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Online Information Technology Degree (Bachelor of Science)

Earn your online IT degree from the University of Kansas and build the skills needed for careers in cybersecurity, networking, cloud systems, and information technology management.

Online Information Technology Degree Program

The University of Kansas offers an online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology designed to prepare students for careers in cybersecurity, networking, cloud computing, and IT management. This online information technology degree helps students develop the technical knowledge and problem-solving skills needed to support modern technology systems across industries.

Courses in the program cover areas such as system administration, network security, database management, and cloud technologies. Students gain hands-on experience solving real-world technology challenges through projects and case studies. Courses required for the Information Technology major are offered fully online. Students work with advisors to determine how previously completed coursework and remaining degree requirements fit into their academic plan.

Transfer students can apply to KU for free, making it easier to take the next step toward completing your degree.

Take the Next Step Towards Your KU Degree in Information Technology

Whether you're exploring options or ready to apply for free, we’re here to help you move forward.

Online bachelor’s degree

Your online IT degree at KU, at a glance

A Bachelor of Science in Information Technology for transfer and readmit students, built around systems, networks, security, software, and data.

In short: KU’s online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology is offered through the School of Professional Studies. Courses required for the major are offered fully online, the degree requires 120 total credit hours, and online tuition is one hourly rate for every student regardless of residency. Transfer students can apply to KU for free.

Degree
Bachelor of Science
Total credit hours
120 minimum
Junior and senior hours
45 minimum
Major courses
Offered fully online
Tuition
One rate, any residency
Start dates
Five per year, rolling

What you will study

  • Systems and networks

    • System and Network Administration
    • Computer Networks
    • Operating Systems
    • Computer Organization and Platform Technologies
  • Security

    • Computer and Information Security
    • Information Security Management
    • Electives: Network Security, Cyber Defense and Countermeasures, Digital Forensics, Information Security Law and Policy
  • Software, web and databases

    • Python, Algorithms, and Data Structures
    • Web Systems and Technologies
    • Database Applications
    • Software Engineering and Management
    • System Integration and Architecture
    • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Cloud, data and AI electives

    • Cloud Computing
    • Fundamentals of Applied Data Analytics
    • Data Mining and Intelligence
    • Predictive Analytics and Forecasting
    • Applications of Artificial Intelligence
    • AI Engineering with Foundation Models
  • Projects and professional practice

    • Managing IT Projects
    • Social and Professional Issues
    • Communication in the Workplace
    • Leadership in Practice
    • ITEC Capstone

Course titles come from the KU Catalog. Every student also completes the ITEC Capstone. Confirm the current degree plan in the KU Catalog.

Find your starting point

Where are you in your college credits?

Associate degree or equivalent

After meeting with an advisor and developing a degree completion plan, you can typically begin taking junior and senior level courses in the major. Upper-level courses for the major are available online.

Request program details

24 to 59 credit hours

After meeting with an advisor and building your plan, you may still need prerequisite and lower-level courses. Online lower-level courses are limited and none are offered at the Edwards Campus, so some students take them at the Lawrence Campus or a community college. Email professionalstudies@ku.edu to schedule an appointment.

Request program details

First-year student

First-year students apply through the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, then an academic advisor helps with lower-level course selection and declaring Information Technology when you are ready for junior and senior level courses. On the KU application, choose Program: College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, Plan: Deciding, Subplan: Science and Technology.

Request program details

All applicants need a C (2.0 GPA) or better in College Algebra or higher, in addition to KU’s transfer admission requirements.

Plan your next steps

Questions before you apply? Email professionalstudies@ku.edu to schedule an appointment with the School of Professional Studies.

Careers with an Information Technology Degree

A Bachelor of Science in Information Technology prepares graduates for careers supporting computer networks, databases, cybersecurity systems, and cloud infrastructure across industries.

What Jobs Can You Get With an Information Technology Degree?

Graduates with an information technology degree work in roles that support computer networks, cybersecurity systems, databases, and cloud infrastructure across many industries.

Graduates with an information technology degree may pursue roles such as:

  • IT Support Specialist

  • Network Administrator

  • Database Administrator

  • Cybersecurity Analyst

  • Cloud Solutions Architect

These positions focus on maintaining technology systems, protecting organizational data, and supporting digital operations.

Information Technology Salary and Job Outlook

Careers in information technology offer strong earning potential and continued job growth. Salaries vary depending on role, experience level, certifications, and location. For example:

  • Network architects earn an average salary of about $120,000 annually

  • Cybersecurity analysts earn around $90,000 or more, depending on expertise and certification

These roles reflect the growing demand for professionals who can manage and secure modern technology systems.

