If you have an associate's or bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college, our online advanced start program can help you earn a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology in as little as two years.*

The objective of this online degree program is to prepare you for career advancement in information technology. At the completion of this degree you should be able to design real-world e-media products or create technical solutions to hardware and software problems, depending on your chosen area of emphasis. If you are interested in starting or advancing your technology career, or just seeking entry-level employment in a field that requires a bachelor's degree, the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology program is designed to help you meet your career goals.‡

 Program Highlights 

You will explore ways to communicate and apply core information technologies professionally as well as evaluate, design, and implement systems based on IT methodology. You will study how to:

  • Analyze and offer verbal and written resolutions to technical issues faced by users and organizations
  • Evaluate trends, practices, and products to determine their effectiveness for systems and users
  • Explain the impact of information systems and technology on business or economic processes

 Emphasis Areas for the Advanced Start Bachelor of Science in Information Technology 

This information technology degree can be further specialized by focusing on one of five emphasis areas.
    Study to qualify for employment opportunities in data control and designing solutions for data storage, including backup and recovery operations. You will also explore techniques for transferring database information to physical devices, such as wireless units.
    Focus on the configuration and installation of network services and applications. You may qualify for infrastructure design opportunities at companies, including design, problem solving, and troubleshooting. You will study how to use applications in wide-area usage, build security solutions for LANs, and interface between private and public networks.
    Explore solutions for business application challenges by creating specialized programs. You may qualify for career opportunities as a Web and software programmer. Lessons include text-based study and projects that simulate real-world situations and automate administrative tasks.
    Study how to develop cutting-edge websites that blend interactive media with consumer-targeted information. You'll also explore animation and producing games and virtual tours.
    Prepare to investigate system vulnerabilities and implement solutions that provide protection against security attacks. Graduates may be positioned to pursue entry-level positions as information security analysts, network security analysts, or computer forensics analysts.‡
    Study to gain knowledge of the skills and processes needed to select, initiate, and plan a project. Create a project charter, develop project scope statements, develop the project schedule and budget, and analyze risk planning. In addition, you will focus on how to manage project resources, develop the project team, conduct procurements, measure project performance, control work results, and maintain professional responsibility.

 Curriculum for the Advanced Start Bachelor of Science in Information Technology 

    Courses Credits
    Total Prior Degree Credits* 90
    Courses Credits
    IT Course*
    IT Course*
    IT Course*
    Courses Credits
    Arts and Humanities Course 6
    Physical Science Course 6
    Social Science Course 6
    Courses Credits
    Project Management 6
    Systems Analysis and Design 6
    Major Electives 24
    Bachelor’s Capstone in Information Technology 6
    Choose one
    Operating System Concepts* 6
    Technology Infrastructure 6
    Courses Credits
    Open Electives* 24
    Courses Credits
    Foundations of Programming Using C# 5
    Foundations of Programming Using Java 5
    Visual Basic Fundamentals 5
    Data Structures and Algorithms 6
    Structured Query Language 6
    Web Programming Development 6
    Advanced Visual Basic Programming 6
    Courses Credits
    Networking Concepts 5
    Network Administration 5
    Networking with TCP/IP 5
    Windows Enterprise Administration 6
    Routing and Switching I 6
    Routing and Switching II 6
    Network Design 6
    Courses Credits
    Database Concepts Using Microsoft Access 5
    Visual Basic Fundamentals 5
    Networking Concepts 5
    Structured Query Language 6
    Oracle Query Design 6
    Intermediate Query Design and Reporting 6
    SQL Server Database Administration 6
    Courses Credits
    Foundations of Web Design 5
    Fundamentals of Web Graphics 5
    Enhancing Sites With PHP 5
    Introduction to Multimedia Using Adobe Flash 6
    Web Marketing and E-Commerce 6
    Multimedia Scripting 6
    Advanced Scripting for Interactivity 6
    Courses Credits
    Networking Concepts 5
    Network Administration 5
    Introduction to Network Security 5
    Computer Forensics 6
    Intrusion Detection and Incidence Response 6
    Digital Forensics 6
    Information Systems Security 6
    Courses Credits
    Project Management I 6
    Project Management II 6
    Business Process Analysis 6
    Outcomes Assessment and Quality Management 6
    Total Program Requirements 90

 Who Should Take this Program? 

Students who already hold an Associate of Applied Science, Associate of Science, or Associate of Arts degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college and want to earn a four-year degree to advance a career in technology or to make a career change should consider this program.

Our innovative online bachelor's degree program combines the career-oriented focus of a two-year degree with the academic curriculum of a four-year program. You'll have the flexibility of joining the workforce while pursuing your lifelong goals.

Please note that if you cannot meet prerequisite course requirements with prior academic credit or with an experiential learning portfolio, you will need to complete them with Kaplan University.

 What Are the Career Opportunities? 

A completed bachelor's degree could give you the qualifications you need to increase your income potential and marketability in today's job market. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, bachelor's degree holders earn nearly double what high school diploma holders earn and over 30 percent more than associate's degree holders during their working lifetime.†

This degree program provides you the opportunity to pursue careers in database management, network administration, programming, website development, and information architecture.‡ It is designed to give you the integrated design and technology background necessary for consulting and possibly beginning your own technology services business. You can focus on an area of study that best fits your career and educational goals.

For more information, chat live, call an Admissions Advisor at 866.527.5268 (Toll Free), or simply fill out a Student Information Form.

Please note that if you cannot meet prerequisite course requirements with prior academic credit or with an experiential learning portfolio, you will need to complete them with Kaplan University.

Tuition and Fees

Cost per credit hour$353.00
Total program requirements90
Total cost of tuition$31,770.00

This program requires a $100 technology fee per term. Effective July 1, 2009, a minimum deposit of $70 is required at the time of enrollment and will be credited toward your tuition when you begin classes. The advanced start option assumes you have completed an associate's degree and requires a minimum of 180 quarter credit hours, including 90 from your requisite associate’s degree.* Additional courses and tuition costs and fees may be required to meet the prerequisites for the advanced start program. Refer to the University Catalog for transfer of credit policy. We encourage you to explore the availability of financial aid and scholarships. For more information, chat live or call an Admissions Advisor at 866.527.5268 (Toll Free).

Kaplan University offers tuition discounts to active-duty military servicemembers and veterans. Call 866.583.4412 to speak to a military Admissions Advisor.

Chat with a representative about your financial aid options

Chat Now

*See University Catalog for Transfer of Credit policy.
†U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey,
http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/tables/08s0220.pdf (accessed April 2008). 
‡Kaplan University's programs are designed to prepare graduates to pursue employment in their field of study, or in related fields. However, the University does not guarantee that graduates will be placed in any particular job or employed at all.