Information Technology
Manage and support the technology infrastructure of businesses
What You'll Study
IT is the practical application of technology to support business operations. Unlike CS which builds new tools, IT focuses on selecting, configuring, securing, and maintaining existing tools to keep a company running.
- Network Administration
- System Administration (Windows/Linux)
- Database Administration
- Web Systems
- IT Project Management
- Cloud Services (AWS/Azure)
- Tech Support & Helpdesk
- Cybersecurity Fundamentals
Example Classes
How to Know If You'll Like It
You'll probably enjoy this if...
- ✓You are the person your family asks for tech help
- ✓You enjoy setting up computers and networks
- ✓You like solving practical problems quickly
- ✓You are good with people (support roles)
- ✓You want a broad tech skill set
- ✓You prefer hands-on configuration over writing code
You might not enjoy this if...
- ✕You want to write code all day
- ✕You dislike interacting with end-users
- ✕You find hardware/cabling boring
- ✕You want to invent new algorithms
Self-Check Quiz
Answer these questions honestly to see if this major might be a good fit for you.
Have you ever built your own PC or upgraded parts?
Career Outcomes
Featured In-Demand Careers
Cloud Architect
Design and oversee cloud computing strategies for organizations, ensuring scalability, security, and efficiency.
Cybersecurity Analyst
Protect organizations from cyber threats by monitoring, analyzing, and responding to security incidents.
Product Manager
Lead product development from conception to launch, bridging business strategy with user needs and technical capabilities.
Software Engineer
Design, develop, and maintain software applications and systems. Work with cutting-edge technologies to solve complex problems.
Other Common Career Paths
- •Network Administrator
- •System Administrator
- •IT Support Specialist
- •Database Admin
Industries
Try It First
Test if you like this field before committing to a major:
Set up a home media server (like Plex) or organize your home network.
Install a different operating system (like Linux Ubuntu) on a virtual machine.
Design a mock IT infrastructure plan for a small business office.
Related Majors
Frequently Asked Questions
No. CS is development/theory. IT is infrastructure/support.
Some scripting (PowerShell, Bash, Python) but less than CS.
Degrees help for management, but Certifications (CompTIA, Cisco) are very powerful too.
Often yes, but you might walk around to fix hardware or set up server rooms.
No, usually just basic algebra and logic.
Ready to Explore This Major?
Get personalized guidance on whether Information Technology is right for you and how to build a competitive profile.