A.S. Information Technology

Credit Hours

77%

Max Transfer Credit

Class Type

100% online, 6 & 12-week courses

Next Start Date

Aug 17, 2026

Cost Per Credit

$398

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Home / Degrees / Associate Degrees / Information Technology

Connect your skills to your ambition with an IT associate degree

From productivity to marketing to order fulfillment, organizations rely on information technology (IT) to help them successfully do -- and grow -- their businesses.

Because IT affects business from the inside out, IT professionals have a unique opportunity to impact business from every angle, including operations. Starting with network availability and systems capacity all the way to algorithms and customer databases, technology-based information and resources are needed to maximize productivity and profitability.

Earn a two-year online A.S. Information Technology from Franklin and work with organizations to create and manage the computing systems infrastructures and applications that bring businesses closer to their customers and achieve their operational goals.

Program Availability

Online

In , this program is offered through select employer partnerships. Please contact your employer to learn if you qualify.

In , this program may be offered through select employer partnerships. Please contact your employer to learn if you qualify.

On Site

Program Overview

Determine your IT path

Franklin’s transfer-friendly A.S. Information Technology associate degree program covers the fundamentals of technology-based problem solving, including programming, configuring computer networks, cyber security and administering database systems.

With our program, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle a wide variety of technology challenges, including troubleshooting network performance, using algorithms to solve problems, and resolving database and distributed data performance and capacity issues.

Through 64 core, major and elective credit hours, you’ll be introduced to the concepts and technologies that enable businesses to leverage information technology to profitable advantage.

You’ll also be exposed to several different IT career pathways, from help desk and support to analyst and technician to better prepare you to make entry into the fast-growing career segment of information technology. In fact, EMSI predicts that jobs in the information technology sector will increase a 11% through 2033.

Once you complete your associate degree, aside from a variety of career options, you’ll have a multitude of next-step education options too. If you’d like to make a career of protecting data from security threats and hackers, then consider your IT associate degree a good springboard to the Cyber Security bachelor’s degree program. If you’d rather become an IT generalist and continue with your bachelor’s degree, all your associate degree courses are directly applicable to the Information Technology bachelor’s degree program at Franklin.

Earn your degree from a university built for busy adults

Earn your degree on your terms by taking classes 100% online. Accredited and nonprofit, Franklin was built from the ground-up to satisfy the needs of adult learners. Our seamless transfer process and team of academic advisors will help ease your transition to becoming a student, while our flexible course schedules help to balance your education with work, family, and life. Get started on your future today.

Future Start Dates

Fall 2026

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Your Best Value

Keep the Credit You've Earned

MAX TRANSFER HOURS

On average, students transfer in 77% of the credits required.

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$23,880

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Highly Recommended

98%

STUDENT SATISFACTION

98% of graduating students would recommend Franklin to their family, friends and/or colleagues.

Source: Franklin University, Office of Career Development Student Satisfaction Survey (Summer 2023)

Non-Profit = Student Focused

Unlike for-profit universities, Franklin invests in student success, not shareholder gain.

Instructor Led

Online courses taught by in-field experts = a winning combo for you.

Curriculum & Course Descriptions

64 Semester Hours

Fundamental General Education

English Composition

ENG 120 - College Writing (4)

In this course, students acquire the writing competencies necessary for completing analytical and argumentative papers supported by secondary research. A variety of assignments, beginning with personal reflections, build upon one another, as students develop ideas that respond to, critique, and synthesize the positions of others. Students systematize and organize knowledge in ways that will help them in all their courses. The course also emphasizes the elements of critical reading, effective writing style, appropriate grammar and mechanics, clarity of language, and logical and cohesive development. It culminates in submission of an extended, documented research paper.

Mathematics

MATH 215 - Statistical Concepts (4)

This course introduces you to statistics with applications to various areas. The course covers both descriptive and inferential statistics. Topics included are: sampling techniques, data types, experiments; measures of central tendency, measures of dispersion, graphical displays of data, basic probability concepts, binomial and normal probability distributions, sampling distributions and Central Limit Theorem; confidence intervals, hypothesis tests of a mean, or a proportion for one or two populations, and linear regression.

AND

Choose MATH140 - Introduction to Quantitative Reasoning or MATH 150 Fundamental Algebra as the prerequisite. Course can count as a University elective.

Science

6 credits from the following types of courses:
Two courses from the Science discipline. One course must have a lab component.

