Looking for the best IT schools in San Diego? There is a wide range of colleges and universities to choose from. The size and ranking of the courses offered vary greatly, from 2-year associate’s degree college programs to 4-year university degrees.
To help you choose which college is right for you, we compiled a list of top schools in the region. Keep reading to learn more about the different programs offered across San Diego.
[toc]The 8 Best IT Schools in San Diego Reviewed
ICOHS College
ICOHS College specializes in preparing students for a successful career across the information technology industry. No prior experience or qualifications are required to enroll in any of the IT programs offered by ICOHS College. Lectures take place both online and in person.
Interested in signing up for our Information Technology Programs? Take the next step in your career by filling out this form to speak with one of our representatives about enrolling in ICOHS College.
Our IT Network Specialist Certificate program will teach students to repair broken PCs, switchers, and Cisco routers. Students will also become experts in the prevention of viruses, malware, and worms. Other topics include networking, recovery methods, and IT infrastructure.
We also offer an IT Systems Administrator program, which focuses on installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting different software. Students can sit for the CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, and Cisco CCNA certificates upon completion.
Point Loma Nazarene University
Point Loma Nazarene University offers a Bachelor’s in Computer Information Technology. This private school has a small student body, with only around ten students graduating from this course annually.
Although officially a Christian University, Point Loma welcomes students of all backgrounds and religions. Their overall acceptance rate hovers around 74%.
This course is a great fit for individuals with a passion for making information systems work effectively. It aims to create graduates with a flair for technical maintenance who can provide companies with stellar service, ensuring their information systems operate efficiently at all times.
This program takes anywhere from 15 – 18 months to complete and will teach students how to detect problems and troubleshoot solutions. Students will also learn to use quantitative reasoning, gather information, and produce accurate conclusions.
National University
National University has several San Diego campus locations and offers a four-year Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree. This private university has campus locations throughout California, though they are based in San Diego. The school boasts an acceptance rate of 89%.
National University has campus buildings across San Diego. The university also offers remote learning options, with a combination of in-person and online class participation.
This bachelor’s degree informs students on how to design and maintain information technology systems. It also provides students with real-world practice at troubleshooting and solving faults in computer systems.
Classes cover computer architecture, data structures, software engineering, computer communication networks, algorithms, and additional data structures. Students will learn to administer IT support in a professional setting successfully.
They will also develop critical thinking skills regarding IT support, inspiring original ideas on troubleshooting and maintenance.
San Diego City College
San Diego City College offers an Associate of Science in IT Management, which takes just two years to complete. Graduates can either pursue professional options or enroll in a bachelor’s degree at an alternative campus.
The associate degree program covers all essential aspects of information systems management, emphasizing network, security, and leadership. Students will experience real-world IT maintenance, where they’ll have to install and review programs and take on the role of the leader when troubleshooting issues.
This school also offers a range of certificates that students can achieve alongside the associate’s degree. These include:
- Certificate of Achievement – IT management: focuses on strengthening students’ skills in cyber security, project management, networking, databases, and information assurance.
- Certificate of Performance – Desktop Support Technician I: focuses on introducing students to software protection and troubleshooting basics.
- Certificate of Performance – Desktop Support Technician II: takes students a step further in the professional field of installing and maintaining networks and operating systems. This program will significantly benefit those looking to follow computer consultancy and help desk technician-related careers.
- Finally, Certificate of Performance – Microsoft Technology Specialist: provides students with the ability to operate and manage all services offered by Microsoft. Microsoft is ubiquitous in the professional field, so this certification holds a lot of value.
San Diego State University
San Diego State University remains popular among prospective and current students, making it one of the most prominent universities in the city. In 2020, 206 individuals received Bachelor’s Degrees from the school in Computer Science.
The four-year degree informs students on how to provide a professional service in a work environment, introduces IT concepts, and reinforces information on existing systems.
Students will become experts in computer science concepts, elevate their analytical and IT problem-solving skills, and learn algorithm principles, computer science theory, and software development skills.
Southwestern College
Southwestern College offers various associates degrees and certificates to help students attain a bachelor’s degree further down the line. Southwestern College is located in Chula Vista, the second-largest city in the San Diego Area.
