Technology Majors: Where Creativity Meets Innovation

Technology majors at GCU have the opportunity to apply themselves to a field in dynamic and innovative ways. As you pursue your STEM degree, you will have the opportunity to gain knowledge and experience hands-on work in important technical aspects of the field. As you complete your studies, you can prepare for a career in the IT space.

Button to play video: Showcasing GCU Senior’s Technological Innovations

Why Technology and IT Majors Matter Today

Technology is a driving force in so many areas of our lives. Staying on top of current trends and technological advances can be difficult, and it can be even more difficult to understand how they may affect us and the many industries we depend on. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), overall employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2022 to 2032.1 As the importance of this field grows, so does the need for knowledgeable professionals to monitor, implement and improve these technologies.

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Types of Technology Bachelor’s Degrees at GCU

At GCU you can choose a program that best prepares you for your career in the field. We offer various degree options focused on areas such as applied technology, software and IT, and business technology.

Develop Transferrable Skills Through Applied Coursework

By pursuing an applied technology degree, you will have the opportunity to focus your studies on the core components of the technology field. While non-applied technology programs may explore theory and practical applications of technology and related topics, applied programs channel your studies toward understanding practices and gaining relevant knowledge in a more hands-on manner. Additionally, you can benefit from the ability to apply transfer credits, allowing you to advance more quickly through your studies. This applied program can help you gain the essential skills necessary to enter a career in the technology field.

Prepare To Innovate Business Technology Solutions

Technology and business are two fields that can have a great impact on one another, and exploring the relationship between the two may be beneficial for aspiring technology professionals. These programs allow you to fuse your passion for technology and business into a career that fits your goals. The curriculum covers critical components of business, while also instilling you with knowledge of various areas of tech.

Options for Software Development or IT Majors

Aspiring technology professionals may consider earning a degree in IT, cybersecurity or software development. Our different software and IT degree options cater to your aspirations by teaching you core concepts of each discipline, while ensuring you are exposed to a comprehensive view of the technology industry.

If you’re looking to pursue a career in the software industry, while incorporating an engineering perspective, GCU’s bachelor’s in software engineering may be right for you.

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Explore All Undergraduate Tech Majors

Discover the diverse range of undergraduate tech majors available, each designed to equip you with the skills needed for careers in technology. Explore the various programs to find the one that best suits your interests and professional aspirations.

Technology Bachelor’s Coursework

During your undergraduate technology coursework, you will be taught a variety of subjects essential for becoming a well-rounded professional. Some of the key topics include:

  • Computer programming
  • Network security
  • Database management
  • Systems analysis and design
  • Cybersecurity principles
  • Information technology project management

You must meet specific academic requirements to become a technology major at GCU. These can include GPA and general education prerequisite requirements. To learn more about your eligibility, review our undergraduate admissions requirements and complete the form on this page to speak with a university counselor.

15

Number of research and development projects during the 2023-24 academic year

26

Number of labs paired with technology classes

Accreditations and Designations

GCU and our technology programs are accredited to ensure that we offer quality academic programs that can help prepare you for your career. Review our accreditation information below.

ABET Accreditation

Our bachelor’s in computer science programs are accredited by ABET and have been verified to meet the high standards established by the accreditor. These standards help to ensure our students are receiving an education that can prepare them to enter critical technical fields and positively contribute to society.

HLC Accreditation

GCU is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), receiving continuous accreditation since 1968. Our accreditation speaks to the quality of the university and the programs we offer. We take pride in ensuring our students receive a valuable academic experience that can help them reach their goals.

CAE-CD Designation

Receiving the CAE-CD designation demonstrates our commitment to strengthening the national infrastructure. By offering higher education programs that promote research in cyberdefense, we can help graduate capable technology professionals who can contribute to the good of society and our national security. The CAE-CD designation recognizes college programs that meet the National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Defense (DoD) learning standards.

