51 Best Information Technology Colleges In California

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What school is best for information technology in California?

With so many students choosing to major in IT or a related profession, information technology is a rising industry. Knowing the top information technology institutions is essential if you’re considering an IT major or perhaps a master’s degree.

Schools that specialize in information technology, sometimes known as IT schools, include those that offer degrees in informatics, information systems, networking, cybersecurity, computer science, and other IT-related fields.

Before providing the top information technology colleges, including the top online schools for information technology, in this post, we define an information technology school and discuss the kind of professions you can get with an IT certificate.

Though the two are comparable, one thing to be aware of is how IT differs from computer science. The main point is that IT is about using computer programs to convey, retrieve, and store information for businesses, whereas computer science concentrates on the development and theory of computer applications and programs. 

While some universities provide a true major in information technology, others offer degrees in subjects that are broadly classified as IT. In fact, IT deals with a variety of computer and technology-related subjects:

  • digital forensics
  • Communications and computer networking
  • programming for computers
  • science of computers
  • database management
  • database administration
  • Developing games
  • information technology
  • management of information technology
  • Informational management systems
  • engineering for networks
  • network administration
  • software development
  • system management
  • gaming programming
  • website creation

The majority of IT degrees offered by schools of information technology are Bachelor of Science (BS) and Master of Science (MS) degrees, while a few of them also provide associate degrees and PhDs in the field.

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What Positions Are Available For IT Graduates?

IT degrees can prepare you for a variety of occupations in disciplines including technology, corporate management, networking, website building, etc. They are typically highly flexible.

Following are a few typical jobs held by those with an IT degree:

  • Internet architect
  • Scientist in computer and information research
  • analyst for computer forensics
  • network architect for computers
  • specialized in computer support
  • Cybersecurity expert
  • IT consultant Database administrator Information security analyst
  • Developer of mobile applications
  • engineering network
  • web programmer

Here are a few examples of IT careers, each with details on the typical degree required, median yearly salary, and employment growth rate for 2020–2030. Jobs are ordered from highest median compensation to lowest median salary using data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Any number above this indicates that the job is increasing more quickly than average. Keep in mind that the average employment growth rate for 2020–2030 is around 7%. Generally speaking, your income will be higher the more education you have. 

Additionally, you can see that the bulk of IT-related professions are growing, thus it should be somewhat simpler in the upcoming years for you to land a position in the industry 

Let’s look at the finest information technology colleges and how we choose which ones to include on our list now that we’ve discussed what they are, what you can do with an IT degree, and what positions you can get with one.

List of best information systems schools in California

1. New York’s Cornell University

One of the finest information technology programs is located at Cornell University, a famous Ivy League institution, and top-ranked national research university. Three separate colleges offer the following bachelor’s degree programs in information technology:

  • an information science degree (College of Arts and Sciences)
  • Information Science BS (College of Agriculture and Life Sciences)
  • Information Systems and Technology Bachelor’s degree (College of Engineering)

Small class sizes, the chance to do independent research under the guidance of esteemed faculty, and a variety of IT-focused student organizations, such as the Information Science Student Association and Women in Computing at Cornell, are all advantages for students.

Last but not least, Cornell provides a few online professional certificate programs in IT-related disciplines like website design and digital leadership.

2. New York University

At the undergraduate and graduate levels, NYU is a great place to pursue a degree in information technology and related subjects. This well-regarded private institution offers the following IT majors:

  • Information Systems Management Bachelor’s degree
  • B.S. in Visualization and Applied Data Analytics
  • Computer Science BS

Students learn in intimate settings and enroll in a wide range of courses, from networking and database design to arithmetic and economics. At NYU, there are numerous graduate IT degrees available, some of which are also offered online.

  • Master in Information Systems
  • Master in Computer Science
  • Master’s in Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Computing
  • MS in Technology Management (on-campus or online)
  • Cybersecurity MS (on-campus or online)
  • Information Analyst PhD

3. Carnegie Mellon University

Though its major strengths are more targeted toward graduate students than they are undergraduates, CMU is currently ranked 1 by Niche for best information technology schools and is known throughout the world for its interdisciplinary research.

