Programmers may write code for a small piece of software or create an entire application. They also test code, update programs, fix bugs, and translate code to other languages, among other duties. As a profession, Programmers are essential for the function of today’s digital world, which results in strong job security and competitive salaries.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Software Developers and Web Developers are in high demand, with growth expected to increase between 23% and 25% from 2021 to 2031. Glassdoor reports entry-level Programmers in Dallas make an average salary of $70,000 a year, while Senior Software Engineers in Dallas earn around nearly $160,000. Entrants into the programming profession have an exciting future of a lucrative career and continuous development of technical skills.
The top industries in Dallas, TX include information technology, financial services, healthcare, and defense – all of which rely on technology and need programmers. Over recent years, Dallas has grown into a significant tech hub as many notable tech companies such as Tesla, Oracle, and Hewlett Packard have relocated from California to Texas in favor of lower taxes and costs of living. While Silicon Valley used to be the ideal location for technological advancement, Dallas and other major Texas cities are making a bid for the title. The top programming skills sought by employers in Dallas include cloud computing,.NET building and services, software engineering, and front-end development as well as project management. Dallas Software Engineers also earn some of the highest salaries in Texas. Any programmer seeking to improve their prospects by moving to a prominent city cannot go wrong with Dallas.
Programming covers a variety of fields. A Programmer may code for the web, mobile applications, computer software, machine learning, databases, networks, data science, and video games, to name a few. Regardless of which profession you choose, gaining certification in programming serves as a statement of proof of your skill set and can improve your job prospects. Certificate programs are designed to provide students with the necessary skills to enter the field of their choice. Even expert programmers can benefit from certificate programs. Since technology is constantly evolving, experienced coders cannot pass up the opportunity to learn new techniques or languages and improve their skills to switch specializations or bargain for higher salaries.
Noble Desktop: Software Engineering Certificate
Key Information: The certificate is completed full-time within 20 weeks. Classes take place during the week, 7 hours a day. Tuition is $10,995 with financing, payment plans, and VA benefits available. The course can be taken online by Dallas students. Noble Desktop allows one free retake of the course within one year of completion. There are no prerequisites for this course beyond basic computer literacy.
The Software Engineering Certificate is intended for students wanting to learn full-stack web and software development. Students first learn front-end web development with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Instruction is also included on Git for source code management and Flexbox, Grid, and Bootstrap for layout design. The course continues with advanced JavaScript techniques. Students learn how to use frameworks like React, Node.js, ExpressJS, and MongoDB for working with databases, servers, and interactive web and mobile applications. In the final component of the course, students learn how to code with Python and Django, rounding out their skills in back-end development.
By the end of the course, students will have completed a variety of projects to include in their professional portfolio. The program also includes career support that consists of interview preparation, job search tips, one-on-one mentoring, and workshops for polishing your resume, portfolio, and LinkedIn profile. Students receive a certificate upon completion.
Noble Desktop provides several other programming certificates in JavaScript, Python, FinTech, Data Science, Web Development, and Data Analytics.
DevMountain: Web Development Immersive Bootcamp
Key Information: Program tuition costs $5,000 in-person in Dallas and other major cities in Texas and Utah. The program can be completed online with a tuition of $9,900. Scholarships and finance options are available. Both program formats can be taken at part-time and full-time schedules. The bootcamp can be completed in anywhere from 14 to 34 weeks depending on the schedule you choose. There are no prerequisites for the bootcamp, but students should have basic computer literacy and be comfortable installing applications without help.
Students begin the bootcamp by learning a foundation of HTML and CSS for building and styling web pages. The course continues with JavaScript for adding interactive elements and ReactJS for developing user interfaces. Students then move to the back-end of web development with Node.js and PostgreSQL. They also learn Git and GitHub for collaboration and code management. By the end of the program, students will have completed multiple projects for their professional portfolio. They also receive a certificate of completion and are ready to pursue a Front-end Web Developer position.
Career support services are available to students and graduates for workshopping resumes, portfolios, LinkedIn profiles as well as interview prep and networking opportunities. Programmers can also attend DevMountain bootcamps geared toward fields such as Java Software Engineering, Python Software Engineering, iOS App Development, and Data Analytics.
