By DeVry University
June 12, 2023
12 min read
June 12, 2023
12 min read
Working in information technology (IT) requires both technical know-how and practical skill. Employers expect applicants to be able to verify that they have what it takes to meet the requirements of this diverse field. While on-the-job training may suffice for some industries, the IT field typically requires educational credentials.
Besides boosting your resume, the education you receive while earning an IT certificate or degree can provide you the opportunity to learn specific technical skills and knowledge that can help you as you prepare to enter the field.
In this article, you’ll learn about IT certificate programs, how they differ from certifications, and how you can choose the best IT credentials for your goals as we explore the following sections:
It’s important to note that an IT certificate is different from an IT certification.
An IT certificate is given to a student for completing a program at an institution of higher learning such as a college or university. By contrast, an IT certification is given by a professional organization to confirm that a person has shown a certain level of competence with a specialized tool or skillset. Where IT certificates demonstrate education in the specified field, IT certifications represent the passing of a professional exam aligned with industry standards.
While certificate programs do not automatically lead to certifications, they can help prepare you to pursue them.
A number of IT certificate programs are offered at the college level. At DeVry University, our online Undergraduate Certificate in Information Technology Essentials includes Tech Core curriculum, which combines the latest technological concepts with opportunities for hands-on learning.
This type of IT certificate may be ideal for beginners, or for adult learners looking to switch their careers into the IT field. Our Undergraduate Certificate in Information Technology Essentials will introduce you to a range of IT concepts like programming, cloud computing and operating systems. Students will learn about networking, data analysis, the Internet of Things and digital devices, as well as technology principles through programming with languages like Python. Best of all, you will be taught by an experienced and knowledgeable faculty who can give you insights into the real world of information technology.
This certificate also helps prepare you to pursue the CompTIA A+, CompTIA LINUX+, CompTIA NETWORK+ and the CompTIA Cloud+ certifications, should you wish to.
Our Undergraduate Certificate in Information Technology Essentials may be completed in as little as 8 months, or even more quickly with qualifying transfer credits1.
Several programs at DeVry are stackable, meaning that credits earned in the Undergraduate Certificate in Information Technology can be applied toward earning an Associate Degree in Information Technology and Networking at DeVry, which can then stack into one of four technology-focused bachelor’s degrees at DeVry3.
Here are just some of the programs at DeVry that credits from our IT essentials program can be applied to:
To help you decide which field of information technology you want to go into, here are five clear steps to help you figure out what you want to do as a career in IT:
Once you’ve selected the best career option for you and plotted your route, it’s time to get started! Investigate the programs available to you and start working towards enrollment.
If you’re not sure how to proceed, feel free to contact us to request more information so you can decide what pathway will work best for you.
Starting a new career can be intimidating. Selecting the right IT certificate program can go a long way toward giving you the information and confidence you need to make better decisions about your career path.
Understanding what your goals for your IT career can be very helpful for program selections.
For example, if you’re interested in entering the IT industry, you may want to consider a program that provides a solid foundation now but can be rolled into a higher-level degree later. This can help you earn a credential quickly that may prepare you to pursue entry-level jobs, then pursue a degree to become eligible to pursue higher-level jobs after you graduate.
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