A degree in business and technology combines two different fields into one practical program. A typical curriculum explores business management strategies, accounting, data analytics, and business computer applications. Students gain a relevant skill set that makes them desirable to employers in many industries.<\/p>\r\n
A degree in this field can open the door to high-paying opportunities in both business and information technology (IT). This type of degree can help business and IT professionals advance their careers. It may also appeal to workers in other fields seeking a change. Potential jobs include data analyst, information security officer, and information security analyst.<\/p>\r\n
This page explains why earning a business technology degree is beneficial and what to expect from a typical program. We also cover career opportunities and potential salaries for degree-holders. Explore the best schools for business and technology bachelor's and master's degrees with our ranking lists further below.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Earning a degree in business and technology can prepare students to apply for diverse jobs in in-demand sectors. Graduates hold a blend of technical and general business mastery that can make them competitive candidates across many fields.<\/p>\r\n
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects faster-than-average growth<\/a> for information technology occupations from 2020-2030. The agency reports that business professionals earned a median of $76,570 a year<\/a> as of 2021, higher than the $45,760 median salary for all occupations.<\/p>\r\n Below, we describe some of the benefits of getting a business technology degree.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n Business technology programs and cybersecurity programs share some similarities, but they also differ in key ways. Below, we explain factors to consider when choosing between a business and technology program and a cybersecurity program.<\/p>\r\n Learners should consider a business technology degree if:<\/p>\r\n Students should consider a cybersecurity degree if:<\/p>\r\n Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.<\/p>\n \n The top business tech schools deliver different levels of business and technology degrees and describe them using various names. Most programs offer a degree in business with a specialization in an area like general IT, computer science, software design, or information systems. The IT focus varies by program.<\/p>\r\n The higher the degree level you earn, the better opportunities you will likely encounter for job possibilities and salary potential. Below, we explain what to expect from associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs in business and technology.<\/p>\r\n\r\n Business technology degrees are less common at the associate level than at other degree levels. Many associate degrees focus solely on either business or technology.<\/p>\r\n A typical associate degree in a business or technology field requires about 60 credits. Students usually graduate after two years of full-time study. Common courses introduce subjects like financial accounting, management principles, and business law.<\/p>\r\n Associate degree graduates can continue their education by transferring to a four-year program. They can also apply for entry-level positions like computer support specialist, sales representative, and administrative assistant.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\n A bachelor's in business technology degree typically emphasizes general business administration concepts with a secondary focus on solving business problems through technology. Business and technology majors usually graduate in four full-time years.<\/p>\r\n Bachelor's in business technology programs go by various names, including business information technology. Many programs in this field confer a business degree with a concentration or minor in an area of IT. For example, students can earn a bachelor of business administration with a computer science minor or an emphasis in information systems.<\/p>\r\n A typical business and technology bachelor's curriculum varies by degree focus. Typical course topics include database management systems, quantitative business analysis, programming fundamentals, and computer organization. Other common classes cover business computer applications, principles of finance, and computer information systems. Some programs conclude with an internship or capstone course, giving learners hands-on experience while still in school.<\/p>\r\n Application requirements may include transcripts, essays, and recommendation letters. Many top business tech schools accept applications through Common App<\/a>, which allows candidates to apply to multiple schools at once.<\/p>\r\n\r\n Master's in business technology degrees typically include master of business administration programs with an IT-related concentration or emphasis. Business technology MBAs offer concentrations in areas like data analytics, business analytics, technology and innovation management, and technology management.<\/p>\r\n Common tech-focused master's courses include artificial intelligence and machine learning, advanced topics in data analysis, and data strategy. Master's business courses explore topics like strategic leadership, operations management, financial management, and organizational change. Many master's in business and technology programs feature a capstone project.<\/p>\r\n Admission requirements often include a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and a minimum GPA. Applicants may need to submit GRE or GMAT scores and letters of recommendation. Students can usually graduate with a master's degree in business and technology in 1-2 years. Working tech and business professionals can pursue a master's to expand their career opportunities.<\/p>\r\n\r\n Ph.D. in business technology programs help students develop high-level tech expertise that can make companies more efficient, effective, and profitable. Doctoral business technology degree-holders can pursue opportunities in research and development, university teaching, and entrepreneurship.