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Information technology trainee education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read

There are several educational requirements to become an information technology trainee. Information technology trainees usually study computer science, information technology, or business. 59% of information technology trainees hold a bachelor's degree, and 15% hold an associate degree. We analyzed 501 real information technology trainee resumes to see exactly what information technology trainee education sections show.

The most common colleges for information technology trainees are the University of Illinois at Chicago and the University of Illinois at Chicago.

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

There are certain information technology trainee certifications that you should consider. These information technology trainee certifications include Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) and CompTIA A+ Certification.

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

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

The most common degree for information technology trainees is bachelor's degree, with 59% of information technology trainees earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are associate degree degree at 15% and associate degree degree at 9%.
  • Bachelor's, 59%
  • Associate, 15%
  • High School Diploma, 9%
  • Master's, 8%
  • Other Degrees, 9%

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

You should major in computer science to become an information technology trainee. 18% of information technology trainees major in computer science. Other common majors for an information technology trainee include information technology and business.

Most common colleges for information technology trainees

Information technology trainees often get their degrees at University of Illinois at Chicago, Central Washington University, and Chicago State University. Here are the most common colleges for information technology trainees in the US based on their resumes.
Information technology trainee common collegePercentages
University of Illinois at Chicago9.52%
Central Washington University7.14%
Chicago State University7.14%
University of the District of Columbia4.76%
Vista College4.76%

Best majors for information technology trainees

Best colleges for information technology trainees

The best colleges for information technology trainees are Northwestern University, University of Pennsylvania, and Stanford University.

An information technology trainee 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 trainees. 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 trainees.

1. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$55,584

Enrollment

10,764

2. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

In-state tuition

$54,568

Enrollment

8,451

3. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$56,225

Enrollment

19,548

4. California State University - Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,309

Enrollment

9,142

5. SUNY at Binghamton

Vestal, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$9,808

Enrollment

13,990

6. San Diego State University

San Diego, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,488

Enrollment

30,018

7. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$51,354

Enrollment

7,083

8. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$53,948

Enrollment

17,238

9. New York University

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$51,828

Enrollment

26,339

10. University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN • Private

In-state tuition

$14,760

Enrollment

31,451

20 best online courses for information technology trainees

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1. Computer Hardware and Software

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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

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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

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Introduction to Information Technology and Information Systems...

4. The Absolute Beginners Guide to Information Technology 2023

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

5. Introduction to Hardware and Operating Systems

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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...

6. Information Systems Auditing, Controls and Assurance

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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...

7. Beginner's Guide to Information Technology

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

8. Computer Hardware, Operating System and Networking

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For Any Graduates/Engineering/Diploma/Arts & Science/Freshers/Home Users/Individuals/Desktop Support/FM/Service Engineer...

9. Introduction to Computer Information Systems

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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...

10. IBM IT Support

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Prepare for an in-demand career in Information Technology (IT). In this program, you’ll develop a strong foundation in IT fundamentals, networking, cybersecurity, and cloud computing to get job-ready in as little as 3 months, with no prior experience or degree needed to get started.\n\nAlmost every organization, business, or individual relies on technology. A career in IT Support is about providing technological assistance to better optimize organizational efficiency. This can include...

11. Certified Information Systems Security Officer (CISSO)

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Certified Information Systems Security Officer (CISSO) Certification Exam Prep Course...

12. Certificate Program In Management Information Systems

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

13. Introduction to Technical Support

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Technical Support professionals are in great demand! This is the first course in the IBM IT Support Professional Certificate program, designed to prepare you for a rewarding career in technical support. You will begin this self-paced course by learning what Informational Technology (IT) support is all about. You'll find out the roles and responsibilities of Technical Support professionals and become familiar with all the different career paths you can take in Technical Support. You will also...

14. Desktop IT Support Level 1 & 2 in real life (Troubleshooting

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Learn everything in real life Troubleshooting for IT Help Desk , Helpdesk , IT Support , System Administration and IT...

