Computer programmers write the programs that tell the computer how to do what it does. Software engineers develop, design, and test those programs. Their profession, born in the '60s, still has a rogue, cutting-edge glamour.

Studying Programming and Software Engineering
To become a computer programmer, you'll need a bachelor's degree in computer science to be competitive in the job market, even though a handful of self-taught programmers do get hired. Fluency in programming languages like C, C++, Java, and Visual Basic, and query languages like SQL is a must. If you want to design, rather than just program, you'll need at least a bachelor's in software engineering from a good campus. If your ultimate goal is to manage a development team, think about getting an MBA to develop your business savvy.

Employment in Computer Programming and Software Engineering
Your salary as a programmer will depend on your skills, certifications, and individual experience. Today, average programmer salaries run at $56,000, though they also vary widely. Programming positions will show average growth, so to ensure that you get a good job, finish your bachelor's degree or focus on software engineering. Software engineers are likely to remain in high demand, pulling down average salaries in excess of $70,000. The best can make six-figure salaries in research and development or software publishing.

Sources

John Kador. Internet Jobs! McGraw-Hill. 2000.Occupational Outlook Handbook (bls.gov)
Webopedia (www.webopedia.com)

Strayer University (Locations: in Washington, District of Columbia, Memphis, Nashville, Tennessee, Alexandria, Virginia, Millersville, Maryland, Arlington, Virginia, Morrisville, North Carolina, Midlothian, Virginia, Springfield, Pennsylvania, Fredericksburg, Virginia, Glen Allen, Virginia, Ashburn, Virginia, Manassas, Virginia, Germantown, Maryland, Charlotte, North Carolina, Owings Mills, Maryland, Suitland, Maryland, Raleigh, North Carolina, Charlotte, North Carolina, Washington, District of Columbia, Baltimore, Maryland)
Programs: in Accounting, Acquisition and Contract Management, Business Administration, Business in Administration, Communications Technology, Computer Information Systems, Computer Networking, Database Technology, Economics, Education, Executive Certificate in Acquisition, Executive Certificate in Business Administration, Executive Certificate in Professional Accounting, Executive Certificate in Supply Chain Management, Executive Graduate Certificate in Acquisition, Executive Graduate Certificate in Business Administration, Executive Graduate Certificate in Computer Information Systems, Executive Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting, Executive Graduate Certificate in Supply Chain Management, General Studies, Health Services Administration, Information Systems, International Business, Internetworking Technology (Cisco), Management Information Systems, Marketing, Network Security, Public Administration, Undergraduate Certificate in Accounting, Undergraduate Certificate in Business Administration, Undergraduate Certificate in Computer Information Systems, Web Development.

Arizona
The Art Institute of Phoenix - (Phoenix, Arizona)  - Design and Art Programs

California
California Design College (Los Angeles, CA) - Design and Art Programs
The Art Institute of California - Inland Empire - (San Bernardino, California) - Design and Art Programs
The Art Institute of California - Los Angeles - (Los Angeles, California) - Design and Art Programs
The Art Institute of California - Orange County - (Orange County, California) - Design and Art Programs
The Art Institute of California - Sacramento - (Sacramento, California) - Design and Art Programs
The Art Institute of California - San Diego - (San Diego, California) - Design and Art Programs
The Art Institute of California - San Francisco - (San Francisco, California) - Design and Art Programs

Colorado
The Art Institute of Colorado - (Denver, Colorado) - Design and Art Programs

Florida Schools
The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale - (Fort Lauderdale, Florida) - Design and Art Programs
The Art Institute of Jacksonville - (Jacksonville, Florida) - Design and Art Programs
The Art Institute of Tampa - (Tampa, Florida) - Design and Art Programs
Miami International University of Art & Design (Miami, FL) - Design and Art Programs

Georgia Schools
The Art Institute of Atlanta (Atlanta, GA) - Design and Art Programs

Illinois Schools
The Illinois Institute of Art – Chicago (Chicago, IL) - Design and Art Programs
The Illinois Institute of Art – Schaumburg (Schaumburg, IL) - Design and Art Programs

