Computer Programming Career Pathway
Programmers and software developers work for big tech companies; tech start-ups developing new products and services; and companies that develop software for clients in government, healthcare, and other industries.
These jobs are similar in that they both create applications and software to solve business problems for employers, customers, or clients. However, programmers focus almost exclusively on coding in languages such as Python, C++, and Java, while software developers focus on the entire process, from determining business and functional requirements to overseeing programmers to coordinating testing and launch.
Gain real-world skills through project-based learning.
Stride Career Prep integrates project-based learning into the curriculum, so classwork mirrors what students will be doing in the workplace. With project-based learning, there's little to memorize and repeat. Instead, students are given a real-life problem to solve and must work with a team to come up with a creative solution.
For example, students will be asked to create a gamified solution to remove trash from the ocean using a remotely controlled robot named FRED (Floating Robot Eliminates Debris). They'll not only tackle a serious real problem—the threat plastic poses to the health of our oceans—but also learn Java, graphics, animation, prototyping, and data structures as well as soft skills such as communication, creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking. And they'll get feedback on projects from successful professionals in the field.
Get ahead of the competition.
Our Programming Curriculum in Detail
All of our students take the core courses required for high school graduation in their state. The chart below shows the additional classes students take as part of the Programming pathway and the industry-recognized certification exams they can prepare to take. You can see the rest of the curriculum by viewing the full course list.
Find a school near you that offers programming.
Find a school near you that offers programming.
Occupational Spotlight
Computer Programmer
Computer programmers write and test code in languages such as C++, Java, and Python that allows computer applications and software programs to function properly. They turn the program designs created by software developers and engineers into instructions that a computer can follow. In addition, programmers test newly created applications and programs to ensure that they produce the expected results. There can be overlap with the duties of software developers.
2020 Median Starting Salary1
$56,033
Projected New Jobs, 2019–20292
-20,100
Expected Percentage Growth in No. of Jobs, 2019–20292
-9% (decline)
Typical Entry-Level Education
Bachelor’s degree preferred; some employers may accept commensurate experience, demonstrated through a portfolio of programming content including apps, and/or give job candidates a coding challenge to complete
Software Developer
Software developers manage all aspects of developing a software program. They interface with customers to understand the goal of the software project and all required functionality. They also identify requirements related to security, capacity, and speed. They document all requirements and workflows and serve as the liaison between the customer and the computer programmers who code the software. They are ultimately responsible for ensuring the software meets the customer’s needs.
2020 Median Starting Salary1
$68,633
Projected New Jobs, 2019–20292
316,000
Expected Percentage Growth in No. of Jobs, 2019–20292
22% (much faster than average)
Typical Entry-Level Education
Bachelor’s degree preferred; some employers may accept commensurate experience, demonstrated through a portfolio of programming content including apps, and/or give job candidates a coding challenge to complete
Computer and Information Systems Manager
Computer and information systems managers, also called information technology (IT) managers or IT project managers, plan, coordinate, and direct IT activities in an organization. They help determine the information technology goals of an organization and then develop and implement a plan to achieve these goals. This includes procuring, developing, installing, and maintaining required hardware and software and overseeing a team of IT professionals, which may include computer systems analysts, software developers, information security analysts, and computer support specialists. Computer and information systems managers may have more specific titles such as Chief Information Officers, Chief Technology Officers, IT Directors, and IT Security Managers.
2020 Median Starting Salary1
$82,837
Projected New Jobs, 2019–20292
48,100
Expected Percentage Growth in No. of Jobs, 2019–20292
10% (much faster than average)
Typical Entry-Level Education
Bachelor’s degree
FAQs
Do you need a college degree to get a job as a coder/programmer or software developer?
You do not necessarily need a college degree to get a job as a coder/programmer or software developer. Most programmers have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, but in many companies, the only requirement is demonstrated advanced skills in object-oriented programming languages including Java, C++, and Python. Employers often give candidates a coding challenge, sometimes called a technical interview, to assess each candidate’s aptitude for a job.
Our Programming Pathway is a great way to learn these skills and start developing a portfolio while completing high school.
If you want to become a coder/programmer or software developer, what programming languages should you learn?
Java, C++, and Python are the most useful programming languages to learn right now. Our Programming Pathway includes coursework in each and we also help prepare students to take the relevant certification exams.
Other in-demand languages right now include Pearl, Scarla, and Go.
Which companies are willing to hire programmers without a college degree?
That doesn’t mean that it’s easy to get a job there, though! You’ll need to have excellent programming and problem-solving skills, be a whiz at several programming languages, and write a killer cover letter highlighting tangible accomplishments (e.g., apps or programs you’ve developed that have solved an organizational need) and your ability to effectively collaborate with other members of a programming team. If you get an interview, you’ll need to demonstrate those skills—and keep your cool under pressure—by completing a coding challenge developed by the employer. Hackathons and coding competitions, like those organized by Business Professionals of America (BPA), are great ways to simulate this experience, build a portfolio, and get a leg up on the competition.
That’s why our Programming pathway features a project-based curriculum that allows students to build a portfolio while learning Java, C++, and Python. That’s also why membership to BPA is included in our tuition-free program.* BPA sponsors coding competitions, provides networking opportunities, and offers scholarships!
How can you prepare for a career in software development while still in high school? What classes should you take?
While in high school, you can learn as many coding languages as possible, develop a portfolio of work and, ideally, intern or job shadow at a software company. Participate in hackathons, join student IT clubs, and develop apps and games.
Classes in computer science, computer programming logic, and specific languages are helpful.
And be sure to check out these additional tips from boot camp operator Galvanize on how to land a six-figure job as a coder without a college degree!
Learn more about course offerings in the other Stride Career Prep career fields.
Hear How Stride Career Prep Can Work for Your Teen
Think this might be a good fit for your student? Want to learn more about the program from current participants? Email your questions and hear what Stride Career Prep students have to say.
1Burning Glass Labor Insights, accessed October 16, 2020. Data is median salary for job postings with that job title, with typical minimum education requirements for that job title (as shown in chart on this page) and 0-2 years of experience, from October 1, 2019, to September 20, 2020.
2Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Website last modified date: Wednesday, September 1, 2020.
*Opportunities vary by school; please visit your school page or check with your school counselor.
**Stride Career Prep is a program for grades 9–12. At some schools, career exploration is offered in middle school.
†Many Microsoft®️ Office certificates can be earned after completing one course. Other certificates require more classes to be better prepared, and students who participate in the program for at least two years will have further preparation for certification testing.
