Here are some tips for selecting schools, based on an analysis comparing each school to all others across dozens of factors:
Schools Concentrating On Computer Programmers
- Focus: For schools with a focus on this career area, look at Troy University, John C Calhoun State Community College, Jefferson State Community College, and Southern Union State Community College.
Fastest Response From Schools
- Request Info: For the fastest information for prospective students, look at the Spotlight schools on this page.
Student Body
- Part-Time: For schools emphasizing part-time studies, consider Troy University, University of North Alabama, University of South Alabama, and Alabama State.
- Diverse: For a diverse student body, consider Wallace Community College Dothan, Oakwood University, Talladega College, and James H Faulkner State Community College.
- Adult Learners: For lots of adult learners, consider Athens State, Troy University, J F Drake State, and Chattahoochee Valley Community College.
School Setting
- Out of State: For geographic diversity, take note of Oakwood University, Tuskegee University, Samford University, and Talladega College.
- Dorms: For a residential campus environment, take note of Talladega College, Birmingham Southern, Oakwood University, and Spring Hill College.
Excellence
- SAT: For students with high SAT scores, look at Auburn, Samford University, Birmingham Southern, and UA Hunstville.
- % Accepted: For selective institutions, look at Alabama State, Alabama A & M, Spring Hill College, and Oakwood University.
- Class Size: For small class sizes, look at Birmingham Southern, Tuskegee University, Alabama A & M, and UAB.
Working as a Computer Programmer in Alabama
The primary job of computer programmers is to write programs that have been conceptualized and designed by computer software engineers. They convert the design into a series of logical instructions that can be followed by computers. For the coding process, computer programmers use specific languages like Python, or C++. At times, they may be required to work on existing programs and modify, update, or repair these programs. Read a detailed Computer Programmer job description and schools overview.
The IEEE Computer Society Huntsville, Alabama Chapter offers information about the latest advancements in technology and the various educational and technical activities in Alabama.
State Requirements
Computer programmers in Alabama are not required to meet any state requirements in order to pursue this profession.
Major Industries
The major industries employing computer programmers in Alabama are:
- Computer Systems Design and Related Services
- Architectural and Engineering Services
- Electronics and Appliance Stores
- Insurance Carriers
- Depository Credit Intermediation
- Employment Services
- Colleges and Universities
- Accounting and Bookkeeping Services
- Commercial Goods Merchant Wholesalers
- Data Processing and Related Services
Major Employers
Major employers of computer programmers in Alabama include:
- Auburn University (Colleges and Universities)
- Seimens VDO (Electronics and Appliance Stores)
- CAS Incorporated (Computer Systems Design and Related Services)
- Information Engineering (Architectural and Engineering Services)
- New South Federal Savings Bank (Depository Credit Intermediation)
- Adecco (Employment Services)
- Sun Gard (Data Processing and Related Services)
- Commercial Billing Services (Accounting and Bookkeeping Services)
- Garcy Corporation (Commercial Goods Merchant Wholesalers)
- Health Spring Of Alabama Incorporated (Insurance Carriers)
Student/Alumnus Reviews of Schools for This Career and State
Sort Reviews By:Sorting by: • Show All Details • Hide All Details
University Of Alabama • Huntsville, AL
Studying Computer Engineering (completion in 2004)
• 5/5/2011
"I don't feel as if I missed out on anything and feel pretty well suited for my job. I'd say I was adequately prepared to make my living writing software."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | maybe | It's on the other side of the country from me now, which means out of state tuition fees apply. It would be worth researching however. |
| Program Reputation | 8 | Well UAH isn't exactly MIT, but it is very well regarded, in the same light as Ga Tech, but much cheaper due to the low cost of living in Alabama. |
| Program Quality | 9 | I was working full time while I went to school, and they were flexible in that regards. It's also a very progressive course with relevant education (i.e. no FORTRAN classes). |
| Instruction | More than 5 years ago | |
| How Difficult | 3 | I was working as a rather junior code monkey while going to school so it wasn't my first exposure to the concepts being taught. I also had a practical experience base to compare against as well. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | They taught some stuff that is just stupid and some that applies in a production environment, but surprisingly little though. I did butt heads with a few instructors who didn't see how not freeing memory could be an issue on an embedded platform. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 10 | They let me telecommute for some classes and email my work in. That's more common now, but not so much in 04. |
| Academic Facilities | 6 | The library was rather old and still used a paper based card catalog. It could use some work. |
| Social Life | 5 | I have no earthly idea. I was at least 8 years older than my classmates. |
| Placement Services | 5 | I was already employed when I graduated. I've not really heard anything about it. I was much older than my classmates so didn't interact with them much. |
| Alumni Network | 5 | I've had no contact with the school since graduation. I assume it's okay but have no real knowledge. |
Netaji Subhas Institute Of Technology • Delhi, AL
Studying Instrumentation And Control (completion in 2004)
• 10/13/2011
"I learned and improved in many ways and received good employment opportunities."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | I would recommend it because of my personal and technical knowledge gains in school. |
| Program Reputation | 8 | People use the network for employment opportunities. Good scope for further studies also. |
| Program Quality | 6 | The subjects we studied are relevant. You had the option to enter into the core branch or IT field. |
| Instruction | 5 | The curriculum could have been upgraded. More practical usage could be added. |
| How Difficult | 5 | I was able to cope with the workload with a little bit of effort. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | A few subjects had a good hands on experience while a few had a limited resources for hands on experience. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 1 | The schedules were totally fixed. |