Many of the courses offered by Southwestern College revolve around mathematics, which is a vital component of information technology. These degrees and programs set a foundation for first-time students to feel comfortable as they ascend through the levels of IT academia.
Associates in Arts Degree in Computer Science is the most math-heavy IT course offered by the school, with a strong focus on foundation computer programming skills. It’s a good place to start for those looking to become experts at installing and programming different software while using mathematics, organization, and methodology as their primary tools.
This associate’s degree covers data structures, algorithms, linear algebra, computer organization, and computer architecture.
Palomar College
Palomar College offers a wide range of programs and associate’s degrees covering several computer science-related topics, from data analytics to cyber security. The programs offered will set you up to continue your academic study through bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.
Palomar’s main campus is in San Marcos, though the school has several locations throughout San Diego county.
Palomar features a Computer Science Associate’s Degree course, the main focus being software and hardware. Problem-solving comes into play as the course explores programming, algorithms, computer language, and hardware architectures.
Students enrolled in this course will learn how to expertly manipulate computer tools to harness control over all relevant systems.
The school also offers an associate’s degree in Information Technology, which revolves around computer concepts, Structured Query Language, graphics, spreadsheets, word processing, programming, and database design.
The Data Analytics Associate’s Degree focuses primarily on analytical data solutions and delves into many other relevant topics. The goal is to provide vital skills for a computer support specialist role, covering several topics, including system development, programming, data visualization and science, and social media for business.
The Cybersecurity Associate’s Degree offered by Palomar College teaches students how to maintain network security and confidentiality across computer systems. The course primarily revolves around how to identify a security threat and test for potential breaches of security.
Grossmont College
Grossmont College, located in El Cajon, offers a number of associate’s degree programs relevant to the IT field of study. These include Computer Programming, Cybersecurity and Networking, and Information Technology Support Specialist.
Grossmont’s programs operate as launchpads from which students can access more advanced levels of IT study. Courses offered by this school can be completed as an Associate’s Degree or a Certificate of Achievement.
The Associate’s Degree in Computer Programming can be completed within two years and covers all rudimentary computer programming bases. The main topics of focus include Linux, Windows Operating Systems, Java Programming, Python Programming, and SQL.
Grossmont also offers an Associate’s Degree in Cyber Security and Networking. Learning how to keep data protected is the main focus of this specialization, with other areas of focus designed to make graduates career-ready as professional cyber security specialists.
This program will also introduce programming, as well as communication and computer forensics.
The Associate’s Degree in Information Technology Support Specialist instructs students on operating Windows Operating Systems, Linux, and various other information systems. Courses offer a combination of classroom learning and hands-on experience.
Grossmont is one of the best schools in San Diego county for IT and IT-related degrees. The school also offers several other associate’s programs, including Web Development and Computer Science with Emphasis in Video Gaming.
Conclusion
With so many available options, choosing where you want to enroll can be challenging. If you are just starting in the field, you may want to start with some general courses before applying for a more formal degree.
Are you ready to take the next step in your career? Get started today. Chat with one of our Admissions Representative about enrolling at ICOHS College.
ICOHS College is committed to helping students achieve their professional goals. We offer scholarships and title IV funding to help individuals cover the cost of their education. Speak to one of our representatives at (858) 581-9460 for more information on financial assistance.
After graduation, students can access and enjoy our job placement assistance program for ongoing direction. We also offer career counseling to help students find the right job for them. Visit our official site or email us for more information on our program offerings. Our representatives will be ready to help with any questions you may have.
FAQs
Is a high GPA a requirement to get into San Diego IT schools?
Is San Diego a good city for going to college?
As the second most prominent city in California, San Diego is a great city to attend college. It is well-serviced in terms of public transport, with a metro line that will reach all San Diego campuses. There are also plenty of cultural activities to experience in San Diego. As an additional perk, most colleges are within close distance to the beach.
Which college in San Diego has the most IT graduates?
The number of IT graduates at San Diego State University has been on the rise for the last 20 years. 2019-2020 saw 206 computer graduates qualifying in the IT field. That marks a considerable jump from the 2016-2017 year, with only 108 graduating IT students.
Is San Diego expensive for students?
San Diego is one of the most expensive cities to live in the whole of America. In 2020, an average student living on a San Diego campus spent $14,126 on rent. San Diego exceeds the average cost of living of California by 6%.
