Guide to College Majors in Internet Technologies
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What Is Internet Technologies?
Degree programs in Internet technologies can give you the credibility you need to enter a quickly expanding and opportunity-filled industry. Whether you already have a degree in computer science or information management systems, or you are looking to just get started in the computer business, a degree in Internet technologies can help you achieve a promotion or even a career shift. |
The opportunities a degree in Internet technologies presents are practically endless. All types of companies always need web designers and other specialists to monitor their Internet systems. Hundreds of entrepreneurs have started their own businesses based on the opportunities that Internet technologies have created. Web design firms, online advertising agencies, home-based Internet businesses-all these opportunities have come about because of Internet technologies.
As the popularity and influence of the Internet grow, so too do the demands of employers looking to hire skilled Internet technologies professionals. Getting a job in the Internet technologies industry without computer education these days is like going fishing without a fishing pole.
As the education expectations of employers in the Internet technology industry increase, so does the competition for good jobs. A degree specifically in Internet technologies can make you more qualified than your competitors (especially candidates who hold more general computer degrees) for that web publishing or administration job you've always wanted.
Internet technologies professionals work in a variety of capacities. Some deal specifically with doing business over the Internet. This is known as electronic commerce, and is quickly replacing the typical "trip to the mall" as more consumers realize the benefits and convenience of Internet sales.
While "bricks and mortar" store locations are confined to a set number of shoppers that reside in the surrounding area or who happen to be passing through, the Internet can reach consumers across the globe. And the company will save money by eliminating the expense of staffing a store full of employees or paying rent on a large commercial space.
Of course, Internet based companies have their expenses, as well. However, because they need to staff fewer employees, they can afford to pay them more. Since the web site itself acts as the sales staff, and they need only a handful of people to monitor the sales and process the orders, Internet technologies professionals who work in electronic commerce can often start at entry level jobs earning around $35,000 a year.
More commonly, Internet technologies professionals will be employed to design, program, publish, and maintain web sites. While companies will sometimes hire their own full-time Web administrator, the design and publishing of a site are usually a one shot deal, until they decide to upgrade or expand the site. This is why most Web designers, programmers, and publishers work for Web design firms.
Many other Internet professionals go into business for themselves, maintaining and managing a list of clients and prospective jobs. A degree in Internet technologies can give you a good head start if you aspire to run your own business or work flexible hours from home.
Career Education in Internet Technologies
On-Campus and Online Degree Programs in Internet Technologies
Degree programs in Internet technologies vary widely depending on the institution issuing the degree. Some places offer certificate courses in specialized areas of Internet technology, while other, more traditional institutions offer associate's, bachelor, and master's degree programs designed to produce a more well-rounded student with knowledge in many different areas of Internet technology.
Deciding on what type of program is right for you can be difficult. The most important thing is to thoroughly research the programs you are considering prior to applying, keeping in mind the costs involved and how sure you are that this is the right career path for you.
Certificates in Internet Technologies
Certificate programs in Internet technologies are usually six to twelve-month courses that certify the student as proficient in one particular area of Internet technology, such as Web design, Web programming, Web publishing, or electronic commerce. These programs are widely available through accredited online and distance learning institutions.
Internet technologies certificate programs are appropriate for people who already have experience in the broad field of computers, but wish to extend their knowledge into another specialty area. Many Internet technologies professionals take certificate courses to stay current in an ever-changing technological environment.
If you are not completely sure that Internet technologies is the right career path for you, you may want to consider enrolling in an introductory certificate program in Internet technologies. These programs should not only give you a good over view of what a career in Internet technologies involves, but help you prepare for an associate's or bachelor's degree program in Internet technologies should you decide to continue your education.
Associate's Degrees in Internet Technologies
Associate's degree programs in Internet technologies at traditional on-campus colleges or universities usually last for two years and require the student to pass a certain number of general education classes before the degree can be conferred. How many courses and in what subjects varies from institution to institution, so be sure to research the program's requirements before applying.
Aside from general education requirements, specific courses in Internet technologies are also usually required to graduate with an associate's degree. Example course titles include, but are not limited to:
- Computer interface
- Basic communications networks
- Database administration
- Web design
- Business applications
- Web publishing
- Web site administration
- Technical writing
- Programming languages
Associate's degrees in Internet technologies can also be earned through accredited online and distance learning programs. These programs offer the working professional the flexibility they need to continue their careers and education simultaneously.
Credits earned while enrolled in an associate's degree program in Internet technologies can often very easily be used toward earning a bachelor's degree in a related field. If the student decides to enter the workforce right away, however, they should be qualified for several different entry-level positions, such as Web programmer or database administrator.