Social and Behavioral Sciences

6 credits from the following types of courses:
Choose from the Anthropology, Economics, Geography, History, Political Science, Psychology, or Sociology disciplines. Choose courses from two different disciplines to meet degree requirements.

Arts & Humanities

HUMN 211 - Introduction to Critical Ethics (2)

Critical Ethics uses critical thinking to get around the limitations of personal belief and indoctrination to get to what ought to be done and why to improve the human condition. Accordingly, the goal of this course is to help the student improve his/her ethical analysis and evaluation skills to help the student do the thing that must be done, when it ought to be done, using critical thinking.

AND

4 credits from the following types of courses:
Choose from the Art, English Literature, Fine Arts, Humanities, Music, Philosophy, Religion or Theater disciplines.

Additional General Education

PF 121 - Basic Learning Strategies (2)

This course prepares students to be successful lifelong learners both academically and in their chosen careers. Franklin courses require a high level of self-directed learning and focus on the skills required in the workplace and the classroom that are easily transferrable between the two environments. The course includes strategies for time management, goal setting, reading comprehension, and advancing communication skills, including the use of electronic tools to participate in virtual environments.

OR PF 321 - Learning Strategies (2)

This course prepares students to be successful lifelong learners both academically and in their chosen careers. Franklin courses require a high level of self-directed learning and focus on the skills required in the workplace and the classroom that are easily transferable between the two environments. The course includes strategies for advancing communication skills, including the use of electronic tools to participate in virtual environments. The assignments and activities in the course are created to closely simulate teamwork found in the workplace.

AND

COMM 150 - Interpersonal Communication (4)

By using applied critical and creative thinking, students in this course will develop a set of communication skills that will enhance their personal and professional relationships and endeavors. This course will focus on skill development in key areas such as self, perception, listening, verbal messages, conversations, relationships, conflict management, persuasion, and presentation skills.

OR SPCH 100 - Speech Communication (4)

This basic public-speaking course intends to improve the student's ability to think critically and to communicate orally. Theory and practice are provided in various speaking situations. Each student is required to speak before an audience, but class work also involves reading, gathering and organizing information, writing, and listening.

AND

ENG 220 - Research Writing: Exploring Professional Identities (4)

This is an intermediate course focusing on the composition of research papers. Students in this course prepare to be active participants in professional discourse communities by examining and practicing the writing conventions associated with their own fields of study and work. By calling attention to the conventions of disciplinary writing, the course also prepares students for upper-division college writing and the special conventions of advanced academic discourse. Course activities include three extended research papers, semi-formal writing addressing interdisciplinary communication, and readings fostering critical engagement with disciplinary conversations.

Major Area Required

COMP 101 - Problem Solving With Computing (2)

Many organizations today utilize computers and information systems to store, organize, analyze, and summarize data to solve problems. As a result, computing is a tool that can benefit students in many different fields. At the heart of solving problems with computers is the study of structured thinking using algorithms. This course is designed for students with no prior programming experience and teaches the building blocks of algorithms, including variables, expressions, selection and repetition structures, functions and parameters, and array processing.

COMP 204 - Principles of Computer Networks (2)

This course serves as an introduction to the function, design, administration, and implementation of computer networks. Topics include network infrastructure, architecture, protocols, applications, and the OSI networking model. Note, this course has proctored exam(s).

COMP 281 - Database Management Systems (4)

This course, Database Management Systems, covers the fundamental concepts necessary for the design, use, implementation, and administration of database systems. The course will stress the fundamentals of database modeling and design, the languages and facilities provided by database management systems, and some techniques for implementing and administering database systems.

ITEC 136 - Principles of Programming (4)

This course introduces programming to individuals with little or no programming background. The goal of this course is to introduce the fundamentals of structured programming, problem solving, algorithm design, and software lifecycle. Topics will include testing, data types, operations, repetition and selection control structures, functions and procedures, arrays, and top down stepwise refinement. Students will design, code, test, debug, and document programs in a relevant programming language.

ITEC 275 - Computer Networks: Switching, Routing, & Wans (4)

This course covers both the design and configuration of computer networks. Students will learn about the OSI model, network topologies, Wide Area Network (WAN) technologies, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), routing, switching, Cisco network devices configuration, IP addressing, routing protocols, and network security, Software Defined Networking (SDN), Network Function Virtualization, and network operations, and management. This course provides the student interactive configuration experience with the Cisco Systems Internetworking Operating System (IOS), Mininet, and Network Simulator (ns-3) in an isolated environment.

