Information technology (IT) is everywhere in the world, and knowing how to program computers is one of the top skills you need to succeed in modern workplaces. Computer programming certificate online programs are a fast way to get the training you need to get entry-level jobs in programming. Plus, they can be much cheaper than getting a whole degree while giving you skills that can get you working quickly.
Online Programming Certificates
Getting your computer programming certificate online is a convenient way to get career education on your own schedule and from anywhere. Certificate programs are a shorter path to a credential than a degree, as they will only have classes that focus on computer topics and applicable skills that are in-demand from employers. Some certificates are perfect for people who have little experience working with computers, while some are certificates to add on skills for people who already work with computers or have a degree in computer science. Because they have fewer classes than a degree, they are also much more affordable, while still giving you a very marketable skillset.
People who are just finishing high school may take this route to quickly gain job skills that will qualify them to enter the workforce in a very useful field: programming. Others may have worked for years in any number of industries, but decided that now is the time to take a path that will lead to better employment opportunities and better-paying jobs. Because online programming certificates are flexible in their scheduling, they make a great way to get a useful credential while still having time to work or go to school. People of all ages and from all walks of life enroll in computer programming certificate online programs, as these skills are so useful to so many industries.
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Cost & Length of Computer Programming Certificates Online
Certificates for computer programming can be as short as three credits, or as long as 36 credits, with most classes counting for three credits each. Almost all programs are perfectly suited to part time study, leaving you free to continue your other school, work, or family obligations. There are some very affordable short programs out there that will cost you less than $500, but the average 12-18 credit program will run you from about $2k to $4.5k. Longer comprehensive programs of 33-36 credits are perfect for those who need a very solid introduction to the subject, but they can also be very affordable at around $4k or so. You can find much more expensive programs that cost all the way up to $10k or more, but we have focused our list on computer programming certificates online that will keep you under $5k for the whole program, making this certificate a very cost-effective way to increase your earning potential.
Because most programs are designed for part time learners, students can expect to take between one semester, or about 14-16 weeks, to possibly over a year to complete. Some programs are suitable for taking multiple classes at a time to finish quicker, but other have course sequences where you go from introductory to more advanced classes in the same topic or programming language, making it harder to double up your classes. Certificates that are shorter will have mostly programming language classes, so you may learn from one to five different programming languages in different classes. The more comprehensive certificates will give you more introduction to computer application, systems, or theory which can be perfect for those who need a basic foundation before learning a lot of programming.
Certificate programs in computer programming will teach some of the most commonly used programming languages and technologies, including Python, C++, C#, SQL, and Java. Learning these skills will involve a lot of practice, and students can expect to have hands on as they learn the ropes and then go on to complete projects that show their programming skills.
Careers with an Online Programming Certificate
Many computer programming certificate online programs prepare students for entry-level jobs as computer programmers. Computer programmers write code in a number of different programming languages, correct errors in code, update existing programs, and test code. They work in almost every industry, but a larger number of jobs will be in computer systems design, finance and insurance, and manufacturing. With a certificate, many students will be able to go out and start working, and throughout their careers, upgrade their skills to work in more lucrative and complex jobs such as software development. While many computer programmers have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, the certificate is a good first step or additional qualification for many careers.
Compared to many careers, there is a lot of problem-solving involved in computer programming. This makes the career interesting and fulfilling for many people, and with so many industries needing workers with computer skills, students can often find jobs working in programming in an industry or field that interests them. Everyone–from sports teams to airlines, retails stores to online marketplaces, and from banks to government—needs computer programmers on staff. Having skills in computer programming can increase your worth in many job types, even if coding is not the main part of your job. For those looking to quickly get into computing, programming is a very good bet.
Computer programming salaries can range from about $41k to $100k per year, with an average base salary of $64,217 per year, according to Payscale.com. The job outlook for computer programmers is predicted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to decrease between 2019 and 2029 by 9%. The Bureau of Labor Statistics puts the median annual salary for computer programmers at $86,550, though entry level employees will make on the lower end of that. However, the potential is there to make a very comfortable salary.
