Information Technology Ever wonder how information and computers work together to help companies? Information technology (IT) has as much to do with managing data as it does with computers, and IT jobs are spread across all types of businesses. Information is best supported by computer technology, and any company that uses computers in its day-to-day operations requires IT support. Employment in this field is expected to grow because of increased demand for the design, construction, and management of computer networks, network and computer systems security, mobile technologies, custom programming services, data processing and hosting, cloud computing, and web broadcasting. The healthcare industry’s ongoing move to electronic records will also drive employment growth in IT.
For anyone who plans to enter the job market in this field, a strong knowledge base in English and math, along with critical thinking, complex problem solving, systems analysis, and reading comprehension skills are a must. High school students should meet with an advisor/guidance counselor to create an appropriate career action plan that may include high school classes in: • • • • •
Computer Programming Engineering Science Math Physics Web Design
(Sources: O*Net 2012 and Arizona Tech Prep 2011)
Occupation
Annual Entry-Level Wage Range*
Typical Training Required
Computer Support Specialists $28,720 - $35,460 Associate’s Degree Computer Systems Analysts $48,330 - $58,480
Associate’s Degree**
Information Security Analysts, Web Developers, $39,710 - $54,610 and Computer Network Architects
Associate’s Degree**
Network and Computer Systems Administrators
$40,440 - $55,080
Associate’s Degree**
Software Developers, Application and Systems
$53,705 - $70,370
Associate’s Degree**
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2011
Program COMPUTER SCIENCE Advanced Computer Usage and Applications Advanced Web Designer Business Office Computer Applications Computer and Information Technologies Computer Applications: Technology Computer Applications: Microsoft Office Specialist/Advanced Computer Applications: Microsoft Office Specialist/Basic Computer Applications: Office Specialist/Core Level Computer Applications: Office Specialist/Expert Level Computer Business Applications Computer Hardware and Desktop Support Computer Hardware and Network Support Computer Information Systems
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**Some employers may require a bahelor’s degree. For students seeking a bachelor’s degree, the Maricopa Community Colleges offer courses in information technology that transfer to all three of Arizona’s public universities.
College/Skill Center Rio Salado Mesa Glendale South Mountain Estrella Mountain Mesa Mesa Chandler-Gilbert Chandler-Gilbert Chandler-Gilbert Chandler-Gilbert, Estrella Mountain, Scottsdale Scottsdale GateWay, Glendale, Phoenix, Scottsdale, South Mountain
Program Computer Science, continued Computer Information Technology Computer Networking Technology Computer Programming Computer Support Specialist Computer Systems Maintenance Computer Technology Computer Usage and Applications Database Development Geographic Information Systems* Geospatial Technologies Information Security Information Security Administration Information Security Technology Information Security Wireless Networks Information Technology Information Technology Support *Also in Agriculture
College/Skill Center Paradise Valley Paradise Valley Mesa Maricopa Skill Center Paradise Valley Rio Salado Rio Salado Scottsdale Mesa Mesa Glendale Glendale Glendale Glendale Chandler-Gilbert South Mountain
Career Guide | maricopa.edu