Career And School Info For Computer Programmers

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Information Sources

BrainTrack's information on colleges and careers is drawn from many sources, including government databases, BrainTrack's own research, and results from original data analysis algorithms.

This page incorporates research from CityTownInfo's computer programming schools and careers section.

Computer Programmer Job Description

Career tips, salaries, and lists of schools.

Designers of software, websites, databases and other technologies rely on programmers to make their vision come to life. Knowledge of programming languages, well-developed logical skill and creative problem-solving allow computer programmers to develop computer-based products -- controlling their structure, appearance and functionality. The instructions they write using programming languages like COBOL, C++ or Java command computers to perform in a desired way to achieve a measurable result.

The duties of computer programmers can typically include:

• Working with designers and analysts to conceptualize a realistic product or a specific setup among computers and networks.
• Following detailed instructions provided by designers and analysts to produce the final product or system.
• Testing their work product according to specifications and debugging errors.
• Using or inventing program tools with which they create components or fix problems.
• Expanding, updating and repairing existing products.
• Documenting the purpose of code within the code for other programmers.
• Communicating time estimates and actual time to finish programming work to project managers.
• Managing different projects at one time.

Some programmers are involved in a project from start to finish and use different languages and technologies to create the final deliverables. Others are part of a team and create specific pieces of the whole. Application programmers specialize in writing task-oriented programs, while systems programmers use code to establish and maintain systems within organizations.

Computer programmers work in office environments, either on site or telecommuting, as full time employees or frequently as self-employed consultants.

Degrees and Schools

Knowledge of programming languages is a fundamental skill for computer programmers. The more in-demand programming languages a programmer knows, the more in-demand he or she will be to employers. Having a solid arsenal of desired programming languages, experience as a programmer, and a portfolio of developed products are considered the most desirable qualifications in job candidates.

Most computer programmers obtain these skills through two-year associate's degree or four-year bachelor's degree programs offered through vocational schools, colleges and universities. However, many companies require a bachelor's degree to be considered for any professional position, and many jobs are filled through college recruiting. Therefore, approximately 70% of computer programmers have a bachelor's degree or higher. Preferred degrees include computer science, information technology, mathematics and engineering. Programmers who also have training in business or project management are considered prime candidates.

Clearly-defined career goals are important for programmers, because what they learn directly determines what they can create. For example, if a student wants to develop games, he or she will need different languages and skill sets than a student who wants to create information security programs to defend against hackers. Therefore students will want to choose courses carefully for how relevant the studies are towards specific career objectives.

Many programmers attend courses, test for certifications, attend conferences and belong to programming groups as part of their work. It is common that expenses for these activities are reimbursed by employers.

Classes

Two-year and four-year degree programs often require a combination of class time and lab time, where students apply what they are learning by creating actual programs or participating in group projects. Coursework usually include the study of:

• Computer hardware and how it is controlled by the operating system.
• Different operating systems and how to manipulate settings to achieve a customized result.
• Internet and networking technologies involved in the transferring of data.
• Website design and development.
• Database design theory and structure.
• Backup and recovery devices, software and troubleshooting.
• Usability for designing products that users can work with easily.
• Information architecture for how to store data efficiently.
• Programming languages and theory.
• Working with requirements.
• Quality control and testing.

Continued education is essential for programmers to remain up-to-date on emerging technologies. Certificate courses for a particular technology, product or programming language are often used as a way of furthering skill sets, and are available online, through colleges and universities, or sometimes through employers.

Online Classes and Programs

Because of the common use of telecommuting among programmers, obtaining an online information technology or computer science two-year degree or four-year degree is often preferred over attending on-campus classes. Choosing educational programs that are accredited by organizations such as the Computer Science Accreditation Commission (CSAC) ensures that credits will be accepted at other schools in the future, and can help narrow down which program is the best match.

Employment Requirements

Requirements for programming jobs are specific to the kind of development being done, and the languages, software and technology being used. Although bachelor's degrees are considered desirable, and may be required by some employers, demonstrated ability in the form of a portfolio, certifications or work experience may suffice as a minimum requirement for some jobs.

How to Evaluate Computer Programming Schools

Aspiring programmers should ask the following questions when evaluating two- and four-year degree programs:

• Accreditation - Is the program accredited by a governing body in computer science / information technology, or direct learning (for online programs)?
• School and class size - What is the student-to-faculty ratio within relevant courses? What additional amenities such as computer lab technologies may a school offer?
• Relevant courses - Does the program offer enough courses in the languages and technologies necessary for specific career objectives?
• Practical experience - Does the program require substantial lab time, or provide internship or practical experience opportunities for hands-on learning?
• Tuition and financial assistance - Financial assistance in the form of scholarships, loans or work study can help defray the cost of tuition. How much guidance does the school provide students as they navigate through these options?
• Additional costs - In addition to textbooks and fees, will students be required to pay for lab time or to purchase expensive software programs and manuals?
• Career assistance- Does the school offer career fairs where a long list of major employers attends each year? Do they offer a comprehensive job placement program? How many graduates are successfully placed?

Apply For a BrainTrack Computer Science Scholarship

To help students currently pursuing a computer science degree, the BrainTrack Computer Science Degree Scholarship gives a winning and second place award every semester. Through entrant essays, the scholarship is designed to be a resource for future students considering fields such as programming, software engineering, systems analysis, database administration, network administration, systems administration, network analysis, and communications analysis. Eligible studies include associate, bachelor, master, or doctoral degree programs in computer science, information science, or information technology.

For recent winners and a selection of entries please visit BrainTrack's Computer Science Student Stories section.

Scholarship Details and Submission Form

Career Highlights

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What Kind of Person Has This Career?

(Percent of people in the occupation who agree.)

Important Natural Abilities	% Agree
Written Comprehension	72%
Using Rules To Organize Things Into Patterns	69%
Oral Comprehension	66%

Full List

Work Values	% Agree
Achievement	78%
Pleasant Working Conditions	75%
Organizational Support	67%

Full List

Areas of Personal Interest	% Agree
Mental Problem-Solving	100%
Following Instructions	78%

Work Style Characteristics	% Agree
Analytical Thinking	84%
Attention To Detail	83%
Initiative	79%

Full List

Which Skills and Knowledge are Needed for this Job?

(Numbers are % of people choosing the item.)

Important Personal Skills	% Agree
Programming	91%
Critical Thinking	90%
Complex Problem Solving	87%

Full List

Important Professional Knowledge	% Agree
Computers And Electronics	96%
English Language	76%
Mathematics	62%

Full List

Which Activities and Situations Are Involved in Doing The Job?

(Numbers are % of people choosing the item.)

Common Work Conditions	% Agree
Electronic Mail	97%
Spend Time Sitting	97%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled	94%

Full List

Common Job Activities	% Agree
Interacting With Computers	99%
Making Decisions And Solving Problems	83%
Getting Information	80%

Full List

Related Resources

• Computer Programming Degrees
• Computer Science Degrees
• Information Technology Degrees
• Software Engineering Degrees
• Computer Graphics Degrees
• Computer Forensics Degrees
• Computer Certifications
• Software Testing Certifications
• Web Certification Programs
• CIW Web Certifications
• Computer Science Student Stories

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