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What is Computer Programming?

A computer programming degree is the area of study and field of employment that deal with constructing software that communicates with the hardware within a computer in order to successfully run applications. The types of software programmers will write can vary from video games to phone applications and from image development to video editing.   Computer programmers are required to understand in depth of the chosen language in order to be able to program effectively and minimize bugs within the coding of the software.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$85,180

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

56.48%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

271,200

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Computer Programming Degree

The University of Maryland-College Park is a public research institution founded in 1856. UMD College Park ranks among the Best National Universities across the nation by the U.S. News and World Reports. Moreover, the University of Maryland-College Park is more selective, with a 44% acceptance rate.

UMD offers a top ranked Computer Programming degree providing the students the basics in computing, including programming languages and theory. Moreover, the department provides exceptional research on algorithms and theory, bioinformatics and computational biology, cybersecurity and cryptography, databases and big data, programming languages and software engineering, and more. UMD offers student programs that will make sure they can utilize their acquired knowledge such as research, participating in its honors program, completing internships, or studying abroad to shape the students' learning.

Acceptance Rate

44.18

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

One among the nation’s top-leading universities ranked by the U.S. News and World Reports, Clemson University is a public research university located in Clemson, South Carolina. With an acceptance rate of 51%, Clemson University is more selective in its admissions. Moreover, Clemson offers more than 80 majors, 90 plus minors, and over 130 graduate degree programs on its 16:1 student-faculty ratio.

Clemson University offers a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts Degree degree in Computer Programming where students can work together with computing experts and faculty. Students in this program will delve into technical classes such as algorithm and data structures, games design and network programming, software engineering, computer graphics, and computer security. Furthermore, students in this program build a strong background in mathematics, calculus, statistics and probability, and linear algebra. The university also offers a Combined Bachelor’s Degree/Master’s so students can earn a Master of Science in Computer Science while accomplishing their bachelor’s degree. This program is recognized by the Computing Accreditation Commission of the ABET.

Acceptance Rate

51.26

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Founded in 1884, Temple University is a state-run research institution in Philadelphia. With an acceptance rate of 60%, Temple University is more selective in its admissions. Moreover, Temple University ranks among the Best Value Schools and Best Universities across the nation by the U.S. News and World Reports.

Temple University offers an undergraduate Certificate in Computer Programming; this program is structured to provide students looking for in-depth knowledge on computer programming and database techniques. Fundamentals of Programming students will study Java and Python, two common programming languages often used in web applications and scientific research. Moreover, students will have extensive coursework on program design and abstraction, database management systems, learning, writing, and testing Java and Python. This certificate is not available by students taking Computer Science majors and other equivalent programs.

Acceptance Rate

60.04

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Founded by the Vincentians in 1898, DePaul University is a private Catholic research school in Chicago, Illinois. The university is the nation’s largest Catholic school that utilizes a quarter-based academic calendar. Moreover, DePaul has five satellite campuses in and around Chicago.

De Paul’s Computer Programming major that provides necessary education in computing, data storage, and information processing. Computer Science majors are expected to understand computer systems, master programming fully, and develop software skills. Students enrolled can choose a concentration, either Game Systems or Software Development, with extensive coursework on Data Structures in Java, Design, and Analysis of Algorithms, Discrete Mathematics, Multiplayer Game Development, Technical Writing, and User Interface Architecture and Development. Moreover, the B.S. in Computer Science program offers a virtual degree completion choice to finish their third and fourth-year courses completely virtual.

Acceptance Rate

68.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion is a comprehensive Christian university affiliated with the Wesleyan Church. The U.S. News and World Report rank Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion 15th as Best Regional Universities Midwest. The university combines religion and academics in its curriculum.

IW’s Division of Mathematics and Computer Information Sciences offers a degree in Computer Science Concentration (CSC). The program trains students as future competent computer technologists solving real-world problems, improving products, enhancing services, and creating new products, services, and systems. Students enrolled in the program will have extensive coursework in programming languages, information technology, software engineering, computer networking, network fundamentals, and computer operating systems. To sharpen the students’ skills in the program, they will also have supporting coursework in physical sciences and mathematics. Additionally, students can apply their earned knowledge during their senior projects and practicum.  For additional details, students may go around the department’s website or check the program catalog.

Acceptance Rate

67

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Founded in 1826, Mississippi College is a private Baptist-affiliated and a co-educational institution. Mississippi College comprises over 80 undergraduate studies, more than 50 graduate programs, and doctorates in jurisprudence, professional counseling, and educational leadership.

