Why This Matters
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97% OF COMPUTER PROGRAMMER JOBS REQUIRE A DEGREE
Although 88% of computer programmer jobs require a bachelor’s, there are some entry-level programming jobs available for those who have an associate degree.
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11% JOB DECLINE EXPECTED FOR COMPUTER PROGRAMMING
Jobs for computer programmers are expected to decline by 11% between 2022 and 2032. With more competition for jobs in this field, it’s important to have the right education.
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POTENTIAL TO EARN OVER $150,000 PER YEAR
The average pay for computer programmers is $97,800 per year, with the top 10% of workers in this field earning more than $157,690.
Our Research
This list features some of the best online associate in computer programming degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary education.
We evaluated each school’s program on admission, retention, and graduation rates as well as tuition costs, faculty, reputation, and the resources provided for online students. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of online associate in computer programming degree programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like U.S. News & World Report, among others, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
- 78 hours to write this article
- 114 universities and colleges we assessed
- 227 education programs we compared
The Top 50 Online Associate in Computer Programming Programs
Discover More Options
What You Should Know About This Degree
An online associate in computer programming degree is one option for students seeking entry-level opportunities in the tech industry. There are also bachelor’s in computer programming degree programs, along with master’s degree programs. Students may also want to consider similar degrees, such as an associate in web development or information technology (IT).
Only apply to schools approved by a DOE-recognized accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). If your school isn’t accredited, you may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.
There aren’t any specific certifications or licensing required to become a computer programmer. Most programmers possess a bachelor’s or associate degree. There may be optional certifications in various coding languages that programmers can earn to improve their career opportunities.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching online associate in computer programming programs:
- How long does it take to complete this online degree? Most associate in computer programming programs require 60 credits, but some require as many as 90 credits. The duration of the program varies, as some schools have part-time, traditional, and accelerated programs to meet student needs.
- Are courses offered synchronously or asynchronously? It’s important to find out whether classes are offered synchronously or asynchronously when choosing an online program. Synchronous classes require remote students to attend at a specific time while asynchronous classes allow students to download and complete coursework at any time. Some degree programs give students a choice between these formats.
Be sure to keep track of admission requirements, deadlines, tuition information, and other key program details. You can find out more about each program by contacting the school’s admissions department or visiting the school website.