Bachelor's Degrees in Internet Technologies
The bachelor's degree program in Internet technologies is similar to the associate's degree program in that there are many general education requirements and the programs seek to produce well-rounded individuals with a broad range of Internet technology knowledge.
Bachelor's degree programs usually require four academic years of study to complete. The first two years of study usually include introductory courses in Internet technologies and general education requirements, while the last two years focus on the more specific and advanced aspects of the Internet technologies field. Some bachelor's degree programs in related fields will offer Internet technologies as an emphasis or concentration, instead of a major.
Typical Internet technologies courses that are offered in many bachelor's degree programs in Internet technologies include:
- Computer interface
- Basic communications networks
- Database administration
- Web design
- Business applications
- Information systems
- Systems analysis
- Technical writing
- Internet software development
- Information applications
- Operating systems
- Internet and network security
- Project management
- Web architecture
- Web programming languages (Basic, Visual Basic, Java, C )
A bachelor's degree in Internet technologies or a related field is usually required to enter a master's degree program in Internet technologies.
Master's and Doctoral Degrees in Internet Technologies
Master's degree programs in Internet technologies typically require two years of full-time study to complete. They do not require as many general education requirements as a bachelor's degree program in Internet technologies, and focus primarily on training the individual student in a specialized area of Internet technologies.
Master's degree programs in Internet technologies usually require the student to complete a master's thesis or project equivalent. This thesis is in whatever aspect of Internet technologies the student has chosen as his or her specialty. This can be anything from designing a web site or network to writing a research paper on the future of Internet security.
In addition to the thesis, students must also take a certain number of upper-division Internet technologies courses.
Preparing to Enter a Degree Program in Internet Technologies
You can do many things to prepare to enter a degree program in Internet technologies. First off, it is very important to gain as much experience using computers as possible prior to enrolling. There are many ways to go about this, from taking computer classes, to having friends show you how to use different computer applications, to surfing the net in your free time.
Many people interested in Internet technologies will join Internet chat rooms or subscribe to e-mail newsletters where the changes in technology and the latest breakthroughs in computer science are discussed. This helps a student get used to staying abreast of the latest technologies in their industry, allowing them to more effectively make decisions regarding what hardware and software to use. Knowing what is available to you is just as important as anything else in Internet technologies.
If you are enrolling in an Internet technologies degree program right out of high school, it is important to take the right high school classes to prepare yourself. If the college you are considering is a typical liberal arts college, they will require a minimum number of math, science, social studies, and English courses prior to admission. Make sure you meet these prerequisites before you send in your application fee.
Technical institutes may not require general education courses, but they might require you to have some proficiency with computers and networks. This means that you should definitely take as many computer courses as your high school offers if you plan on going to a technical institute for Internet technologies. Some high schools offer free after school or summer courses for those interested in learning about computers in their spare time.
Many schools also have computer clubs or give students with proficiency in computers the opportunity to do supervised work at the school's Internet administration or information technology help desk. Getting a job in the computer industry, whether it is retail sales or service oriented, can also be an excellent way to gain valuable computer experience and information.
What Can You Do With a College Degree in Internet Technologies?
Career Options for Aspiring Internet and Web Developer and Web Design Professionals
Internet technologies are applicable to almost every industry involved in today's global economy. They can also help streamline small businesses and help them operate more effectively and successfully. Therefore, jobs will be had for Internet technologies professionals in nearly every industry and in a variety of capacities.
Internet Technologies Career Paths
Web Designer
Whether you work for yourself or for a large Web design firm, web design is at the forefront of the information technologies industry. This job involves serious amounts of creativity, as it is the web designer's job to make sure the web site is eye catching and visually exciting, without being too complicated or obnoxiously distracting.
Though it might sound easy, a web designer must account for a variety of variables on the Web surfer's computer system. They must develop designs that are visually arresting, but can also be accessed by computer users with vision impairment. They must balance the graphics and the sound on a Web site with the need to provide lots of text for search engines to index. They must also bridge the gap between clients or employers that look at their company differently than their customers.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Web designers earned a median salary of $36,600 in 2008. Those who make it to the very top of their field can earn much more. Also, if you decide to go into business for yourself, you should be able to work from home, make your own hours, and focus only on projects you want to focus on. Being your own boss is worth its weight in gold.
Web Programmer
Web programmers write the code required to communicate what the designer wants the web site to do in a language the computer will understand. Web programmers must have a working knowledge of many different programming languages and web applications, such as Java, C , Flash, and HTML.
