Types of IT Jobs
STEM | 10min Read
Take the first step toward an entry-level software development career with an online Introduction to Computer Programming Certificate from լƵ (SNHU). This 4-course program hones in on areas critical to industry success, including competency with programming languages like Java, C++ and Python.
Designed by professionals with real-world experience, these hands-on classes will grow your knowledge and help you build a portfolio of work. Hoping to earn your certificate quickly? It can be completed in as few as 4 months, though you must take all of the classes at SNHU and cannot use transfer or PLA credits.
Once you're finished, you'll have the opportunity to apply the certificate's 12 credits to an SNHU degree program like the Associate of Science (AS) or Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Science.
The curriculum for the Certificate in Computer Programming is designed by subject matter experts with real-world experience in their field and includes 4 courses.
Visit the course catalog to view the full Certificate in Introduction to Computer Programming curriculum.
Component Type | PC (Windows OS) |
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Operating System | Currently supported operating system from Microsoft. |
Memory (RAM) | 8GB or higher |
Hard Drive | 100GB or higher |
Antivirus Software | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
SNHU Purchase Programs | |
Internet/ Bandwidth | 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100ms Latency |
Component Type | Apple (Mac OS) |
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Operating System | Currently supported operating system from Apple. |
Memory (RAM) | 8GB or higher |
Hard Drive | 100GB or higher |
Antivirus Software | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
SNHU Purchase Programs | |
Internet/ Bandwidth | 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100ms Latency |
Additional Information:
SNHU has provided additional information for programs that educationally prepare students for professional licensure or certification. Learn more about what that means for your program on our licensure and certification disclosure page.
Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!
Upcoming term starts: June 30, 2025 | September 1, 2025
Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 93.2% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2023 survey with 21,000+ respondents.
You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:
Our faculty carry with them decades of experience in technology. By bringing real-world insights to the classroom, they can help position graduates for success in a field that's always changing.
Dr. Curtis George brings over 20 years of experience as a senior engineer working on various projects, from embedded systems for military aircraft to enterprise software for NASA/NOAA. Before working for SNHU, Curtis worked as a senior software engineer for the NOAA Comprehensive Large Array-data Stewardship System (CLASS) project. Curtis also worked as a senior applications engineer with NASA to create software for satellites for predicting hazardous weather patterns (GOES-R and JPSS), developed a roleplaying game to acclimate international students to American campuses and even created an award-winning Spanish verb conjugation mobile application.
Position
Associate Dean, Computer Science
Joined SNHU
2015
Education
"A major advantage of the Introduction to Computer Programming Certificate is that you'll learn multiple programming languages with hands-on experience. This provides a tangible experience that you can use to land your first job in computer programming."
Read more about Dr. Curtis George and other online faculty at SNHU.
At լƵ, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 400,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
Founded in 1932, լƵ is a private, nonprofit institution with over 180,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.
It's easy, fast and free.
Whether you're applying for an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll fill out a form to verify your previous education experience. As part of our admissions process, we'll help you request transcripts from your previous school(s) to see if you can transfer any credits into your SNHU program! (Also for free!)
After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.
Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu
SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.
As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.
This certificate is not eligible for federal financial aid. Students seeking alternatives to federal financial aid can explore tuition assistance, grants and scholarships, as well as private loans. To learn more about private loans, visit our Funding Your Education with Student Loans page.
Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
*Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.
Transfer up to 90 credits toward your bachelor's degree program at SNHU. If you’ve taken one course or many, we’ll evaluate them for you.
Fill out the FAFSA to see if you’re eligible for grants or work-study. (You could also be offered loans, though you’ll have to pay those back later.)
Earn credits in leadership, technology and more – while taking advantage of a 30% online undergraduate tuition discount for active-duty service members and spouses.
Getting free money for college – from SNHU or an outside organization – could help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Bring in credits from popular options like CLEP, Sophia Learning, Google and other common credit for prior learning (CPL) experiences.
Learn how you can save money with tuition reimbursement from your employer.
Receive an online tuition discount if your organization has partnered with SNHU for educational benefits. See if your organization partners with us.
In addition to growing job prospects and competitive pay, computer programming offers opportunities to make an impact in any number of industries. Healthcare, real estate, banking, travel — you name it.
Openings per year for computer and information technology occupations through 2032, projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.1
Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, not on SNHU graduate outcomes, and do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
At its most basic, computer programming is a set of instructions designed to facilitate specific actions.
Based on the requirements or purposes of these instructions, computer programming can be as simple as adding 2 numbers. It can also have much more complex applications. For example, computer programming can be used to:
And that's just scratching the surface. With so many demands across a number of industries, there's no limit to what you can achieve as a programmer.
A computer programming certificate can be a powerful first step in a new career. It can also be a launching point for continued education or a gateway to your first programming job.
Programmers are highly valued in just about every industry – from healthcare and real estate to banking, travel and a number of other sectors.
As a student of the certificate program, you'll engage in hands-on learning, explore popular programming languages like C++ and Java, and start building a portfolio of your work. You'll demonstrate real experience to future employers, so you can position yourself for the role you want.
A computer programming certificate could be a worthy investment for a number of reasons.
First, it's affordable. լƵ's (SNHU) online tuition rates are already some of the lowest in the nation. And since this certificate program requires only 12 credits to complete, you'll save even more.
That's not even factoring in how quickly you can finish – as a full-time student (2 courses per term), you can complete all 4 certificate courses in as few as 4 months.
If you decide to continue your education, we also offer a seamless transfer pathway to a 2-year or 4-year program. Our Associate of Science (AS) in Computer Science, Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Science and BS in Computer Science with a concentration in Software Development, for example, all build upon the computer programming certificate perfectly.
Another benefit is that professionals with computer programming skills are in high demand. Through 2032, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 377,500 openings per year for computer and information technology occupations.1
Last, but not least, our computer programming degree is designed by experts. Just ask Dr. Curtis George, a faculty lead at SNHU who helped build the university's computer science curriculum. As an accomplished developer who worked for NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and other high-tech leaders, he understands the demands of the field.
“Having a basic knowledge of software programming, including working with others on teams, is a good starting point for any job,” George said.
լƵ's (SNHU) computer programming certificate is specifically designed to help you build skills employers want to see.
"This is an excellent path for anyone who wants a start in today’s jobs in data science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, software or full-stack development," said Curtis George, an SNHU faculty lead who helped develop the certificate program.
The Introduction to Computer Programming Certificate explores 3 major computer programming languages: C++, Python and Java.
These programming languages – among others – have topped lists of most popular programming languages in recent years, dominating rankings as millions use them for a variety of tasks.
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/ (viewed May 15, 2024). Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.