A BS in Computer Science is an option for undergraduates. Students can select from a number of IT graduate programs at CMU’s Heinz College, some of which can be completed totally online:

  • Information Systems Management 
  • Information Security Policy and Management Master’s degree
  • management of information technology master’s degree (online)
  • degree in information assurance and security (online)

4. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

RPI, a famous technological research university and College Choice’s top-ranked computer technology school, adopts a distinctive multidisciplinary approach to the discipline. Master’s degree programs at RPI’s Science Department include the MS in Information Technology and the Ph.D in Multidisciplinary Science, while undergraduates have the option of earning a BS in Information Technology and Web Science (with an IT track).

Pupils in these programs learn about security/privacy issues, the ethical and legal implications of technology, and how to interact efficiently with technology. Participants in these programs can select an area of specialization from a list of more than 20 concentrations in both the bachelor’s and master’s IT programs.

5. Lehigh University

Lehigh University, a top-tier academic institution with more than 7,000 students, provides a number of challenging information systems and technology degrees.

Students can enroll in the BS in Business Information Systems degree at Lehigh’s College of Business and Economics, which requires them to complete courses in management information systems and business data management. Additionally, courses in risk management, cloud computing, and software enterprises are available to students. 

6. Brigham Young University

The excellent IT program at BYU will appeal to those who want to study IT in a more conventional setting that is also openly Christian. Two IT-related majors are available at BYU: a BS in Information Technology and a BS in Cybersecurity. 

Both majors offer a choice of six different areas of emphasis. A year-long capstone project is required of IT students, and it entails addressing the technical requirements of a sponsoring business. Cyber-physical systems, digital forensics, database management, and other topics are available as electives.

7. Purdue University

Purdue University is an excellent option for people who want to study information technology and associated subjects. It is a top-20 computer science institution and is home to more than 30,000 undergrads. Information technology majors in the Computer and Information Technology Program at Purdue Polytechnic Institute have a variety of options, including:

  • Information technology and computers
  • Cybersecurity
  • Technology Network Engineering
  • Systems Design and Analysis

Additionally, Purdue offers an MS in Computer and Information Technology with concentrations in areas like information security, cyberlearning, and bioinformatics. Some IT master’s programs, like the MS in Information Technology Project Management and the MS in Information Technology Business Analysis, are even accessible online.

8. University of Washington

For its information systems program, UW is now ranked 2 by US News, making it one of the best public research universities in the country and an excellent choice for IT students. The Seattle campus offers a BS in Informatics degree (which is similar to IT and draws upon various fields, including computer science, and information science).

The informatics major offers a number of concentration options, such as data science, cybersecurity, human-computer interface, and others. In addition to finishing a capstone project, students in this program are required to attend classes in design approaches, databases, and data modeling. The Foster School of Business at UW offers undergraduates the opportunity to earn a BA in Business Administration as well.

9. Illinois Institute of Technology

The outstanding array of engineering and technology programs Illinois Tech offers, particularly its esteemed Information Technology and Management Program, make it a small, private university that attracts students from across the country.

There are a total of 11 career-focused specialties offered in this program:

  • Cybersecurity, network and system security, and forensics
  • Data Analytics and Management
  • Technology for Digital Systems and Embedded Systems
  • Management and Entrepreneurship in IT
  • Systems for Management Information
  • Information, communication, and networking technologies
  • Application Development

Numerous of these educational programs are offered as certificates, graduate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees. Students cooperate with academics on cutting-edge projects as part of this school’s IT department; examples of these projects can be seen on the official website. 

Additionally, Illinois Tech offers a number of online management and information technology courses (both undergraduate and graduate).

