Launch or accelerate your IT career

Now is the time to earn the credentials you need for a high-growth career in information technology.

Whether you’re looking to launch your tech career or take your skills to the next level, your industry-aligned IT credentials will go farther with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Degree Partners and the Legacy Institute for Financial Empowerment (LIFE) have partnered to support you in taking the next step.

Launch or accelerate your IT career

Now is the time to earn the credentials you need for a high-growth career in information technology.

Whether you’re looking to launch your tech career or take your skills to the next level, your industry-aligned IT credentials will go farther with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Degree Partners and the Legacy Institute for Financial Empowerment (LIFE) have partnered to support you in taking the next step.

IT Pathway

Earn your degree Earn your IT certificate Build real-world career skills Take the next step

Earn your associate’s or bachelor’s degree

Through Degree Partners, you’ll enroll at an accredited, online, nonprofit university. If you don’t already have an associate’s degree, you’ll start with your Associate of Arts (AA). You may be able to transfer credits from any college coursework you’ve already done. If you already have an associate’s degree, you can work with our team to start your Bachelor of Arts (BA). No matter where you start, Degree Partners will support you every step of the way.

Our professional College Completion Coaches support students balancing school with jobs, families, and real-life responsibilities. You can build your future while working full time. Your coach provides personalized guidance, accountability, and encouragement from day one through graduation.

Explore the path to a degree Learn more about coaching and support

Earn an IT certificate for free while you work towards your degree

As part of our IT pathway, Degree Partners students can participate in LIFE’s IT training, designed to build the skills employers look for. LIFE offers the following certifications, at no cost to students:

  • Northstar Digital Literacy 
  • CompTIA IT Fundamentals (Tech+)
  • CompTIA A+ 
  • CompTIA Network+ 
  • CompTIA Security+
  • Google IT Support Professional
  • Google Cybersecurity
  • Google Project Management
  • Google Data Analytics
  • Google Digital Marketer
  • Google UX Designer

You can pursue your certificate at the same time you’re working towards your degree, or you can do one, then the other. Degree Partners and LIFE coaches can help you choose the path that works for you.

Your Degree Partners coach—and LIFE’s training team—will help you identify the right certifications and help you prepare for your exams with structured study tools and resources.

Learn about LIFE’s IT training

Build career skills with an apprenticeship model

In addition to certifications, LIFE provides virtual training that prepares you to troubleshoot, problem-solve, and apply technical concepts—skills that employers look for in IT roles. Through LIFE, you’ll also register for an IT pre-apprenticeship. You’ll gain practical skills in computer repair, networking, and cybersecurity while receiving personalized mentorship from experienced IT professionals. LIFE’s pre-apprenticeships go beyond certifications—you will also focus on workplace readiness, problem-solving, and career pathways.

Take the next step in your IT career

Your IT training and college degree will unlock a wide range of careers in a fast-growing, high-demand field.

Common career paths:

  • IT Support Specialist
  • Help Desk Technician
  • Desktop Support Technician
  • Network Support Specialist
  • Junior Systems Administrator
  • Cybersecurity Analyst
  • Technical Support Analyst

Typical Starting IT Salaries in Texas:

(Estimates vary by region and employer)

  • IT Support Specialist: $42,000–$52,000
  • Help Desk Technician: $40,000–$50,000
  • Network Support Tech: $50,000–$62,000
  • Junior System Administrator: $55,000–$70,000