Computing & Engineering

Information Technology major, explained.

Keep the technology people depend on secure, connected, and useful.

Information Technology explores how networks, cloud services, operating systems, support, security, databases, and organizational needs fit together. Students commonly study Networking, Systems administration, Cloud computing, IT security, and Technical support and project management. Programs vary by college, but the field generally combines foundational ideas with applied work so students can investigate meaningful questions, make informed decisions, and communicate what they discover.

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You might enjoy this if

Notice what feels familiar.

You like solving practical technology problems for real users.

You enjoy configuring, testing, documenting, and improving systems.

You can stay patient while diagnosing problems with many possible causes.

The study experience

What the work may feel like.

Programs differ by college. These labels describe common areas of emphasis, not a score or universal rating.

Reading Regular
Writing Frequent
Quantitative work Frequent
Labs or hands-on work Central
Design and making Regular
People and collaboration Central
Questions you may keep asking

What does the user or organization need the system to do reliably?

Where could access, security, compatibility, or support break down?

How should the technology be documented and maintained over time?

NetworkingSystems administrationCloud computingIT securityTechnical support and project management

What can you do with this major?

One major. More than one direction.

These are example connections, not guaranteed outcomes. Many careers welcome more than one major, and some require additional education or licensure.

Systems Administrator

Configures and maintains the servers, accounts, services, and systems an organization uses.

Network Administrator

Supports the devices, connections, performance, and security of organizational networks.

Cloud Support Engineer

Helps deploy, troubleshoot, and maintain applications and infrastructure on cloud platforms.

IT Project Specialist

Coordinates technology implementations, users, vendors, requirements, documentation, and timelines.

Information Technology can support several career directions, and employers may welcome graduates from related fields. Practical experience, internships, projects, and additional credentials can matter alongside the degree.

Try it before college

Projects that make Information Technology more real.

Reading helps you understand a field. A Compass project helps you discover whether you enjoy doing the work.

Each project includes a step-by-step plan, custom AI prompts, reflection guidance, and a finished creation for the student’s portfolio. See how Compass works
Compass project 20–42 hours

Make Your Life Run on Autopilot

Automate one annoying personal workflow so technology quietly handles the boring parts without creating new chaos.

You will create
personal workflow automation and reliability case study
Build this with Compass
Compass project 30–56 hours

Audit an App’s Privacy Trail

Follow what one app asks for, collects, shares, stores, and leaves unclear before tapping “Allow.”

You will create
consumer app privacy audit
Build this with Compass
Compass project 18–40 hours

Build an AI Assistant for a Local Business

Use AI to help a real business communicate better, save time, or serve customers.

You will create
AI Assistant Concept
Build this with Compass

Keep exploring

Related majors worth comparing.

Sources and important context

Compass presents a curated collection of 100 widely studied and commonly searched undergraduate majors. The collection is not a statistical ranking. Major names and CIP connections follow common US college usage and the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs. Study patterns are editorial summaries of common program structures and vary by college. Career directions are examples, not guaranteed outcomes. Students should compare actual curricula, admission rules, accreditation, and licensing requirements at colleges they are considering.

NCES CIP codes: 11.0103

  • NCES Classification of Instructional ProgramsNational Center for Education Statistics. Official US taxonomy for fields of study and instructional programs.
  • Field of DegreeUS Bureau of Labor Statistics. Federal career exploration resources organized around broad college fields.
  • O*NET OnLineUS Department of Labor. Detailed descriptions of occupations, tasks, knowledge, skills, and work activities.
Turn this interest into something real.

Compass gives students the project and the plan.

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