A certificate is a quick and inexpensive way to get training that will allow you to try working in this field, and it can provide the work experience to find out if a career in computers is right for you. With this information, you can plan your next steps in your career. Because technology is at the center of businesses of all types, workers with skills in programming will always be needed. Getting a computer programming certificate online can be a good way to dip your toe into working in programming, and help you consider if software development or a different job within computing would suit you.
13 Top Online Computer Programming Certificates Under $5,000
An online programming certificate can cost less than $500 or more than $9,000. Here at GetEducated we do the hard work for you. We highlight just one objective factor—affordability—so that you can factually compare all of your options.
We compared 65 programming certificates from 33 regionally accredited online schools to create this list revealing the most affordable options in the United States—13 online programming certificates for under the national average cost.
Madison Area Technical College
Degree: IT-VMware Certified Professional Certificate
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $451Perfect for students who have a computer science degree or work experience in IT, the online Professional Certificate from Madison Area Technical College offers training to become a VMWare Certified Professional. VMWare is the most widely used server virtualization platform, and students will learn how to install, configure, administer and troubleshoot this infrastructure. The certificate can be taken fully online, is just one 3-credit course and is offered in a 16-week semester or 8-week summer format. This part time certificate is perfect for those who want to add this valuable skillset to increase their usefulness to small, medium, or large businesses.
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IT-VMware Certified Professional CertificateMadison Area Technical College
Degree: IT-Java Professional Developer Certificate
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $1,353
Madison Area Technical College also offers the 9-credit online IT/Java Professional Developer Certificate for professionals who want to learn to use Java programming language for web development. The three courses in the program are Java Programming, Advanced Java Programming, and Enterprise Java Programming. Students attend part time for this sequence of courses. For IT professionals who need to learn Java, this is a very practical and affordable way to add this skill to their capabilities.
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IT-Java Professional Developer CertificateSeminole State College of Florida
Degree: Technical Certificate in Computer Programming Specialist
Total Cost (In-State): $2,038
Total Cost (Out-of-State): $7,033The online Computer Programming Specialist Technical Certificate from Seminole State College of Florida is designed to prepare students for jobs as an entry-level programmer. The program is 18-credits long, with five required classes and one elective. The degree is upwardly compatible with the associate in science degree for students who wish to continue their studies. Core courses include Network Concepts & Operating Systems, Database Management, and Programming in Java. This very affordable certificate is a great first step for students who want to start working in computer programming.
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Technical Certificate in Computer Programming SpecialistSt. Petersburg College
Degree: Certificate in Computer Programming Specialist
Total Cost (In-State): $2,282
Total Cost (Out-of-State): $7,234St. Petersburg College offers the online Computer Programming Specialist Certificate as an 18-hour program that teaches skills to create dynamic web content and transaction-based web systems. The program introduces programming languages like SQL, C++, C#, and Java, and prepares students to take the industry Oracle Java Associate certification. Perfect for students looking to get a job as an entry-level programmer, and also compatible with associate degree options, this is a very cost-effective way to get job-ready in computer science.
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Certificate in Computer Programming SpecialistSt. Johns River State College
Degree: Certificate in Computer Programming Specialist
Total Cost (In-State): $2,480
Total Cost (Out-of-State): $10,494The online Computer Programming Specialist Certificate from St. Johns River State College prepares students to handle and retrieve data, code in computer language, and test and debug computer programs. The 18-credit program prepares students for entry-level employment, and include courses such as Introduction to Computer Concepts, Programming in C++, and Introduction to Object-oriented Programing with Java. This certificate program can lead to entering the associate’s degree program, and is a great preparation for a first job in computer programming.
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Certificate in Computer Programming SpecialistFort Hays State University
Degree: Certificate in Mobile Application Development
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $2,723Fort Hays State University has an online Certificate in Mobile Application Development that is 12 credits of coursework. The curriculum includes both iOS and Android mobile app development courses, and has a capstone course for hands-on projects. Classes are in seminar format, and students need to complete all the courses at Fort Hays State University to gain the certificate. With mobile app development becoming such an integral part of business, these sought-after skills will give students training that will be in demand in many companies.
