Best Online Computer Programming Certificates
Updated October 10, 2023
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Earning a computer programming certificate is an efficient way to learn to program or build on an existing skill set.
Have you ever wanted a career in computer science but didn't know where to begin? Computer programming — the science of writing code for websites, network systems, and software applications — may be an ideal pathway. Earning a computer programming certificate online is an easy way to kick-start a career in this specialized field.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that all computer-related occupations can anticipate an employment growth rate of 11% from 2019-2029. This is also true for professionals with certificates who have expertise in one or more programming languages. A computer programming certificate is a versatile, inexpensive credential that can help you pursue entry-level work and expand your skill set.
Read on for our primer on the advantages of online computer programming certificates, along with salary data and information on professional pathways for graduates.
The Best Online Computer Programming Certificate
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Best Online Computer Programming Certificates
Seminole State College of Florida
Sanford, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Seminole State College of Florida offers an online IT support specialist certificate for students interested in computer programming careers. The public institution offers 58 certificate programs, supporting distance learners from its main campus in Sanford.
With career-focused classes, the program introduces participants to industry-relevant topics while providing insights into professional roles. Certificate-seekers gain hands-on experience to provide career-specific training. Flexible online classes and several enrollment options meet the needs of multiple learners. Full-time and part-time students can enroll. Busy enrollees rely on this flexibility to balance school with work and other responsibilities.
At the accredited institution, distance learners qualify for several forms of financial aid. Qualifying students can submit the FAFSA and pay for school with the Pell Grant. The institution reports that 66% of enrollees receive financial aid and the overall graduation rate is 41%.
#2 Best Online Computer Programming Certificates
Daytona State College
Daytona Beach, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The computer programming certificate at Daytona State College introduces students to career-focused topics in a flexible learning environment. From its campus in Daytona Beach, Florida, the public institution lets learners choose from 58 certificate options.
With career-focused classes, the computer programming program covers core topics while also offering insights into professional roles and responsibilities. Certificate-seekers can also pursue experiential learning opportunities to gain career training. Enrollees can adapt the program based on their unique needs and schedule. The online program provides full-time and part-time enrollment options. Working professionals and busy students benefit from the flexible options.
The financial aid office works with distance learners to find scholarships, grants, and other funding sources. The school's financial aid options include external scholarships, internal funding opportunities, and federal financial aid. The institution reports that 71% of learners receive financial aid, and the school has a 42% graduation rate.
#3 Best Online Computer Programming Certificates
Lone Star College System
The Woodlands, TX - 2 years
- Online + Campus
The online computer programming certificate at Lone Star College System offers career-focused training in a flexible format. From its campus in The Woodlands, Texas, the public institution welcomes learners to 57 certificate training programs.
With industry-tailored classes, the computer programming program introduces participants to foundational topics and offers industry insights. Certificate-seekers can also prepare for the workforce with workshops, events, and experiential learning opportunities. Enrollees can choose classes based on their schedule and needs. The online program provides full-time and part-time enrollment options. This flexibility allows busy students to balance school with work or other obligations.
Learners can contact the financial aid office to learn more about eligibility for assistance and financial aid opportunities. The school offers internal and external funding opportunities, which include scholarships and federal aid programs like the Pell Grant. Out of the total student body, 56% receive financial aid. The school reports an 18% graduation rate.
#4 Best Online Computer Programming Certificates
Montgomery College
Rockville, MD - 2 years
- Online + Campus
The online computer programming certificate at Montgomery College uses online classes to train students for careers in the field. Learners benefit from 97 certificate options offered by the public institution, located in Rockville, Maryland.
The curriculum covers industry-relevant topics while providing a deep insight into the profession. Certificate-seekers participate in experiential learning opportunities to gain relevant skills for their career path. Enrollees can choose classes based on their schedule and needs. The online program enrolls students full time and part time. This flexibility appeals to busy students and working professionals.
