The possibilities for advancements and growth in Technology are endless and therefore will continue to provide excellent job opportunities to degree-holders. Students in this major will learn marketable skills in everything from setting up complex computer networks to troubleshooting software. Computer Programming, Telecommunications, Systems Administration, Networking, Information Systems Operation and Management and Technology Education/Industrial Arts all fall under the Technology school umbrella.

Degree programs of all levels—certificate, associate, bachelor's, master's—are available to Technology majors at technical schools, career colleges, community colleges, online schools, 4-year colleges and universities. While Computer Support Services and Web Design and Internet majors find work easily with certificates and associate degrees, Computer Science and Software Development majors generally seek higher-level degrees from colleges and universities.

Successful Technology majors are usually both computer savvy and great communicators. If you are considering a Technology degree program you should be a quick learner, a strong analytic thinker and great at solving problems and puzzles. Some positions require interpersonal skills while others require creative skills.

Choosing a Technology School

You'll find no shortage of reputable Technology programs nationwide at technical schools, online schools, career colleges, community colleges, 4-year colleges and universities. One way to narrow down the choices for this major is to consider the length and level of different degree programs from seeking a certificate to going after a master's degree. The quality, number and size of computer labs should be on top of your college checklist, too, since you'll be spending many hours in front of the screen. Career placement services, internship programs and other hands-on opportunities are also invaluable.

Technology Degree Programs

For entry-level positions in Technology such as help desk support specialists, information systems technicians or software testers, certificate programs and associate career training degrees are sufficient. These programs, often offered at technical schools and career colleges, provide strong technical skills specific to certain careers.

For more advanced positions and greater earning potential across all Technology majors, many students seek a bachelor's degree from a technical school, college, online school or university. These programs not only offer you more time to hone your technical skills, but also provide core curriculum classes and usually a chance to specialize in a particular area of Technology.

A master's degree in Technology from a college or university can further your expertise across the board in computer science and provide extra expertise in a specific area. For some jobs, a bachelor's degree in science or business for example, will work well with a master's in Technology.

Online Technology Degree Programs at Online Schools

Many technical schools, career colleges, 4-year colleges and universities offer online degree programs in Technology. Online school is a great option for students who want to build skills for a career in Technology on a flexible schedule. However, be prepared to fulfill a long list of hardware and software technology requirements to complete your online degree.

High School Preparation

During high school, prospective Technology majors should take as many computer courses as possible. AP computer science courses, community college computer classes and even computer science summer camp will all look great on your college applications. Beyond computers, work hard in math and science classes where you'll learn logical thinking skills. For many Technology careers communication is also key so English, drama, speech and debate can help.

Popular Careers in the Field of Technology

The field of Technology is growing at a rapid pace and almost all careers are experiencing excellent job prospects. The best and highest-paying positions will go to those with bachelor's degrees and master's degrees and to those with the most experience. Throughout your Technology career, you must keep up with the latest developments and trends to stay marketable in the workforce.

Within the field of Technology, you can pursue many careers. Network architects and database managers earn some of the highest salaries averaging between $78,000 and $116,000 per year, while support specialists earn the lowest salaries averaging betweens $32,000 and $54,000 a year. In the middle systems administrators see annual salaries around $49,000 to $79,000 and database and web developers can expect to earn $55,000 to $103,000 annually.

To advance your Technology career, many individuals seek supervisory or managerial roles. Others who start in entry-level technician positions may work their way up internally. Holding certificates stating expertise in a particular hardware or software package can also entice prospective employers, as is having any specializations in areas such as network security, user interface design or programming languages.