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Computer Programming Degrees

Graduates of a Computer Programming degree program will have interesting and diverse career options open to them. They will use their skills to write and maintain computer software in any number of industries. Responsibilities will often also include analysis, design, specification and testing of software.

Computer Programming degree programs give students hands-on skills they need to be productive software developers in many industries, using specific skill sets and programming languages. This training also provides graduates with the knowledge needed to learn additional languages and software development tools on the job.

Degree Options

Associate's Degree – This degree is the result of a focused program that provides the knowledge students need to obtain an entry-level programming job in a fairly short amount of time. It can also be used as a stepping stone to a bachelors degree in a technology field.
Bachelor's Degree – At the bachelor's degree level, Computer Programming degrees have become less popular in relation to similar degrees that imply a broader scope, such as software engineering and computer science degrees. Although the education may be very similar, the name of the degree may limit how an employer will view a candidate since most positions require analysis, design, testing and implementation skills, in addition to programming skills.

Computer Programming degrees beyond the bachelor's level usually go by different names such as Masters in Computer Science or Masters in Information Systems since the topics covered extend well beyond programming.

Schools

Computer Programming degree programs can be found at many community colleges, technology career schools, local colleges and online schools. Online schools in particular are a growing source of these programs and are ideal for those pursuing a degree while working.

Coursework

Some examples of the types of courses a Computer Programming student make take are listed below:

Introduction to Information Systems
Object Oriented Programming
Visual Basic Programming
HTML and Javascript
UNIX and LINUX
Databases and SQL
Internet/Web Fundamentals
User-centered Design and Testing
Software specification, test and maintenance
Systems analysis and design

Aptitudes and Interests

Computer Programming majors should have strong logical thinking abilities and good math skills. Good programmers are detail-oriented, persistent and able to look at problems from various angles. They enjoy working in teams as well as alone.

Career Options

Graduates of a Computer Programming degree program will likely pursue a career as a Computer Programmer although the job title and area of specialization may vary. Jobs titles such as Software Engineer, Software Consultant and Web Developer are also common for those who have Computer Programming degrees. Most jobs will involve the development and maintenance of business applications software.

With additional, specialized training or experience, a Computer Programming major could also become a Database Administrator, Systems Analyst or Project Manager.

Related Majors

Software Engineer – This major is very similar.
Information Technology - Includes more business-oriented courses and fewer programming courses.
Computer Engineer – Includes hardware and electrical engineering courses.
Computer Graphics - Emphasis on creative design, physics and artificial intelligence.
Computer Forensics - Focus is on security, ethics and criminal law.

How To Evaluate Computer Programming Degree Programs

When choosing a Computer Programming degree program, keeping the following factors in mind can be helpful:

Technologies – The program chosen should include coursework in the programming languages and development tools most in demand in the job market.
Program flexibility - For students who are also working, a program that has evening courses, online courses and allows the degree to be earned over a long period of time, are important considerations.
Accreditation - Programs should be accredited by a regional accreditation agency, the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges or another accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Some employers will not hire a candidate who's degree is from an unaccredited school.

Free Online Courses

Free Computer Programming course material is available online from MIT. Reviewing a few courses may help someone to decide if Computer Programming is the right degree for them.
Computer Programming lectures from well-known universities are available for free online in audio and video formats.
Free Computer Programming books can be download from FreeTechBooks.com.

Resources

IEEE Computer Society: The World’s Leading Membership Organization For Computing Professionals

Association for Computing Machinery: Advancing Computing as a Science and Profession

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