Programs

Computer Programming Schools

Written ByRWM Editors
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Computer programming may sound like a career that requires significant academic training in math, computer science and other deep subjects. The truth of the matter, though, is that computer programming schools offer programs that you may be able to complete without leaving your current job. Graduates of programming schools may also qualify for a range of positions where programming skills can be useful, such as computer support or Web development. Most computer programmers and related professionals work in an office environment, although some may work independently as self-employed freelancers.

What does a Computer Programmer do?

Exactly what you'll be doing as a computer programmer tends to vary from employer to employer or one project to the next, but there is a list of general duties that most computer programming jobs have in common:

  • Choosing the right programming language for the project
  • Writing the program and ensuring that the code compiles without errors
  • Using an integrated development environment (IDE) to test the program
  • Simplifying the program's code by using code libraries

How to Become a Computer Programmer

Computer programmer education requirements aren't subject to a national licensing standard, so employers tend to set their own rules for how much education is necessary for a given job. You may be asked to submit a few examples of past programming work, in order to clearly demonstrate that you have the skills necessary to produce quality code.

Typically, the curriculum for an associate degree in computer programming takes a broad approach to the field. Students learn the basics of many aspects of the job and drill down to focus on one or two specifics. Here's a short list of courses you're likely to see on your way to a programming degree:

  • Data structures
  • Object-oriented programming
  • Programming language courses (C++, C#, Java, Visual Basic, etc.)
  • Database fundamentals
  • Information Technology
  • Project management

Computer Programming Degrees

Although the highest paying programming jobs may require at least a bachelor's degree, an associate degree or certificate in computer programming can give you enough confidence and experience to land an entry-level position. Here's some info about a few types of program available at coding trade schools:

  • Undergraduate certificates are the shortest-term study plans at computer programming trade and vocational schools. These programs focus on just a few aspects of the job and may take as little as a single semester to complete.
  • Associate degree plans typically contain courses on multiple programming languages and provide more insight into the theory and history of the profession. They typically require about two years of full-time study and contain general education sections that can usually be transferred to a bachelor's program.
  • Diploma programs are something of a middle ground between the two types listed above. Many of them require nearly as many credit hours as associate degree programs but contain fewer general education courses, concentrating your study on career-relevant subjects.

Any one of these formats may meet the computer programming education requirements set by employers, depending on the job you're seeking. It can be helpful to discuss your goals with an adviser before choosing which program to pursue.

Computer Programming Schools Online

Since there's typically very little hands-on work involved in programs at computer programming schools, online degrees are available from a range of institutions. There are typically very few differences in curriculum between campus-based and online computer programming courses, although the delivery method may take some getting used to.

If you're comfortable interacting on the Internet and have a fair degree of tech savvy, attending computer programming schools online might be just right for you. It's important to note, though, that online courses don't serve as an "easy A" alternative to those offered on campus. You'll need to keep yourself motivated and engaged without the benefit of the traditional classroom environment.

Computer Programming Certifications

Certifications play a big role in the greater IT world, and computer programming is certainly no exception. Becoming certified can serve as proof of your skill, and employers for the highest paid programming jobs often include a list of certifications they're looking for when posting an open position.

Here's a list of programming certifications that boost employability for graduates of computer programming schools:

  • C++ Certified Associate Programmer (CPA)
  • CIW JavaScript Specialist
  • CIW Perl Specialist
  • Java EE and Web Services
  • Java SE

You may also be able to use the skills you learned in school to become certified in other areas of the IT field. Talk with your professors or search online certification resources for more info.

Career Advancement Options in Computer Programming

Education and experience are two of the biggest drivers of career advancement for computer programmers. If you enter the field with a diploma or an associate degree, for example, returning to school to earn your bachelor's in computer science or a related field can have a favorable effect on your chances of landing a job as a systems analyst or software developer.

Earning certifications can help as well. Software and hardware vendors may offer certification options that bundle programming skills with more general IT knowledge, such as the Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) and Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD) credentials.

Moving into managerial or supervisory positions is another avenue for computer programmer career advancement, especially for workers who have several years of experience on the job. Computer and information systems managers may need some formal education in business or management, but certificate programs in those subjects are fairly easy to find.

Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Financial Aid for Computer Programmers

Source: Scholarship directory data is copyrighted material which is reproduced on this website by permission of CollegeXpress, a division of Carnegie Dartlet. Copyright © 2024 by CollegeXpress.

Skills and Abilities for Computer Programmers

The Occupational Information Network (O*NET) lists a range of skills and abilities that can be great assets to someone embarking on a computer programming career. Here are a few of the top entries:

  • Reading comprehension can help you understand potentially complex guidelines for a project and help you sniff out syntax errors in your code
  • Complex problem solving is an essential skill, particularly when you need to find workarounds in difficult situations
  • Information ordering, or the ability to correctly organize a chain of tasks, can help you write code that flows naturally
  • Selective attention allows you to concentrate on a specific task for extended periods of time without distraction
  • Systems analysis skills can help you sort out how a system should work and what changes might be necessary to produce the right outcomes

Computer Programmer Salary and Career Outlook

Now to get down to a question that often comes up among job seekers: How much do computer programmers make? The answer tends to depend on a range of factors, such as the city where you work, the project that you're working on and your accumulated education and experience, but national averages can give you a general idea of what to expect from a computer programmer salary.

Professional Resources for Computer Programmers

Joining a professional association can bring multiple benefits to your computer programming career, including proprietary certification opportunities, invitations to national conferences and access to continued education resources. Here's a short list of professional associations in the U.S.:

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