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Online Undergraduate Certificate in Programming Essentials

At DeVry, our 100% online computer Programming Essentials Undergraduate Certificate program is designed to provide exposure to essential coding concepts – and no prior tech experience is required.

Learning programming can be similar to learning a foreign language. Our experienced professors will teach you methods for building and testing applications in various operating systems while helping you develop a detailed understanding of the material. Courses in this program will prepare you to write code and create applications using industry-recognized programming languages like Python.

Our Programming Essentials Certificate can be earned in as little as 10 months1 – or even more quickly with qualifying transfer credits. Earning this credential can also help prepare you to pursue industry-recognized tech certifications like:

  • CompTIA Linux+: A certification that proves your ability and comfort level using the Linux operating system. This flexible operating system is a favorite of programmers thanks to its wide range of user settings and diverse applications.
  • CompTIA IT Fundamentals: The IT Fundamentals certification is an entry-level credential that proves your comprehension of basic information technology skills. It covers every area of IT, and is even useful for non-tech professionals.

Interested in pursuing a career in the evolving world of programming? We can help you plan for your future.

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100% Online Programming Essentials Certificate classes start May 2, 2022.

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Quick Facts

How long is the Computer Programming Essentials Certificate Program?

  • 7 courses
  • 22 minimum credit hours
  • Can be completed in as little as 10 months1 — or even more quickly with qualifying transfer credits.

Online Certificate in Programming Essentials Program – What You Can Learn

Our computer programming certificate can help you develop essential skills needed to help you explore a role in the field of technology and programming. During your time in this program, you will gain the ability to develop logically-structured software solutions through the use of high-level programming languages.

Our computer Programming Essentials certificate covers the following topics:

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Information Systems

Design and implement normalized databases using reports, forms and tables.

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Coding and Programming

Learn to write code for applications and develop programs to find solutions to problems.

digital devices icon

Digital Devices and Digital Literacy

Explore digital concepts, devices and connectivity within the realm of the Internet of Things (IoT). Topics include networking, securing and deploying digital devices and applying appropriate technologies.

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Operating Systems

Install and configure operating systems using Command Line Interface (CLI).

Computer Programming Essentials Certificate Admissions Requirements

Students must place in MATH062 and ENGL062 or above. To begin program coursework, you must first complete transitional studies courses2, if applicable.  Please see the catalog for complete admissions requirements.

Programming Essentials Certificate and Financial Aid

At DeVry, you may be eligible for savings on your programming essentials certificate. For example, during the 2020-2021 award year, DeVry University has assisted students by awarding  more than $57 Million in student financial assistance3 through partner tuition savings, institutional scholarships and university grants.

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Information Systems Technician coding on laptop

Job Opportunities in the Computer Programming Field

Graduates of our online Programming Essentials Certificate program may consider, but are not limited to, opportunities in positions such as:

  • Coder
    A software coder helps write and develop applications using software coding languages. They can work on a variety of project types, including mobile app development and website creation.

  • Programmer I
    Programmers code and test programming for software and mobile apps, as well as develop and deploy computer applications. The applications they work on can span a wide range of industries and functions.
  • Information Systems Technician
    This role requires researching and installing new systems and networks, implementing technology and assisting the work of systems and business analysts, developers and support specialists. This is a potential position for those who want to use their technical expertise to support business infrastructure.

Program Courses

Mathematics

MATH114 Algebra for College Students

Tech Core

CEIS101C Introduction to Technology and Information Systems
CEIS106 Introduction to Operating Systems
CEIS110 Introduction to Programming

Information Systems and Programming

CEIS150 Programming with Objects
CEIS209 Intermediate Programming

Career Preparation

CEIS299 Careers and Technology

Computer Programming FAQs

How long does it take to earn a computer programming certificate?

To earn a computer programming certificate at DeVry, you will complete 7 courses totaling a minimum of 22 credit hours. This includes classes like Introduction to Technology and Information Systems and Introduction to Operating Systems. Our certificate program can be completed in as little as 10 months1 —or even more quickly with qualifying transfer credits.

