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Computer Programming

Overview

Programs in computer programming prepare people to write and design computer software.

Computer programming programs include topics such as:

Concentrations

In computer programming programs, students maybe able to specialize in:

Schools

Many career and technical schools as well as most community colleges offer certificate and associate degree programs in computer programming. A certificate program usually takes a year of full-time study. An associate degree program usually takes two years of full-time study.

Several colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in computer programming. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

Other Careers Related to this Program of Study

Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

For this program, schools recommend that you know how to use a computer and the Internet.

For admission into certification courses and programs, you are usually are required to have taken courses in computer programming and general computer science. Depending on the certification you are seeking, you may need a degree in the field or professional programming experience.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

This undergraduate program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

Things to Know

It is common for employers to require you to have a bachelor's degree in computer science or programming to gain entry-level work in the field.

Certificate programs in computer programs are available. These are usually for people who already have a bachelor's degree in a related field and have professional computer experience.

Some certifications are for specific software developers. In most cases, this is simply another name for programmer.

Schools

East Side Area

Walla Walla Community College

King-Snohomish Area

Academy of Interactive Entertainment

Bellevue College

Cascadia College

City University of Seattle

CODE Fellows

Columbia College - Naval Station Everett/Marysville

DigiPen Institute of Technology

Edmonds Community College

Everett Community College

Green River College

Highline College

Lake Washington Institute of Technology

North Seattle College

Renton Technical College

Seattle Central College

Seattle University

TLG Learning

University of Washington - Bothell

Kitsap Area

Olympic College

Spokane Area

Park University - Fairchild AFB

Spokane Community College

Statewide and Distance Learning

WGU Washington

Tacoma Area

Bates Technical College

Bates Technical College (Central/Mohler Campus)

Clover Park Technical College

Pierce College Fort Steilacoom

Pierce College Puyallup

University of Washington - Tacoma

Tri-Cities Area

Columbia Basin College

Vancouver Area

Charter College--Vancouver

West Side Area

Bellingham Technical College

Centralia College

Columbia College - Whidbey Island

Saint Martin's University

South Puget Sound Community College

Western Washington University

Yakima Area

Yakima Valley College