How Long Does It Take to Get a Technology Degree?

Graduates with academic qualifications in the technology sector are in high demand in today’s modern workforce. Employers need qualified candidates to work in fields such as computer science, engineering, cybersecurity, information technology (IT) and similar specializations. If you would like to work in one of these dynamic fields, your first step toward pursuing your dream career is to earn a technology degree.

If you do not yet have a bachelor’s degree, you’ll start by becoming an undergraduate student. Then, you can enter the workforce directly or go on to apply to graduate school — or both!

Earning Your Bachelor’s Degree in Technology

Most undergraduates will need four years to complete their technology degree. These four years consist of two semesters per year, during which the student takes classes on a full-time basis. Of course, many students decide that they would like to take on an entry level job right away and earn their degree on the side. If you enroll as a part-time bachelor’s degree student, you can expect it to take longer than four years to complete your degree. Different universities have different graduation requirements. Before enrolling in a program, you should always make sure you understand your technology degree’s requirements. For example, a typical bachelor’s degree at Grand Canyon University requires the successful completion of 120 credits. Most courses are worth four credits. To earn your degree, you will need to complete general education credits and degree-specific credits.

You will find that this is the case regardless of which school you choose. These courses are intended to help students become better communicators, servant leaders and ethical decision-makers. You will also need to complete a certain number of degree-specific courses. This number will vary depending on the particular degree program you have chosen. The topics covered by these classes also depend on your degree. For example, cybersecurity students can expect to study concepts in cyberlaw, cyber forensic investigations and malware analysis.

Lastly, students are allotted a certain number of credits for electives. Students generally choose electives from outside their major to enhance their breadth of knowledge and perspectives. The electives you choose should fuel your passions and help direct the course of your future career. For example, technology degree students might choose to take electives in communications. This can train them to become better employees in the future. Each semester, be sure to take a balanced course load of general education requirements, degree-specific courses and electives. You can talk to your academic advisor to make sure you’re on the right track toward graduation.

Earning a Master’s Degree in Technology

You may decide to work toward a graduate-level technology degree immediately after graduating with a bachelor’s degree. Alternatively, you can enter the workforce and then earn your master’s degree later, while you’re still working full-time. The length of time it will take you to complete a master’s degree in technology depends on how many classes you take at a time. If you are working toward your degree on a full-time basis, it may take as little as one year to complete your degree, depending on the graduation requirements of your particular program. However, it is quite common for students to earn a master’s degree on a part-time basis. In these cases, it may take two, three or perhaps even four years to graduate, depending on how many classes you take at a time.

When scheduling your classes, be mindful of the other demands on your time. If you are working full-time while raising a family, it may be best to take just one class initially to get a sense of how you’re able to balance your time. After that first semester, you may decide to take multiple courses at once. It’s also a good idea to choose a master’s in technology degree program that you can complete from anywhere.

Considering Ways of Accelerating

Your graduation ambitious students who are eager to enter the workforce or apply for a promotion at their current company may want to graduate as soon as possible. Talk to your academic advisor about the possibility of taking summer classes to accelerate your graduation date.

Another way to accelerate your graduation date is to consider whether you have any transfer credits available. If you have previously taken courses at another college, these may transfer to your new degree program. In addition, bachelor’s degree students may have taken Advanced Placement (AP) courses in high school. The successful completion of these courses can allow students to earn college credit before they are even enrolled in a technology degree program.

Grand Canyon University is a leading destination for students who aspire to pursue 21st century careers in the technology sector. Undergraduate students can choose from a wide range of baccalaureate programs, including our Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degrees. Those who already hold a baccalaureate degree may wish to become more competitive candidates in the job marketplace by earning a master’s degree. GCU offers a Master of Science in Computer Science and a Master of Science in Information Technology Management, among other technology degrees.