IT Certifications vs. Degree: Which Is Right for You?

Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on

Find out whether you need a degree or certifications to access jobs in the IT sector.

[Featured Image] A person sits in their kitchen and uses their laptop to research whether they should earn IT certifications or a degree for their career path.

Key takeaways

You can pursue various jobs in information technology (IT) by earning a bachelor’s degree or obtaining an IT certification. 

  • A bachelor’s degree in computer science, software or computer engineering, web design or development, computer networking, or cybersecurity is an entry degree for some IT jobs.

  • IT certifications can also prepare you for jobs in the field, and you can study such topics as network security, cybersecurity, and project management. 

  • You can earn a certification to prepare for various roles in IT, including help desk technician, security engineer, IT project manager, and systems administrator.

Learn more about the benefits of a degree or IT certification to determine which option best suits you and your career goals. If you’re ready to start developing your skills, consider enrolling in the IBM IT Support Professional Certificate. You’ll have the chance to build a strong IT foundation and learn about cybersecurity, networking, and databases in as little as three months. Upon completion, you’ll have earned a career credential to share on your resume and LinkedIn profile. 

Do I need a degree to work in IT?

Depending on the role, employers may ask for a degree to access some IT jobs. You’ll likely encounter this more when applying to specialist or senior roles. However, not every IT job requires a degree. Many entry-level jobs are available with the right experience and skills without a degree.

Similarly, if you have relevant certifications and experience, you may successfully qualify for mid-level IT positions and beyond. A 2025 study by CompTIA found that 97 percent of HR managers found certifications important for validating technical learning and developing skills [1].

Examples of IT degrees 

The IT industry spans a range of disciplines and professions, ranging from design and development to support and security, so when it comes to degrees, you have a wealth of majors to choose from, depending on your career goals. A bachelor’s in computer science or information technology can help you build a broad knowledge base and provide the opportunity to build a wealth of general IT skills transferable across various positions. You can expect to learn about topics such as understanding computer systems, the basics of information sharing and exchange, data collection, design, development, and analysis.

If you have a career in mind, choosing a degree that relates closely might be helpful. Other examples of IT degrees include:

Which degrees offer the highest salaries?

When choosing your degree, you may want to consider your choice's impact on your salary. Degrees are generally associated with higher-paying jobs and are often essential for career development. However, some degrees can lead to higher wages than others.

According to the University of Bridgeport, computer engineering and data science were among the highest-paying majors in the United States in 2025 [2]. The highest-paid tech majors include [2]:

  • Computer science and engineering

  • Data science and analytics

  • Artificial intelligence and machine learning

What jobs can I apply for with an IT degree?

Getting an IT degree can prepare you for a wide range of positions, including those in data analysis or database management, web and software development, and information security, among others. When you go through degree programs, you can hone relevant IT skills at an advanced level and workplace skills, which you practice during the course.

The knowledge, skills, and experience you gain through a degree give you a solid foundation, allowing you to access many opportunities in the field of IT, whichever route you choose. With the right experience and the necessary skills, in addition to a relevant degree, you could pursue various jobs, including the following examples, listed with their median total pay: 

All salary information represents the median total pay from Glassdoor as of January 2026. These figures include base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

Read more: 7 IT Career Paths and How to Get Started

Benefits of studying for an IT degree

Versatility and career readiness are benefits you may experience while earning a degree. Sometimes, you’ll find it essential to your chosen career, especially at more advanced levels or specialist positions. Advantages of a degree include:

  • Covers a broad range of knowledge and experience: While studying for an IT-related degree, you’ll learn technical and workplace skills and enjoy a mix of academic classroom learning and hands-on, practical experience. The subjects you cover will range from general topics to degree-specific areas of study.

  • Career flexibility: The format of a degree and the number of topics you cover give flexibility regarding career options, making you more valuable to employers in many cases. If you are still determining the area of IT you want to work in, consider an option like computer science, which can help you access a range of careers, from systems administrator to security analyst.

