Computer Programmer

ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY
CERTIFICATE IN APPLICATIONS PROGRAMMING
CERTIFICATE IN DATABASE DEVELOPMENT ENTERPRISE CERTIFICATE

Computer ProgrammerAbout the Career

Computer programmers are usually grouped into two broad types – applications programmers and systems programmers. Applications programmers write programs to handle a specific job, such as a program to track inventory within an organization. They may also revise existing packaged software. Systems programmers, on the other hand, write programs to maintain and control computer systems software, such as operating systems, networked systems, and database systems. Both find workable solutions to keep computer systems up and running and design new systems that meet users’ needs.

Programmers and developers work closely with others, including system analysts, help desk staff, and project managers as well as with management and users. The job of a programmer requires good interpersonal communications skills, good organizational skills, and mastery of several programming languages, including COBOL, Visual Basic, and Java, for example.

Programmers are employed in almost every industry. Many computer programmers are employed on a temporary or contract basis or work as independent consultants, as companies demand expertise with new programming languages or specialized areas of application.

 

About the Program

Depending on the degree, diploma, certificate, or specific electives chosen, students studying computer programming at MTC can learn to design, develop, modify, debug, and optimize software applications, targeted to today’s graphical, client-server, and internetworked information systems environments. Concepts and skills are reinforced through hands-on exercises.

Courses provide instruction on fundamentals of structured programming, design and implementation of graphical user interfaces, object-oriented design and development, as well as client-server programming and database interaction. Students learn the software development process from problem definition through final product testing and deployment.