Web programmers can work for web design firms on large projects with many other programmers, or they can offer their skills to the highest bidder as a paid consultant. While programmers who work for firms have better job security and stability, consultants can pick and choose when they want to work and for whom, allowing them a freedom unavailable to those with typical "day jobs."
Web Administrator
The administrator is in charge of overseeing the operations of web sites, making sure nothing goes wrong while people are using them. They handle complaints about the site, and respond to users' suggestions on how to make the site better. They must have very strong customer service and communication skills, and a very high attention to detail to ensure that every part of the web site is working perfectly always.
Web Administrators must juggle many tasks at once. They must be prepared to prioritize problems and issues according to importance, meaning that occasionally they will have to stop a project in the middle to take care of something more important, and then return to the half-finished project as if they had never left it. This requires much critical thinking, problem solving, and multi-tasking, so be prepared for a fast-paced environment should you choose this profession.
Web Site Support Staff
Web support is an increasingly popular job choice for those looking for entry-level positions in Internet technologies. This requires providing assistance to individuals in a variety of industries, helping them identify and solve web site problems either over the phone, via e-mail, or in person. These jobs can provide valuable problem-solving experience to those just beginning their careers.
This job requires excellent communication skills and quite a bit of patience. Web support staff personnel often communicate with people who do not know very much about computers or the Internet. This means that the support staff must be able to explain procedures in simple terms so that the individual they are trying to help can understand. They also must be careful listeners to understand the problem as their client attempts to explain it to them.
Preparing for Internet Technologies Career Opportunities
If you already have some experience in web design, programming languages, web publishing, or other basic computer functions, you might be ready to consider entering a degree program in Internet technologies. Perhaps you've designed and maintain your own personal web site, or created an informational web site for your local school or family business. If you enjoy these things, and you can see yourself being paid for them, you'll seriously want to consider the doors of opportunity a degree in Internet technologies could open for you.
Of course, a basic understanding and competency level in computers and a familiarity with the Internet are required for anyone interested in entering a degree program in Internet technologies. Many people who already have degrees in computer science or information technology return to obtain a degree or certificate in Internet technologies to hone their skills and make themselves more employable in this specific area.
Other skills are also very helpful when pursuing a degree in Internet technologies. For instance, students who have a hard time communicating with others, either verbally or in writing, might want to consider a field other than Internet technologies. Although some students are attracted to the idea of a career in Internet technologies because they think they will not have to interact with other people very often, the opposite is almost always true.
Internet technology professionals must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with their clients, employers, and co-workers both in writing and verbally. Especially at larger companies, where web development budgets can involve millions of dollars, Internet technologies professionals must collaborate with peers in meetings and round table sessions. They must also present recommendations to audiences at larger events, like department meetings and conferences.
Even independent contractors must be able to synchronize their personal style with the corporate cultures of their clients. A freelance Internet technologies specialist may wear a Hawaiian shirt to a breakfast meeting with a small business, then change into a Brooks Brothers suit for lunch with a law firm. To effectively communicate problems and instructions, Internet technologies professionals must be patient, clear communicators.
Advanced math skills are also often required, so having a good head for figures is also an asset when pursuing an online degree in Internet technologies. Programming Web sites often requires an understanding of algorithms and other complex mathematical complex. On the other hand, being involved in electronic commerce requires a good common sense understanding of business mathematics, like calculating interest and understanding profit margins.
Internet technologies professionals also tend to spend a lot of time at the keyboard and in front of the computer screen. This means having good manual dexterity, typing skills, and hand-eye coordination. Students who pursue a degree in Internet technologies tend to already have these skills. If they don't, they tend to develop them quite rapidly.
Because the Internet can itself be a major distraction, Internet technologies students must cultivate a strong set of time management skills. Many web specialists even use publishing tools like online calendars and blogs to let friends and peers hold them accountable for deadlines and goals.
A major in Internet technologies is suitable for people for all ages at any stage of their career. Students just out of high school will already have a familiarity with computers and the Internet, having grown up in the dawn of the computer age. Working professionals who did not grow up with computers can give themselves a unique edge over peers their own age, while also staying competitive with the younger generation graduating from college with advanced computer knowledge.
Here are some examples of the skills and characteristics people enrolled in Internet technologies degree programs typically possess:
- Troubleshooting
- Problem solving
- Typing skills
- Communication abilities
- Computer literacy
- Patience
- Manual dexterity
- Logical thinking
- Critical thinking
- Creative thinking
- Technical writing skills
- Interest in changing and developing technologies
- Advanced mathematics and business math skills
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