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.
A degree in Computer Programming covers Computer Programming. Read on to learn the important information every computer programming student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering computer programming programs.
Across the country, computer programming draws strong interest, with 15,336 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Computer Programming Schools ranking analyzes these 499 schools to determine the best overall colleges for computer programming students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of computer programming programs later in this article.
Programs in Computer Programming develop a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations computer programming graduates commonly enter.
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.
Skills built by a computer programming program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Based on O*NET data, a computer programming major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several computer programming degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 1,555 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 4,193 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 2,397 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 7,050 |
People currently working in careers related to computer programming tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 63.1% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 10.9% |
| Master’s degree | 9.4% |
| Doctoral degree | 7.3% |
| Some college courses | 3.5% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 3.0% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 1.8% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.5% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 0.4% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in computer programming careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
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.
A degree in computer programming can lead to many career paths. Below are some of the most common occupations related to computer programming.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to computer programming.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,328,652 | -4.2% |
| Computer Programmers | 666,800 | 11.7% |
| Web Developers | 564,182 | 4.6% |
| Web and Digital Interface Designers | 509,308 | 13.0% |
| Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | 273,210 | -1.7% |
| Video Game Designers | 207,860 | 2.6% |
| Software Developers | 145,079 | 13.5% |
| Computer Network Support Specialists | 128,152 | -3.8% |
College Scorecard reports median earnings of computer programming graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $55,537 |
| 4 years | $60,237 |
| 5 years | $68,349 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for computer programming graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers computer programming grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Web Developers | $125,527 |
| Computer Programmers | $109,892 |
| Computer Network Support Specialists | $107,799 |
| Web and Digital Interface Designers | $88,198 |
| Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | $80,062 |
| Software Developers | $76,447 |
| Video Game Designers | $62,617 |
| Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $35,659 |
With 499 different computer programming programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased computer programming school rankings to help you.
If you are interested in computer programming, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | 118,381 |
| Computer Science | 79,857 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management | 57,935 |
| Information Science/Studies | 22,425 |
| Computer Software and Media Applications | 15,581 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications | 15,034 |
| Computer Systems Analysis | 3,034 |
| Data Processing | 2,131 |
| Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other | 2,066 |
| Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications | 436 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