Mississippi College offers a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Computer Programming. This degree sequence prepares graduates for professions in the technical fields by providing them knowledge on the discipline of computer science. Computer Science majors will take courses in programming and problem solving, foundations of computer science, data structures, systems analysis and design, language programming, software engineering, database management, and more. To allow students to establish their resumes and apply their skills acquired through internships.

Acceptance Rate

42.04

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Established by the Society of Jesus, Le Moyne College is a private Catholic institution named after Jesuit missionary Simon Le Moyne. With an acceptance rate of 74%, Le Moyne College is selective on its admissions.

Le Moyne College offers both a B.S. or B.A. degree in Computer Programming. Computer Science majors at Le Moyne will learn to structure and execute software, plan new ways to utilize computational devices and advance effective techniques to resolve computing glitches. The computer science introductory courses have weekly laboratory sessions to impart students' topics and provide them with hands-on experience. At Le Moyne, students will learn about artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, bits, nibbles, and bytes. Moreover, the program's courses highlight computer science's elemental theories, treating today's prevalent languages, apparatuses, and frameworks as contemporary examples of these theories.

Acceptance Rate

73.62

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Located in Sioux City, Iowa, Morningside College is liberal arts and private college affiliated with the United Methodist Episcopal Church. With an acceptance rate of 63%, Morningside College is selective in its admissions.  Morningside College offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Programming to develop the students’ skills to analyze and learn, create software, and solve problems. This program advances the students by giving them more hands-on experience rather than offering many lectures. Moreover, students are given an option to focus on a minor to deepen their particular concentration area. At Morningside College, students may specialize their research on automated reasoning, database systems, computer graphics, or robotics.

Acceptance Rate

63.09

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Established in 1986 by the Church of the Nazarene, Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU) is a Christian liberal arts institution located in Mount Vernon, Ohio. The U.S. News and World Reports rank MVNU as one among the Best Regional Universities Midwest.

MVNU offers a top Computer Programming degree providing students with a solid background in both theory and practical skills. At Mount Vernon Nazarene University, Computer Science majors will learn comprehensive coursework on topics related to the discipline, such as programming. The university offers its state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, research and development opportunities, and participation in faculty-led projects to provide students a rich and personalized experience. Moreover, MVNU makes sure that their students are well-supported by their faculty by giving them one-on-one mentoring sessions.

Acceptance Rate

73.03

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Formerly Cogswell Polytechnical College, Cogswell University of Silicon Valley is a private for-profit institution in California. With an entrance rate of 34%, Cogswell is mostly selective in its admissions.

CSV's BS Computer Science degree provides students with computer science basics with hands-on application and high caliber mentors helping students launch their brilliant minds; the program highlights programming embedded in its curriculum. Enrolling in the CUSV Computer Science program will allow students to work with others on real-world projects before graduation. Moreover, full-time students at the CUSV Computer Science track can quickly finish the program, save money, and graduate with real-world experience and skills. Additionally, Cogswell University of Silicon Valley is an Amazon Web Services Academy Partner.  Students may check the department website or access the BS in Computer Programming information sheet for more details.

Acceptance Rate

49.34

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

It is the lone four-year college in Napa County, California; Pacific Union College (PUC) is a private, Adventist-affiliated liberal arts college. PCU utilizes a quarter-based academic schedule. Moreover, PCU is selective in its admissions, with a 55% acceptance rate.

PUC offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Programming under the Business Administration and Economics Department. At PUC, the Management Information Systems combines business abilities and computer expertise. Management Information Systems majors will learn about information systems development, database administration, telecommunications and networking, systems security and crime prevention, technology management, and more. Also, PUC offers a wide array of opportunities for career exposure.

Acceptance Rate

53.32

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Utilizing a semester-based academic calendar, Rowan University is a public doctoral research institution in New Jersey founded in 1923. The U.S. News and World Reports rank Rowan University among the nation's best national public research institutions.

Rowan University's Bachelor of Arts in Computing Programming and Informatics is a new degree structured for students interested in following careers in information technology, which entails substantial knowledge of computing principles but not the foundations of computer science theory and mathematics. The curriculum is divided into three major fields: foundation courses, essential core areas, and electives. Moreover, the curriculum highlights computer programming and infrastructure platforms. This degree is customizable since it requires fewer major courses. Students may obtain a minor from different fields such as Business Administration, Geographic Information Systems, or take some classes in a particular interest range.

