Whats the highest degree you can get in the tech field

A PhD! However, you have to understand that technology isn't a field of studies. Technology is whatever engineers and scientists are coming up with to make human life easier.

Information technology – often shortened to just IT – is a buzz phrase you’ve probably heard ad nauseum if you happen to work with IT personnel or went to school for anything related to computers. IT workers are highly specialized in their field, which is probably why they’re often just called “IT nerds.” They like what they do and understand it inside and out. IT workers are also essential to just about every modern business model. If a company relies on phones and emails, chances are that there’s an IT professional behind it all making sure the cogs in the machine function properly.

So what’s the real benefit of being the behind-the-scenes technological lifeblood of a company? Excellent pay is your reward, more often than not. As the economy finds its footing and more jobs open up, expect the requirements of IT professionals to be vast as ever. Curious what you might like to do and how much someone will pay you to do it? Consider these 10 leading fields and their median salary ranges.

1. 
   

   IT consultant
   Ranking number 13 on CNN’s most recent Best Jobs in America list, the work of being an IT consultant is as vague as it sounds. In this position, your job is to evaluate the systems and do the research that no one else entirely understands. As CNN puts it, everyone from local startups to the Fortune 500 companies need IT consultants to help them figure out the cheapest and fastest ways to run computers better.
   Education: A bachelor’s degree in computer science definitely helps, like most positions on this list. CNN also recommends that an IT consultant specialize in a niche category to help focus on the kind of experience he or she gets.
   Salary: $96,400, according to CNN.

   
   


2. 
   

   Cloud architect
   You’ve heard of cloud computing of course. Although that storage space existing in the ether can’t be touched literally, it still needs to be organized and given an architecture. That’s what this job is for.
   Education: A bachelor’s degree.
   Salary: $112,000, making it one of the highest paying IT jobs.

   
   


3. 
   

   Computer forensic investigator
   Computer crime detectives – The Best Schools reports that computer forensic investigators search for, identify and evaluate information from computer systems, often for trial evidence.
   Education: TBS says that you’ll need a degree in computer forensics, information security or cyber security. Certification from a computer examiner board also helps.
   Salary: $64,000 according to TBS.

   
   


4. 
   

   Health IT specialist
   Health IT is a blossoming field, especially with major changes going on in healthcare due to the Affordable Care Act and the gradual transition to electronic health records. Health IT specialists will mix computer knowledge will record-keeping skills, but specialties in medical coding, billing and cancer registry are also in demand, according to TBS.
   Education: While some health IT jobs require only an associate degree and/or certification, supervisory technician positions call for bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
   Salary: $45,000, according to TBS.

   
   


5. 
   

   Mobile application developer
   Chances are that you and most people you know have smartphones and/or tablet computers. According to CareerRealism, the use of mobile tech is predicted to exceed personal computers at some time in 2013, so businesses are more heavily relying on IT professionals with experience in this field than ever before. Using basic coding languages, developers will create programs for future iOS and Android devices.
   Education: A bachelor’s in software engineering, computer science, mobile computer or related fields, according to TBS.
   Salary: $90,000 with high growth outlook, reports TBS.

   
   


6. 
   

   Web developer
   Web developers are jacks of all trades. They create web pages, web applications and web content, but their skill​ set requires them to have excellent understanding of what makes a good operating system, what the average surfer finds visually stimulating and how to optimize sites for mobile tech, among numerous other skills. They also need proficiency in Web languages, like HTML and Javascript.
   Education: TBS reports that the road to web design can be learned through accredited degree programs, but many web developers are self taught and use their “portfolios” to win positions.
   Salary: $90,000, according to TBS.

   
   


7. 
   

   Software engineer
   Like video games? Want to design the next Facebook? This is for you. Software engineers are behind all the programs we run on our mobile devices and personal computers – and there is a very wide range of niche fields you can work in.
   Education: According to TBS, a bachelor’s degree in software engineering or a related field is best.
   Salary: $89,000 according to TBS.

   
   


8. 
   

   Information technology vendor manager
   Slightly more hands-off compared to some tech positions, vendor managers oversee supply when it comes to software and hardware. This can mean anything from Microsoft’s latest word processor to health IT programs for hospitals.
   Education: Computer science degrees are helpful, but a deep understanding of business or even an MBA could clinch a job.
   Salary: $88,000, reports TBS.

   
   


9. 
   

   Geospatial professionals
   Sound confusing? Geographic information systems are complicated, but exciting and getting moreso every day. GIS tech uses geographic data to evaluate and communicate trends and patterns in visually stylish and comprehensive ways, according to CareerRealism.
   Education: Certificate programs and degrees both improve job outlook.
   Salary: Up to $84,000, according to CareerRealism.

