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.
Best Computer Programming Schools for 2020
In order to determine which accredited, two-year schools featured the best options for computer programming students, we gathered and analyzed data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) in categories like affordability, flexibility and student success. Find out more about the colleges that made our top ten in the list below:
This Georgia institution of around 3,600 students placed among the best computer programming schools for flexibility, reporting that more than 59 percent of students took at least some of their credits via distance education. What's more, Atlanta Technical College had a higher graduation rate than all but two other schools in our top ten.
Computer programming programs at ATC: The associate degree in computer programming at ATC covers program analysis and coding in common languages like C, C++, Java, PHP, Visual Basic and JavaScript. Courses are available during the day and in the evening, for campus-based students who need some flexibility.
Anyone who wants to study with a big group of fellow computer programming students should consider enrolling at Amarillo College. More than 120 students at this medium-sized institution in the Texas Panhandle graduated with a degree or certificate in computer programming in 2018-19, according to the NCES.
Computer programming programs at AC: Students here can earn an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in computer information systems with a major concentration in programming that offers 36 credits of programming-specific coursework. A 9-credit certificate program in iOS application programming is available as well, for students seeking that particular set of skills.
Chattahoochee Technical College reported one of the six lowest average net price figures in the country, making it a good choice for cost-conscious students. This institution's eight campuses serve residents of Bartow, Cherokee, Cobb, Gilmer, Paulding and Pickens counties.
Computer programming programs at CTC: Several options for computer programming students are offered here. Students can choose from a two-year program that culminates in an A.A.S., a 54-credit diploma program and four skills certificate programs designed for C#, PHP, Java and Android programmers.
Central Georgia Technical College serves an 11-county area in the heart of the Peach State, operating three full-service campuses and eight instructional centers throughout the region. CGTC has one of the most affordable average net tuition prices in the state and nationwide. Nearly 50 percent of its students include some distance education coursework in their schedules.
Computer programming programs at CGTC: The computer programming diploma at CGTC is intended for students hoping to make a quicker entry into the workforce and focuses mainly on occupational courses. The associate degree plan features 15 credits of general education instruction that can transfer to more advanced programs at a four-year school.
The student body at Lansing Community College is on the larger side for a two-year school. Nearly 11,800 learners walk the halls of this Michigan institution each semester, but the administration manages to maintain a close-knit learning environment. The ratio of students to faculty members at LCC is 11:1, one of the best such figures on our list.
Computer programming programs at LCC: The main study plan for aspiring computer programmers at LCC is an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree program in computer science. The plan teaches programming fundamentals while also covering elements of professional tech jobs beyond programming.
Computer and tech study are popular subjects at San Antonio College. The NCES reports that more than 20 percent of all certificates awarded in 2018-19 were earned by students in computer and information sciences disciplines. SAC also reported our list's largest percentage of graduates who went on to find gainful employment within six years of enrolling.
Computer programming programs at SAC: Several 12-credit occupational skills awards in computer programming can be earned entirely online, including study plans in Java programming skills and web programming. A 60-credit associate degree program and a Level II certificate plan that requires 41 credit hours are also available.
Known as Mt. SAC, California's Mt. San Antonio College posted impressive numbers in our student success categories. The graduation rate here was among the top four on our list, and only one other school in the entire country posted a better first-year student retention rate. Over 50 student clubs and athletic programs are available during out-of-class hours.
Computer programming programs at Mt. SAC: An A.S. degree as well as several certificates are available for students to earn at Mt. SAC. The certificate programs require between 10 and 21 course credits to complete and cover subjects like C++ programming, iOS programming, object-oriented design and programming and more.
If you're a cost-conscious student with Georgia residency, Albany Technical College is probably high on your list already. This southwestern Georgia institution reported that its students pay a lower average net price than any other computer programming school in the country.
Computer programming programs at ATC: Students here can choose from degree, diploma and certificate plans in computer programming. The certificate option follows a 26-credit plan that focuses on Java and PHP programming, while the diploma and associate degree plans include a range of languages and training in mobile application programming.
Washtenaw Community College is another school that tends to keep its students engaged. Just two other schools on our list had a higher first-year student retention rate. Computer programming students hoping go on to bachelor's degree programs might feel especially comfortable here — WCC reports that 70 percent of enrolled students intend to transfer.
Computer programming programs at WCC: Computer programming training here is offered primarily through a selection of advanced certificate plans. Students can choose certificate plans in C++ programming, web database programming and Java programming, with certificate options in Java and C++ also available for distance education students.
Located about 40 miles south of Atlanta, Southern Crescent Technical College posted the highest graduation rate of any school to make our top ten. It was also one of the top schools for online enrollment, with more than 46 percent of students taking at least some of their coursework in the virtual classroom.
Computer programming programs at SCTC: The computer programming degree and diploma plans at SCTC cover program design and development, database management and beginning and advanced concepts in three programming languages. Certificate plans, which take between 15 and 18 credits to complete, are available in C++, Java and PHP programming.
Financial Aid for Computer Programmers
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.: