Computer programming schools offer great choices for selecting or changing your career. Programming is regarded as a “traditional” computer job and involves developing and writing computer programs to retrieve and store data. The programmer writes or “codes” programs to tell the computer what to do, creating a logically-formatted series of instructions based on the software engineers and systems analysts designs. Curriculum for a computer programming degree would likely include courses in current computer languages, as well as an introduction to information systems, basic programming, Internet basics, and web development.
When thinking about a computer programming degree, first review your interests and aptitudes. If you have good technical skills, some experience with computers, and a talent for computer languages, then you might want to start researching computer programming schools.
Employers generally prefer an applicant with a bachelor’s degree in computer programming or computer-related field, but they will also consider an applicant with an associate’s degree or professional certification and significant relevant work experience. After earning your initial credential, you may also want to pursue additional certifications or even a graduate degree in order to keep up with the changing face of technology and increase your versatility.
The major potential for growth in the computer programming field, according to a recent report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, stems from the increasing trend for programmers to take on some of the software engineer’s tasks, such as program design and classification and documentation of user needs. Some computer programmers are beginning to work alongside software engineers to “identify user needs and design …parts of computer programs.”
In line with this, the BLS reports that employment for computer programmers is supposed to decline 3% by 2018, whereas employment for software engineers should increase by 32% and is one of the fastest growing occupations across all industries. The median annual salary for computer programmers in 2008 was $69,620, whereas it was $85,430 for computer applications software engineers and $92,430 for systems software engineers. In addition to their computer programming degree requirements, programmers could increase their range of capabilities and job advancement potential by taking courses in software design as well as systems analysis.
Today, computer programmers are also extending their duties beyond the standard programming skills to work with computer-assisted software engineering (CASE) tools to automate the coding process, especially for large projects involving many programmers. Computer programming courses which familiarize you with other aspects of programming-related skills, such as software design and engineering, might be worth considering in order to develop your talent and help your job application process by extending your abilities beyond the traditional proficiencies for a computer programmer.
Next Steps
If a computer programming degree sounds interesting to you, it might be a good time to talk to some accredited computer programming schools about their curriculum. Explore your education options on our site, and get started on your new career today!