Online Computer Programming Degrees
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Computer programmers utilize their knowledge of a variety of complex computer languages to write, update, maintain, and repair computer programs. To become a computer programmer, most students obtain a bachelor's degree, although an associate degree and work experience can substitute. In these degree programs, students complete a foundational course work in a variety of computer science subjects, such as computer organization, data structure, and programming concepts, along with upper division classes in more specific programming topics.
Students in bachelor's programs in computer programming are required to take general liberal arts requirements, a breadth of computer science classes, and advanced software programming and engineering courses. Earning voluntary certification in a particular programming language or area is one way for graduates to showcase their abilities and increase their job prospects.
Along with an undergraduate degree in a relevant field, students considering advanced degree programs such as master's degrees and doctorates need acceptable GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. Doctoral degrees in programming do not necessarily teach students how to program in particular languages, but instead explore the conceptual underpinnings of programming languages. Doctoral degrees in computer programming are designed to train graduates for careers as researchers or postsecondary instructors in computer science. In these long and intensive programs, students take a breadth of courses in a number of computer science topics, along with a core of classes in computer programming concepts. To graduate successfully, students must design and explore a research question in computer programming and write up a dissertation on their findings.
Featured Accredited Schools Offering Online Computer Programming Degrees
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What are some of the specializations within this degree program?
A few examples of specializations within the field of computer programming include computer software applications engineers, who use math and computer science to create software for things such as games, operating systems, and network controls, and computer systems software engineers, who plan, coordinate, and maintain computer systems for businesses and organizations. Computer programmers actually write the code and instructions that create software programs and may also have to update or alter existing programs.
What degree levels are available?
- Associate Degree: 2 years to complete
- Bachelor's Degree: 4 years to complete
- Master's Degree: 1-2 years to complete
What are the educational and certification requirements?
A bachelor's degree is generally a minimum requirement to gain a job as a computer programmer. Some individuals have degrees specific to computer programming, where they have spent extensive time learning different proramming languages, while others hold degrees in math, computer science, or information systems. Companies in the science and engineering world prefer graduates with science backgrounds, whereas employers of computer programmers in the business realm prefer some background in economics and finance.
Master's degrees are available for those looking to advance in the world of computer programming. Typically this will be a Master of Business Administration, or MBA, which will give the programmer the necessary skills to move into more of a managerial role within his or her organization.
There are no required certifications that computer programmers must have in order to find a job. Several voluntary credentialing programs are offered by product developers or professional groups, and these can be a concrete way for programmers to demonstrate their skill set to future employers. For example, Sun Microsystems, the developer of the Java language, offers certification in Java and several other languages; the organization Sans offers certification for programmers who specialize in secure programming.
What kinds of classes will I be expected to take?
Accredited u ndergraduate degree programs in computer programming are generally structured to give students an introduction to a variety of computer systems subjects, as well as advanced training in computer software programming and engineering. Along with the major requirements, bachelor's degree programs also require students to complete about one-third of their credits in liberal arts areas, such as humanities, English, natural science, and social science. The lower division core of classes in computer programming bachelor's programs is made up of foundational courses in programming and other computer science topics. Classes such as Programming Concepts introduce students to the basic theory behind computer programming and its practical uses. Other courses, such as Object Oriented Programming, discuss a particular type of programming, as well as the specific languages that represent it. Other classes, such as Data Structures Concepts, discuss the different ways that information can be stored and transmitted via computers.
Along with these basic classes, students learn advanced programming techniques through an upper division core of courses. In classes like Software Architecture and Software Testing, students learn how to evaluate computer systems in order to design the best software programs for them, as well as how to trouble shoot existing software for problems.
Accredited advanced-level degrees in computer programming are usually computer science degrees with a special focus in programming languages. They are aimed at successful bachelor's graduates who are interested in pursuing a career in academia or computer science research. Students take a core of courses in programming languages, while also exploring a breadth of computer science topics and doing work on their research project and dissertation.
After their first year in the program, most students begin focusing more intently on their specialization in programming. Graduate-level courses in programming do not necessarily teach the practical skills for building applications in a particular language, however. A graduate course titled Programming Languages instead explores more conceptual topics, such as different types of languages, their functions, and storage management. Other classes look at special, focused issues about one specific language, as exemplified by the course Parallel and Concurrent Programming in Haskell.
If I pursue this program online, will I be required to complete any on-site training?
It depends on the particular degree program. Some programming bachelor's degrees require students to complete programming practicums and labs, in which students must code under particular time constraints and parameters, while using the school's equipment. Others require students to complete a programming internship as part of the major curriculum. However, most of the coursework in these degrees is easily transported to the online learning environment, since computer programs can obviously be transmitted over digital systems. Students should check with the particular online programs they are interested in, to see what, if any, on-site requirements would apply to them.
In general, most doctoral degrees in computer science are traditional, on-site programs; there are not many degrees available through completely online learning. Since this PhD is geared primarily towards individuals who would like to launch careers in research or academia, it makes sense that the program would require students to complete their degree in a traditional academic environment. Being on campus also gives students the ability to work closely under the tutelage of their faculty advisor, in order to put together the best dissertation possible. Furthermore, many computer science programs require students to utilize special equipment that is hosted by the university.
What are some other degrees that are related to this program?
A few other degrees include similar requirements to the computer programming bachelor's program. In schools where a specific computer programming degree isn't offered, a computer science degree with a programming concentration offers a very close approximation. Mathematics is another popular degree choice for future computer engineers, although the math core curriculum must obviously be amended with programming classes. The bachelor's degree in computer information systems covers a wider breadth of computer classes, but can also prepare graduates to be professional programmers. Other information technology degrees with specializations in networking, databases, or computer security generally also include some courses in programming.