   
   


10. 
    

    Data Modeler
    Another position that translates poorly without jargon, these IT professionals create data designs and define relationships between data fields, according to TBS. Since any company’s data is vital, it’s modeling needs to work perfectly – a more complex task as reliance on computers grows.
    Education: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics or IT – plus on-the-job experience, says TBS.
    Salary: A hefty $103,000, according to TBS.

    
    

After achieving excellence in a particular field of science the highest degree one can achieve is Ph.D.! However, D.Sc., ) Doctor of science is a "higher doctorate" awarded in recognition of a substantial and sustained contribution to scientific knowledge beyond that required for a Ph.D.

It is not about the highest degree in the field. It's about the passion and cause (could be anything, money, social, skills, etc.) that is driving to chose that field.

Degree is of no use, if you are not passionate about the work you do.

If you’re considering a bachelor's degree in technology, you want pick a major that can help pay you back your loans once you complete your education. Here are eight tech degrees that will help you pay off your debt the fastest
1) Electronics and Communications Engineering: If you've ever wanted to know how to build a device people use every day, like a smartphone or even a computer, you might want to consider a career in electronics and communications engineering
Getting a degree in electronics and communications engineering can net you a median salary of $65,000 per year early on in your career. If you stay with the role, you can expect to make around $115,000 per year on average by the time you reach the middle of your career
2) Computer Science and Engineering:

PhD Technology is whatever engineers and scientists are coming up with to make human life easier.

nformation technology degree programs vary widely depending on the institution issuing the credential. From traditional colleges and universities to accredited online and distance learning degree programs, educational opportunities are available to suit nearly any budget or schedule. Some schools offer certificate courses in specialized areas of information technology. Others offer associate, bachelor's, or master's degree programs designed to produce well-rounded students with broad-based knowledge in many different areas of information technology.

Deciding which program type is right for you can be difficult. Here are several degree options to consider before choosing to major in IT:

Certificate programs in information technology usually last between six and 12 months. Generally, these programs certify a student's proficiency in a particular area of information technology, and are widely available through accredited online and distance learning institutions. IT certificate programs are appropriate for those with experience in the information technology field seeking basic, fundamental knowledge in certain specialty areas. They are also a great way to stay current in an ever-changing technological environment, and can help prepare students for an associate or bachelor's degree program. Core courses may include:

Fundamentals of Personal Computers
Concepts of Programming
Foundations of Database Design
Intro to Data Communications

Associate Degrees in Information Technology
An associate degree in information technology provides students with a broad overview of computer science and communications networks. These programs typically take two years to complete, and include some general education courses. Associate degrees in information technology may be earned through accredited online and distance learning programs. These programs offer working professionals the flexibility they need to continue their careers and education simultaneously. Credits earned in an associate degree program can often be transferred toward a bachelor's degree in a related field. Example course topics include, but are not limited to:

Problem Solving and Troubleshooting for Computers
Strategies in Virtual Communications
Fundamentals of Computer Networks
Programming Principles

Bachelor's Degrees in Information Technology
IT bachelor's degree programs usually require four years of academic study to complete. The first two years often consist of introductory courses in information technology and general education requirements, while the last two years focus on the more specific and advanced aspects of the field. Typical courses for an information technology major include:

Fundamentals of Computer-based Systems
Intermediate Computer Networks
Foundations of Database Management
Project Management in IT

Master's Degrees in Information Technology
A master's degree in information technology provides students with advanced training in specialized areas of the field. Students pursuing a graduate-level information technology degree are often working adults who currently hold a job in IT. These programs can help IT professionals advance their careers, and are often the perfect fit for students interested in online learning. A bachelor's degree is typically considered a prerequisite for admission to a master's program. Although curriculum varies by specialty and institution, master's-level courses may include:

Management of IT Resources
Organizational Impact of Information Technology
Fundamentals of Computer Forensics
Advanced Project Management
Advanced Computer Networking

Doctoral Degrees in Information Technology
A doctorate in information technology can help prepare students for a career in IT research or postsecondary education. Generally speaking, doctoral degrees allow students to further specialize in various areas of information technology. While graduates often find employment at universities, other employment options include careers in consulting, management, or government. Doctoral programs expose students to the latest innovations in technology and research. These programs typically culminate with the completion of a dissertation. Core courses vary by specialization but may include:

Cybersecurity Threats and Countermeasures
Operating Systems Security
Enterprise Architecture
Quantitative Methods and Experimental Design in Computer Science