Studying Computer Software: Degrees at a Glance
Programs in computer software teach you about the operating systems of computers. Through these undergraduate programs, you will learn how to develop, maintain and operate software. While both associate and bachelor's programs are available, many software-related careers require a bachelor's degree. If you are considering a bachelor's degree program, you may want to consider one that is accredited by ABET.
With the growing presence of computers, a degree in computer software might seem like a good idea. However, the job prospects can vary greatly depending on the type of career that you pursue. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment opportunities for programmers are expected to increase 12% from 2010-2020. Some growth may be hampered by jobs being outsourced to other countries. Over the same time period, the BLS anticipated that employment opportunities for software developers would increase 30%.
| Associate | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Who is this degree for? | Individuals interested in working in computer maintenance or support | Individuals who want to design and test computer software |
| Common Career Paths (with approximate mean annual salary) | - Computer support specialists ($52,000)* - Computer programmer ($76,000)* | - Computer programmer ($76,000)* - Software developer, applications ($92,000)* - Software developer, systems software ($100,000)* |
| Time to Completion | Two years (full-time) | Four years (full-time) |
| Common Graduation Requirements | Approximately 60-65 credits | Senior design project |
| Prerequisites | - High school diploma - SAT/ACT or other placement test scores | - High school Diploma - SAT/ACT scores - Some programs require math and science courses |
| Online Availability | Some courses can be found online | Some courses available online |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2011 figures.
