What Is A Computer Programming Degree?
Students interested in creating applications and software with code can pursue computer programming degrees. These programs explore topics like security, architecture, and coding languages.
Individuals with soft skills, including problem-solving, perseverance, and attention to detail, can excel in this technical role. Coders need to think creatively to solve issues with functionality. Computer programming degrees teach hard skills, including the math, logical reasoning, and programming skills necessary to work with computers.
Individuals pursuing computer programming degrees include prospective software developers, software testers, and database developers. Enrollees build a foundation in programming to apply across industries and roles.
The Best Online Bachelor's in Computer Programming Degrees
The school and/or program descriptions below were drafted using natural language generation technology and have been edited for clarity and accuracy. The data is primarily sourced from government databases such as IPEDS — see sources section for more details.Online Bachelor's in Computer Programming Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
What Is An Online Bachelor's In Computer Programming Degree?
Computer programming majors study coding languages like C++, Java, and Python to produce software applications and operating systems.
Programmers turn software designs into instructions that a computer can read and follow. These professionals also test programs, fix errors, and debug systems. While online computer programming degrees prepare graduates to work in many industries, data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that most programmers work in computer systems design and related fields.
According to the BLS, computer programmers earned a median annual wage of $98,670. While the BLS projects a -6% decline in jobs for computer programmers from 2024-2034, the skills learned in a computer programming bachelor's degree can apply to several other jobs in IT. The BLS projects a 13.4% growth rate for all computer-related occupations in the same period.
Professionals with bachelor's degrees or higher and individuals fluent in several programming languages can anticipate excellent job prospects. Candidates may strengthen their resumes by combining their computer programming degrees with supplemental business or science courses.
Some students round out their online computer programming degree by pursuing concentrations or technical elective courses in data structures, artificial intelligence, and computer graphics.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Degree in Computer Programming?
The average online college computer programming degree includes about 120 credits. Full-time students typically graduate in four years, while part-time learners tend to spend an additional 2-3 years on their studies.
However, many variables can affect a program's duration, including course load, program format, and transfer credits. While some online programs offer accelerated or self-paced schedules, others use a cohort learning model. Cohorts complete courses with the same peer group throughout the entire degree.
This lock-step approach fosters student-faculty collaboration and peer interaction but typically takes longer to complete. In contrast, competency-based programs allow learners to move through courses as quickly as they can master a skill or topic.
Transfer credit can also shorten program length. Most schools accept 30-90 credits of prior coursework. Some two-year degree-completion programs admit students who already hold associate degrees.
Courses in an Online Bachelor's in Computer Programming Program
Introduction To Computer Security: This course covers the principles of computer security. Enrollees learn to think like malicious actors and defend against attacks.
Game Production: Learners explore the fundamentals of developing video games through topics like software architecture, mathematical concepts, and in-game logic. Coursework may offer in-class opportunities to develop games.
Mobile Applications Development: Instructors in this course provide an outline of the design, development, and debugging process for creating mobile applications. Graduates can potentially create programs with simple functionality.
Introduction to Data Mining: This class introduces the fundamentals, implementation methods, and uses of collecting big data. Enrollees can learn about pattern discovery and cluster analysis. Professors may provide real-world data sets for students to data mine.
Introduction to Machine Learning: Prospective students in this course should understand calculus, statistics, and probability. The introductory course covers the basics, theories, and algorithms of artificial intelligence.
Computer Programming Degree Concentrations
Many programs offer computer programming as a concentration within computer science and information technology degrees. A standalone BS in computer programming may offer specializations in areas like game or mobile app development.
Computer Security
This increasingly in-demand subfield of information technology and computer science explores data mining, cryptography, computer forensics, and secure software systems. Candidates learn to protect data, computer networks, and databases from unauthorized access or criminal threats.
Careers This Concentration Prepares For: Information Security Analyst, Forensic Computer Analyst, and Security Architect
Game Development
An online computer programming degree with a game development specialization explores the algorithms, processes, and technologies involved in video game creation. Along with game design and development and computer graphics courses, students take highly specialized classes like human-computer interaction, artificial intelligence, and modeling and simulation.
Careers This Concentration Prepares For: Game Programmer, Game Designer
Mobile Application Development
This concentration develops the skills to create software and mobile apps for iOS and Android operating systems. Candidates explore programming languages like Swift, Java, Python, and PHP. Common course topics include mobile backend service, web/mobile user experience, and mobile interface implementation.
Careers This Concentration Prepares For: Computer Programmer, Mobile Developer, and Mobile Game Developer
Data Mining
Students pursuing a computer programming degree online can broaden their computer science expertise with a concentration in data mining. This track teaches candidates to work with big data and large databases. Along with courses on data structures and discrete structures, students explore assembly language programming, probability, and statistics.
Careers This Concentration Prepares For: Data Mining Specialist, Database Programmer
Machine Learning
Computer experts use machine learning techniques and applications in many fields, including bioinformatics, finance, and information retrieval. Typical subjects include data mining, computational learning theory, computer vision, robotics, and natural language processing.
Careers This Concentration Prepares For: Computer Programmer, Data Mining Specialist, and Machine Learning Engineer
Computer Programming Careers and Outlook
Computer programming degrees cover the basics of computer science, programming languages, and architecture. Individuals with these skills can pursue roles as computer programmers, software quality assurance engineers, and software testers.
Recent graduates may find internships rewarding since they provide hands-on experience with programming. However, programmers do not need to complete internships to apply for many entry-level roles.
The following list includes potential career choices and related salaries for computer programming degree holders.
| Computer Programming Career | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Computer Programmer | $98,670 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | $140,910 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $103,790 |
| Database Administrators and Architects | $123,100 |
| Software Developer | $131,450 |
Computer programmers have adaptable skills for different roles, but they may still have questions regarding the field and job outlook.
Frequently Asked Questions About Degrees in Computer Programming
Computer programming is the field of designing and writing code for software and applications. Programmers test their code, identify bugs, and fix potential issues. These professionals can work on mobile apps, video games, websites, and more.