Pair Your Major With a Minor of Your Choice

If your academic focus falls outside of technology, there are still ways to incorporate this critical knowledge into your studies. We offer various technology minors that can complement most degree programs. With options such as a minor in cybersecurity, networking technology and web application development, you can gain additional knowledge to help yourself become a more well-rounded, competitive professional, no matter what field you’re pursuing.

Check with your university counselor to see if adding a minor to your degree program is available and aligns with your academic and career goals.

Male and female technology majors holding computer science project at GCU showcase

FAQs for Aspiring Technology Majors

If you’re looking to enter the technology field, review some commonly asked questions and answers to gain more insight into this career path.

The best undergraduate technology degree for you will depend on your specific career interests and goals. Exploring different curricula and degree emphases, such as a computer science degree with an emphasis in big data analytics, business entrepreneurship or game and simulation development, can help you decide which may best provide you with the knowledge you need to get started down your ideal career path.

Mathematics is often a crucial aspect of technology degree programs, offering essential problem-solving and analytical skills. While the specific math courses will vary by technology degree, here are some typical math requirements among technology degree programs:

  • Algebra
  • Applied linear algebra
  • Pre-calculus
  • Applied calculus
  • Physics
  • Statistics

While IT and computer science have similarities, they have distinct differences as well. In IT programs, you will be taught how to manage and optimize computer networks, systems and databases, as well as develop problem-solving skills for when these systems encounter issues. In computer science programs, you will be taught programming skills and how to develop and enhance the backend of computer software and technology.

There are multiple degree options that may be suitable for pursuing a career in the IT field. These include computer science, information technology, cybersecurity and software development. Depending on what area of IT you’re looking to pursue, you can choose a program that focuses on your specific interests.

Many technology jobs require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a related field in order to qualify for the position.2 Some positions, however, such as a computer and information research scientist, may require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible.3 A related bachelor’s degree can be a good starting point, and choosing a major related to your area of interest can help you when exploring job opportunities.

 

Career Possibilities After Earning Your Bachelor’s

There are various career possibilities for information technology majors and tech majors. Job potential may vary depending on your specific focus, such as IT, software development or business technology. Some potential career paths include:

  • Computer and information systems manager
  • Computer systems analyst
  • Information security analyst
  • Data scientist
  • Computer network architect
  • Database architect
  • Software developer
  • Software quality assurance analysts and tester
  • Computer hardware engineer

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations was $104,420 in May 2023.4 About 377,500 openings are also projected each year, on average this group from 2022 to 2032.1

$104,420

Median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations as of May 20234

377,500

Estimated number of new jobs for computer and information technology occupations from 2022 to 20321

Support and Resources for STEM Students

All our students have access to helpful support and resources that can aid them as they pursue their degrees. Technology students may benefit from taking advantage of the multiple on-campus or online resources. College of Engineering and Technology students can also explore additional resources specific to their field of study.

† MOU 9732: New Undergraduate Student Holiday Scholarship is only valid for those applicants who submit a complete application, meet all requirements for acceptance and start their program in December 2024. If you enroll in an undergraduate program, we will award you a $750 scholarship toward your tuition, which will be applied over your first academic year, as defined in the University Policy Handbook. This scholarship cannot be used in conjunction with any other GCU scholarship/awards, except the Persistence Credit, the Lifelong Learning Scholarship or the Military Veteran Tuition Scholarship. This scholarship will be applied toward your tuition only, and you will not receive funds in excess of your charges.

1 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2022 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2023, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Computer and Information Technology Occupations, retrieved June 19, 2024.

2 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024). Computer and information technology occupations. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved June 18, 2024.

3 Wintemute, D. (2022, Dec. 23). How to Become a Computer and Information Research Scientist. Best Colleges. Retrieved July 10, 2024.

4 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Computer and Information Technology Occupations, as of May 2023, retrieved June 19, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates in computer and information technology occupations, nor does it reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc., against a pool of candidates.

Take the first step in your STEM journey by applying for a technology major at GCU. Learn more by speaking with a university counselor today.