  • Access to senior or specialist positions: Many positions state a degree as essential, particularly with senior and specialist positions. While you can access some positions without a degree, a degree is often necessary if you want to move into management positions or work in areas such as internet security and analyst positions.

  • Higher salaries: If you have a degree in IT, it generally leads to higher wages than if you don’t. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the salary if you hold a bachelor’s degree is significantly more than if you just have a high school diploma [3]. 

Examples of IT certifications

You can earn a certification in a wide range of IT disciplines, covering anything from network security to programming to cybersecurity, to name a few. Certifications are usually very specific in nature, so you can use them to learn a skill tailored to the IT job you want to do. As certifications require a relatively shorter time commitment compared to a degree program, you can take several certifications to bolster your resume. 

Examples of IT certifications include:

Which certifications offer the highest salaries?

Getting certified can help you boost your earning potential. Since certifications are relevant to different job roles, each can help yield an excellent return on your investment, particularly if it validates in-demand skills.

Some certifications that are associated with high salaries include:

What jobs can I apply for with an IT certification?

Certification combined with experience and relevant skills can open the door to various IT jobs. Examples, along with the median total salary of each, include:

  • App developer: $117,000

  • Help desk technician: $64,000

  • Security engineer: $168,000

  • Cybersecurity analyst: $130,000

  • IT project manager: $130,000

  • IT auditor: $108,000

  • Systems administrator: $112,000

  • Cloud support specialist: $102,000

All salary information represents the median total pay from Glassdoor as of January 2026. These figures include base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

Benefits of getting an IT certification

Pursuing a certification typically requires less financial or time commitment while allowing you to remain up-to-date on the latest in the industry. The advantages of getting certified include the following: 

  • Time and cost: Certifications are generally much quicker to complete than a bachelor’s degree and cost less. A certification takes anything from a few months to a year, so you can move ahead in your career more quickly than you would if you enrolled in a four-year degree program.

  • Industry-specific skills: You will pursue certifications based on a specific skill (or set of skills), program, or language. Therefore, you can choose certifications tailored to the job you are applying for. IT certifications are also an excellent way to upskill when you are already working in an industry and looking to progress in your career or change from a different field to IT. Taking more than one certification or stacking them by taking a series that builds progressively can help add to your credibility.

  • Validating existing skills: An IT certification documents that you have the skills an employer asks for, proving that you can handle the role's requirements. 

Can I get an IT job with just certifications?

Yes, you can typically pursue many entry-level IT jobs with a completed certification and IT skills instead of a formal degree. However, if you want to stand out from other applicants and demonstrate your knowledge to employers, you may consider earning at least a bachelor’s degree and pursuing IT certifications as part of your continuing education.

IT certifications vs. degree

Choosing an IT-related bachelor's degree or an IT certification depends on many factors, including:

  • The job you’re applying for

  • Your other skills

  • Qualifications

  • Experience

  • Future career advancement plan

  • Your budget

  • Time considerations

Notably, it is possible and favorable to have both.

Having both can attest to your industry-specific skills and allow you to reap the benefits of a broad knowledge base in a degree program. In turn, this background demonstrates that you can work at a high level and have the skills for senior roles, potentially giving you a competitive edge over other candidates who only have one or the other. 

Discover free IT career resources

Access expert guidance and no-fluff tips by subscribing to our YouTube channel. Then, explore these resources to advance your career in IT:

Whether you want to develop a new skill, get comfortable with an in-demand technology, or advance your abilities, keep growing with a Coursera Plus subscription. You’ll get access to over 10,000 flexible courses. 

Article sources

1. 

CompTIA. “Workforce and Learning Trends, https://lecbyo.files.cmp.optimizely.com/download/7cb80e6c29d011f0af909637c2b5b92b?sfvrsn=68a665ab_10.” Accessed January 25, 2026.

Updated on
Written by:

Editorial Team

Coursera’s editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact...

This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.