It's no secret that many of today's most exciting job opportunities involve technology. Many people, however, don't realize just how diverse this field is or how quickly it's evolving. Given the swift pace of change, quality training is more important than ever. The right degree can make a world of difference.

At JWU Online, we're pleased to provide a variety of degree programs that will thoroughly prepare you to take on the best and brightest tech jobs of tomorrow. Take a look:

BS – Computer Science

A beneficial degree program that provides access to a diverse range of job opportunities, the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science helps you develop and apply critical thinking using key findings from math, engineering, and other relevant subjects.

What You'll Learn

Develop a strong foundation in computer science with a program that emphasizes the following topics and skills:

• Programming languages
• Information security
• Operating systems
• Assembly language programming
• Network protocols
• Project management

In addition to fine-tuning technical skills, you'll apply the practice of algorithmic thinking to practical situations while integrating insights from business, economics, mathematics, and more. This interdisciplinary approach will serve you well as you pursue a career in the quickly evolving field of computer science.

Career Opportunities and Outlook

A variety of employers seek professionals with computer science skills for entry-level and mid-level positions. Many of these career tracks boast impressive growth potential. Upon graduating, you could excel as a computer programmer, a software developer, or a database administrator.

Job growth varies between these professions but is generally above average as compared to other career opportunities. Software developers, for example, are in high demand, with projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) suggesting a job-growth outlook of 22 percent between 2019 and 2029.

The unprecedented demand in these fields has prompted impressive wage growth. BLS data reveals median annual salaries approaching or even exceeding six figures for most careers related to computer science.

BSBA – Enterprise Risk Management

Pairing technical pursuits with leadership and management skills, the BSBA in Enterprise Risk Management prepares you to take on a variety of challenges that threaten everyday operations. These concerns include everything from cybercrime to workplace violence.

What You'll Learn

Business administration and computer science both play an important role in this degree program, which provides an interdisciplinary approach to these key topics:

• Managerial accounting
• Business analytics
• Risk analysis
• Cybersecurity operations

Meanwhile, you'll learn how to use ethical business practices to support effective solutions for business problems such as cybercrime and domestic terrorism. You'll also delve into risk recovery plans and measures for maintaining business continuity.

Career Opportunities and Outlook

Enterprise risk management is a rapidly growing field with huge potential. The BLS cites a ten-year job outlook of 15 percent for financial management jobs in general, as well as median pay of $129,890 per year. Financial managers involved in scientific and technical services, however, earn median wages of $152,810 per year.

MBA – Information Security/Assurance

Another exciting degree program that combines the best of management and technical skills, the MBA in Information Security and Assurance provides a clear path for entering a challenging, but fulfilling field that is currently bursting with opportunity.

What You’ll Learn

This program emphasizes the growing role of data collection in the digital world. As an MBA student focused on information security, you’ll delve into several aspects of information technology and security operations, including:

• Business continuity
• Incident response
• Risk management
• Operations management

These specific skills are developed alongside a business administration core that will enable you to transition between several fields as needed.

Career Opportunities and Outlook

Equipped with your MBA in Information Security and Assurance, you can take on roles in information security analysis or even move up into high-level positions such as information systems management.

Information security analysts are currently experiencing unprecedented demand, with BLS data pointing to a ten-year job-growth outlook of 31 percent. While the ten percent outlook for information systems management is a bit more modest, this role produces a median annual salary of $146,360 in general and $152,840 when it centers around computer systems design.

MS – Data Analytics

A Master of Science in Data Analytics draws on the ever-rising importance of data in today's corporate environment. This program delivers a broad array of opportunities for applying data analytics skills.

What You'll Learn

Upon graduating with your M.S. in Data Analytics, you'll be able to handle huge volumes of data to analyze market trends and make strategic decisions based on this understanding. Specific skills you'll develop include:

• Data mining
• Statistical analysis
• Predictive modeling
• Time series analysis

Career Opportunities and Outlook

Your M.S. in Data Analytics will prepare you for success in several fields. As a management analyst or consultant, for example, you could draw on insights from big data to improve corporate efficiency. This role has a job growth outlook of 11 percent and produced median annual earnings of $85,260 in 2019.

Similarly, operations research analysts use big data skills to solve complex problems. The BLS reports an excellent outlook of 25 percent for this position, as well as median annual earnings of $84,810. With a graduate degree, however, a six-figure salary is not only possible, but likely after obtaining years of relevant work experience.

MS – Instructional Design & Technology

As remote learning takes over, the field of instructional design is experiencing a swift uptick in demand. Academic institutions and corporations alike are on the hunt for experts capable of helping them develop, maintain, and troubleshoot solutions for online learning and job training. An M.S. in Instructional Design & Technology helps you drive solutions that empower employees and students alike.

What You'll Learn

This master's degree program emphasizes andragogical principles, which highlight the need for deeper meaning and fulfillment in adult learning. To that end, you'll apply research-backed findings as you design learning experiences that truly engage adult students. These will incorporate the framework known as Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Additionally, you'll learn how to implement such experiences effectively by applying project management best practices.

Career Opportunities and Outlook

While a bachelor's degree could qualify you for work as a development specialist responsible for planning and administering training programs, enrolling in graduate school could help you advance quickly to take on the most lucrative positions.

This field holds an outlook of 9 percent and median annual wages of $61,210, but job candidates with elite credentials can expect to move up the career ladder quickly. Additionally, BLS research suggests that instructional design specialists involved in scientific, and technical services enjoy a significant earnings boost that allows for median wages of $71,460 per year.

Whether you're interested in designing training solutions or fighting cybercrime, a tech-oriented degree could prepare you for a variety of exciting jobs. Take advantage of this opportunity to add much-needed credentials to your resume.

For more information, complete the Request Info form, call 855-JWU-1881, or email onlineadmissions@jwu.edu.