by our College Data Analytics TeamStudying Computer Programming, Specific Platforms involves the study of A Program That Prepares Individuals To Design, Develop, And Implement Software-Based Solutions For Specific Business And Consumer Platforms Including Industrial, Game, Mobile, Tactile, And Web Platforms. Includes Instruction In Computer Programming, Computer Hardware, Data Structures, Database Theory, Maintenance, Operating Systems, Project Management, Software Development, And Systems Analysis. Read on to learn the important information every computer programming, specific platforms student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering computer programming, specific platforms programs.
Nationwide, computer programming, specific platforms is a popular field of study, with 41 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Computer Programming, Specific Platforms Schools ranking analyzes these 8 schools to determine the best overall colleges for computer programming, specific platforms students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of computer programming, specific platforms programs later in this article.
Programs in Computer Programming, Specific Platforms develop a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations computer programming, specific platforms graduates commonly enter.
The skill set developed in a computer programming, specific platforms program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Per O*NET surveys, a computer programming, specific platforms major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several computer programming, specific platforms 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 | 2 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 8 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 31 |
People currently working in careers related to computer programming, specific platforms tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 77.1% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 13.3% |
| Some college courses | 3.9% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 2.7% |
| Master’s degree | 1.7% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 1.2% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 0.1% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in computer programming, specific platforms careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
A degree in computer programming, specific platforms prepares you for many career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to computer programming, specific platforms.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to computer programming, specific platforms.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Programmers | 666,800 | 11.7% |
| Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | 273,210 | -1.7% |
| Software Developers | 145,079 | 13.5% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of computer programming, specific platforms graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. These numbers tend to grow 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, specific platforms graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers computer programming, specific platforms grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Computer Programmers | $109,892 |
| Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | $80,062 |
| Software Developers | $76,447 |
With 8 different computer programming, specific platforms programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased computer programming, specific platforms school rankings to help you.
Those considering computer programming, specific platforms, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Computer Programming/Programmer, General | 11,341 |
| Computer Programming, Specific Applications | 2,813 |
| Computer Game Programming | 492 |
| Computer Programming, Vendor/Product Certification | 420 |
| Computer Programming, Other | 229 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