15. Information Systems Security for Professionals: CISSP

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Making Next Gen Information Security Leaders...

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

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

17. Technology Systems Auditing (Part 1 of 2)

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Technology Systems Auditing Training Course...

18. Practical Aspects of Information System Audit (For Beginner)

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Practical Aspects of Information System Audit (For Beginners)...

19. Computer Network Fundamentals- IT Helpdesk & Desktop Support

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Learn the basic fundamentals of computer networking & OSI model for desktop support and IT service desk technicians...

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

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

Top 10 most affordable universities for information technology trainees

The most affordable schools for information technology trainees are California State University - Bakersfield, california state university - long beach, and suny farmingdale.

If the best universities for information technology trainees 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 trainees.

1. California State University - Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,309

Cost of attendance

16,714

2. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,798

Cost of attendance

18,306

3. SUNY Farmingdale

Farmingdale, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$8,306

Cost of attendance

16,091

4. California State University - Fullerton

Fullerton, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,886

Cost of attendance

17,645

5. University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez

Mayaguez, PR • Private

In-state tuition

$4,094

Cost of attendance

14,302

6. Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • Private

In-state tuition

$5,620

Cost of attendance

18,136

7. Brooklyn College of the City University of New York

Brooklyn, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,240

Cost of attendance

13,991

8. City College of New York of the City University of New York, The

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,140

Cost of attendance

14,430

9. University of South Florida

Tampa, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,410

Cost of attendance

20,456

10. California State University - Dominguez Hills

Carson, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,942

Cost of attendance

14,469

Top 10 hardest universities to get into for information technology trainees

The hardest universities for information technology trainees to get into are Northwestern University, University of Pennsylvania, and Stanford University.

Some great schools for information technology trainees 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 trainees 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. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,508

2. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,492

3. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

Admissions rate

4%

SAT average

1,497

4. Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • Private

Admissions rate

10%

SAT average

1,514

5. Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • Private

Admissions rate

5%

SAT average

1,520

6. Duke University

Durham, NC • Private

Admissions rate

9%

SAT average

1,516

7. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

Admissions rate

13%

SAT average

1,445

8. Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA • Private

Admissions rate

17%

SAT average

1,507

9. Washington University in St Louis

Saint Louis, MO • Private

Admissions rate

15%

SAT average

1,506

10. New York University

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

20%

SAT average

1,419

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

The easiest schools for information technology trainees to get into are Oklahoma Wesleyan University, barry university, and nyack college.

Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as an information technology trainee 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 trainees.

1. Oklahoma Wesleyan University

Bartlesville, OK • Private

Admissions rate

68%

SAT average

964

2. Barry University

Miami, FL • Private

Admissions rate

91%

SAT average

1,006

3. Nyack College

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

98%

SAT average

999

4. La Roche College

Pittsburgh, PA • Private

Admissions rate

99%

SAT average

1,008

5. LIM College

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

83%

SAT average

1,061

6. Notre Dame College

Cleveland, OH • Private

Admissions rate

90%

SAT average

994

7. San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA • Private

Admissions rate

72%

SAT average

1,054

8. Iona College

New Rochelle, NY • Private

Admissions rate

88%

SAT average

1,089

9. Saint Martin's University

Lacey, WA • Private

Admissions rate

96%

SAT average

1,111

10. Linfield College

McMinnville, OR • Private

Admissions rate

81%

SAT average

1,117

Average information technology trainee salary by education level

Information technology trainees with a Master's degree earn more than those without, at $44,381 annually. With a Doctorate degree, information technology trainees earn a median annual income of $42,845 compared to $39,908 for information technology trainees with an Bachelor's degree.
Information technology trainee education levelInformation technology trainee salary
Master's Degree$44,381
High School Diploma or Less$36,708
Bachelor's Degree$39,908
Doctorate Degree$42,845
Some College/ Associate Degree$37,315

Information technology trainee education FAQs

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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.

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