Education & Training

While in high school, try to take as many math and computer courses as possible, especially programming courses.

Though there are no specific academic qualifications that you must have to work as a programmer, most employers now expect job applicants to have a certain level of academic training. Bachelor’s degrees are commonly required, although some programmers may qualify for certain jobs with 2 year degrees or certificates. Most systems programmers have bachelor’s degrees in computer science.

Colleges and private vocational schools offer a wide variety of degrees and diplomas designed to prepare people for careers in computer programming. The most common programs for computer programmers include computer science, computer science engineering, and business programming. In addition, disciplines like mathematics and business administration have developed strong computer-programming components.

Employers are primarily interested in programming knowledge, and computer programmers can become certified in a programming language such as C++ or Java. A huge range of certification programs are available, including those provided by colleges, vocational schools, and software companies.

Generally speaking, the more education you have, the greater your options in this field.

Related College & University Programs

Computer Programming/Programmer, General

Computer Programming, Specific Applications

Computer Programming, Vendor/Product Certification

Computer and Information Sciences, General

Other Suggested Qualifications

In the current job market, it is very important to combine your knowledge of computers with another subject or discipline. Financial companies, for example, prefer to hire programmers who have business experience. Similarly, engineering firms tend to hire programmers with a background in engineering, and hospitals like to hire programmers who know something about health and the way the medical system works.

Computer programmers must be able to think both logically and creatively and concentrate for many hours at a time. They must pay close attention to detail because any minor error in the computer code can create major problems.

Suggested High School Subjects

Grade 9

English

Mathematics

Science

Social Studies – Geography

Creative Arts

Business

Computers

Health & Physical Education

Grade 10

English

Mathematics

Science

Social Studies – History

Business

Computers

Electronics & Communications Technology

Grade 11

English

Mathematics

Probability & Statistics

Physics

Law & Government

Business & Management

Computer Programming

Computer Science

Electronics & Communications Technology

Grade 12

English

Algebra

Calculus

Physics

Economics

Business & Management

Computer Programming

Computer Science

Electronics & Communications Technology

Important:

» Check with your counselor to make sure that your course selections satisfy your graduation requirements

» Courses available may vary from school to school.

In addition, here is an advice from a computer programmer from the website:

John: “If you’re not already a computer-literate, technically-oriented person before you go into a college computer programming course, you’re probably not going to be qualified for a programming job when you graduate. College can only deliver so much. You need to be prepared before you get there, and interested before you get there.”

I am good at my job but I tend not to write programs. I receive a requirements document. This could also be verbal. I then have to look at existing programs to check on what they do. This may involve running a couple of tests as well as looking at existing source code. I then decide what changes are required. I write a report that details what has been requested and what is required. This report will probably include details of the solution. The solution has to be described in a way that anyone that reads it will understand what is going to happen. The report will also contain an estimate of the time required to complete the work. Once agreed the work will comence and I will do some programming. When the programming is complete I will start to test my changes. The testing will be the major part of the work. When I have finished testing I will inform the user department that the code is ready for testing and they will commence their tests. Because the programs are still in the test environment I may well be called upon to assist with the user testing. I may also make amendments to the changes at this time. But this will not be a full time requirement. Now will be a good time for me to complete any system or user documentation that the site requires. Once the user tests are complete I will promote my code to the production environment. I will request another user test once the code is live. This is the role of a maintenance programmer. Sometimes I get to write a new program. This work is not a major part of what I do and it takes longer for a new program to be made live. In the gaps I get on with other tasks relating to other projects. The general day to day run is about the same. If you want to write new programs all the time then you need to be involved in a development project. The pressure is very intense but if you know the programming language very well this should not be a problem for you. If you do not know the language then this could be a great place to learn but if you do not learn quick enough you will not make it. You will be surrounded by experts that will not suffer fools gladly!

RE:
What high school classes should I take to become a computer programmer? (10 points best answer)?
I'm thinking about becomming a computer programmer. I'm a senior in high school right now and am thinking about taking classes to prepare me for college courses in computer programming. My school offers electives for Computer Programming 1, 2, and 3. But I was reading about college and it…

good luck!