The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that computer and information technology occupations will add a total of 682,800 new jobs within the next decade, making it one of the fastest-growing job sectors.
Software developers must have strong computer programming skills. By 2031, the number of job openings for software developers is expected to increase by 26% as the demand for new computer software continues.
The average annual salary for computer programmers with a bachelor’s degree is $80,000, according to Payscale. Computer programmers with an associate’s degree earn $58,000 per year on average.
This list features some of the best online computer programming degree programs at top colleges across the country. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions. The programs on our list have been accredited by reputable organizations, such as the Higher Learning Commission and New England Commission of Higher Education, that assess the objectives, quality, and overall effectiveness of colleges and universities.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, and reputation as well as the student resources provided for online students. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of online computer programming degree programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like the U.S. News & World Report among others to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
Although computer programmers play a key role in developing software programs and applications used by computers, the number of computer programming jobs in the U.S. is expected to decrease over the next decade. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 10 percent decline, or loss of about 17,800 computer programming jobs by 2031, primarily due to the outsourcing of computer programming responsibilities. Having a degree in computer programming and staying up-to-date on programming tools will help keep you competitive in a tight job market.
While there are some degrees specifically in computer programming, the majority of programs are in computer science or information technology. These types of programs teach students a broad range of computer-related skills, which can also be useful in a competitive job market. By earning a degree in computer science, you will have other in-demand skills that can make you more attractive for computer programmer jobs. You will also have the training required for other computer science jobs if you cannot find employment specifically as a computer programmer.
You can increase your employability by completing coursework in the specific field in which you want to work, such as healthcare or finance, and by becoming certified in the many programming languages that exist.
Here are some questions to ask when researching Computer Programming programs:
You should also review the application requirements and deadlines for the programs that you are interested in and begin collecting your application materials. Consider how you will finance your education as well. Talk to a financial aid representative about your options for loans, grants, scholarships, and assistantships. If you currently have a job, find out if your employer offers any tuition assistance benefits.