10. Rochester Institute of Technology

RIT is a reputable private university with its headquarters in New York and is a pioneer in the education of computer science and technology. Students can choose from a variety of IT degrees at RIT’s B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences, including. Most of these IT programs have a cooperative education component that pays students to work full-time in technology corporate settings as part of RIT’s value of experiential learning. 

Additionally, RIT offers a number of graduate IT degrees, ranging from a Ph.D. in Computing and Information Sciences to an MS in Computing Security. Finally, RIT’s online learning platform makes a variety of IT courses available online, giving students some scheduling freedom.

11. Florida State University

A well-known public university with a thriving IT program is FSU.

Students can get a bachelor’s degree in information technology or information, communication, and technology at FSU’s School of Information. 

The latter degree program is more focused on social networking, PR, and promotion, whereas the former program places more emphasis on project management, networking, security, and informatics.

Numerous skills are taught in courses, including information literacy, technological communication, website, and visual design, and application development. 

A graduate program in information technology is also provided at FSU. Undergraduates who have already finished at least 60 semester hours of credit can enroll in online coursework at FSU to earn a BA or BS in IT.

12. Pennsylvania State University

A highly regarded public institution with an esteemed information technology curriculum and possibly most impressively hundreds of alternatives for studying IT online is Penn State, founded in 1855.

  • Numerous IT degrees are available from Penn State’s College of Information Sciences and Technology.
  • Information Sciences and Technology AS degree
  • Information Sciences and Technology Bachelor’s degree
  • Security and Risk Analysis BS
  • Degree in Data Sciences
  • BS in Operations and Analytics for Cybersecurity

The Integrated Undergraduate Graduate program at Penn State allows you to simultaneously earn a BS and MS in IT (or similar subjects). Penn State, as I already indicated, has a fantastic selection of online choices for IT education, ranging from certifications to undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields like information systems and cybersecurity.

13. New Jersey Institute of Technology

There are several alternatives available at NJIT, a top technological university, for students who want to pursue IT as an undergraduate or graduate degree. One of NJIT’s most adaptable majors is the BS in Information Technology, which enables students to select a concentration from a variety of possible specializations:

  • Law and criminal justice
  • Systems for Management Information
  • Game Creation
  • Multimedia
  • Information and Network Security
  • Web-based programs

This IT program offers classes in Information Design Techniques, Internet and Applications, Technical Writing, Introduction to Network Technology, and a capstone project that must be finished in the last year of study.

NJIT provides a number of graduate certificate programs and online master’s degrees for prospective graduate students, including an MS in

14. DePaul University

DePaul University, a profit-maximizing university with its headquarters in Chicago, is well renowned for integrating experiential learning into all of its academic programs, including its IT department. Since DePaul’s College of Computing and Digital Media is situated right in the middle of Chicago, students have plenty of possibilities to engage with digital companies and practice their talents in practical settings.

For the latter two years of the IT and computer science bachelor’s programs, there is an online option, allowing students to complete their degrees entirely online. The MS in Business Information Technology, the MS in Cybersecurity, and the MS in Information Systems are just a few of the graduate degrees in IT that DePaul offers.

15. Johns Hopkins College

For those interested in earning a degree in information technology, Johns Hopkins University is a smart choice. In the sizable city of Baltimore, there is a private, not-for-profit institution called Johns Hopkins. Johns Hopkins is a fantastic university overall, earning a college ranking of 9 out of 2,241 institutions nationally.

In the most current data year, Johns Hopkins awarded this degree to about 73 information technology students. After graduation, graduates of Johns Hopkins University’s information technology degree program earn $58,951 more than the average college graduate with the same degree.

16. St. Louis’ Washington University

Any student interested in an IT degree has to research Washington University in St. Louis. WUSTL, a private, non-profit university with a sizable student body, is situated in a sizable Saint Louis suburb. WUSTL is a top university overall, coming in at number 24 out of 2,241 universities in the country.

In the most recent year for which WUSTL awarded this degree to roughly 86 information technology students. Graduates with an information technology degree from Washington University in St. Louis earn an average of $46,079 more than other information technology graduates.