MIS 200 - Management Information Systems (4)

This course provides the fundamentals associated with the management of information technology in a business enterprise. These fundamentals are business concepts in which the influence of information technology has caused change or brought about new concepts. Special emphasis will be placed on understanding the managerial issues that are relevant to the usage of computers. The student will be given relevant, current MIS problems with a hands-on component regarding the various technologies for them to solve, while responding to a variety of assessments concerning the problem areas.

WEBD 101 - Introduction to Web Page Construction (2)

This course presents introductions to many of the basic concepts, issues, and techniques related to designing, developing, and deploying Web sites. During the course, students will learn about Web design, HTML, XHTML, and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). Students will learn how to create sites both manually and through the use of Web site development software.

CYSC 200 - Cybersecurity Fundamentals (2)

The Internet has changed dramatically; so have the activities that are dependent on it in some shape or form. Understanding the need for security, it's influence on people, businesses and society, as well as business drivers is critical. The course also covers malicious attacks, threats and vulnerabilities common to the world of security, as well as access controls, and methods to assess and respond to risks. Hands-on labs accompany the various concepts that are taught.

Additional Requirements

All students are required to pass College Writing (ENG 120), and either Basic Learning Strategies (PF 121) or Learning Strategies (PF 321) prior to enrolling in any course at the 200 level or above. Students who enroll at Franklin with 30 or fewer hours of transfer credit are required to pass PF 121 Basic Learning Strategies in place of PF 321 Learning Strategies. Interpersonal Communication (COMM 150) or Speech Communication (SPCH 100) must be taken prior to enrolling in any course at the 300 level or above. Students must also meet the University algebra competency requirement.

A.S. Information Technology Program Details

Tuition Costs

Program Learning Outcomes

A learning outcome map functions as a roadmap to help guide students' progress through their program of study. It shows where each outcome is Introduced (I), Reinforced (R), and Assessed (A) within the program's curriculum.
	1	2	3	4	5
COMP 101				I
COMP 204			I
COMP 281				R	I, A
ISEC 200		R	R
ITEC 136				A
ITEC 275	R		A
MIS 200	R	I, A
WEBD 101
ENG 120	I, A

Degree Requirements

1. To be awarded an undergraduate degree, students must:

Successfully complete all courses required in the major program, including:
General Education
Business or Professional Core
Major Area and Elective Courses
Technical transfer credit (for specific degree completion programs only)

2. Meet these grade point average (GPA) requirements:

All students must attain a minimum Franklin University cumulative GPA of 2.00
All students must attain a minimum GPA of 2.25 in the major area, and each major area course must be completed with a grade of “C” or better to count toward degree requirements

3. Complete the residency requirement

Students seeking a bachelor’s degree must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours at Franklin University to be eligible for a degree. Students seeking an associate’s degree must earn 15 credit hours overall in residence at Franklin University to be eligible for a degree.

4. Complete the payment of all requisite tuition and fees

5. Not be under disciplinary dismissal due to academic dishonesty or a violation of the Student Code of Conduct

Program Chairs and Academic Advisors are available for consultation to provide information and guidance regarding the selection of courses, the accuracy of schedules, and the transfer process. However, students are responsible for understanding and meeting the degree requirements of their major program or degree and for planning schedules accordingly.

Overall Residency Requirements

Students seeking a bachelor’s degree must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours at Franklin University to be eligible for a degree. Students seeking an associate’s degree must earn 20 credit hours overall in residence at Franklin University to be eligible for a degree.

Course Level Requirements

A student must have 40 credit hours overall that are equivalent to 300/400 level Franklin University courses for a bachelor’s degree. A student must have a minimum of 12 credit hours of courses that are equivalent to 200 level or above for an associate’s degree.