<\/p>\r\n Business and technology Ph.D. students complete required courses in microeconomics, machine learning, and econometrics. They must usually pass a comprehensive exam. Ph.D. candidates also research, write, and defend a doctoral dissertation that addresses a field-relevant question.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\n Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.<\/p>\n \n Business technology colleges prepare students to pursue roles like chief information security officer, web developer, and IT security manager. Other possibilities include information security analyst and data analyst. Potential salaries start around $77,000 for web developers and rise to more than $168,000 for chief information security officers.<\/p>\r\n Below, we describe what to expect from some business and technology careers. We outline frequent duties, advancement opportunities, and the types of sectors that hire these positions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Chief information security officers<\/a> oversee their employers' overall information security. They may manage IT teams, create budgets, develop security best practices, and track emerging security trends.<\/p>\r\n\r\n \r\n\tRequired Education: <\/strong>Bachelor's degree; some employers prefer applicants with a master's degree Web developers create websites. Typical tasks include writing code, determining a website's layout and contents, and meeting with clients. Some web developers also maintain sites. Many professionals in this field are self-employed. Others work in computer systems design, publishing, and advertising. Web developers can advance to become project managers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n \r\n\tRequired Education: <\/strong>Bachelor's degree The position usually requires a bachelor's, but IT security managers<\/a> with a master's degree may find better job opportunities and higher salaries. Specific job duties vary by organization. Security managers at smaller companies often work directly on security-related technical issues. Professionals at larger organizations may focus more on management duties.<\/p>\r\n\r\n \r\n\tRequired Education: <\/strong>Bachelor's degree Information security analysts<\/a> plan and launch security efforts to protect data and computer systems. Common tasks include looking for security threats and breaches, researching IT trends, and helping computer users. Security analysts<\/a> can advance to become computer and information systems managers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n \r\n\tRequired Education: <\/strong>Bachelor's degree Data scientists use data to ask and answer questions. They often clean, organize, mine, and present data. Data scientists need cybersecurity, programming, statistical analysis, and machine learning skills.<\/p>\r\n\r\n \r\n\tRequired Education: <\/strong>Bachelor's degree Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.<\/p>\n \n Finding the business and technology school for you takes research. Our rankings provide a good place to start, but many other factors go into this decision. Below, we outline some important considerations that can help you make your choice.<\/p>\r\n Schools offer online, in-person, and hybrid business and technology degrees. Online programs sometimes take place synchronously, requiring students to log on at specific times. Others offer asynchronous classes, letting learners complete coursework whenever they want. Online programs are increasingly easy to find and successful at providing a strong education.<\/p>\r\n Online degrees can offer affordability, flexibility, and convenience compared to traditional on-campus options. Business technology programs may be especially well-suited to online learning, since students gain high levels of comfort using technology to communicate and solve problems. Some people may prefer the structure and familiarity of an in-person program.<\/p>\r\n Identify your priorities and weigh the pros and cons to determine if an online degree is the right fit.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\n Explore the ranking of 2022's five best schools for business and technology bachelor's programs. The link below explains how we rank schools for all degree levels.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\n\r\n
Should You Get a Degree in Business and Technology or Cybersecurity?<\/h3>\r\n
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Top Online Programs<\/h2>\n \n
Degree Options for Studying Business and Technology<\/h2>\r\n
Associate Degrees in Business or Technology<\/h3>\r\n
Bachelor's Degrees in Business Technology<\/h3>\r\n
Master's Degrees in Business Technology<\/h3>\r\n
Ph.D.s in Business Technology<\/h3>\r\n
Top Online Programs<\/h2>\n \n
Jobs for Graduates of Top Business Tech Schools<\/h2>\r\n
Chief Information Security Officer<\/h3>\r\n
\r\n\tJob Outlook (2020-30):<\/strong> Not available
\r\n\tAverage Annual Salary: <\/strong>$168,530<\/a>\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\nWeb Developer<\/h3>\r\n
\r\n\tJob Outlook (2020-30): <\/strong>+13%<\/a>
\r\n\tMedian Annual Salary: <\/strong>$77,200<\/a>\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\nIT Security Manager<\/h3>\r\n
\r\n\tJob Outlook (2020-30):<\/strong> Not available
\r\n\tAverage Annual Salary: <\/strong>$117,030<\/a>\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\nInformation Security Analysts<\/h3>\r\n
\r\n\tJob Outlook (2020-30): <\/strong>+33%<\/a>
\r\n\tMedian Annual Salary: <\/strong>$102,600<\/a>\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\nData Scientist<\/h3>\r\n
\r\n\tJob Outlook (2020-30):<\/strong> Not available
\r\n\tAverage Annual Salary: <\/strong>$97,290<\/a>\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n\nTop Online Programs<\/h2>\n \n
Choosing the Best Business and Technology School for You<\/h2>\r\n
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Should You Get Your Degree Online?<\/h3>\r\n
Top Bachelor's in Business and Technology Programs<\/h2>\r\n