How to choose an information technology major
Discover the different IT areas of study, and find the perfect path for your degree. Whether you're into software development, cyber security or AI, there's an option waiting for you.
So you're interested in studying IT. As a future-focused career that’s well paid, it’s a good choice.
IT is a wide-reaching discipline, with a variety of possible directions to explore. Let's look at the main fields of study in IT and the differences between them.
This information will help you confidently decide on a major or specialty area of study within your information technology degree. From there, you’ll have a clearer path to the career you’ve dreamed about.
What are the different information technology fields?
IT covers a broad range of areas, but can include:
Cyber security
With cyber threats on the rise, organisations across every industry need experts to safeguard sensitive data, defend against attacks, and ensure privacy. When you study cyber security, you’ll learn how to identify vulnerabilities, implement defenses, and respond to breaches, which can lead to roles in government, tech, finance, healthcare, and beyond.
Give it a try with a single subject: Introduction to Cybersecurity Policies and Practices
Get qualified with a full degree: A Diploma of Cybersecurity or a Bachelor of Cybersecurity
Software development
If you want to build the apps, websites and systems that power our modern world, you should consider studying software development. You’ll learn about essential concepts like programming languages, algorithms, data structures and ethical development, so you can design, test and build user-friendly software.
Give it a try with a single subject: Software Development Studio 1
Get qualified with a full degree: Diploma of Software Engineering
Data science or data analytics
Businesses rely on data to drive decisions, which means there’s a growing demand for professionals who can interpret complex information and uncover actionable insights. By gaining expertise in data collection, analysis, and visualisation, you'll be equipped to solve real-world problems, optimise processes, and guide strategic decisions across a variety of industries.
Give it a try with a single subject: Mapping, Analysing and Visualising Data
Get qualified with a full degree: Bachelor of Data Analytics
Artificial intelligence
There’s no denying that AI is here to stay, which opens up a future full of new career opportunities. Earning a qualification in AI could lead to roles in machine learning or robotics, which will let you tackle real-world challenges such as energy efficiency, healthcare accessibility, and ethical tech development. By mastering AI, you'll not only stay ahead in a rapidly evolving job market, but also contribute to shaping a smarter, more sustainable world.
Give it a try with a single subject: Artificial Intelligence
Get qualified with a full degree: Bachelor of Information Technology (Artificial Intelligence and Data Science)
Cloud computing
Getting qualified in cloud computing is a smart choice for anyone looking to future-proof their career in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. More businesses now rely on the cloud to perform everyday tasks, which means they need professionals who can migrate, manage and secure their data on cloud-based systems.
Give it a try with a single subject: Cloud Platforms
Get qualified with a full degree: Bachelor of Information Technology (with a major in cloud analytics)
What IT skills are the most in demand in 2025?
Want to focus on learning in-demand skills to keep yourself competitive in the job market? According to Forbes’s ‘most in demand skills for 2025’, AI fluency and digital transformation leadership skills top the list.
Within Australia, there’s a shortage of cyber security professionals and software engineers across all states. Suitably qualified people have their pick of roles.
Which IT job is the highest paid?
If salary is important to you, you might like to choose your area of study based on earning potential.
The Chief Information Officer (CIO) is the highest earning IT role in Australia. This top level role earns an annual salary of up to $375,000, in major cities, according to Hayes.
Chief Technology Officer (CTO) closely follows the CIO with reported earnings of up to $370,000 in Melbourne. The third highest paid IT job in Australia is the role of Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) which has reported earnings of up to $360,000 per annum in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra.
People who land these senior level roles generally have a bachelor degree in their chosen field of IT, as well as a postgraduate qualification in IT or computer science. And then of course they earn years of leadership experience across a range of businesses.
Other high paying jobs in IT include:
- Projects and change management director in digital transformation (up to $300K)
- Cloud architect (up to $280K)
- Cyber security architect/manager (up to $275K)
- Network architect/manager (up to $250K)
- Data and advanced analytics architect/manager (up to $250K)
- Software development manager (up to $250K)
What to think about when choosing your IT major
Consider the job market and what’s in demand, but also consider what you’re most passionate about and where your interests lie.
One of the great things about studying through Open Universities Australia is that you can sample a study area by taking a single subject, before committing yourself to the whole degree.
After experiencing that topic for 10 to 18 weeks, immersing yourself in the readings, and completing some assessments, you’ll have a better idea of what that field will be like as a career. This will help you feel more confident that you’ve chosen the right direction for your future.
Want to find out more? Explore our IT & computer science courses page, and click on the specialty area you want to find out about. From there, you can compare courses across different universities.
Still unsure? Book a consultation with one of our lovely student advisors! They can offer you unbiased guidance on the various study pathways.