Business Core Requirements

Majors that have Business Core requirements are Accounting, Applied Management, Business Administration, Business Economics, Business Forensics, Energy Management, Entrepreneurship, Financial Management, Financial Planning, Forensic Accounting, Human Resources Management, Information Systems Auditing, Logistics Management, Management & Leadership, Marketing, Operations & Supply Chain Management, and Risk Management & Insurance. The Business Core is the foundation of the related academic disciplines appropriate for a baccalaureate degree in business. The purpose of the Business Core is to provide students with a conceptual understanding of organizations, how the functional areas interrelate to achieve organizational goals, and how to apply professional decision-making competencies and technical skills in today’s environment. After completing the Business Core, graduates will be able to:

analyze an organization’s accounting information in order to develop sound business decisions
identify and apply valuation models relevant to an organization’s financial decisions
identify the impact of forces influencing the major functional areas of business (e.g., ethical, legal, technological, economic, global and social)
apply marketing activities to the delivery of goods and services in business-to-business and business-to-consumer markets
apply interpersonal and resource management skills to enhance business success

Business Principles (BSAD 110) is a Business Core prerequisite. Transfer students with the equivalent of four business courses are not required to take Business Principles.

Major Area Requirements

A student must have 20 credit hours in the major area that are equivalent to 300/400 major level Franklin courses for a bachelor’s degree. A student must have 12 hours of major area courses that are equivalent to 200 level or above for an associate’s degree. A minimum 2.25 GPA is required in the major area for students enrolled in either the associate’s or bachelor’s degree programs, and each major course must be completed with a grade of “C” or better to count toward degree requirements.

Capstone Requirement

Every major has a capstone experience for which credit cannot be transferred into the University. This is a Franklin course designed to integrate and assess the learning outcomes specific to each major as a whole. This course should be taken as the last major course. If, given the academic scheduling process and the student’s projected graduation date, this is not possible, then the student should have Senior Standing (90 or more credit hours), plus the skill-based General Education courses (COMM, SPCH, WRIT, MATH, COMP), all business or professional core courses, and the capstone prerequisite courses.

Subsequent Degree Requirements

Students pursuing subsequent bachelor’s degrees must earn in residency at Franklin University a minimum of 30 credit hours at the 200 level or above, of which a minimum of 16 credit hours must be major area courses equivalent to 300/400 level courses.

Additional Degree Requirements

Students seeking an additional bachelor’s (or associate’s) degree must successfully complete a minimum of 30 credit hours (including the major requirements) beyond the first bachelor’s (or associate’s) degree. (See the “Subsequent Degree” section of the Academic Bulletin.)

Transfer Credit

Transfer credit and credit awarded on standardized exams, proficiency exams or portfolio credit awarded by another institution will not count toward the residency requirement at Franklin University. Credit awarded based on proficiency examination or portfolio evaluation conducted by Franklin University may apply as appropriate major area credit, but will not reduce the hours required toward the residency requirement.

Admission Requirements

A student who meets at least one of the following criteria is eligible for admission as a degree-seeking student:

Has provided official documentation of graduation from an accredited high school or its equivalent (see Documentation Required below), or
Has an associate, bachelor or master's degree from an accredited institution* of higher education.

*Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC), Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE), Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), Southern Association of Colleges and School Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), or a Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)-recognized accrediting organization.

Documentation Required

Documentation of high school graduation or equivalence - required for applicants who are transferring fewer than 60 semester hours that apply towards a Franklin degree.
If the student has transferable hours of 60 credit hours or more from an institutionally accredited institution of higher education, then they will not have to provide a high school diploma or equivalence. Acceptable forms of documentation of high school graduation or high school equivalence for undergraduate admission must include one of the following:

Official high school transcript listing the date of graduation
Official GED certificate
Official documentation of having passed a State High School Equivalency examination
Official documentation of a home school completion certificate/transcript
Official transcripts from all educational institutions (college, universities, professional schools, etc.) previously enrolled in, regardless if credit was earned.

A student classified as degree seeking will not be permitted to register for courses until all transcripts are received and placement tests completed (see specific requirements under “Placement Testing”).

Admission Process

Admission procedures should be started early to maximize scheduling options and financial planning. Learn more about the undergraduate admission process.

English Language Proficiency Requirements

Prospective undergraduate students must demonstrate English language proficiency. A student who meets at least one of the following criteria is eligible for admission as a degree-seeking student:

The applicant is a citizen of a country where English is the primary language for education. A list of these countries can be found below.
The applicant has provided official documentation that meets Franklin graduate admission requirements from an institution in which English is the medium of instruction.
The applicant has submitted an official score report meeting the minimum requirements for admission (see Minimum Scores below) from one of the following exams approved by Franklin University: Accuplacer ESL (See Placement Testing), Cambridge English Qualifications, Duolingo English Test (DET), International English Language Testing System Academic (IELTS), Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic), Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). ). Other officially recognized exams may also be considered. English proficiency scores must be less than two years old.