Acceptance Rate

74.34

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Located in Indianapolis, Indiana, International Business College-Indiana (IBC-Indiana) is a private for-profit college founded in 1889. With an Associate Degree as the highest degree offered, programs at IBC take fewer than two years to finish.

IBC's Computer Programming degree online is a 16-month Associate of Applied Science degree program; this program will prepare students for a career in IT by integrating technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Computer Programming students will learn about: Programming Languages, Database Concepts, Website Development, and Network Administration. Furthermore, IBC-Indiana's computer programming curriculum is regularly updated to ensure students' technologies and programming languages are efficient for future employment.

Acceptance Rate

79.33

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Founded in 1937 by order of Friars Minor, Siena College is a Catholic liberal arts college in Loudonville, New York. Siena College ranks 15th as Best Value Schools by the U.S. News and World Reports. With an entrance rate of 81%, Siena College is selective in its admissions.

Siena’s Computer Programming Degree program highlights first hand involvement through group activities, laboratories, internships, and individual interaction with teachers. Moreover, Siena provides customizable coursework to a specialized field or a comprehensive sampling of courses that give the students convenience. Computer Science students will study data structures, programming, software development, assembly language and computer architecture, design analysis of algorithms, and more. Students are also given plenty of research opportunities, paid internships, national conference trips, and project-based courses.

Acceptance Rate

81.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Founded in 1917, Touro College is a Jewish private institution in New York City, New York. With an acceptance rate of 69%, Touro College is selective in its admissions process. Touro College has 245 programs, 34 degrees, 33 schools, and 22 locations.  Touro College offers a Computer Science (CS) and Management Information Systems (MIS) Degrees. At Touro College, the programs highlight practical skills essential to starting and sustaining a successful technology profession. CS and MIS majors learn about computing theory and applications, programming, computer methodology, data structures, operating systems, programming languages, computer architecture, and more. To know more about the financial offerings, admissions process, and scholarships, students may visit https://www.touro.edu/.

Acceptance Rate

69.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Founded in 1925, Gannon University is a four-year liberal arts Catholic institution located in Pennsylvania. With an acceptance rate of 76%, the university is home to 66 Bachelor Degrees, 9 Pre Professional Programs, 33 Cooperative Professional School Options, 6 Associate’s Degrees, 27 Master’s Degrees, and 6 Doctoral Degrees.

Gannon University offers a top ranked Computer Programming Degree, recognized by the Computing Accreditation of ABET. The Computer Science program provides a flexible curriculum and high-quality educational opportunities for students. Students in this program will learn about mathematical foundations in algorithms, computing languages, computing systems development, and more. Gannon’s computer science program also offers students interdisciplinary courses like business, computing, and engineering, to enrich their learning experience. Moreover, students may enjoy opportunities such as studying abroad with no required language course needed.

Acceptance Rate

75.52

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Founded in 1819, the University of Cincinnati Main Campus is a premier public university in Cincinnati, Oklahoma. The U.S. News and World Reports ranked the university as one of the Best Universities across the nation.  At U.C. Main Campus, the B.S. in Computer Programming degree imparts students with skills to structure, analyze, and advance technology. Computer Science majors at U.C. will learn about compilers designing, programming, operating systems, networks, computing, and more. Furthermore, students at the University of Cincinnati can shape a remarkable resume and professional network through its cooperative program. The Computing Accreditation of ABET recognizes the U.C. Computer Science program.  To know more about the campus life at U.C., admissions, scholarships and financial aids, students may check its website.

Acceptance Rate

76.67

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Founded in 1959, the University of Michigan-Dearborn is a public institution located in Dearborn, Michigan. The university stresses hands-on learning, engaging faculty, and small class size to foster a cooperative environment toward better understanding. Henry Ford once owned the University of Michigan. Today, UMD continues to promote his courageous soul for teamwork and entrepreneurship.

UM-Dearborn’s Information Science and Computer Programming degree program prepares students for employment in technology, especially in programming, graphics and visualization, and web technology and networks. The program provides students with opportunities such as studying abroad, internship, and research to get real-world experience. At UM-Dearborn, students can establish a network for future professional connections. The Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET accredits the Computer Science and Information Science program.  To get further information about the program, students may access its major map.

Acceptance Rate

61.96

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Located in Ohio, the University of Mount Union is a Methodist Church-affiliated private university founded in 1846. The U.S. News and World Reports ranked the University of Mount Union 10th of Best Regional Colleges Midwest and one of the best value schools.

