by our College Data Analytics TeamComputer Programmers are able to design and build their own computer programs. Majoring in this exciting field will allow you to learn how computer programs work, and how you can expand upon them or create one of your own. Students take classes in database design, Java programming, web programming, mathematics, and business communications among others to learn all about what's behind programs and operating systems.
While students may decide to focus on Computer Programming in general, schools offer specializations in areas, such as Computer Programming of Specific Applications and Computer Programming, Vendor/Product Certification.
Computer Programming was the 108th most popular major in the 2020-2021 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 11,939 degrees in this year alone. This is a difference of 1,183 over the prior year, a growth of 9.9%.
Our 2023 Best Computer Programming Schools ranking analyzes 131 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for computer programming students. Explore this or one of our many other custom programming rankings further below.
Those who are interested in Computer Programming often have a background in computers and mathematics. They also have strong analytical skills and pay close attention to detail. Since you will be creating programs and working to fix any bugs in computer systems, it is important that you have good concentration while working with long lines of code and troubleshooting to detect and fix any errors. Computer programs can take a long time to perfect. You will need the ability to work on the computer and deal with code for extended hours.
Many computer programmers work the typical workweek in an office or out of their home. While they may work as part of a team for large projects, most jobs are independent. Since code can be worked on and written anywhere, many computer programmers live in a different location than where they work. This opens up the possibility of working for any company in the world without having to move locations.
An internship and previous experience are not necessary in this field, but would be beneficial to students. This hands-on experience will teach students about working with code and developing software. Students will learn to work with programs and troubleshoot issues with the assistance of a professional.
computer programming degree applicants generally need have finished high school or their GED. Many schools may also have GPA and SAT/ACT score minimums that must be met. In addition to these basic computer programming program qualifications, to serve in some programming careers, special certification may be required outside of your degree.
There are many different programming degree levels. You can spend many years getting as high as a in computer programming to something that takes less time like a . How long it takes to complete some common programming degree levels is shown below.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to programming, with approximately 58.1% of workers getting one. People currently working in careers related to programming tend obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 58.0% |
| Master’s Degree | 13.6% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 9.3% |
| Doctoral Degree | 6.6% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 4.9% |
79.9% of programming workers have at least a bachelor's. See the chart below for the most common degree level workers in computer programming have received.
This of course varies depending on which programming career you choose.
A large majority of Computer Programming graduates work for either software developers or as part of businesses or corporations. This degree equips graduates with the skills to work in any environment that relies on computers or programs.
Since computer programming can be done from any location, many corporations are hiring from other countries where they are able to pay lower wages.
Want a job when you graduate with your programming degree? Computer Programming careers are expected to grow 16.6% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to computer programming.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Software Applications Developers | 1,086,600 | 30.7% |
| Systems Software Developers | 472,100 | 11.1% |
| Computer Programmers | 273,600 | -7.2% |
| Computer Network Support Specialists | 215,200 | 8.2% |
| Web Developers | 187,200 | 14.9% |
Computer Programming graduates between 2017-2019 reported earning an average of $45,494 in the 2019-2020 timeframe. Earnings can range from as low as $13,955 to as high as $86,558. As you might expect, salaries for programming graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for computer programming graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers programming grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Systems Software Developers | $114,000 |
| Software Applications Developers | $108,080 |
| Computer Science Professors | $96,200 |
| Computer Programmers | $89,580 |
| Web Developers | $75,580 |
With over 1,145 different programming degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased programming school rankings to help you with this.
Computer Programming is one of 10 different types of Computer & Information Sciences programs to choose from.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| General Computer Programming | 8,750 |
| App Specific Computer Programming | 2,411 |
| Computer Programming Certifications | 278 |
| Computer Programming, Specific Platforms | 173 |
| Computer Game Programming | 169 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Computer Information Systems | 88,434 |
| Computer Science | 59,565 |
| Information Technology | 40,555 |
| Information Science | 18,325 |
| Computer Systems Networking | 14,700 |
