Online degree programs in Internet technology
are available on the associate's, bachelor's and master's levels. Areas
of study generally include data management, network security, and
website design and development.
Through an online associate's degree program, students can enhance
their knowledge of Internet technology or acquire new skills in the
field. Major areas of study typically include electronic commerce
(e-commerce), Web programming, Web administration and Web publishing.
These programs are intended to provide a foundation in all aspects of
the Internet, establishing a path for future specialization.
Because most programs require students to get their assignments,
participate in discussions and submit their homework online, Internet
technology students should have access to a computer with high-speed
Internet access. Most courses require software programs such as
Dreamweaver, NetObjects Fusion and Caspio, and textbooks and videos also
may be used. Associate-level programs in Internet technology may be
offered entirely online; however, they often include a mix of distance
education and on-campus classes.
Common Online Courses
Associate's degree candidates examine the functions of various
Internet technology platforms, such as communications and business
applications. Students should be comfortable working with computers and
have a basic knowledge of the Windows PC environment.
Introduction to HTML Course
In this online course, students learn to use HyperText Markup
Language (HTML) code to create Web pages that include text, images and
links. They develop an understanding of page organization, as well as
incorporation of graphics into Web documents. Students are tasked with
creating their own websites and developing plans to enhance them.
C++ Programming Course
Students are introduced to structured programming techniques using
C++ programming language and syntax. Topics covered include arrays,
variables, functions, expressions and algorithms. Particular emphasis is
placed on object-oriented analysis and design.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Course
This course teaches students the fundamentals of search engine
optimization (SEO), which is the application of techniques designed to
draw traffic to a website. Areas of study include website programming
for search engines, such as Google, and the development and application
of keywords and phrases to enhance a website's search rankings.
Associate's degree graduates can pursue a number of entry-level
career options, such as Web applications programmer, Web services team
leader or network architect, with various businesses or government
agencies. Salaries vary depending on the position and skill set
required. In July 2010, the average starting salary for an entry-level
Web designer was $32,490, and the median annual salary for all Web
designers was $47,672, according to
Salary.com.
Online Bachelor's Degree in Internet Technology Overview
Bachelor's degree programs allow students to build on their knowledge
of Internet technology by exploring one or more specialized areas of
study, such as information management, networking, Web and digital media
or project management. Many online bachelor's programs combine textbook
assignments and classroom discussions with research projects.
Some institutions require bachelor's candidates to complete prerequisite coursework in
computer programming,
database management or networking technologies. Most programs are
taught completely online and include downloadable lectures and
discussion board participation; however, some schools require students
to take part in group assignments on-campus. Students also may be
required to participate in an internship in an interdisciplinary area,
such as education, the arts or new media.
Common Online Courses
Bachelor's students explore more complex areas of Internet technology
with a particular focus on the relationships between databases and
websites. They also learn how information is delivered in an online
platform.
Web Scripting Course
This online course introduces the various tools required to create
dynamic websites, such as XHTML, Javascript, XML, server-side scripting
languages and data access standards. Students typically must create Web
pages that interface with a database and demonstrate effective use of
the Javascript programming language.
Webmaster: Roles and Responsibilities Course
In this course, students learn to install and configure Web and
application servers and run Common Gateway Interface (CGI) scripts.
Other topics covered include Web security, UNIX and Windows/NT basics,
and legal and privacy issues.
Creating and Managing Web Databases Course
This course focuses on the design, performance and scalability of Web
database systems. Students are introduced to relational database
structures, as well as related terminology and theoretical concepts.
Course assignments might include using Sequel Query Language (SQL) to
create a database application.
Graduates with a bachelor's degree in Internet technology generally
are equipped for senior- or managerial-level positions, such as website
manager, senior application developer or Web and digital media producer.
Salaries fluctuate by industry. The median salary for a website manager
was $62,931 in July 2010, as reported by
Salary.com.
Online Master's Degree in Internet Technology Overview
Although programs are rare, it's possible for students to pursue an
online master's degree in Internet technology. Students generally must
complete a set of core classes, which may be available in both fully
online or hybrid formats, before declaring an area of focus, such as
telecommunications management or network administration. A capstone
project often is required to complete an online master's program in
Internet technology.
Applicants typically must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited
college or university. Most classes are conducted online, but students
may be required to attend on-campus lectures or meet in-person with
their professors.
Common Online Courses
Master's students examine key components of Internet technology to
hone their skills in areas such as systems and project management.
E-Commerce Website Security Course
This online course allows students to explore and examine the
numerous security threats that e-commerce websites face. They also learn
to develop security protocols, including best practices for dealing
with hackers, spoofing attacks and security breaches in server-side
executable files.
Telecommunications System Management Course
This online course introduces basic principles and major components
of telecommunications systems. Students examine key networking
technologies, such as ATM, ADSL and mobile wireless networks, as well as
networking services and applications.
Data Mining Course
Students receive an overview of methods commonly used to search for
significant patterns and trends in large databases. Topics of discussion
include machine learning, in addition to statistical and visualization
techniques used to discover and present knowledge in a comprehensible
form.
Those who've completed a master's degree might attain positions such
as Web and collaborative services director or senior applications
analyst. In July 2010,
Salary.com reported that the average
annual salary for an e-commerce director, a position for which a
master's degree is usually required, could range as high as $129,513.
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