Interested in Earning a Computer Programming Degree?

Programmers write specific programs by breaking down each step into a logical series of instructions a computer can follow. They then code these instructions in a conventional programming language, such as C and FORTRAN. An artificial intelligence language, such as LISP or Prolog; or one of the more advanced function-oriented or object-oriented languages, such as UML, Java, C++, Visual Basic, or Ada.

American InterContinental University

 

American InterContinental University (AIU) is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association.

AIU accommodates you and your lifestyle with quality undergraduate and graduate degree programs offering you value for your money; flexibility on your schedule; generous transfer-in policy crediting up to 50% of your combined past college credits and work experience; and adaptability with its award-winning virtual campus granting you access anytime, anywhere you are in the world.

AIU offers the following programs:

• Associate’s in Information Systems
• Associate’s in Visual Communication
• Bachelor’s in Digital Design
• Bachelor’s in Web Design
• Bachelor’s in Computer Forensics
• Bachelor’s in Computer Systems
• Bachelor’s in Information Technology
• Bachelor’s in Internet Security
• Bachelor’s in Network Administration
• Bachelor’s in Programming
• Master’s in Information Assurance and Security
• Master’s in Information Technology

Read more or get a program guide from the American InterContinental University.

Computer Programming Degree

Programmers usually know more than one programming language and since many languages are alike, they can often learn new languages relatively easily. In practice, the language they know or the type of environment they generally work in such as mainframe programmer, object-oriented programmer, or Internet or World Wide Web programmer, often refers to programmers.

In many large organizations, programmers follow descriptions that have been prepared by software engineers or systems analysts. These descriptions list the input required the steps the computer must follow to process data, and the desired arrangement of the output.

Many programmers are involved in updating, repairing, modifying and expanding existing programs. When making changes to a section of code, programmers need to make other users aware of the task the routine is to perform. They do this by using comments in the coded instructions so others can understand the program.

Types of Programmers

Applications programmers usually are oriented toward business, engineering, or science. They write software to handle specific jobs within an organization, such as a program used in an inventory control system. They may also work alone to revise existing packaged software.

Systems programmers maintain and control the use of computer systems software. These workers make changes in the sets of instructions that determine how the network, workstations, and central processing unit of the system handles the various jobs they have been given and how they communicate with peripheral equipment, such as terminals, printers, and disk drives. Because of their knowledge of the entire computer system, systems programmers often help applications programmers determine the source of problems that may occur with their programs.

Programmers in software development companies may work directly with experts from various fields to create software, either programs designed for specific clients or packaged software for general use, ranging from games and educational software to programs for desktop publishing, financial planning, and spreadsheets. Much of this type of programming is in the preparation of packaged software, which comprises one of the most rapidly growing segments of the computer services industry.

The Path to a Computer Programming Degree

The majority of computer programmers, almost 60 percent, had a bachelor’s degree or higher in 2008. Of these, some hold a BA or BS in computer science, mathematics, or information systems while others have taken special courses in computer programming to supplement their study in fields such as accounting, inventory control, or other business areas. As the level of education and training required by employers continue to rise, this percentage should increase in the future. Skills needed vary from job to job and the demand for various skills is generally driven by changes in technology. Employers using computers for scientific or engineering applications generally prefer college graduates who have degrees in computer or information science, mathematics, engineering, or the physical sciences.

Graduate degrees in related fields may be required for some jobs. Employers who use computers for business applications prefer to hire people who have had college courses in management information systems (MIS) and business, and who possess strong programming skills. Although knowledge of traditional languages such as FORTRAN, COBOL, or C is still important, increasing emphasis is placed on more advanced object-oriented languages and tools such as CASE tools, C++, Visual C++, Ada, Smalltalk, Visual Basic, PowerBuilder, and Java as well as 4th and 5th generation languages, graphic user interface (GUI) and systems programming. Employers prefer general business skills and experience related to the operations of the firm as well.

Career Outlook as a Computer Programmer

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of computer programmers is expected to grow much faster than the average. Median annual wages of wage-and-salary computer programmers were $69,620 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $52,640 and $89,720 a year. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $40,080, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $111,450. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, starting salary offers for graduates with a bachelor’s degree in computer science averaged $61,407 in July 2009. Programmers working in the West and Northeast earned somewhat more than those working in the South and Midwest. On average, systems programmers earn more than applications programmers.

Conclusion

Even though the majority of programmers hold a 4-year degree in computer science, extensive knowledge of a variety of operating systems is essential. This includes being able to configure the operating system to work with different types of hardware, and adapting the operating system to best meet the needs of the particular organization. They must also be able to work with database systems such as DB2, Oracle, or Sybase. When hiring programmers, employers look for people with the necessary programming skills who can think logically and pay close attention to detail. The job calls for patience, persistence, and the ability to work on exacting analytical work, especially under pressure.

Today, technical or professional certification is becoming more common as a way for employers to ensure a level of competency or quality in all areas. Many product vendors offer certification or may even require certification of technicians and professionals who work with their products. The number of voluntary certificate or certification programs is also growing and this type of certification is available through organizations such as the Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP).

ICCP confers the designation Certified Computing Professional (CCP) to those who have at least 4 years of experience or 2 years of experience and a college degree. To qualify, individuals must pass a core examination plus exams in two specialty areas, or an exam in one specialty area and two computing languages. Those with little or no experience may be tested for certification as an Associate Computer Professional (ACP). Certification is not mandatory, buy it may give a job seeker a competitive advantage.