Post job

Information technology professor education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read

There are several educational requirements to become an information technology professor. Information technology professors usually study information technology, computer science, or business. 54% of information technology professors hold a bachelor's degree, and 29% hold an master's degree. We analyzed 221 real information technology professor resumes to see exactly what information technology professor education sections show.

The most common colleges for information technology professors are the University of Phoenix and the University of Phoenix.

There are also many online information technology professor courses to help get the education required to be an information technology professor.

What education do you need to become an information technology professor?

What degree do you need to be an information technology professor?

The most common degree for information technology professors is bachelor's degree, with 54% of information technology professors earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are master's degree degree at 29% and master's degree degree at 10%.
  • Bachelor's, 54%
  • Master's, 29%
  • Associate, 10%
  • Doctorate, 5%
  • Other Degrees, 2%

What should I major in to become an information technology professor?

You should major in information technology to become an information technology professor. 16% of information technology professors major in information technology. Other common majors for an information technology professor include computer science and business.

Most common colleges for information technology professors

Information technology professors often get their degrees at University of Phoenix, Webster University, and Texas A&M; University. Here are the most common colleges for information technology professors in the US based on their resumes.
Information technology professor common collegePercentages
University of Phoenix10.91%
Webster University9.09%
Texas A&M University7.27%
University of Maryland - College Park7.27%
University of Puerto Rico - Rio Piedras Campus5.45%

Best majors for information technology professors

Best colleges for information technology professors

The best colleges for information technology professors are Carnegie Mellon University, University of Pennsylvania, and Northwestern University.

An information technology professor with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for information technology professors. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become information technology professors.

1. Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$55,465

Enrollment

6,483

2. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$55,584

Enrollment

10,764

3. University of Washington

Seattle, WA • Private

In-state tuition

$11,207

Enrollment

30,905

4. New York University

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$51,828

Enrollment

26,339

5. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$53,948

Enrollment

17,238

6. University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN • Private

In-state tuition

$14,760

Enrollment

31,451

7. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

In-state tuition

$54,568

Enrollment

8,451

8. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$56,225

Enrollment

19,548

9. Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$59,430

Enrollment

8,216

10. DePaul University

Chicago, IL • Private

In-state tuition

$39,975

Enrollment

14,280

20 best online courses for information technology professors

Advertising disclosure

1. Computer Hardware and Software

coursera

This course provides foundational understanding of how computers process information through hardware and software. You will investigate the world of Information Technology (IT) and survey hardware components, mobile devices, operating systems, programs and apps, network fundamentals, the Internet, and touch on security and ethics...

2. Information Technology (IT) and Cloud Fundamentals

coursera

In today’s connected world, core knowledge of IT hardware, software, networking, cybersecurity, and cloud technologies is vital for almost every function, or role within an organization. Adding storage, updating an operating system, connecting to a network, recognizing phishing, and setting up Cloud instances are some of the skills employees need or need help with. This five-course specialization provides prerequisite skills for almost all IT careers, including technical support specialist,...

3. Information Technology Essentials

udemy
4.4
(575)

Introduction to Information Technology and Information Systems...

4. The Absolute Beginners Guide to Information Technology 2023

udemy
4.6
(1,835)

Gain a solid foundation knowledge of all 4 main branches of Information Technology...

5. Information Systems Auditing, Controls and Assurance

coursera

The course is awarded The Best Free Online Courses of All Time, and Best Online Courses of the Year (2021 Edition) by Class Central (http://www.classcentral.com). --- Information systems (IS) are important assets to business organizations and are ubiquitous in our daily lives. With the latest IS technologies emerging, such as Big Data, FinTech, Virtual Banks, there are more concerns from the public on how organizations maintain systems’ integrity, such as data privacy, information security, the...

6. Being a researcher (in Information Science and Technology)

coursera

The course provides a broad view of how to become and progress as a researcher. It spans over a wide range of topics, from the historical development of scientific thought to research methodology, to the pragmatics of publication, research funding, evaluation, and promotion in a researcher’s career. It also stresses the ethical aspects of research. Although the course speaks about scientific research in general, it especially focuses on the field on Information and Communication Science and...

7. Beginner's Guide to Information Technology

udemy
4.5
(357)

Learn the basics of Information Technology and Computer Engineering...

8. Information Systems Security for Professionals: CISSP

udemy
4.5
(2,165)

Making Next Gen Information Security Leaders...

9. Introduction to Hardware and Operating Systems

coursera

Get ready to enter the thriving field of Information Technology (IT), with job ready skills! This beginner friendly course provides the core hardware and operating system knowledge needed by anyone new to IT and computer hardware who wants to start a new career in technology, including IT Support, Networking, Cybersecurity, and Software Development. You will first be introduced to computing fundamentals, the four functions of computing, and the benefits of computing. You will become...

10. Financial Technology (Fintech) Innovations

coursera

This specialization is intended to familiarize learners with a broad range of financial technologies. While finance has always been at the forefront of technological innovation, the financial industry is changing rapidly in the face of new technology. In the past, at the forefront of innovation in finance were central governments and financial institutions. Today, information technology firms and professionals are leading innovation in the financial industry.\n\nOur goal is to show learners the...

11. TCP/IP Socket Programming in C#.Net For Coders & Students

udemy
4.5
(1,286)

C# Networking in TCP IP Socket Library - Examples in Win Forms With async/await Tutorial, Client Server Example Code...

