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Where do you want to work?
Mostly Sitting
Repetitive
$68,000
Average Salary
Most computer programmers have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related subject; however, some employers hire workers with an associate’s degree. Most programmers specialize in a few programming languages.
EducationMost computer programmers have a bachelor’s degree; however, some employers hire workers who have an associate’s degree. Most programmers get a degree in computer science or a related subject. Programmers who work in specific fields, such as healthcare or accounting, may take classes in that field to supplement their degree in computer programming. In addition, employers value experience, which many students gain through internships.
Most programmers learn a few computer languages while in school. However, a computer science degree gives students the skills needed to learn new computer languages easily. During their classes, students receive hands-on experience writing code, testing programs, fixing errors, and doing many other tasks that they will perform on the job.
To keep up with changing technology, computer programmers may take continuing education and professional development seminars to learn new programming languages or about upgrades to programming languages they already know.
Licenses, Certifications, and RegistrationsProgrammers can become certified in specific programming languages or for vendor-specific programming products. Some companies require their computer programmers to be certified in the products they use.
Other ExperienceMany students gain experience in computer programming by completing an internship at a software company while in college.
AdvancementProgrammers who have general business experience may become computer systems analysts. With experience, some programmers may become software developers. They may also be promoted to managerial positions. For more information, see the profiles on computer systems analysts, software developers, and computer and information systems managers.
Important QualitiesAnalytical skills. Computer programmers must understand complex instructions in order to create computer code.
Concentration. Programmers must be able to work at a computer, writing lines of code for long periods.
Detail oriented. Computer programmers must closely examine the code they write because a small mistake can affect the entire computer program.
Troubleshooting skills. An important part of a programmer’s job is to check the code for errors and fix any they find.
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Average Length of Employment
Top Careers Before Program Development Internship
Top Careers After Program Development Internship
Gender
Female
56.5%Male
38.7%Unknown
4.9%Ethnicity
White
70.4%Asian
14.2%Hispanic or Latino
12.0%Unknown
2.2%Black or African American
1.1%Languages Spoken
Spanish
41.4%French
14.2%Chinese
6.5%Mandarin
5.9%Hindi
4.7%Arabic
4.7%Korean
2.4%Italian
2.4%German
2.4%Japanese
2.4%Hebrew
2.4%Russian
1.8%Vietnamese
1.2%Romanian
1.2%Bengali
1.2%Thai
1.2%Tamil
1.2%Portuguese
1.2%Urdu
1.2%Gujarati
0.6%Program Development Internship
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
Schools
Michigan State University
7.9%University of Southern California
7.9%American University
7.3%New York University
6.8%Temple University
6.8%Boston University
6.2%George Washington University
5.1%University of Maryland - College Park
4.5%University of Texas at Austin
4.5%University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
4.5%Pennsylvania State University
4.0%Florida State University
4.0%University of Connecticut
4.0%University of Florida
4.0%University of Delaware
4.0%University of Denver
4.0%Duke University
4.0%Loyola Marymount University
4.0%Vanderbilt University
3.4%Georgetown University
3.4%Majors
Degrees
Bachelors
50.1%Masters
36.8%Other
7.9%Doctorate
2.3%Certificate
2.0%Associate
0.8%Diploma
0.2%Program Development Internship
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
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