IT Education

There's a wide range of scholarships for aspiring tech pros; here are some of the most interesting and valuable.

Information technology is among the most lucrative and opportunity-rich domains in the modern workforce, and a college degree is the best way to get a leg up in this competitive field. However, in today’s economy, paying for school can be challenging. Thankfully, there’s a variety of scholarships that can help you fund a world-class education in CS (computer science), IT (information technology) and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) disciplines.

We scour the web, evaluate and reevaluate the most dynamic scholarships with the biggest payouts to find the best awards for students pursuing a career in IT. Most of the scholarships on this list are tech-focused, but we’ll also feature some undeniable awards that can be applied to any field. Some contests only accept applicants from a certain demographic or socioeconomic group - in these cases, we’ll outline those requirements in the scholarship’s description.

Here are our favorite scholarships for computing and information technology majors:

A college degree in game design is worth it for some aspiring creators, but it's unnecessary for most. Let’s take a deeper look.

The video game industry is notoriously competitive, with many designers and developers vying for a relatively small pool of jobs. A game design degree can provide a well-rounded knowledge of design principles, software development, and project management, but it's crucial to question if formal education gives a significant edge over self-learning or getting a degree in more generalized fields like computer science or software engineering. The latter often have a broader skill set that can be applied across various industries, not just gaming.

ITCareerFinder breaks down the most sought-after tech jobs you can get with a degree in computer science. Delve into each role for marketable courses, salaries, recommended degree programs and insider tips.

There’s never been a better time than now to pursue a career in IT. The proliferation of emerging technologies in mobile and cloud computing, soaring demand for data science, programming and cyber security skills, and the increased automation (for better or worse) of legacy roles in retail and manufacturing, are just some of the factors driving a golden age for tech employment. There are infinite paths to the IT job of your dreams, but whichever road you choose there’s a good chance that earning a degree in computer science (CS) will be your first step.

CS curricula and the jobs you can land with a computer science degree vary widely, but there are some core subjects shared by most undergraduate computer science programs. The core curriculum in a CS associate or bachelor’s degree typically includes programming and software development, data structures and algorithms, operating systems, and applied mathematics. There are many CS specializations that dive deeper into one or more of these core areas, and plenty of computer science majors designed to prepare you for a specific IT career path. Your personal passions, resources like time and money, and the job you’re shooting for will dictate the computer science program that’s right for you.

The curriculum in a graduate computer science program builds on the undergrad coursework above. Generally, a computer science master’s degree dives deeper into the technical skills you learned as an undergrad, with a greater focus on a specific career track and potential management roles. MBAs in computer science concentrate on the business side of things; here you will learn to use computing skills to set and achieve organizational goals. Doctoral and PhD degrees in computer science tend to focus on research and scientific advancement; these programs are geared toward jobs like computer research scientist and CS professor.

This article will lay out some of the best jobs you can achieve with a computer science diploma (“best” in this case means top-tier salaries, an aggressive hiring forecast, and a high rate of upward mobility). We'll also highlight the courses and electives you should pursue to maximize your job prospects in each role, recommended degree levels, and earnings.

Here are the best jobs you can get with computer science degree:

ITCareerFinder examines the benefits and practical applications of artificial intelligence upskilling in the IT workforce.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a game-changer in the IT industry, with AI-powered computing solutions rapidly gaining ground. For IT professionals, staying relevant in the AI era requires a strategic upgrade of skills. AI upskilling, therefore, is the call of the hour, enabling tech professionals to enhance their career trajectories and organizations to unlock the full potential of this cutting-edge tech.

This article will explore the importance, benefits, and educational pathways of AI upskilling for information technology professionals. We’ll also highlight some of the most sought-after AI skills by career path.

Earning a CS associate degree can help you get entry-level jobs in programming, computer science, and software development.

While an associate degree can’t teach you everything about the expansive field of computer science, it can serve as a stepping stone to beginner IT careers and lay the groundwork for future education and advancement.

A deep dive into the computer science associate degree, including costs, benefits, curricula, admission requirements, jobs and salaries.

In an increasingly digital world, the demand for professionals with a solid background in computing and information technology is soaring. An associate degree in computer science can be your launchpad to a rewarding career in this field.

A computer science associate degree is a 2-year undergraduate program that typically includes coursework in programming, algorithms, data structures, computer architecture, and mathematics. CS associate degrees offer a strong foundation for students who wish to pursue a bachelor's degree in computer science or begin an entry-level IT career directly after completing the program.

This article will provide an in-depth look at computer science associate degrees, including marketable classes, costs and benefits, potential career paths and salaries. We’ll also highlight some of today's best online computer science associate degrees.

ITCareerFinder breaks down the top 5 online bachelor’s degrees in information technology.

The digital age is upon us, and with it comes an array of technological advancements, challenges, and possibilities. If you’re passionate about technology, pursuing an IT degree online can be an excellent way to harness this high-tech revolution into a rewarding career.

Online learning has exploded in popularity and capability, with the top programs offering flexibility and affordability without compromising quality. While the self-managed format of online degrees isn’t for everyone, it can unlock a world of opportunity for the right, self-motivated learners. Beyond the obvious benefit of a flexible schedule, students in top-tier online tech programs can take advantage of interactive course materials, sophisticated simulations to put their computing skills to the test, and global networking abilities that provide access to the leading minds in their field, regardless of location.

But where do you begin? To help answer this question, we’ve highlighted some of the best information technology degrees you can earn online.

Do you like money? Do you thrive on intellectual challenge? Are you fascinated by technology? A computer science degree can lead you to a fulfilling IT career on all three counts. Read on for the top benefits of earning a computer science degree...