17. George Washington University

GWU is a private, non-profit institution in the District of Columbia. Overall, GWU is a top university. In the most recent academic year for which data are available, around 227 students at GWU received this degree in information technology. Students majoring in information technology who graduate from George Washington University earn $27,643 more than the average IT grad.

18. Virginia University

The enormous public university University of Virginia is situated in the unassuming suburb of Charlottesville. Overall, the University of Virginia is a top university. In the most recent year for which we have data, about 70 University of Virginia students received this degree in information technology.

19. Georgetown University

Georgetown University is a private, non-profit institution with a sizable student body, and it is situated in the significant city of Washington. Georgetown University is a top-tier institution overall, with a Best Colleges ranking of 19 out of 2,241 universities nationwide.

In the most recent data year, approximately 134 Georgetown students received this degree in information technology. When they enter the workforce, graduates from Georgetown University’s information technology degree program earn $59,318 more than the average graduate with the same degree.

20. Madison College

A public university with a sizable student body, Madison College is situated in the sizable city of Madison. In terms of overall quality, this college is ranked 14th out of 46 institutions in the state.

In the most recent year for which we have data, Madison College awarded this degree to roughly 152 information technology students. Graduates of the IT program with an undergraduate degree typically make $47,426 in their first year of employment.

21. American Military University

American Military University is a private, for-profit university with a sizable student body that is situated in the Charles Town community. In West Virginia, this university is ranked first overall out of 28 institutions.

The most recent data available indicates that 678 students from American Military University received degrees in information technology. Students majoring in information technology who graduate from the American Public University System earn $28,176 more than the average student.

22. Columbia University

Private, non-profit Columbia University is a significant city-based institution with a sizable student body. Out of 2,241 colleges nationally, Columbia is ranked 14 making it a top university overall. In the most recent data year, approximately 106 Columbia students received this degree in information technology.

23. Georgia Tech

Georgia Tech is a public university with a sizable student body that is located in Atlanta. Georgia Tech is a fantastic university overall, coming in at 26 out of 2,241 institutions nationwide.  In the most current data year, Georgia Tech awarded this degree to roughly 47 information technology students.

24. Brigham Young University

In the medium-sized city of Provo, there is a private, non-profit university named BYU. In terms of overall quality, this university is ranked first out of 14 institutions in the state of Utah. The most recent data available indicates that 223 BYU students earned degrees in information technology in that given year. After graduation, graduates of Brigham Young University – Provo’s information technology school earn $22,663 more than the average graduate with the same degree.

25. Southern Methodist University 

A private, not-for-profit SMU, with a sizable student body, is situated in a sizable Dallas suburb. In Texas, this university is ranked as one of the fourth-best colleges overall. There were approximately 5 students that received this degree in information technology.

26. Rochester Institute of Technology

A sizable private, non-profit university called RIT is situated in a Rochester suburb. In terms of overall quality, this school is ranked 16th in the state of New York. In the most recent year, 118 or so RIT students majoring in information technology received this degree. After graduation, graduates of Rochester Institute of Technology’s information technology program earn $33,857 more than the typical college graduate with the same degree.

27. College of Pittsburgh

Pitt is a public institution with a sizable student body that is situated in Pittsburgh. Overall, Pitt is a fantastic university. At Pitt, this degree was earned by most often 184 students studying information technology.

28. Gwinnett Technical College 

GTC is a public college with a sizable student body that is situated in the sizable suburb of Lawrenceville. In terms of overall quality, this college is ranked sixth out of 69 institutions in Georgia. In the most recent data year at GTC, 496 or so students received this degree in information technology. In their first year of employment, IT program graduates earn an average salary of $36,592.

29. Champlain University

Burlington is home to Champlain College, a little private non-profit institution. In terms of overall quality, this college is ranked fifth out of 11 institutions in Vermont. According to the most recent data, about 277 Champlain students received this degree in information technology.