The University of Mount Union fuses its liberal arts into its classes, including the online Computer Programming degree program. This program prepares students with skills and knowledge in programming languages, operating systems, hardware organization, software, and communication theory. Moreover, the curriculum also provides students with a vast knowledge of discrete mathematics, statistics, and calculus. Its computer science student-led organization provides programming competitions and networking opportunities for future employment to round the students' educational experience. Before graduation, students generate real-world projects to apply their skills and knowledge acquired

Acceptance Rate

76.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Located in East Farmingdale, New York, Farmingdale State College (FSC) is a public technology institution in New York. Farmingdale offers an average class size of 25 students per class and a minimum student-faculty ratio of 19:1.

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Programming at FSC is a four-year degree program educating students on the algorithms, software design, computer applications and systems, information processing, and the mathematical fundamentals of computing. By giving students with wide-ranging coursework, they would be able to further their skills by communicating and collaborating with others across disciplines. To round their skills, students are permitted to contribute to research projects with faculty. Before graduation, students must generate a task corresponding to practical issues and based on their interests.

Acceptance Rate

54.89

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Valparaiso University is a private Lutheran institution in Indiana. The university comprises five undergraduate colleges, a graduate school, and a law school.

Valparaiso University offers both Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Computer Programming. Students in both programs learn about algorithms through programming languages and the environment. Courses for the Bachelor of Arts include algorithms and programming, algorithms and abstract data types, seminar in professional practices, and more. In contrast, the Bachelor of Science track is more likely the same as the B.A. sequence; thus, its courses are more comprehensive. It includes object-oriented programming and at least one of either software design and development of computability computational complexity. Valparaiso requires students to take a course on a seminar in professional practices that highlights communication and interpersonal skills and ethical, legal, and social issues related to modern computational tools to hone the students' professional skills.

Acceptance Rate

85.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Champlain College is a small, private, and non-profit college founded in 1878. Champlain is situated in a suburban setting in Burlington, Vermont. Champlain College is one of the most unconventional schools in the nation, ranked by the U.S. News and World Reports.

The Computer Programming and Innovation major at Champlain trains students who want to harness their field skills. Students enrolled in the program are given their concentration options, including Artificial Intelligence, Mobile Application Development,  or Software Engineering. The department provides the students an internship, so they develop their abilities in computer science. Its Computer Science and Innovation sequence encourages students to study abroad for a semester or two. The students’ academic experience will wind up with a capstone project.

Acceptance Rate

85.15

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

New England Institute of Technology (NEIT) is a private and not-for-profit institution in Warwick, Rhode Island. NEIT ranks 15th in Best Regional Colleges North, 7th in Best Colleges for Veterans, and 12th in Top Performers on Social Mobility by the U.S. News and World Reports.

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Programming is designed to develop students for professions in game programming and software engineering. This program highlights the advancement of students’ technical skills in implementing games on several platforms such as handheld devices, phones, and Xbox. Coursework revolves around game development in small teams so that students can develop their interpersonal skills. Upon developing their games for six months, students are supervised by a faculty member, and its faculty evaluate their projects.

Acceptance Rate

63.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Founded in 1963, the University of Missouri-St. Louis offers students an array of educational opportunities they can select from. It operates as a public institution in St. Louis County, Missouri, with yearly enrollment of over seven thousand.  One of the many offerings of the Computer Science department at UMSL is the Certificate in Computer Programming. The program is a five-course program designed to train students for jobs in computer programming or education. Major courses in the program include Introduction to Computing, Programming and Data Structures, Object-Oriented Programming, and two elective courses. This diploma degree is offered both online and during the evening. Before admitting a student to the program, the candidate must have a minimum GPA of 2.5.

Acceptance Rate

73

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Established in 1892, Winston-Salem State University is a historically public institution in Winston-Salem, NC. It ranks among the Best Regional Universities in South by the U.S. News and World Report. Winston-Salem State University is less selective in its admissions, with a 65% of entrance rate.

The Computer Programming degree at Winston-Salem State University provides students a firm grounding in computer science and its chosen specific interest. Students in this program will receive a strong foundation in computer programming, programming languages, data structure, computer architecture, and the theory of computation and programming languages. The computer science major must follow one of the two learning choices: the applied and technical option. The applied option is business-centered computer programming. The technical option highlights science, which prepares students for employment in mathematics, engineering, and science; both provide a background in computer science graduate school and other related fields.

Acceptance Rate

67.59

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

How to Become a Computer Programmer

To help you efficiently navigate the process to become a computer programmer, we have provided a series of steps to help guide your process. It is critical to remain detail-oriented, organized, and follow directions as you move towards your goal in computer programming.

