If you are looking for a career involving programming in any field then you have to have the aptitude, skills, and these days the qualifications.
Many places will still employ fresh-faced programmers that have proved their skills in the real world but it’s a difficult way to get into the industry. If you want to successfully program mobile apps or develop software then you will find employers are getting picky. Qualifications can help you get picked ahead of others in the queue.
What is a BSc in Computer Programming?
A BSc is a degree that helps you to work in any industry involving computers. Typically this would involve programming, development, and other aspects of computer programming and applications.
What does it involve?
You will have to take many courses and modules covering a multitude of areas. These include computer programming, probability and statistics, network technologies, open-source computing, principles in society, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and conduct and ethics in science & technology communications to mention just a few.
You will finish the course with a thorough knowledge of all computing aspects in the real world and business.
How long does the degree take to obtain?
Degree courses take different lengths depending on the approach from the student and the school in question. Some schools might run their courses in a slightly different way according to their semesters. There are also full-time courses, part-time and fast-track courses for accelerated learning. There are also online degrees.
You might say that a Bsc in computer programming takes between 2 and 4 years for a full-time course with it normally being around the 4-year mark. Part-time courses could take 5 to 6 years which seems a long time but there are benefits to studying this way.
If you really wanted to push yourself then you could work 12 hours a day and speed up the graduation process but you could end up putting an unnecessary burden on yourself and maybe not get as much out of the course as you could be taking the normal route.
What positions are available with a BSc?
This is what you may be most interested in. The point of all those years of studying is what you can do after. Many computing roles are accessible for a graduate. Here are just some of them:
- Software tester
- Web developer
- Software engineer
- Software developer
- Chief information security officer
- Cloud computing engineer
- Artificial intelligence engineer
- Information technology specialist
Most graduates would look towards software development and programming. Other areas that a degree holder could consider are these:
White hat
If you had an interest in being a white hat or ethical hacker and want to do good with your skills and your degree, then you can help the cybersecurity world by being paid to attack it. Your role would be to find ways into networks and platforms. Look for possible weak points that hackers could exploit and advise on solutions. This role could be down on a freelance basis meaning you could work for companies all over the world.
Games programming
Video games are big business and the best-paid design role in the industry is for programming. You would be looking at a healthy salary with profits and bonuses according to Payscale, plus the pleasure of working on games – if this was your area of interest.
Cybersecurity
A BSc in computer programming could help you take a role in cybersecurity. This is a growing area and will always need experts able to code and find better ways to protect against hackers and criminals. Writing antivirus software and finding ways to strengthen networks is in big demand by businesses.
Mobile app development
One other position you can consider is the continually growing world of mobile apps. Millions of smartphones all over the planet have numerous apps downloaded on them. Research by Statista reveals that over 200 billion apps were installed on devices in 2019. That was a rise of 60 billion from just three years before. After 2020’s self isolations and lockdowns, this number will likely be much higher. This means that app programmers are in demand.
How can you apply to be a student?
Like all degree courses, you will need to meet certain admissions criteria. This will usually involve acceptable GPA scores, suitable college or high school transcripts but will differ depending on the exact course and school you apply to.
Summary
Taking a BSc in computer programming opens a lot of real-world possibilities for you. Even if your heart was set on games designing and you found it hard to break into that industry the Bsc gives you a huge safety net allowing you to work in any computer-oriented field in a multitude of industries.