Accuplacer ESL	DET	IELTS	PTEA	TOEFL IBT
Reading 95	-	Reading 5.5	-	Reading 19/30
Writing 5	-	Writing 5.5	-	Writing 19/30
Listening 90	-	Listening 5.5	-	Listening 19/30
Sentence Meaning 95	-	Speaking 5.5	-	Speaking 19/30
Overall 285	Overall 100	Overall 5.5	Overall 53	Overall 75

Students applying for admission to undergraduate programs to be attended from outside the U.S. or offered through Global Partnerships abroad must meet the minimum requirements for admission (see Minimum Scores below) from one of the following exams approved by Franklin University: Accuplacer ESL*, Duolingo English Test (DET), International English Language Testing System Academic (IELTS), Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE A), Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Other officially recognized exams may also be considered. English proficiency scores must be less than two years old.

Accuplacer ESL	DET	IELTS	PTEA	TOEFL IBT
Reading 95	-	Reading 5.5	-	Reading 19/30
Writing 5	-	Writing 5.5	-	Writing 19/30
Overall 100	Overall 100	Overall 5.5	Overall 53	Overall 75

*ACCUPLACER Assessments for Admission:

Prospective students may demonstrate English language proficiency through the ACCUPLACER ESL® examinations administered by Franklin University. The ACCUPLACER ESL® suite of examinations are internet-based, computer-adaptive assessments designed to properly assess students’ English language competencies.
There are no fees for initial attempts at the ACCUPLACER ESL® examinations if they test at Franklin University Testing Center or through Franklin’s online proctoring provider. Students are only responsible for any fees incurred for retake examinations.
Students who do not meet the minimum score requirements may retake the examination(s), but not more than twice within a two-week period. If students take the exam twice within two weeks, subsequent examination retakes will be considered only after a three-month waiting period from the original test date. Passing scores will remain valid with Franklin University for a period of two years from the original test date.
All ACCUPLACER examinations must be administered by an ACCUPLACER approved proctor that meets specific criteria, as defined by our proctor expectations and Accuplacer. Proctors must be a Franklin University proctor, an ACCUPLACER remote test network proctor, or ProctorU. For additional information, contact testing@franklin.edu

Careers & Salary Outlook

11%

From 2023-2033, jobs in Information Technology are expected to increase by 11%

Occupation

Median Salary (2023)

Job Postings (2023)

Projected Growth (2023-2033)

Occupation

Computer and Information Research Scientists

$145,080

8,719

26%

Computer and Information Research Scientists

Median Salary: $145,080
Job Postings: 8,719
Projected Growth: 26%

Occupation

Job Titles

Skills

Industry

Description

Computer and Information Research Scientists conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.

Projected Growth

Job Title	Job Postings	% of Job Postings
Computer Scientists	3,418	39%
Computational Scientists	1,167	13%
Research Computer Scientists	990	11%
Scientists	741	9%
Principal Scientists	551	6%
Cryptologists	320	4%
NLP Engineers	215	3%
Applied Scientists	225	3%
Applications Scientists	273	3%
Associate Scientists	131	2%
Staff Scientists	153	2%
Transformation Analysts	52	1%
Applied Researchers	61	1%
Postdoctoral Research Associates	44	1%
Digital Solutions Directors	60	1%
Computer Scientists/Software Engineers	99	1%
Modeling Analysts	36	0%
Artificial Intelligence Consultants	63	1%
Artificial Intelligence Engineers	51	1%
Speech Language Pathologists	69	1%

Skill	Job Postings	% of Total Postings
Computer Science	3,587	54%
Python (Programming Language)	2,503	38%
Machine Learning	2,415	37%
Artificial Intelligence	1,982	30%
Statistics	1,513	23%
Algorithms	1,441	22%
Software Engineering	1,325	20%
C++ (Programming Language)	1,231	19%
Computer Engineering	1,136	17%
Data Science	1,097	17%
Software Development	1,054	16%
R (Programming Language)	1,026	16%
Data Analysis	976	15%
Natural Language Processing (NLP)	945	14%
Java (Programming Language)	906	14%
Physics	878	13%
Systems Design	838	13%
Programming Languages	825	13%
Deep Learning	815	12%
Project Management	813	12%

	Industry	% of Occupation in Industry
	Federal Government, Civilian		32%
	Computer Systems Design and Related Services		21%
	Scientific Research and Development Services		15%
	Software Publishers		8%
	Education and Hospitals (State Government)		7%
	Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services		3%
	Other		15%

Computer Network Architects

$129,834

105,281

Computer Network Architects

Median Salary: $129,834
Job Postings: 105,281
Projected Growth: 8%

Occupation

Job Titles

Skills

Industry

Description

Computer Network Architects design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.