Graduates of Champlain College’s information technology program earn an average of $48,356 more than information technology majors on average.

30. University of Miami

Private, not-for-profit U Miami is a large institution with a location in Coral Gables, a small town. In Florida, this university comes in at number two overall out of 77 institutions.

In the most recent year for which we have data, 48 or so students at U Miami received this degree in information technology. When they enter employment, graduates of the University of Miami’s information technology school earn $10,115 more than the typical graduate in this profession.

31. Drexel College

Private, non-profit Drexel University is situated in the sizable metropolis of Philadelphia and has a sizable student body. In terms of overall quality, this university is ranked 12th out of 117 universities in Pennsylvania.

In the most recent year for which we have data, about 64 Drexel students obtained this degree in information technology. Students majoring in information technology who graduate from Drexel University make $28,906 more than the average IT grad.

32. University of Maryland

The Adelphi suburb is home to the enormous public university known as the University of Maryland Global (UMGC). In terms of overall quality, this university is ranked third out of 34 institutions in the state of Maryland. About 1279 students who studied information technology received degrees in this field. Compared to the average IT student, University of Maryland Global Campus graduates makes $33,168 more.

33. Augusta Technical College

A minor public university called Augusta Technical College is situated in Augusta. In terms of overall quality, this college is ranked 16th in Georgia. In the most recent year, Augusta Technical College awarded this degree to roughly 191 information technology students. For the first four years of their careers, IT program graduates make an average salary of $41,863.

34. University of California

In the community of La Jolla, there is a reasonably sizable public university called UCSD. Overall, UCSD is an excellent university. In the most recent year for which we have data, roughly 38 students at UCSD received this degree in information technology.

35. Chattahoochee Technical College

Chattahoochee Technical College is a public institution with a sizable student body that is situated in the Marietta region. In terms of overall quality, this college comes in at number 11 out of 69 colleges in Georgia.

In the most recent year for which we have data, roughly 334 students at Chattahoochee Technical College received this degree in information technology. In their first few years of employment, graduates of the IT program earn an average salary of $37,032.

36. Community College of Collin County

Today’s information technology industry requires training that goes beyond standard computer programming and IT competence, and CCCC has all of it. With this online associate’s degree, acquire the specialized information and analytical abilities necessary to start a career in technology.

37. University of Ohio

OSU ranks among the best universities in terms of technological sophistication, thanks in great part to its active research initiatives. OSU guides students through internships and research programs that result in advancements in a variety of subjects. OSU offers over 100 formal research opportunities, the majority of which are centered on the technical investigation. OSU’s research platform, built on creative inquiry, fosters innovation and discovery and generates patentable ideas in a variety of technological and scientific domains.

38. University of Yale

Access to a worldwide network of inquiry and discovery is made possible by technologically cutting-edge research facilities and classrooms. Yale’s association with progress is highlighted by its nine Nobel Prize winners in domains that are related to technology and by its inductees into the National Academy of Inventors. Renowned academics provide students in degree fields like computer science and economics with mentorship possibilities.

39. Saint Leo university

Computer systems, Java programming, and systems analysis and design are compulsory courses for Saint Leo’s University’s online associate degree in information technology. Additionally, the university provides a variety of general electives on subjects like science fiction and global warming. Within a year of graduating, more than 90% of Saint Leo information technology alumni enroll in a bachelor’s program or start working full- or part-time.

40. Keiser university

An AS is the result of the online associate in information technology degree at Keiser University. The core curriculum includes courses on subjects including web systems, networking fundamentals, and information security principles. Numerous optional alternatives are included in the general education requirements. Students who complete the program do so with research and analytical skills.

41. Peirce College

Students can complete Peirce’s associate in information technology program wholly online or in a hybrid approach by taking certain classes on the college’s Philadelphia campus. The principles of networking, server administration, and the ethical management of information technology are stressed in the core curriculum.

Students can find advice on how to prepare for interviews as well as a career planning manual at Peirce. Alumni can also get help from the center on how to be promoted.