We will start with the basics and move through the process to ensure students of all levels understand the heuristics behind how you become a computer programmer. A decision tree to assist you in the process includes the following:

  1. Establish a Priority List Your unique goals and aspirations should be placed front and center during your college selection process. As such, you will need to establish a personal priority list that reflects your objectives of attending school. Start your journey by investigating our College Admissions Guide. It will help you understand the admissions process and stimulate ideas on what items are most important to you. Many college-bound students also read our guides on how to get into your top school and ways to reduce college costs.
  2. Request Feedback Ask counselors, teachers, family members, school alumni, and friends for feedback on your newly created priority list to elicit valuable input prior to making any formal decisions.
  3. Perform a Self-Assessment By taking stock of your strengths, weaknesses, likes and dislikes you will more readily be able to winnow down school options leading to a computer programming degree. Your self-assessment should include items such as grades to work experience and from career goals to lifestyle objectives.
  4. Gather Information Gathering information from accredited colleges and universities that offer computer programming degrees will allow you to overlay their programs with your priorities. When you use your priorities as your true north, decisions about your future become much easier. Simply utilize the resources on this page or with our proprietary matching system for colleges or online degrees.
  5. Getting Matched & Apply Once you have received information from a handful of quality schools, you can then assess your likelihood of admissions. Knowing a schools admissions policies, requirements, education parameters, work experience, cost, and program length is essential prior to sending in your college application. Take the time to highlight all work experience related to a computer program and extracurricular activities in your application to help you stand out from other qualified applicants.
  6. Financial Aid With your college application in queue, you will need to invest time to understand your financial aid package. Connecting with the financial aid team at schools will allow you to get your arms around available grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study programs.
  7. College Acceptance Aligning your goals with the schools offerings and overall costs will allow you to make a quality decision about schools offering computer programming degrees. Once you accept a schools offer of admissions, you will need to understand the orientation process, timing, and resources needed to begin matriculation.
  8. Earn Your Degree Earn your degree from an accredited college or university in computer programming and dedicate yourself to learn your craft. Pay special attention to skill development and projects that offer the opportunity to learn transferrable skills in the workplace.
  9. Work Experience While in school, build your professional network by conducting informational interviews with professionals in the field along with opportunities to work for or with computer programmers. Once you land a great job in computer programming, continue to learn about programming on your own through continuing education programs, MOOCs, or additional college classes.

Top Computer Programming Degrees Online

Accredited colleges and universities across the country have a myriad of computer programming degrees and computer science degree program options. With the choices at hand, we have broken down the degree types below to further help you understand your options.

From certificate programs through graduate degrees, you can simply request information from schools offering such computer science programs after establishing your personal priority list to determine which type of degree and which school is best for you.

Online Computer Programmer Certificate

Certificates in computer programming can be offered by schools at two different levels which are utilized by students for varying reasons. First, the undergraduate certificate in computer science programming is a series of classes clustered together teaching foundational elements of computer programming.

The design and intent of an online undergraduate certificate is to prepare students to enter the field of computer programming and expand a set of current skills. The graduate certificate in computer programming, on the other hand, is for professionals in the field or students with an associated degree looking for career growth, preparing for a job transition, or to upskill in their field.

Online Associate Degrees in Computer Programming

The online associate degree in computer programming can be conferred as an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or as an Associate of Science (AS) correlated to the design of the schools curricular program. Associate degrees are 2-year programs that combine liberal arts classes such as sociology, English, communications, and philosophy with core computer curricula to provide students with a set of holistic thinking tools. C

ore classes will help students understand and apply computing concepts, mathematical models, design applications with various code, and solve problems through the use of various programming languages.

Online Bachelor Degrees in Computer Programming

A bachelors degree in computer programming online can be conferred as either a Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS). The bachelors degree is a 4-year program blending general education courses with core computer programming bachelor level classes. Core classes may include: programming concepts, computer programming programs, website development, database management, C, C++, C#, JavaScript, Perl, HTML, scripting languages, technical writing, systems analysis, and operating systems.

Computer Programming Online Master Degree

A masters degree in computer programming is typically a 1-2 year program designed for graduate students or technical professionals intimately familiar with the theories and concepts in programming degree programs and applications.

At the graduate level, students will typically be asked to select an area of specialization along with a research thesis project and/or a project thesis project. Graduate students will need to focus on gaining career-specific skills and knowledge that are readily transferrable to the workplace. In addition, graduate students may seriously consider engaging in projects with real-world applications in programming work relative to your career trajectory.