What can you do with a computer programming certificate?

By completing a computer programming certificate program at DeVry, you will learn how to write code and implement software solutions using programming languages like Python. You may be able to pursue a career within the programming or information technology field with the certificate and skills you'll acquire during this program.

Which is more valuable: A certificate in computer programming or computer applications?

It depends on your personal goals and the type of work you are interested in doing. Learning programming can help you modify existing applications or create new applications, while a certificate in computer applications trains you to use common applications like office productivity software. However, since applications also utilize programming within their systems to design and deploy them, a certificate in computer programming may help you pursue roles as an application user as well.

Is a computer programming certificate worth it?

An Undergraduate Certificate in Programming Essentials may be worth investing in if your goal is to explore basic skills that you can use to prepare to pursue certain industry certification exams.  Skills you learn in this program may even prepare you to pursue certain entry-level positions. Additionally, several of DeVry's certificate programs stack, meaning you may be able to leverage the credits earned during this program toward an associate or bachelor's degree at DeVry should you choose to continue your education in the future.4

Is the programming certificate program the same as a certification program?

No, the computer programming certificate program at DeVry is different from a certification. A certification is a credential awarded by an industry recognized group, such as CompTIA or Cisco. A certificate is an undergraduate or graduate credential awarded by an institution of higher learning (our Programming Essentials Certificate program is an undergraduate certificate). Both certificates and certifications can be useful when looking to start a career in information technology.

What jobs can you pursue with a certificate in computer programming?

Graduates of DeVry’s Programming Essentials Undergraduate Certificate program may consider, but are not limited to, the following careers:

  • Programmer 1
  • Information Systems Technician
  • Coder

Build Skills With Stackable Degrees

Earn a Credential at Every Step

You don’t have to wait four years to show a credential on your resume.  At DeVry, several programs are designed to stack.

You can start with an undergraduate certificate. These programs feature flexible online and onsite classes that can help you build your professional skills right away. Best of all, the credits you earn may stack towards future credentials at DeVry, such as a bachelor's or associate degree, should you choose to continue your education with us in the future.4

How Do Credentials Stack?

Here’s an example: When you earn an undergraduate certificate in Programming Essentials, every course you complete in the program applies to an Associate Degree in Information Technology and Networking with a Specialization in Information Systems Programming or any specialization of a bachelor’s degree in either Computer Information Systems or Software Development.

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Academic Catalog

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Program Overview

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Academic Catalog

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Program Overview

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Related Programs

Undergraduate Tech Certificates
Associate Degree in Information Technology & Networking - Information Systems and Programming
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Information Systems
Bachelor's Degree in Software Development
All Technology Degree Programs

1Not including breaks. Assumes year-round, full-time enrollment.
2Transitional studies coursework may affect program length and cost.
3Data is inclusive of all partner tuition savings, institutional scholarships and grants for the period for July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021.
4At the time of application to the next credential level, an evaluation of qualifying transfer credit will occur and the most beneficial outcome will be applied.
*The figures displayed represent the minimum credit hours required for graduation. Additional coursework may be necessary to complete program requirements.

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In New York, DeVry University operates as DeVry College of New York. DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), www.hlcommission.org. Keller Graduate School of Management is included in this accreditation. DeVry is certified to operate by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. Arlington Campus: 1400 Crystal Dr., Ste. 120, Arlington, VA 22202. DeVry University is authorized for operation as a postsecondary educational institution by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. Nashville Campus: 301 S. Perimeter Park Dr, Ste. 100, Nashville, TN 37211. Unresolved complaints may be reported to the Illinois Board of Higher Education through the online complaint system https://complaints.ibhe.org/. Program availability varies by location. In site-based programs, students will be required to take a substantial amount of coursework online to complete their program. DeVry University Home Office: 1200 E. Diehl Road, Naperville, IL 60563.