A Faster, Smarter Way to Earn an IT Degree

Higher education is changing, driven largely by adult learners who want education that respects their time, aligns with real careers, and avoids unnecessary cost.

National research shows that working adults still value degrees for career mobility. At the same time, many hesitate to enroll or persist when programs feel too slow, too expensive, or disconnected from professional application. That reality is what shaped National American University’s Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Focused .

What Adult Learners Are Asking For

According to national research from the Lumina Foundation and Gallup, adults overwhelmingly believe post secondary credentials matter. However, time to completion, financial risk, and relevance to work are the most common barriers preventing them from starting or finishing a degree.

The takeaway is clear. Adult learners are not looking for shortcuts. They want efficient, credible pathways that move them forward with purpose.

A Bachelor’s Degree Designed for Momentum

Traditional four-year degree models were built for a different student population. For working adults, extended timelines and excess credit requirements often slow progress.

NAU’s BSIT Focused program takes a more intentional approach. With 135 quarter credit hours, the curriculum is streamlined so that full-time students can complete their bachelor’s degree in about three years, while still meeting rigorous academic expectations.

This program reflects national research showing adult learners are more likely to complete degrees that reduce time to graduation, align learning with professional skills, and maintain academic credibility.

Learning That Applies to Today’s IT Careers

Adult learners consistently say they want education they can apply immediately.

NAU’s BSIT Focused degree allows students to concentrate their studies in high-demand areas such as cybersecurity, network administration, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence. Coursework emphasizes applied knowledge and problem-solving skills that reflect how IT work is performed today.

Research on career-connected education pathways reinforces the value of aligning learning with real-world application and employment readiness.

Source: https://www.jff.org/resources/guided-career-pathways-framework/

Built for Working Adults

Adult learners balance work, family, and financial responsibilities alongside their education. National studies consistently show that flexibility and program design play a major role in enrollment and completion.

NAU’s BSIT Focused program is delivered 100 percent online, with transfer-friendly policies that recognize prior learning and help reduce duplicated coursework. This structure allows students to move forward efficiently without sacrificing academic quality or credibility.

A Degree That Matches How Adults Learn Today

Adult learners are redefining what higher education should look like.

NAU’s BSIT Focused program reflects that shift by offering a faster, more intentional path to an IT bachelor’s degree grounded in applied learning, flexible delivery, and nationally recognized academic standards.

When education respects time, cost, and purpose, adults are far more likely to begin and far more likely to finish.