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An online degree can cost as little as $3,000 – or over $100,000. More than 12,000 online degrees and certificates – and no two charge the same tuition. Our affordability rankings reveal who offers the best – and worst – buys in online degrees.
 
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Computers & Information Technology
Technology Manager/Computer Consultant
Outlook & Growth
This career is expected to grow 78 percent—much faster than average—by 2016. This industry is the fastest growing in the economy.
Growth will result from the growing complexity of business, the increasing use of new technology, trends toward outsourcing and mergers, and globalization.
Economic downturns can adversely affect growth in consulting. However, some consulting firms might experience growth as firms look to experts for ways to cut costs and remain competitive.
Salary & Wages
According to a 2006 survey conducted by Abbot, Langer, and Associates, the median annual total cash compensation for research associates was $38,600; for junior consultants, $46,010; for consultants, $58,240; for senior consultants, $80,500; for principal consultants, $82,618; for vice presidents, $140,005; and for senior or executive vice presidents, $155,000.
What is a Computer Consultant?
A computer consultant works for a management or computing consulting firm—or on her own—helping companies use technology effectively to grow their businesses and solve problems. Often working behind the scenes, consultants offer technical expertise, information, contacts and tools that clients cannot provide themselves.
Computer specialists such as systems analysts, computer scientists and computer engineers sometimes are referred to simply as “consultants.”
Systems analysts design new computer systems or redesign old systems for new applications. Computer software engineers design and develop software systems for the control and automation of manufacturing, business and management processes. Computer support specialists provide technical assistance, support and advice to customers and users, while database administrators work with database management systems software and determine ways to organize and store data.
Education & Degree
Employers generally prefer a bachelor’s or higher degree. In some firms it is difficult to move beyond the entry level without further specialized education.
Computer consultants can seek degrees in either business and management or computer and information sciences—or both. Common degrees include the bachelor in business administration/management of information systems, and bachelor in technology management. Many online colleges now offer master's degrees in computer information systems management and MBAs in technology & IT management.
Certification: Certification is not mandatory but can give a candidate a competitive edge. The IMC USA also offers the certified management consultant (CMC) designation. Computer consultants often seek certification in specific products or technology areas.
Entering the Field: Most entry-level positions are in large firms, and offer little responsibility. Some firms provide extensive on-the-job training. Most management consulting firms have two entry-level positions—workers who hold bachelor’s degrees usually start as research associates; those with graduate degrees generally begin as consultants.
Career Changers: Consultants often start out as workers in other fields. Some are advanced programmers. Others have worked as database developers or telecommunications managers. Highly experienced managers can start their own businesses fairly easily and cheaply; indeed, every year, thousands of workers in this industry go into business for themselves. Some of these workers come from established consulting services firms, whereas others leave technology jobs in industry, government or academia to start their own businesses.
If you have computer and technical skills you will need to acquire skills in building and managing a business. Many online colleges offer certificates and business degrees with majors and concentrations in entrepreneurship, general management, small business development and technology management.

Find online degrees for Computers and IT now. >>

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Source for salary and growth data is the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For more information on careers in computer consulting, salaries, and job prospects visit: U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Management, Scientific and Technical Consulting Services, at http://www.bls.gov/oco/cg/cgs037.htm.
  
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Q I’m looking for an online MBA. I’ve found several that fit my budget but none are accredited by the AACSB. What is the AACSB? Do I really need a distance MBA degree that is accredited by them? —Roberta, Gary, IN
A The AACSB is the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International. It is considered the gold standard of business school accreditation. But not every student needs an AACSB-accredited MBA...
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Q I was laid off from my job as a real estate agent and want to be a high school math teacher, but my bachelor’s degree is in psychology. Do I need a new degree in education? Will an online bachelor’s in education qualify me to become a licensed teacher? —Willis, Houston, Texas
A If you didn’t earn a bachelor’s degree in education years ago and you now want to teach in the public schools, don’t fret. Every state maintains what are termed “alternative teacher certification” programs...
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Q I’m considering earning my MBA online because there are no colleges nearby. But I’m skeptical about online education. Can you cite any objective research that “proves” that online MBAs are as good as the old-fashioned classroom? —Tammy, Wyoming
A The answer: YES. Online education has been scientifically shown to be as effective—if not more so—than the old-time classroom lecture....
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Featured Programs
American Intercontinental University Online
AIU Online is the web-based virtual campus of American InterContinental University, an international university with residential campuses located in Georgia, California, Florida and England; offers graduate degree programs in Information Technology, Business Administration and Education completely online via rich, multimedia course delivery. American InterContinental University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award Associate's, Bachelor's, and Master's degrees.
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Northcentral University
Northcentral University, an innovator in 100% online education, offers master’s and doctoral programs in over 30 career relevant areas of specialization in Business & Technology Management, Education and Psychology, with no residencies required. Northcentral is regionally accredited and features a faculty of professional practitioners with the highest academic credentials to mentor relevant, real-world courses, one-on-one. Individual degree plans, monthly course starts, very competitive tuition and dedicated dissertation support make Northcentral an outstanding online graduate school.
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For active-duty military, reservists, veterans, and military families.
More than half of military students use online education. What do you need to know to find schools that best fit your needs? How can you find the best financial aid and scholarship package at your online school? Answers are here.

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The field of online education is growing and so is the need for teachers who can teach online. Check out our regularly updated list of online job opportunities, post your job availability, and visit our Online Resource Center, with tips, advice and free downloads for online educators.

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Secure your career with an online MBA.

Facts from GetEducated's National Survey of Online MBAs. Who offers the cheapest online MBA? Do you need an AACSB-accredited distance MBA? Online MBA rankings and ratings. Everything you need to know to compare 390 accredited online MBAs from 168 online business schools.

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