Learners can contact the financial aid office to learn more about eligibility for assistance and financial aid opportunities. The institution reports that 66% of enrollees receive financial aid, and the overall graduation rate is 22%.
#5 Best Online Computer Programming Certificates
Clark State Community College
Springfield, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The online computer software development program at Clark State Community College in Springfield, Ohio, appeals to students seeking career training in a flexible format. At the public institution, learners choose from 37 certificate programs.
Enrollees deepen their knowledge of the field through industry-tailored classes. Certificate-seekers can also boost their career training with workshops, events, and internship opportunities. Students can choose classes based on their schedule and needs. The program uses full-time and part-time schedules for distance learners. This flexibility makes it easier for working professionals and busy students to enroll.
Learners can contact the financial aid office for information about assistance and eligibility guidelines for certificate programs. The college offers numerous internal and external funding opportunities, including scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid. Currently, 88% of enrollees receive financial aid, and the school has a 15% graduation rate.
Online Computer Programming Certificates Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Our Methodology
Here at TheBestSchools.org, we take the trust and welfare of our readers very seriously. When making our school and program rankings, our top priority is ensuring that our readers get accurate, unbiased information that can help them make informed decisions about online education. That's why we've developed a rigorous ranking methodology that keeps the needs of our readers front and center.
Our proprietary, multi-criteria ranking algorithm analyzes key data indicators — as collected by the federal government — for each school or program. What data we use depends on the focus of each specific ranking, but in all cases, our ranking methodology is impartial: Schools cannot buy better rankings at TBS.
While specific criteria under consideration can vary by ranking, there are a few data points that we value most highly. They are affordability, academic quality, and online enrollment. Below, we break down our algorithm to help you understand what you're getting when you use one of our rankings.
-
Academics -
Affordability -
Online Enrollment
Data Sources
The data used in TBS rankings comes primarily from the federal government, and much of it is provided by the schools themselves. We aggregate and analyze this data to build our rankings.
The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) is our primary source. Its data comes from annual surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Every college, university, or technical school with access to federal financial aid must participate in these surveys, which include questions about enrollment, graduation rates, finances, and faculty qualifications. This is publicly available data, which you can access yourself through the College Navigator.
Additionally, because we value a personal touch and the professional experience of our staff and Academic Advisory Board, we vet all results and adjust rankings as necessary based on our collected knowledge of schools and degree programs. Depending on the ranking, we may obtain additional input from AcademicInfluence.com, subject matter experts, prior TBS ranking lists, or other sources we deem relevant to a particular ranking.
Breakdown of Our Rankings Methodology
About Our Ranking Factors
Here at TBS, we value what you value: quality education, affordability, and the accessibility of online education. These factors guide all of our program rankings.
Each of these factors are further broken down into weighted subfactors. For example, retention rates are weighted more heavily than availability of program options because they are a better indicator of student success.
We chose the following factors for our rankings because of their influence on learning experiences and graduate outcomes. However, students should always balance our rankings against their personal priorities. For instance, a learner who needs a fully online program may prioritize online flexibility more than our rankings do. Our rankings are designed to help you make a decision — not to make a decision for you.
Academics - 75%
Affordability - 15%
Online Enrollment - 10%
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Featured Online Computer Programming Certificates
What to Expect From a Computer Programming Certificate
Details vary, but most computer programming certificates have ismilar timelines, costs, and requirements. Most programs comprise 12-20 credits and take 6-12 months to complete. Schools usually offer online coursework asynchronously or through a blend of asynchronous and synchronous formats.
A computer programming certificate usually costs around $2,000-$5,000. At the end of the program, learners typically complete culminating projects rather than final exams.
Common courses for computer programming certificate programs include:
- Computer and information technology concepts
- Computer operating systems
- Systems analysis and design
- Software development fundamentals
- Data structures and algorithms
- Coding
- Python
- C++ programming
- Java programming
- Windows programming
- C programming
- PHP programming
- Mobile device programming
- SQL database design and programming
- CSS
- HTML
What's the Difference Between a Computer Programming Certificate and Computer Programming Certification?