Employers Hiring Information Technology Graduates

Organizations across government, healthcare, consulting, finance, and technology sectors regularly hire professionals with IT expertise. Employers appearing in job postings include:

  • FBI

  • U.S. Department of Homeland Security

  • Elevance Health

  • Deloitte

  • Citigroup

  • Amazon

Skills Employers Look For in IT Professionals

Employers hiring IT professionals often look for a combination of technical knowledge and workplace skills that support technology operations and project management.

Job postings in the field commonly highlight skills such as:

  • Management

  • Communication

  • Leadership

  • Planning

  • Operations

These skills support collaboration, project execution, and technology management within organizations.

*Source: Lightcast. The career information provided is not specific to the KU program or its graduates. There is no guarantee of obtaining these positions.

IT career snapshot

$104,200
Median annual income
11.6%
Job growth (2021-24)
2.47
Current jobs in U.S. in millions (2024)

What is Information Technology?

Information technology (IT) involves the use of computers, software, networks, and systems to manage and process data. IT professionals maintain and secure an organization's technology infrastructure to ensure systems run efficiently and securely.

The field includes areas like software development, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and network management. As technology continues to shape nearly every industry, IT professionals play an essential role in keeping businesses and services running.

Why Earn an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology from KU?

The University of Kansas offers an online information technology degree with several advantages that make it stand out in the field:

  • Comprehensive Curriculum: With a focus on both the technical and managerial aspects of IT, KU’s program ensures students are well-prepared for a wide range of career paths.
  • Flexibility and Convenience: KU’s online format allows you to balance your studies with other responsibilities, offering a schedule that works for you.
  • Supportive Faculty and Resources: Students have access to KU’s experienced faculty members and academic advisors, offering personalized support and guidance throughout their educational journey.
  • Reputation: KU’s bachelor of science in information technology is offered by the School of Professional Studies, which is known for its commitment to high-quality, career-focused education.

By earning an online degree in information technology from KU, you will gain practical, industry-relevant skills that are in high demand. Whether you’re looking to start a new career or enhance your current skill set, KU’s program offers the expertise you need to succeed in the IT field.

Learn more about this online program

Get more info on admission, deadlines, tuition and financial aid, career paths, and more when you fill out the form below. We’ll be in touch to answer any questions and help you get started.

 
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How flexible is online learning at KU?

KU’s online degree programs are designed with your busy schedule in mind and offer the flexibility to study wherever — and often whenever — is most convenient for you. Our online courses contain the same rigorous curriculum and instruction — taught by the same highly regarded faculty — as the instruction in our on-campus programs.

Quick answers

Online IT degree questions, answered

The questions prospective students ask most about KU’s online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology.

Yes. KU offers a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology online through the School of Professional Studies. Courses required for the major are offered fully online, so working students and transfer students can complete the upper-level degree requirements from anywhere, and advisors help each student build a personal degree plan.

The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology requires a minimum of 120 total credit hours, including at least 45 junior and senior level hours. Transfer students bring earlier credit toward the total, and an advisor reviews previous coursework to map the remaining requirements into a personal degree completion plan.

The major covers system and network administration, computer networks, operating systems, web systems, databases, computer and information security, information security management, software engineering, system integration, human-computer interaction, and IT project management. Electives add cloud computing, digital forensics, data analytics, and artificial intelligence, and every student completes an IT capstone.

Transfer applicants follow KU’s transfer admission requirements and must also have earned a C (2.0 GPA) or better in College Algebra or higher. Students with 24 to 59 credit hours may need prerequisite and lower-level courses first, and online lower-level courses are limited, so meeting an advisor before applying helps.

No. KU charges the same hourly tuition and fee rate for online students regardless of residency status, so Kansas residents and out-of-state students pay one rate. Online tuition is charged per credit hour, and your total depends on the credits you still need and how many you take each term.

The program has a rolling application deadline with five start dates per year. KU works with applicants up to a month before the start of an eight-week course, and applicants who miss that date can wait for the next start. Transfer students can apply to KU for free.

Graduates with an information technology degree may pursue roles such as IT support specialist, network administrator, database administrator, cybersecurity analyst, and cloud solutions architect. These roles support computer networks, databases, security systems, and cloud infrastructure across industries. Career information comes from Lightcast and is not specific to KU graduates, and there is no guarantee of a position.

Take the next step

Want to learn more about how an online degree from KU can help you reach your career goals?