Projected Growth

Job Title	Job Postings	% of Job Postings
Network Engineers	50,590	48%
Automation Engineers	12,009	11%
Network Architects	5,566	5%
Network Analysts	3,829	4%
Network Systems Engineers	2,866	3%
Automation Controls Engineers	3,017	3%
Controls Engineers	3,609	3%
Telecommunications Engineers	2,981	3%
Network Specialists	2,379	2%
Cloud Network Engineers	2,038	2%
Principal Network Engineers	3,074	3%
Lead Network Engineers	2,015	2%
Core Network Engineers	2,161	2%
Wireless Network Engineers	1,708	2%
Cisco Network Engineers	1,409	1%
VMware Engineers	1,215	1%
Network Software Engineers	1,437	1%
Storage Engineers	1,184	1%
Network Security Engineers	1,191	1%
Network Automation Engineers	1,003	1%

Skill	Job Postings	% of Total Postings
Network Engineering	41,616	34%
Network Routing	35,899	30%
Automation	32,996	27%
Computer Science	30,767	25%
Firewall	30,421	25%
Network Switches	26,377	22%
Wide Area Networks	23,236	19%
Local Area Networks	21,175	18%
Systems Engineering	20,598	17%
Project Management	19,072	16%
Network Infrastructure	18,033	15%
Border Gateway Protocol	17,778	15%
Python (Programming Language)	17,441	14%
Virtual Private Networks (VPN)	16,409	14%
Network Security	16,146	13%
Networking Hardware	16,051	13%
Operating Systems	15,457	13%
Open Shortest Path First (OSPF)	15,244	13%
Scripting	14,865	12%
Telecommunications	14,319	12%

	Industry	% of Occupation in Industry
	Computer Systems Design and Related Services		25%
	Wired and Wireless Telecommunications (except Satellite)		12%
	Management of Companies and Enterprises		9%
	Employment Services		4%
	Data Processing, Hosting, and Related Services		4%
	Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services		3%
	Other		43%

Computer Systems Analysts

$103,792

100,703

14%

Computer Systems Analysts

Median Salary: $103,792
Job Postings: 100,703
Projected Growth: 14%

Occupation

Job Titles

Skills

Industry

Description

Computer Systems Analysts analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to develop and implement solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions, improve existing computer systems, and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and schedule limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.

Projected Growth

Job Title	Job Postings	% of Job Postings
Business Systems Analysts	30,879	31%
Systems Analysts	19,865	20%
Technical Business Analysts	5,633	6%
Technical Analysts	4,287	4%
Configuration Analysts	5,107	5%
IT Analysts	3,240	3%
Healthcare Data Analysts	2,516	3%
IT Systems Analysts	2,435	2%
Utilization Review Nurses	2,902	3%
SAP Solution Architects	1,914	2%
IT Business Systems Analysts	2,284	2%
Applications Systems Analysts	2,612	3%
Computer Systems Analysts	2,869	3%
Configuration Management Analysts	2,480	3%
Information Systems Analysts	2,381	2%
Systems Support Analysts	1,908	2%
Configuration Management Specialists	2,442	2%
Utilization Management Managers	1,950	2%
Healthcare Analysts	1,284	1%
Configuration Specialists	1,715	2%

Skill	Job Postings	% of Total Postings
Systems Analysis	28,296	22%
Project Management	28,075	22%
Computer Science	27,474	21%
SQL (Programming Language)	24,883	19%
Workflow Management	21,669	17%
Business Requirements	21,513	17%
Business Process	20,989	16%
Business Systems Analysis	20,487	16%
Data Analysis	18,907	15%
Agile Methodology	17,671	14%
Auditing	17,603	14%
Information Systems	15,358	12%
Process Improvement	12,768	10%
Technical Support	11,659	9%
Automation	11,073	9%
Finance	10,551	8%
Change Management	9,295	7%
Business Systems	9,102	7%
Medical Records	9,006	7%
Business Analysis	8,693	7%

	Industry	% of Occupation in Industry
	Computer Systems Design and Related Services		23%
	Management of Companies and Enterprises		11%
	Insurance Carriers		5%
	Local Government, Excluding Education and Hospitals		4%
	Depository Credit Intermediation		4%
	Employment Services		4%
	Other		51%

