Best Online Computer Programming Degree For 2024

We’ve identified the 50 accredited Online Computer Programming Degrees for 2022. Compare online programs, career paths, and salaries!

Are you interested in computers and coding, and wondering if a computer programming degree is a wise move for you? With the rising popularity of STEM careers, a computer programming degree may be a wise investment.

Online Computer Programming Degrees

Becoming a computer programmer is a wide path, with many degrees helping you develop the skills and experience necessary to be successful as a programmer. Click on the subject you’re most interested in to skip to that section.

While there is some overlap, each of these degree concentrations may set you up to be very specialized in your chosen field. Choose the one that most appeals to you.

Computer Engineering Degree

Computer engineering encompasses the design and maintenance of larger systems used in communications, controls, and power systems.

You may develop the skills necessary to be a computer engineer in courses such as Introduction to Digital Logic Design, Microprocessor Systems, and Mobile Robotics.

Computer Information Systems Degree

This degree is fine-tuned to provide a partnership with business management and information systems.

These skills may be developed through courses such as Fundamentals of Cyber-Security, Project Management, and IS Strategy Management & Acquisition.

Computer Programming Degree

An online computer programming degree specializes in learning computer code and the applications of this skill in the marketplace.

Some of the courses you can expect to take in this degree include Java Programming, SQL Fundamentals, and Designing and Programming an Application.

Computer Science Degree

An online computer science degree program encompasses a wide variety of disciplines, including software, networks, information security, digital design, and electronic media. These skills may enable you to approach nearly any technological problem and know how to handle it using the tools at your disposal.

These skills may be developed through courses such as Communication in the Computer Industry, Data Structures, and Introduction to Software Engineering.

Information Technology Degree

This degree bridges the gap between business and technology, enabling you to be a powerhouse in the workplace.

These skills may be developed through courses such as Systems Administration, Intermediate Java Programming, and Principles of Project Management.

Management Information Systems Degree

This degree can help equip you to be a leader with skills in both technology and business management.

With the goal of working as a liaison between information services and the end-user, you may strengthen your skills through courses such as Computers and Internet in Society, Statistical Inference in Management, and Information Systems Analysis and Design.

Software Engineering Degree

Working as a software engineer may hone your skills in all areas of software development, from concept to product release.

To become a proficient programmer, you can expect to take classes such as Programming Languages, Object-Oriented Development, and Software Engineering.

Computer Programming Degree Levels

You can earn a computer programming degree either on campus in a traditional format or online. You could earn a:

• Associate’s in Computer Programming,
• Bachelor’s in Computer Programming,
• Master’s in Computer Programming, or
• PhD in Computer Programming.

The level of programming degree required will likely depend on the job you are seeking. You can often land entry-level programmer jobs with a computer programming certification or associate’s degree in computer programming. That being said, some employers may give preference to candidates who have a bachelor’s degree in computer programming or higher.

Online Computer Programming Courses and Curriculum

Becoming a computer programmer is not as simple as completing a weekend seminar. If you enroll in an online computer programming degree, you can expect to take courses such as these:

• Intro to Computer Information Systems
• College Algebra
• Introduction to Web Development
• Front-End Web Development
• Object-Oriented Programming
• Assembly Language
• Programming Languages
• Software Engineering
• Computer Graphics
• Database Design and Programming

With the skills you’ll develop through courses like these, you may be well equipped to succeed as a computer programmer.

Computer Programming Certifications

Computer programming certifications are a way to prove your proficiency and aptitude in a specific area of programming or development. Being certified may give you an edge over other job applicants in entry-level programming positions.

While many degrees offer students the opportunity to develop proficiency in a particular tool, programming language, or vendor-specific platform, a certification is a verified example of your skillset.

With over 2,000 computer programming languages available, a company or organization may value one certification over another. Some positions, such as database administrator, may require certification in the product that the company uses, whether through software vendors or vendor-neutral certification providers.

For senior positions such as an information security analyst, most companies will require applicants to be certified before applying.

How to Become a Computer Programmer

NASA, Pokémon Go, and the operating system on your cell phone all have one element in common: they were all built by computer programmers. So, what do you need to do to join the ranks of computer programmers and make an impression on the world around you?

Most computer programmer jobs require you to have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related subject. However, if you do not have the time or resources to complete a four-year degree, some companies have entry-level positions for programmers who only have an associate’s degree.

You can also expect to be continually upgrading your skills with courses in new programming languages and technological developments even after you get a job as a computer programmer.

Accelerated Computer Programming Degrees

Want to get your computer programming degree fast? Pick a school like Purdue that offers 6-week online courses to help you finish your degree at an accelerated pace.

For a step-by-step guide to getting your bachelor’s degree fast, you can check out this article: How to Get an Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree Online.

Computer Programming Jobs

In today’s marketplace, computer programmers can be found in almost every sector, from healthcare to research and development.

Computer programmers are a key player in the advancement of the workplace, strengthening the impact of every other department in an organization. Within the workforce, a computer programmer might hold positions such as:

• Computer and Information Systems Manager
• Computer Hardware Engineer
• Computer Network Architect
• Software Developer
• Information Security Analyst
• Computer Systems Analyst
• Database Administrator
• Computer Programmer
• Network and Computer Systems Administrator
• Web Developer

Computer coding jobs often allow you to harness technology to support your corporation’s goals and objectives.

Computer Programming Salary

If you are on the fence about whether to pursue a career as a computer programmer, ponder this fact for a moment: The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that 93% of STEM careers command wages above the national average.

In fact, the average for STEM occupations was nearly double the national average wage!

Career	Average Median Salary
Computer and Information Systems Manager	$151,150
Computer Hardware Engineer	$119,560
Computer Network Architect	$116,780
Software Developer	$110,140
Information Security Analyst	$103,590
Database Administrator	$98,860
Computer Systems Analyst	$93,730
Computer Programmer	$89,190
Network and Computer Systems Administrator	$84,810
Web Developer	$77,200

The average median salary is one of the biggest factors that advertise for an online computer programming degree. If you are hoping to increase your paycheck, a computer programming career may work in your favor.

Accreditation

There are a lot of computer programming training courses online, and most of them are not accredited. That means no one has double-checked the quality of the education they offer.

To ensure that you receive the highest quality education possible, along with a degree that employers will respect, only enroll in accredited schools. Regional accreditation can come from any of these boards:

• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

Getting your associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree from an accredited school also helps to ensure that other universities will accept you into their programs if you ever want to further your education.

Financial Aid

You plan to make a good living once you graduate, but what can you do to make sure you have the funds to finish?

Start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Then, check into these secondary sources:

• State funding
• Private organization grants and scholarships
• University scholarships
• Employer tuition assistance

Most students qualify for multiple sources of financial aid, so don’t pass over any of these opportunities.