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Certificate in Mobile Application DevelopmentClark State Community College
Degree: Certificate in Computer Programming
Total Cost (In-State): $3,634
Total Cost (Out-of-State): $6,518The online Computer Programing Departmental Certificate from Clark State Community College is 21 credits and includes courses in Python, C++, C#, HTML, Java, and JavaScript. The certificate prepares students to write programs, implement system designs, and find and correct problems in system designs and implementation. With incredibly affordable tuition rates, this extensive certificate program gives students a great overview and wide skillset that will help them obtain jobs in the IT field.
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Certificate in Computer ProgrammingSeminole State College of Florida
Degree: Technical Certificate in Computer Programming
Total Cost (In-State): $3,737
Total Cost (Out-of-State): $12,894Seminole State College of Florida’s online Computer Programming Technical Certificate offers a comprehensive entry-level education in computer programming. It includes basic introductory courses in many subjects, including networking, operating systems, databases, and applications. It also teaches skills in SQL and Java. The program is 33 credits long, and can be completed entirely online, making it a great way for people new to the IT profession to get all the required skills to find employment.
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Technical Certificate in Computer ProgrammingSt. Petersburg College
Degree: Certificate in Computer Programmer
Total Cost (In-State): $4,183
Total Cost (Out-of-State): $13,263The fully online Computer Programmer Certificate from St. Petersburg College is another comprehensive, 33-credit certificate offering a great start to a career in IT. It offers introductory training in IT, programming, operating systems, systems analysis and design, databases, and web essentials. Skill taught include SQL, C++, C#, and Java. With this very affordable certificate, a novice in the computer sciences can gain a basic skillset to get a job in this ever-changing and in-demand field.
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Certificate in Computer ProgrammerDakota State University
Degree: Certificate in Software Development
Total Cost (In-State): $4,183
Total Cost (Out-of-State): $5,530Dakota State University has an online Software Development Certificate that is just 12 credits long and includes core courses that can apply towards a degree program. The courses are Computer Science I and II, Software Security, and Object Oriented Design. The program highlights skills in theory and application, programming, coding, algorithms, and more. Because this certificate allows students to work on a wide variety of projects, it offers a great way to develop skills that demonstrate career-readiness for IT jobs in a concise educational program.
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Certificate in Software DevelopmentSaint Johns River State College
Degree: Certificate in Computer Programmer
Total Cost (In-State): $4,546
Total Cost (Out-of-State): $19,239The online Computer Programmer Certificate at Saint Johns River State College is a comprehensive program to train students for entry-level jobs in computer programming, systems analysis, software applications, or as microcomputer specialists. The 33-credit program includes courses in C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, and Visual Basic.NET. It also offers introductory courses in programming, systems, and computer concepts, making it an excellent introduction to the skills and knowledge for working in the IT field.
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Certificate in Computer ProgrammerMiami Dade College
Degree: Certificate in Computer Programmer / Business Applications
Total Cost (In-State): $4,688
Total Cost (Out-of-State): $14,922Miami Dade College’s online Computer Programmer – Business Applications Certificate is 36 credits long, takes more than a year to complete, and offers a basic foundation in programming for jobs in scientific, industrial, commercial, and government data processing. The courses include introductory classes as well as Financial Accounting. All students will learn C++, Java, and database concepts, plus they can take electives in professional ethics, systems analysis, Python, advanced Visual Basic, advanced Java, and web development in in PHP/MYSQL. This basic certificate allows students to choose many electives while still getting the core competencies that will help them get IT jobs in a wide range of industries.
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Certificate in Computer Programmer / Business ApplicationsAnderson University
Degree: Certificate in Coding & App Development
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $4,880The online Certificate in Coding and App Development from Anderson University in South Carolina is 12 credits long and is appropriate for people from any background as there are no prerequisites. Designed in partnership with Apple, the program teaches skills in Swift and Xcode, and follows an “everyone can code” philosophy, as these skills are in use in many industries outside of IT. Students will create their own code, develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, study human-computer interaction, and learn skills in collaboration and teamwork. This industry-friendly certificate can quickly get anyone up to speed on the basics of app development that they can apply to almost any professional career.
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Certificate in Coding & App Development
Get Started Today!
Today is the first day oof the rest of your life, as they say. If you want a sure-fire skillset that will qualify you to do computer programming getting a computer programming certificate online is the easy way to go. With affordable programs, flexible schedules, and a fascinating career of solving problems and creating useful code waiting for you, now is the time to get started!