Computer Programmers

$99,715

36,884

-4%

Computer Programmers

Median Salary: $99,715
Job Postings: 36,884
Projected Growth: -4%

Occupation

Job Titles

Skills

Industry

Description

Computer Programmers create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

Projected Growth

Job Title	Job Postings	% of Job Postings
Programmer Analysts	11,255	31%
Program Analysts	4,595	13%
Programmers	5,754	16%
Statistical Programmers	2,552	7%
Systems Programmers	1,309	4%
SAS Programmers	949	3%
Computer Programmers	1,256	3%
SAS Developers	723	2%
Business Analysts/Programmers	899	2%
Software Programmers	728	2%
Management and Program Analysts	709	2%
GIS Program Managers	1,254	3%
RPG Programmers	504	1%
Scientific Programmers	593	2%
IT Programmer Analysts	779	2%
Programmers/Developers	462	1%
Automation Programmers	1,048	3%
Robot Programmers	695	2%
Scientific Program Analysts	391	1%
Cobol Programmers	429	1%

Skill	Job Postings	% of Total Postings
Computer Science	9,630	28%
SQL (Programming Language)	8,539	25%
Project Management	5,452	16%
Debugging	4,407	13%
Python (Programming Language)	4,390	13%
SAS (Software)	4,300	13%
JavaScript (Programming Language)	4,086	12%
Java (Programming Language)	3,797	11%
C# (Programming Language)	3,679	11%
Data Analysis	3,513	10%
Software Development	3,500	10%
Automation	3,096	9%
Programming Languages	2,995	9%
Statistics	2,956	9%
Agile Methodology	2,948	9%
Workflow Management	2,829	8%
Information Systems	2,711	8%
C++ (Programming Language)	2,673	8%
Application Programming Interface (API)	2,667	8%
HyperText Markup Language (HTML)	2,556	8%

	Industry	% of Occupation in Industry
	Computer Systems Design and Related Services		33%
	Education and Hospitals (State Government)		7%
	Software Publishers		6%
	State Government, Excluding Education and Hospitals		5%
	Scientific Research and Development Services		4%
	Management of Companies and Enterprises		4%
	Other		42%

Computer Network Support Specialists

$71,531

17,149

12%

Computer Network Support Specialists

Median Salary: $71,531
Job Postings: 17,149
Projected Growth: 12%

Occupation

Job Titles

Skills

Industry

Description

Computer Network Support Specialists analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), cloud networks, servers, and other data communications networks. Perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption.

Projected Growth

Job Title	Job Postings	% of Job Postings
Network Technicians	6,727	39%
NOC Technicians	1,757	10%
Network Support Technicians	1,135	7%
Network Operations Technicians	957	6%
Network Operations Center Technicians	863	5%
IT Technicians	415	2%
Operations Technicians	545	3%
Technicians	553	3%
Installation Technicians	525	3%
LAN Technicians	368	2%
Service Consultants	483	3%
Computer Network Technicians	376	2%
IT Network Technicians	308	2%
Support Technicians	236	1%
PC Network Support Technicians	508	3%
Network Field Technicians	278	2%
Lead Network Technicians	434	3%
VoIP Technicians	204	1%
Networking Technicians	223	1%
Service Technicians	254	2%

Skill	Job Postings	% of Total Postings
Network Routing	2,865	25%
Network Switches	2,846	24%
Telecommunications	2,386	21%
Local Area Networks	2,120	18%
Computer Networks	2,058	18%
Networking Hardware	1,993	17%
Wide Area Networks	1,663	14%
Operating Systems	1,471	13%
Technical Support	1,445	12%
Network Troubleshooting	1,355	12%
Computer Science	1,287	11%
Firewall	1,212	10%
Network Infrastructure	1,161	10%
Network Support	1,152	10%
Help Desk Support	1,060	9%
TCP/IP	1,021	9%
Peripheral Devices	908	8%
Network Monitoring	901	8%
Issue Tracking	866	7%
Active Directory	857	7%

	Industry	% of Occupation in Industry
	Computer Systems Design and Related Services		20%
	Wired and Wireless Telecommunications (except Satellite)		8%
	Education and Hospitals (Local Government)		7%
	Management of Companies and Enterprises		6%
	Education and Hospitals (State Government)		5%
	Local Government, Excluding Education and Hospitals		5%
	Other		50%

Occupation

Job Titles

Skills

Industry

Description

Computer User Support Specialists provide technical assistance to computer users. Answer questions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, via telephone, or electronically. May provide assistance concerning the use of computer hardware and software, including printing, installation, word processing, electronic mail, and operating systems.