| Academic Facilities | 8 | New campus, so new labs. New libraries and other infrastructure. |
| Social Life | 8 | Technical fests, hostel parties, class parties and cultural fests etc. happen every semester. |
| Placement Services | 9 | Many top- and average-rated companies visit the campus. |
| Alumni Network | 4 | Online forums are not very active. Missing the latest contact information of people. |
University Of South Alabama • Mobile, AL
Studying Communications (completion in 2008)
• 11/16/2011
"I always look back on my time in school and remember how great it was. The teachers and campus were excellent, and I still remember many of the things I learned in their classes."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | They have great general studies programs, with a variety of fields that one can go into. Overall its a really good school with a great faculty. |
| Program Reputation | 5 | I would consider it to be average, as with their other business programs. The school is well known for its medical program, but it has an overall reputation as a great school. |
| Program Quality | 5 | I would say it was average. Maybe because Communications was a more generic major, but it seemed as though there were a broad range of courses offered. |
| Instruction | 7 | South had some really great teachers that inspired students to work hard, and they were very knowledgeable. The staff and curriculum were great! |
| How Difficult | 5 | As stated earlier, it was a fairly generic major, so there was nothing too crazy. The curriculum was challenging, but never incredibly difficult. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | Most of the courses I took were lecture classes. I do know, though, that they have several other options based on the field you specialize in. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 8 | I was able to take classes that fit around my work schedule. They also offer many classes in the evenings and weekends, but some of my friends and family have had problems with the classes that are offered after normal hours. |
| Academic Facilities | 7 | When I was enrolled there were plenty of academic facilities (libraries, computer labs, etc). Since graduation, the campus has continued to grow and now boasts some of the best resources in our state. |
| Social Life | 3 | Personally, I've always been very shy, so I didn't go to many events. BUT, there's always something to do there - sports are huge, fraternities/sororities always have something going on, & there are all sorts activities put on by the different organizations. |
| Placement Services | 5 | At the time I was enrolled, this was not an option for my program. However, my wife, who is currently enrolled now, has many options with the job placement, and they've been extremely helpful with their career services. |
| Alumni Network | 8 | The school always has functions for alumni, and there are NUMEROUS networks for current and former students. Being a smaller school, it relies heavily on the support of the alumni, and they go out of their way to do things to show their appreciation. |
University Of North Alabama • Florence, AL
Studying C++, Computer Science, Business, Etc. (completion in 2006)
• 3/29/2012
"I think it is a highly competent school. Over many decades I was a student, an employee, and sometimes both, so I should know better than anyone!"
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | I have not attended in a few years now, and technology has changed a lot in that small amount of time. But, they always kept up with what was current and I'm sure they do now. 100% recommendation on my part. |
| Program Reputation | 9 | I have owned my own computer business for 5 years now, so I have not been in school for 6 years. Their reputation as far as I knew was always wonderful, and still is from what I hear. |
| Program Quality | 8 | I have attended the same school for all of my certifications and degrees over the course of 30 years. I think it is an excellent school for this major, or any major involving computers. |
| Instruction | 8 | I have never had any complaints about the quality of education I received at UNA. Sure, there are others schools who have a specific reputation for majors involving technology. There may be "better schools" out there, but UNA ranks highly for me. |
| How Difficult | 5 | Computers are ever changing and complex! This is a very difficult major. My brain has always been geared for this, so I was always interested in learning more. My interest is what kept it from being extremely difficult. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | I had both, and enjoyed both. There are different ways of obtaining information and professors have different methods. Professors that taught by the book were very thorough people. They wanted you to understand as you were going. They wanted to ensure everyone was on the same page. Hands-on Professors generally believe that repetition is the best way to learn. They assign lots of projects. Once a project is completed, they may assign it again in a different way. These professors tend to think "OK, you've got it now. Let's try it this way so you can do it at a different angle." | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 10 | During probably about 80% of my college attendance (especially after my initial graduation), I had a full time job and family to raise. I did not have the flexibility that many college kids have. I had very small time slots in which I was able to attend classes, but I never had a conflict. They always offered morning, afternoon, and night classes |
| Academic Facilities | 9 | The computer department has always been very supportive at UNA. The labs and equipment were as good as any could be. I have always been very comfortable there. |
| Social Life | They sure seemed to be having a lot of fun & school spirit from what I saw, but I'm a computer geek! We aren't very social people. Let's not forget that I was married with children for most of my education there. | |
| Placement Services | 10 | I could not ask for more from UNA in the area of job placement. They placed me get a job right after graduating right on campus. They have been responsible for helping me advance as well. Every job I have had was because of the school's recommendation. |
| Alumni Network | 10 | Of course, the computer department has its own alumni. They have always been wonderful. They have placed me with jobs and they do stay in touch. |
Online Course Finder
Find the path to your
education in 3 easy steps.