Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
Computer Programming
Focuses on the general writing and implementation of generic and customized programs to drive operating systems and that generally prepares you to apply the methods and procedures of software design and programming to software installation and maintenance. Covers software design, low- and high-level languages and program writing; program customization and linking; prototype testing; troubleshooting; and related aspects of operating systems and networks.
Inside the major
Programs within this field
Colleges may offer this field under 6 more specific program names. The program you choose affects the courses you take.
- Computer Programming/Programmer, General
- Focuses on the general writing and implementation of generic and customized programs to drive operating systems and that generally prepares you to apply the methods and procedures of software design and programming to software installation and maintenance. Covers software design, low- and high-level languages and program writing; program customization and linking; prototype testing; troubleshooting; and related aspects of operating systems and networks.
- Computer Programming, Specific Applications
- Prepares you to apply the knowledge and skills of general computer programming to the solution of specific operational problems and customization requirements presented by individual software users and organizational users. Includes training in specific types of software and its installation and maintenance.
- Computer Programming, Vendor/Product Certification
- Prepares you to fulfill the requirements set by vendors for professional qualification as certified installation, customization, and maintenance engineers for specific software products and/or processes. Includes training in specific vendor-supported software products and their installation and maintenance.
- Computer Game Programming
- Prepares you to apply the knowledge and skills of design and computer programming to the development of computer games. Includes training in character and story development, computer programming, computer graphics, game design, game physics, human-computer interaction, human-centered design, and usability.
- Computer Programming, Specific Platforms
- Prepares you to design, develop, and implement software-based solutions for specific business and consumer platforms including industrial, game, mobile, tactile, and web platforms. Covers computer programming, computer hardware, data structures, database theory, maintenance, operating systems, project management, software development, and systems analysis.
- Computer Programming, Other
- Computer programming not listed above.
Where it can lead
Careers this field can lead to
Explore related careers, starting with the closest connections and the occupations hiring the most people.
Software Developers
- Median pay
- $135,980
- Hiring change through 2035
- 10.2%
- Job openings a year
- 95,300
To get hiredBachelor's degree
Explore this career GrowingSoftware Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
- Median pay
- $104,300
- Hiring change through 2035
- 5.7%
- Job openings a year
- 10,700
To get hiredBachelor's degree
Explore this career ShrinkingComputer Programmers
- Median pay
- $100,390
- Hiring change through 2035
- −7.3%
- Job openings a year
- 4,400
To get hiredBachelor's degree
Explore this career Growing slowlyComputer Network Support Specialists
- Median pay
- $76,220
- Hiring change through 2035
- 1.2%
- Job openings a year
- 9,000
To get hiredAssociate's degree
Explore this career GrowingWeb and Digital Interface Designers
- Median pay
- $104,000
- Hiring change through 2035
- 6.0%
- Job openings a year
- 8,300
To get hiredBachelor's degree
Explore this career Growing with the economyWeb Developers
- Median pay
- $92,650
- Hiring change through 2035
- 3.8%
- Job openings a year
- 5,300
To get hiredBachelor's degree
Explore this career Growing with the economyComputer Science Teachers, Postsecondary
- Median pay
- $96,980
- Hiring change through 2035
- 4.9%
- Job openings a year
- 3,200
To get hiredDoctoral or professional degree
Explore this careerAll work is projected to grow 3.5% between 2025 and 2035; read every hiring-change figure against it. The figures beside each career are the pay of that work, across everyone doing it. Graduates of this field earn $47,383 one year after completing the program, which is the start of a career rather than the shape of one.
Working style
How and where the work happens
Related careers can feel very different from one another. Compare the specific occupations to understand the work each one involves.
Few of the careers connected to this field are measured as substantially in-person or active work. Compare the specific occupations to see how much time each one involves with people, equipment, and movement.
College options
Where to study it
Ordered by how many degrees each college awards in this field. Sort by any numbered column.