12. TCP/IP Training Video A Definitive & Easy To Follow Course

udemy
4.3
(906)

Essential TCP/IP Training Course For Professionals Who Manages Servers, Networks Or Any Other Network Connected Device...

13. Key Technologies for Business

coursera

In this Specialization, we will cover 3 key technologies that are foundational and driving significant growth and innovation. These are Cloud Computing, Data Science, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).\n\nTechnology is essential for the future of business. Almost any organization that wants to modernize or get ahead, and anyone working there, needs to understand and leverage these essential technologies.\n\nThe courses in this Specialization provide foundational knowledge of Cloud, Data and AI,...

14. Introduction to Computer Information Systems

coursera

This Specialization is intended for anyone seeking to learn basic computer skills. Through 3 courses, you will study computer hardware, software, and data safety. You will also learn about digital literacy and productivity tools. These courses will prepare you for a number of jobs within the field of computer information systems...

15. ISO/IEC 27002:2022. Information security controls

udemy
4.5
(770)

Learn about the comprehensive set of information security controls proposed by ISO/IEC 27002:2022...

16. Certificate Program In Management Information Systems

udemy
4.1
(261)

Learn about the exciting world of Management Information Systems and its impact on the way organisations now function...

17. Master Class: TCP/IP Mechanics from Scratch to Expert

udemy
4.7
(798)

Networking Course, UDP, TCP IP protocol Suite, Flow and Congestion Control, CCNA and others, TCP/IP Complete Course...

18. Internet and Web Development Fundamentals

udemy
4.5
(1,546)

Learn how the Internet Works and Setup a Testing & Production Web Server...

19. Basic Computer Course - Windows 7/10 - IT & Desktop Support

udemy
4.7
(1,213)

Basic computer course with troubleshooting skills -computer hardware and computer networking, for IT support technicians...

20. Information Security Management Fundamentals for Non-Techies

udemy
4.6
(13,166)

Learn the Fundamentals of Information Security Management for Non-Techies...

Top 10 most affordable universities for information technology professors

The most affordable schools for information technology professors are Baruch College of the City University of New York, brooklyn college of the city university of new york, and brigham young university.

If the best universities for information technology professors are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for information technology professors.

1. Baruch College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,262

Cost of attendance

14,046

2. Brooklyn College of the City University of New York

Brooklyn, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,240

Cost of attendance

13,991

3. Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • Private

In-state tuition

$5,620

Cost of attendance

18,136

4. California State University - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,749

Cost of attendance

14,823

5. University of South Florida

Tampa, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,410

Cost of attendance

20,456

6. Minot State University

Minot, ND • Private

In-state tuition

$7,064

Cost of attendance

15,576

7. University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez

Mayaguez, PR • Private

In-state tuition

$4,094

Cost of attendance

14,302

8. Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$5,656

Cost of attendance

21,623

9. Florida International University

Miami, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,556

Cost of attendance

19,434

10. SUNY Farmingdale

Farmingdale, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$8,306

Cost of attendance

16,091

Top 10 hardest universities to get into for information technology professors

The hardest universities for information technology professors to get into are Carnegie Mellon University, University of Pennsylvania, and Northwestern University.

Some great schools for information technology professors are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for information technology professors based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.

1. Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA • Private

Admissions rate

17%

SAT average

1,507

2. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,492

3. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,508

4. Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

6%

SAT average

1,512

5. New York University

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

20%

SAT average

1,419

6. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

Admissions rate

13%

SAT average

1,445

7. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

Admissions rate

22%

SAT average

1,420

8. Northeastern University

Boston, MA • Private

Admissions rate

19%

SAT average

1,466

9. Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • Private

Admissions rate

11%

SAT average

1,513

10. Washington University in St Louis

Saint Louis, MO • Private

Admissions rate

15%

SAT average

1,506

Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for information technology professors

The easiest schools for information technology professors to get into are Barry University, capitol technology university, and ottawa university.

Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as an information technology professor without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for information technology professors.

1. Barry University

Miami, FL • Private

Admissions rate

91%

SAT average

1,006

2. Capitol Technology University

Laurel, MD • Private

Admissions rate

69%

SAT average

1,070

3. Ottawa University

Ottawa, KS • Private

Admissions rate

78%

SAT average

1,024

4. Oklahoma Wesleyan University

Bartlesville, OK • Private

Admissions rate

68%

SAT average

964

5. University of Baltimore

Baltimore, MD • Private

Admissions rate

78%

SAT average

1,020

6. Gwynedd Mercy University

Gwynedd Valley, PA • Private

Admissions rate

92%

SAT average

1,031

7. Felician University

Lodi, NJ • Private

Admissions rate

81%

SAT average

999

8. The University of Texas at El Paso

El Paso, TX • Private

Admissions rate

100%

SAT average

1,035

9. Thomas More University

Crestview Hills, KY • Private

Admissions rate

90%

SAT average

1,099

10. Chestnut Hill College

Philadelphia, PA • Private

Admissions rate

96%

SAT average

1,026

Average information technology professor salary by education level

According to our data, information technology professors with a Doctorate degree earn the highest average salary, at $101,833 annually. Information technology professors with a Master's degree earn an average annual salary of $79,392.
Information technology professor education levelInformation technology professor salary
Master's Degree$79,392
Doctorate Degree$101,833

Information technology professor education FAQs

Search for information technology professor jobs

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Browse education, training, and library jobs