Indiana Schools
The Art Institute of Indianapolis - (Indianapolis, Indiana) - Design and Art Programs

Massachusetts Schools
The New England Institute of Art (Brookline, MA) - Design and Art Programs

Minnesota Schools
The Art Institutes International Minnesota (Minneapolis, MN) - Design and Art Programs

North Carolina Schools
The Art Institute of Charlotte - (Charlotte, North Carolina) - Design and Art Programs

Nevada Schools
The Art Institute of Las Vegas - (Las Vegas, Nevada) - Design and Art Programs

New York Schools
The Art Institute of New York City (New York, New York) - Design and Art Programs

Ohio Schools
The Art Institute of Ohio - Cincinnati (Cincinnati, Ohio) - Design and Art Programs

Oregon Schools
The Art Institute of Portland - (Portland, Oregon) - Design and Art Programs

Pennslyvania Schools
The Art Institute of Philadelphia - (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) - Design and Art Programs
The Art Institute of Pittsburgh - (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) - Design and Art Programs
Bradley Academy for the Visual Arts (York, PA) - Design and Art Programs

South Carolina Schools
The Art Institute of Charleston  (Charleston, South Carolina) - Design and Art Programs

Tennessee Schools
The Art Institute of Tennessee - Nashville (Nashville, Tennessee) - Design and Art Programs

Texas Schools
The Art Institute of Dallas - (Dallas, Texas) - Design and Art Programs
The Art Institute of Houston - (Houston, Texas) - Design and Art Programs

Utah Schools
The Art Institute of Salt Lake City - (Draper, Utah) - Design and Art Programs

Washington Schools
The Art Institute of Seattle - (Seattle, Washington) - Design and Art Programs

Virginia Schools
The Art Institute of Washington - (Arlington, Virginia) - Design and Art Programs

Canada Schools
The Art Institute of Toronto - (Toronto, Ontario) - Design and Art Programs
The Art Institute of Vancouver - Burnaby Location, (Burnaby, British Columbia) - Design and Art Programs
The Art Institute of Vancouver (Downtown Location) - (Vancouver, British Columbia)  - Design and Art Programs
The Art Institute of Vancouver Dubrulle Culinary Arts - (Vancouver, British Columbia) - Design and Art Programs

Westwood College (Anaheim CA - Atlanta GA - Calumet City IL - Chicago IL - Denver (North) CO - Denver (South) CO - DuPage - Fort Worth, TX, - Inland Empire, CA - Long Beach CA - Los Angeles CA - Schiller Park IL - Upland CA - River Oaks, CA - Woodridge IL - Anaheim CA - Dallas TX - Euless TX - Houston TX) Westwood’s staff will get to know you personally, and they'll give you the support you need to establish and achieve your goals. Over 18 degree programs are offered, from IT to Hotel Management. The experienced faculty has in-depth industry experience and knowledge. Extensive job placement assistance is available. Programs vary by location. Programs at Westwood College: Aviation - Animation - Automotive Technology - Business Administration, Accounting - Business Administration, Marketing, Sales - CAD, Architectural Drafting - CAD, Interior Finishes - CAD, Mechanical Drafting - Computer Network Engineering - Computer Network Management - Criminal Justice - E-Business Management - Game Art and Design - Game Software Development - Graphic Design and Multimedia - Hotel and Restaurant Management - HVAC, R - Information Systems Security - Interior Design - Medical Assisting - Medical Billing and Coding - Medical Transcription - Software Engineering - Surveying - Technical Management - Visual Communications - Web Design and Multimedia.

DeVry University - (Multiple Campuses)
Distance Learning Programs at DeVry University: Health Information Technology, Business Administration, Information Technology, Technical Management, and Computer Information Systems Programs. More Information on online programs that are offered as a flexible alternative if you are working and would like to get your degree while keeping a busy work schedule. Study these programs at a traditional DeVry University Campus: Electronics and Computer Technology, Health Information Technology, Network Systems Administration, Biomedical Engineering Technology, Biomedical Informatics, Business Administration, Computer Information Systems, Game and Simulation Programming, Information Technology, Network & Communications Mgmt, and Technical Management Programs.