enroll
If you have an interest in computers …
If you like the idea of working in an essential field …
If you’d like to use your problem solving skills to optimize the operations of businesses and organizations …
If you have an inquiring mind, are detail oriented and curious about how things work …
This could be an ideal career for you to investigate and pursue.
Because computers are so essential to business operations, your credentials could take you into almost any industry that interests you, where you may contribute in multiple areas, such as:
- product development and design
- marketing and market research
- sales and invoicing
- customer development and retention
- accounting and taxes
- human resources and payroll
- regulatory compliance
We’re at a deficit nationwide
The need for Information Technology professionals will always be with us and is currently increasing. We need many more trained, experienced people to help American businesses and organizations thrive and handle the responsibilities surrounding the management of data and computer usage.
Career Opportunities
Computer User Support Specialists
Median Salary (2021) in Michigan: $48,100
Employment growth (2021-31): 6%
Network and Computer Systems Administrators
Median Salary (2021) in Michigan: $78,300
Employment growth (2021-31): 3%
Median Salary (2021) in Michigan: $98,560
Employment growth (2021-31): 23%
Salary data according to O*NET Online
Is this a program where YOU can use your problem solving skills, keep learning, and come out with an in-demand profession?
If you agree with most of these ideas, the answer may be YES …
- I know I like technology although I may not know yet the exact job that’s best for me in the IT field.
- I may be coming directly from high school, or have earned credits already through a dual enrollment program.
- I recently became interested in IT after doing something else in the workforce and realizing I need to make a career change.
- I may be going for a new job or promotion in the IT field and need an associate degree as a requirement.
- Maybe I’m customer service oriented. I like the idea of assisting customers, being the bridge between what customers are trying to do and the intricacies of the IT world.
- OR, I may not want direct contact with customers. Perhaps I prefer to be left alone, to solve problems with my computer expertise, and leave the direct customer contact to my colleagues.
At Kirtland you’ll finish with:
Associate in Applied Science in Information Technology
- You can take our online Information Technology courses full- or part-time.
- Work at your own pace, even taking just one course at a time.
- If you attend full-time, the degree will take two years to complete.
You could be prepared to transfer later to a four-year school for a Bachelor’s degree if you desire, although you may need additional credits before transferring.
Choose ONLINE classes with FACULTY who are experts in online learning
There are reasons that Kirtland is consistently ranked among the top 25 sources for online learning in America.
- We’re not newcomers to online education! We’ve been teaching online for over ten years.
- Our classes are highly interactive.
- Faculty put themselves and their personalities into their classes. They consistently receive glowing reviews from students!
- Faculty are very responsive to email requests for support, usually responding within 24 hours, often much sooner! We know that if you take the time to write to us, you need help now, not a week from now!
- Faculty not only know their subject areas, but also care about your wellbeing and progress.
- This is not a plug-and-play robotic interaction! We get personally acquainted with our students and make ourselves available to help them.
Small class sizes
At Kirtland, you won’t feel lost in an environment where there are large numbers of students vying for the professor’s attention. Our class sizes are small enough that your professor will know your name and take an interest in you!
Passionate student-focused advisors provide the guidance you need to succeed.
Our advisors are well-known among current and former students alike for their kindness and exceptional level of interest and commitment to our students’ success.
They’ll do their best to answer your questions and get you the right information.
Kirtland makes it easier to work out the finances
You can save a lot of money by enrolling here. Our tuition rates are one-third the cost of most four-year schools and universities, which puts you at a real advantage!
We also have many resources for financial aid and professional staff who’ll help you apply.
Get help with your financial aid
You may be surprised by how simple it is to apply for government grants, scholarships and loans.
Your credit history is not a major consideration in qualifying for federal aid. You DON’T need to attend school full-time to qualify. And we will assist you with the process you’re dreading IF you need help. Often students are eligible for more money than they’re expecting.
Your path to a lucrative & fulfilling future
Step 1 — Get Started
Apply for admission to the college. Apply for financial aid. p.s. If you need assistance with your financial aid application, we’re here to help!
Step 2
Speak to an advisor!
They’ll help you navigate the process, dot the I’s and cross the T’s! If you’ve made your decision, declare Information Technology as your program of study with your advisor.
Step 3
Complete your coursework. After each course, complete the third party application certifications and industry applications (Comptia).
Step 4
Graduate. Celebrate! Get out your cap and gown!
FINAL STEP
Get a job. This is the fun part; you earned it.
Bonus STEP
Continue to learn and expand your knowledge and opportunities by working in the field or continuing your formal education.