Before pursuing a computer programming certificate, students should carefully compare the credential with certifications. There are several key differences between programming certificates and computer coding certifications, including who confers these credentials and the function they serve.
In short, certificates are educational credentials while certifications are professional credentials, usually in a specialized subfield. Some professional organizations allow candidates to earn a computer coding certification online, though details vary by credential.
The two credentials tailor to different careers, as outlined below.
Computer Programming Certificate
Bestowed By
Colleges and some professional organizations
Passing Exam Score Required?
Yes
Best Suited For
- High school graduates who want to earn a conventional computer science credential
- People looking for entry-level work in computer science and information technology
- Students who recently completed computer science-related degrees
Computer Programming Certification
Bestowed By
Companies, professional associations, and independent organizations
Passing Exam Score Required?
No
Best Suited For
- Established professionals in computer programming who want to learn a specific programming language
- Learners with computer programming-specific degrees
- Professionals in computer science who want to change industry or specialty
What's the Difference Between a Computer Programming Certificate and a Degree in Computer Programming?
Computer programming certificates differ considerably from a two-year or four-year degree in computer science or programming. A computer programming certificate takes around 12-20 credits to complete, while associate and bachelor's degrees comprise 60 and 120 credits, respectively. These extra credits encompass more computer science-related coursework, along with general education requirements.
The broader scope of a computer programming degree typically leads to more career opportunities after graduation. Individuals with associate and bachelor's degrees have better chances of working in higher responsibility roles, like software engineer, hardware engineer, and data scientist. While a certificate is a vocational credential that prepares learners for entry-level programming roles, a degree provides a more well-rounded education and more career opportunities.
Choosing an Online Program
Students exploring prospective online computer programming certificate programs should carefully weigh factors that can influence their learning experience.
First, consider whether a program's cost is realistically manageable for your budget, both before and after graduation. Also investigate program length and whether course offerings reflect your career plans and interests. Finally, check the accreditation status of each prospective program.
Weighing these concerns can help you identify the program that best fits your unique learning needs.
Computer Programming Careers
Students with computer programming skills can pursue many careers, including software developer or information security analyst. Skilled programmers are in high demand in many job sectors, including the computing and information technology sectors.
The table below lists the most common careers open to graduates who have a computer programming certificate or degree. Keep in mind that computer programming is a versatile major that can apply to other careers beyond those listed below.
| Median Salary (2020) | Degree Required | |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | $126,830 | Master's |
| Computer Network Architects | $116,780 | Bachelor's |
| Software Developers | $110,140 | Bachelor's |
| Information Security Analysts | $103,590 | Bachelor's |
| Database Administrators | $98,860 | Bachelor's |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $93,730 | Bachelor's |
| Computer Programmers | $89,190 | Bachelor's |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrators | $84,810 | Bachelor's |
| Web Developers and Digital Designers | $77,200 | Associate |
| Computer Support Specialists | $55,510 | Associate |
Computer Programming Organizations
Computer programming students should consider joining professional organizations. These associations offer networking opportunities, job assistance, and education, and they help connect members with a wider community. With the STEM field being such a male-dominated sector, professional organizations that advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusivity within computer programming are especially important.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the Difference Between a Coding Bootcamp and Certificate?
Intensive coding bootcamps usually take weeks to complete rather than months, focusing more on web development than other aspects of computer programming.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Computer Programming Certificate?
Earning a programming certificate usually takes a year or less, though credit requirements and completion timelines vary between programs.
How Do You Become a Certified Computer Programmer?
Individuals can become certified computer programmers by earning certifications for specific programming languages from professional organizations.
Do You Need a Certificate To Be a Programmer?
You do not need any specific credential to become a programmer, but many employers expect candidates to be able to demonstrate computer programming abilities. This usually means having a degree or certificate in computer programming and completing a coding test to demonstrate your skill in common programming languages and theory.
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