ONLC Training Centers: Python Certification Path
Key Information: ONLC’s Python Certification Path involves the completion of two Python courses: Python Programming Level 1 & Python Programming Level 2. Students attending class online can choose between Python Programming Level 1: For Non-Programmers or Python Programming Level 1: Introduction for Programmers.The course for non-programmers includes an extra day of instruction to aid students who are not familiar with object-oriented programming more time to grasp essential programming concepts and techniques. Students who choose the on-demand course option may only attend the Introduction for Programmers class. The courses total five days of instruction (6 for non-programmers). The on-demand course includes 6 months of access to course content and costs $895. The live online path totals $2,590 for both courses. Afterward, students must pass an exam to obtain the Python IT Specialist Certification. The exam is provided by Pearson, costs $127, and may be taken online. While ONLC courses are provided remotely, students who prefer not to learn from home can opt to learn online from ONLC’s Dallas training center. Students do not need prior programming experience but should possess basic computer literacy.
In the Level 1 course, students learn how to program with Python. Students in the non-programming course spend time on programming concepts and basic skills before diving into Python. The Level 1 course teaches how to work with strings, variables, conditionals, loops, and other Python structures. Students also learn testing and debugging techniques and how to work with files and graphs. By the end of the course, students will have the skills to create their own Python functions and programs. The Level 2 course teaches advanced techniques such as methods, classes, inheritance, and collections, among others. Students also learn about dictionaries, using the standard library, and interacting with the OS, as well as the general software development process. By the end of the course, students possess the skills to complete the Python IT Specialist Certification exam.
Though not required for certification, interested students may continue their education in Python with ONLC’s Python Programming Level 3: Data Analysis Using Python course.
Southern Methodist University: Data Science Boot Camp
Key Information: SMU’s Data Science Boot Camp can be completed within 24 weeks part-time. Classes are held three days a week from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Course tuition is $12,745. Scholarships and payment plan options are available. No prior coding experience is necessary to attend, but it is recommended that students hold a bachelor’s degree in statistics, business, finance, or a related field. Though SMU has a physical campus in Dallas, its bootcamp classes are held online. Students must possess a reliable computer and internet connection.
Through the bootcamp, students learn the fundamentals of data science, including intermediate Excel skills, statistics modeling and forecasting, Python programming, managing databases with PostgreSQL and MongoDB, and front-end web coding and visualization. Students also learn how to use Tableau and advanced topics in machine learning, deep learning, and data ethics. The course is ideal for students wanting to learn how to visualize data, enter a data related field, or data professionals looking to expand their skill set and careers. Students also receive career support through the program such as portfolio and resume workshops, interview prep, and career coaching.
SMU also offers programming bootcamps in web development, FinTech, and artificial intelligence. SMU reports that its course curriculum is specifically designed to match demand within the Dallas market.
CodeUp: Full Stack Web Development
Key Information: CodeUp’s Full Stack Web Development program is full-time, occurring every weekday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm for 20 weeks. Students may attend class virtually or on campus in Dallas or San Antonio. All students must possess their own Apple laptop no more than five years old and with at least 8GB of RAM. There are no prerequisites for this course except a passion for the subject. Prospective students must contact CodeUp for tuition costs. Scholarships, VA benefits, financial aid, and grant partnerships are available. CodeUp offers a tuition refund policy.
Students begin the program by learning the foundations of web coding, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Through the course, they gain more advanced skills, including jQuery, Java, SQL, web design concepts, and more. Students learn through hands-on projects that develop in complexity as they grow in skill. The course concludes with a capstone project and a certificate of completion. Students also receive job search support and networking opportunities as part of the program. Additional services include workshops and one-on-one coaching for professional and personal development.
Developer Bootcamp: C/C++ Programmer Bootcamp
Key Information: The C/C++ Programmer Bootcamp consists of two required courses: C Programming and C++ Programming for C Programmers. Both courses are completed within 63 hours and tuition totals $2,400. Payment is due before the start of class. Discounts for veterans and financing options are available. Upon completion of the bootcamp, students can pursue certification as a C Programming Language Certified Associate and/or as a C++ Certified Associate Programmer. Each exam costs $295 and is not included in bootcamp tuition. Students will also need to pursue the exam themselves. Students with no experience in programming are recommended to attend the free Introduction to Programming Concepts course before registering for the bootcamp.