Projected Growth

Job Title	Job Postings	% of Job Postings
IT Specialists	25,042	12%
Desktop Support Technicians	20,445	10%
IT Support Specialists	16,981	8%
Help Desk Technicians	18,892	9%
Help Desk Analysts	15,486	7%
Technical Support Specialists	15,328	7%
IT Support Technicians	13,411	6%
Help Desk Specialists	11,570	6%
Technical Support Engineers	7,498	4%
Service Desk Analysts	7,911	4%
Desktop Support Managers	6,251	3%
Service Desk Technicians	7,525	4%
IT Help Desk Technicians	7,138	3%
Technical Support Analysts	6,353	3%
IT Technicians	6,005	3%
Computer Technicians	6,147	3%
Desktop Support Analysts	4,704	2%
IT Support Analysts	5,058	2%
Application Support Analysts	4,881	2%
Desktop Support Specialists	5,049	2%

Skill	Job Postings	% of Total Postings
Technical Support	84,195	31%
Help Desk Support	79,700	29%
Operating Systems	60,622	22%
Active Directory	47,418	17%
Computer Science	46,493	17%
Peripheral Devices	38,429	14%
Computer Hardware	38,366	14%
Desktop Support	35,958	13%
Issue Tracking	31,901	12%
Microsoft Office 365	27,515	10%
Project Management	25,618	9%
Microsoft Windows 10	24,988	9%
Customer Support	24,247	9%
ServiceNow	23,273	8%
Local Area Networks	21,854	8%
Information Systems	19,343	7%
Virtual Private Networks (VPN)	18,500	7%
IT Service Management	18,336	7%
Network Troubleshooting	18,084	7%
End-User Training And Support	17,126	6%

	Industry	% of Occupation in Industry
	Computer Systems Design and Related Services		22%
	Education and Hospitals (Local Government)		6%
	Employment Services		5%
	Management of Companies and Enterprises		5%
	Education and Hospitals (State Government)		4%
	Software Publishers		4%
	Other		55%

Employment outlook data is provided by Lightcast and represents labor market trends in the United States. It is not specific to Franklin University graduates or any particular degree level. Franklin University cannot guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Information Technology associate degree?

Depends. Take as much time as you wish, but our associate degree program is specifically designed for busy, working adults who want to finish fast. At Franklin, you can earn your A.S. Information Technology in as little as 24 months.

When can I start a Information Technology associate degree?

Franklin makes getting started easy and convenient. We offer three trimesters every year, with start dates within each. Talk to your admissions advisor to find the start date that works best for you.

How much will my Information Technology degree associate cost?

Franklin University offers a quality education at a competitive cost so you can afford to invest in your future. Our per credit hour tuition rates (vs. per year or per term rates) enable you to get a realistic estimate of exactly how much your degree will cost - especially once you've factored in transfer credit. Our 2026-2027 tuition rate is $398 per credit hour and with our tuition guarantee, you can lock-in your first-term tuition rate. Ask our helpful staff about available financing options and financial aid programs. Visit MyTransfer Credit to see how transfer credits could help you save time and money.

What is a Information Technology associate degree?

This is a two-year undergraduate degree program. With Franklin University's A.S. Information Technology, you'll gain fundamental technical skills and enhance your critical thinking and communication effectiveness.

What can you do with a Information Technology associate degree?

The A.S. Information Technology degree from Franklin introduces you to fundamental IT topics, including programming, databases, networking, information systems, cybersecurity and web development, preparing you for such entry-level positions as IT specialist, security specialist, technical support specialist, help desk specialist or network specialist.

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Franklin University Founded in 1902, Franklin is an accredited nonprofit university offering flexible college degrees online and at locations in Ohio and the Midwest.

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201 S Grant Ave.
Columbus, OH 43215

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Toll Free: (877) 341-6300
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2026 - 2027 Tuition	Cost Per Credit
Standard tuition	$398
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Current service members	$250
International students (Nonresident Alien)	$526

Other Fees and Charges	Cost
Resource fee (each semester)	$100

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From 2023-2033, jobs in Information Technology are expected to increase by 11%

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