4 answers
Alex
Student
Justin, Texas
14
Questions
Updated
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what degrees does a computer programmer need and why
Hi,
I am in 6th grade and I was deciding that I was going to do Computer Programming so I wanted to know what degree I need. #computer-science #computer-programming #computer-engineer
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4 answers
Eric Willisson
Software Engineer at Google
79
Answers
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Updated
Eric’s Answer
The standard degree is "Computer Science," which is offered at most colleges. A Bachelors of Science (B.S.), a four-year degree, is usually enough, though some people go further and get as Masters or even a Ph.D.
The standard name for the job is a "Software Engineer," though there are other names for programming jobs.
There are sometimes Computer Science classes late in high school, which can help prepare you.
There are other paths of course, but this is a very good start.
Finally, you can start to learn some right now! Using a website like codeacademy.com, you can start to practice programming even now. I started writing simple games when I was around 6th grade, and gradually wrote more and more complicated ones up through college, which really helped me get my degree and then my job.
Good luck!
Thank you for your answer and what does codeacademy.com have to offer
Alex
codeacademy is a website with lessons on a lot of programming languages and related skills. It might be the kind of thing you'd benefit from now, or in a few years, or even in college, but at any point might help you learn more than your school is teaching you. Check it out, try, say, the lessons on HTML & CSS, and on Python, and see if they're useful for you. If not, don't worry about it, as there really is no rush.
Eric Willisson
Laurel O'Such
Consulting
2
Answers
Los Altos, California
Updated
Laurel’s Answer
A Bachelors of Science in Computer Science (Software Engineering or Development - whatever the school calls it/provides) will be the best first option. As said above, after that there are definitely more paths for higher education including a Masters or Ph.D..
However, for those who cannot afford a 4 year university or that's not the path for them, there's also a lot of certifications you can get through local universities (where the courses are specific to computer science and you don't need any "fluff" of general education classes). When you finish these courses, you'll come out with a certification as opposed to a degree. If you think this is more of the path that works for you, also do some basic research for jobs for individuals with CS certificates, there are lots out there.
However, for those who cannot afford a 4 year university or that's not the path for them, there's also a lot of certifications you can get through local universities (where the courses are specific to computer science and you don't need any "fluff" of general education classes). When you finish these courses, you'll come out with a certification as opposed to a degree. If you think this is more of the path that works for you, also do some basic research for jobs for individuals with CS certificates, there are lots out there.
Dr. Dennis Ong
manager, engineer
9
Answers
Columbus, Ohio
Updated
Dr. Dennis’s Answer
Nowadays, you can learn programming with all the resources in the internet. I would say that you try out some free or low cost programming classes at Coursera. And see if you like it or not. Make sure you enjoy programming since you don't want to do something you don't enjoy.
Hi Dennis, this is good advice for a 6th grader to start exploring their computer programming interest but it doesn't directly answer the question. Although it is still far in the future, what degree would the student need to follow this path?
Gurpreet Lally, Admin
Jimil Burkhart
Software Engineer
97
Answers
Gilbert, Arizona
Updated
Jimil’s Answer
A computer programmer typically needs a degree in computer science or a related field in order to enter the profession.
A computer science degree will provide you with a strong foundation in the principles of computer programming, as well as a good understanding of other related areas such as algorithms, data structures, and computer systems. In a computer science program, you will typically take classes on topics such as programming languages, software development, computer architecture, and more. A computer science degree can give you a broad understanding of the field, but if you are sure that you are interested in programming specifically, you could take a program more specific for it.
A degree in computer engineering is also a good choice for those interested in computer programming, as it will provide a good understanding of the underlying hardware and electronics that make computer systems work. Computer engineers are also responsible for designing and developing computer systems, as well as ensuring that they operate efficiently and reliably.
Keep in mind that you are just starting your 6th grade, you still have a lot of time to decide what you want to do and which degree you want to pursue. This is a good time to start exploring the different areas of computer science and computer engineering, and to get a better understanding of what type of work computer programmers do. You can also consider taking programming classes or joining coding clubs or communities, which can help you learn more about programming and determine if it is something you want to pursue.
A computer science degree will provide you with a strong foundation in the principles of computer programming, as well as a good understanding of other related areas such as algorithms, data structures, and computer systems. In a computer science program, you will typically take classes on topics such as programming languages, software development, computer architecture, and more. A computer science degree can give you a broad understanding of the field, but if you are sure that you are interested in programming specifically, you could take a program more specific for it.
A degree in computer engineering is also a good choice for those interested in computer programming, as it will provide a good understanding of the underlying hardware and electronics that make computer systems work. Computer engineers are also responsible for designing and developing computer systems, as well as ensuring that they operate efficiently and reliably.
Keep in mind that you are just starting your 6th grade, you still have a lot of time to decide what you want to do and which degree you want to pursue. This is a good time to start exploring the different areas of computer science and computer engineering, and to get a better understanding of what type of work computer programmers do. You can also consider taking programming classes or joining coding clubs or communities, which can help you learn more about programming and determine if it is something you want to pursue.