Universities Computer Requirements

A degree in programming demonstrates that an individual has all the skills to write and maintain software on a given platform. Computer programming requires an individual to be analytical, have a good knowledge of math, and to approach problems with logic.

There are various educational programs offering certificates or degrees available to aspiring computer programmers, though the most common one pursued is the bachelors of science. Classes offered in programming will typically include the following:

  • Introduction to Computing
  • Programming Concepts
  • Data Structures
  • Discrete Mathematics
  • Concepts and Facilities of Operating Systems

Top Skills in Computer Science & Programming

A common set of requirements for incoming college students and working professionals looking to upskill in computer programming includes math, physics, engineering, and computing essentials. The math and physics requirements will vary by school, but an advanced set of both educational domains will help immensely.

A healthy understanding of sociology, linguistics, anthropology, and psychology can be very helpful tools for many students as these disciplines help reveal how humans think and their associated patterns of behavior. The better you understand how others think, the better the programs and applications can be constructed to maximize usage and impact from region to region.

The obvious skills required of a computer science student is to learn a programming language. With the myriad code camps and free tools available on the internet today, students should be able to have a working knowledge of a programming language or two prior to college matriculation. Prior to taking any online class, do your homework to ensure the course or program utilizes good coding practices as unwinding bad coding habits can be a formidable challenge.

Employment Computer Programmers

Jobs for computer programming are expected to grow well above average as the demand for software, middleware and applications continues to grow. Some computer programmers may wish to obtain certification for a particular tool or piece of software as the job demands to increase his or her value and income.

Though it is possible to obtain work as a programmer without a formal education; most companies look for individuals with at least a bachelor's degree and practical demonstrable experience. Some individuals may pursue an education in computer programming to assist them in their primary field, such as accounting or business management, and some jobs will prefer individuals whose background relates to the software being developed.

How Much Can I Make as a Computer Programmer?

College graduates earning a degree in computer programming can expect to receive a higher-than-average rate of compensation. Our broad-based employment survey indicates programmers continue to be in high demand and compensated accordingly. In fact, two of the top five spots on the list are for computer science and information technology. A common entry point into both jobs is through computer programming.

According to the BLS, the median annual income for a computer programmer is $82,240. It is important to note the mean range for programmers is quite large. Meaning, the top 10% average $132,530 while the bottom ten percent make $47,090 on average. All-in compensation will vary based on your work experience, geographic location, degree type, organization type, and skill set.

Top Jobs of Computer Programmers

A computer programming degree is a window into a variety of computer-based specialties within technology companies or various industries needing programming specialists.  A programmer may find themselves working for a public company, private corporation, non-profit organization, or a government agency performing a variety of technical tasks.

As a result of this diversity, we have assembled a list of common jobs of a programmer that you can further research as you move closer to a decision on colleges.  The areas of specialty associated with computer programming can include:

Artificial Intelligence Cryptography
Computer Design Software Systems Development
Information Technology Computer Forensics
Computer Architecture Operating Systems
Database Management Computer Networking
Computer Engineering Computer Installation and Repair
Software Engineering Software Applications
Computer Graphics Web Design
Cloud Computing Computer Security
Top Paying Computer Programming Jobs
  1. Principal Software Engineer            Salary Range: $103,179-$173,233
  2. Senior Software Developer               Salary Range: $77,827-$139,688
  3. Senior Software Engineer                 Salary Range: $87,154-$149,786
  4. Software Programmer                       Salary Range: $66,246-$122,939
  5. Software Development Engineer    Salary Range: $81,451-$123,878
Median Income for Computer Programmers
  • Less than 1 Year Experience   $72,238
  • 1-4 Years’ Experience               $81,608
  • 5-9 Years’ Experience               $99,119
  • 10-19 Years’ Experience           $113,195
  • 20 + Years’ Experience            $127,233
Top Paying States for Computer Programmers
  1. California        $92,380
  2. Texas               $85,210
  3. New York        $88,520
  4. Illinois             $83,350
  5. New Jersey     $85,100

Resources for Programmers

Individuals interested in a computer programming degree may also be interested inmathematics,actuarial science, and physics. For additional information on a future in Computer Networking, check out our Career Guide for Computer Systems Analyst and Web Programming Professionson our blog. Our guide includes an in-depth look at programming and analyst jobs that rely upon problem solving and computing power. As careers in technology continue to flourish, it is important to posture yourself for a bright future.

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