42. Community College of Randolph

The associate in computer information systems and technology program at Union is open to both aspiring and seasoned information systems professionals. Courses on the dynamics of communication, computer applications, and systems analysis and design are all part of the 60-credit program. The degree can be obtained in two years for full-time students. information about bachelor’s programs and future careers is provided to students.

43. Minnesota State Technical College 

The information technology associate degree from M State is an AAS. Graduates are equipped to assess cutting-edge technologies and deliver top-notch customer service. Students examine network security, microcomputer operating systems, and IT fundamentals during the core study. M State offers job fairs, interviewing advice, and résumé assistance to students. The college’s CAREERwise Education resource offers job openings across the country, with a focus on Minnesota-based positions.

44. Campbell College

Database administration, systems analysis, and design, and information technology foundations are all covered in the 62-credit associate in information technology security management degree offered online by Campbell. Students can also tailor their educational experience through the curriculum by selecting electives. Every student is required to keep a 2.0 GPA in order to

45. Southern Maryland College

The online associate degree in information services technology offered by CSM may be of interest to recent high school graduates and professionals looking for a change of scenery in their careers. The 60-credit, four-semester program covers classes in software design and development, introduction to databases, and computing fundamentals. Students do either an internship or a capstone project in the last semester of the program. Nearly 1,800 CSM alumni are accepted into bachelor’s programs each year. 

46. St Petersburg College

The associate in computer programming and analysis curriculum at St. Petersburg College SPC instructs students in Java, C++, and C# usage. Students also learn highly sought-after software maintenance techniques. To graduate, degree candidates must keep a minimum GPA of 2.0. After graduating, more than 90% of SPC alumni enroll in a bachelor’s program or a career. The college aids students in their employment search.

47. Northern Virginia Community College 

Graduates of NOVA’s online information technology associate degree program are prepared to transition to a bachelor’s program. Coursework in advanced database administration, computer hardware, and Java programming is required for this 61-credit degree.

The college offers degree candidates a four-step career success strategy that includes interest inventories, job opportunities exploration, building job-seeking skills, and job applications. Students can also access videos from NOVA on topics like résumé writing and career fair preparation.

48. South Texas College

There are opportunities for advanced independent study and dev-op job experience in information communication. Courses on systems analysis, system operations, database management, Visual Basic, Oracle, e-commerce, and LAN/WAN router configuration are all part of the extensive curriculum. . The Certificate of Achievement in Microcomputer Applications and the Certificate of Achievement in Microcomputer Support and Network Management are two credentials that this division offers in addition to the associate’s degree.

49. Trade Technical College of Los Angeles

The Electronics, Computer Information Systems, and Computer Technology branch at LATTC offers studies in information technology (IT school). Students who complete coursework in C++ programming, operating systems, Web scripting, Java, LAN administration, and network security can obtain an Associate in Science in Computer Information Systems (CIS). There is also a Certificate of Completion version of the CIS curriculum.

For students interested in professions in information technology, there is also the Associate of Science in Microcomputer Technician IT Essentials. With a focus on preparing students for IT tech professions, this curriculum also gets them ready to take a variety of industry certification exams.

50. Post university

Established in 1890, Post University is a sizable private university. Southwest of Hartford, in Waterbury, Connecticut, is where you may find it. Each year, the institution accepts about 10,600 new students of infosec and grants certificates, associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees to these students. There are more than 30 majors available, with business administration and management, criminal justice and safety studies, accounting, management information systems, public administration, and social service professions ranking among the top five.

51. Daytona State University

Finding a degree program in information technology at Dayton state university is very easy. When choosing an information technology program, the price of tuition will be a major deciding factor but not at Dayton state university as they provide the most value for the money by providing all you need to become an analyst.

This institution is very accommodating to students by providing remote education alternatives as online learning gains popularity. The demands of students and scheduling flexibility are being addressed by schools that provide distance learning programs.

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