All Developer Bootcamp courses are on-demand and online. Students receive 24/7 access to all necessary course materials and work through them at their own pace. Students also have regular one-on-one access to an instructor who offers assistance with coursework and answers any questions. Developer Bootcamp courses also include hands-on lab exercises that are conducted digitally. Students need a computer and a reliable internet connection to assess labs and course materials. In the C/C++ Programmer Bootcamp, students learn the fundamentals of data types, flow control, standard function libraries, inheritance, syntax, and core concepts of object-oriented programming.
Developer Bootcamp also offers bootcamps that prepare students for certification in Java programming and development, Microsoft.NET development, mobile application development, Python programming, SQL programming, SQL Server administration and development, UNIX software development, and web development.
FAQ for Programming Certificates
What is the Difference Between a Certificate and a Certification?
At first glance, “certificate” and “certification” may seem like synonymous words. However, while they may be used interchangeably in general conversation, they are in fact different terms. In general, a “certificate” is awarded to students who complete a training course, while a “certification” is given to students who pass a certification exam.
Certification exams are standardized and usually conducted by a national, international, or otherwise trusted organization. Because of this, certifications are generally seen as solid proof of a certification holder’s skills. Certificate programs, on the other hand, are not regulated. Thus, the curriculum of these programs can vary greatly between training institutions. One Programmer’s certificate of completion is likely to be exemplary of a different skill set than others, even when those certificates hold the same name. For this reason, employers may be slow to recognize a job candidate’s skills from the completion of a certificate program alone.
Should I Pursue a Certificate or a Certification?
While a certificate of completion may not seem as useful as an official programming certification on a resume, that doesn’t mean certificate programs are not worth pursuing. Certificate programs are often designed for career seekers or job changers. These programs focus on necessary job skills and industry insights that can be invaluable to novices entering the field. They also commonly offer career support services. If pursuing an official certificate, students will need to already possess those skills or acquire the necessary skills themselves.
If you are already a skilled professional seeking a boost to your resume, then obtaining certification could serve as a green flag to potential employers. If you do not already possess coding skills or need your skills updated, a certificate program can provide you with the industry insights and skills you need. Should you wish, you can always pursue a professional certification after.
Do I Need to Become Certified to Find a Job?
You do not need a certification to become a programmer. While being certified can help your resume stand out among the competition, employers will likely want more information about what a job candidate can do. To this end, a professional programming portfolio is a must to successfully land a programming job. While a certification tells an employer what skills you possess, a portfolio shows how you put those skills into action. An excellent portfolio speaks for itself, and many programming job positions do not list certification as a requirement. Thus, many Programmers do not choose to pursue certification unless seeking a resume boost.
What Certificate Program is Right for Me?
Certificate programs come in a few different formats: in-person, live online, and asynchronous (also known as on-demand). There are strengths and weaknesses to each option. Which one is right for you depends on your learning goals and personal schedule.
Which is Better: In-Person or Online Classes
In-person classes take place in a physical classroom. Students and instructors interact with each other in real time. Online classes are similar in that they also support real-time interaction. However, this is conducted through virtual tools such as online chat and video. The nature of online classes allows students to learn from the comfort of their own home or another study area. They also don’t feature a commute whereas students are required to travel to in-person classes.
Which environment is best for learning depends on the individual. Some students find in-person classes to be more personable. They are able to form closer relationships with their teachers and classmates in-person. Also focus better in an environment specifically designed to facilitate learning. Other students find the environment of learning facilities too stifling and are more comfortable and able to learn in their own designated environment.
For some students, online courses are simply more practical. Not everyone can find physical classes near them that teach the topics they are interested in. Other students may not have access to reliable transportation or can’t afford the cost of the commute. Online courses are also more likely to offer flexible scheduling options than physical classes, making them more accessible to students with busy schedules. On the other hand, students without their own computer or access to reliable internet may find in-person classes conducted within a computer lab best for them.
Which is Better: Live Online or Asynchronous Classes?
Asynchronous classes are commonly known as “on-demand” courses. Asynchronous classes are conducted online but they are not live like live online courses. In asynchronous classes, students of a course all study and access course materials at different times. When a student registers for an asynchronous class, they are provided with all learning materials and work through them at their own pace. They set how many hours they want to work per week and what days of the week they want to study.
With some on-demand courses, a student will never meet their classmates or instructor. They must rely on their own motivation to work through the course. They also never receive any feedback on their work. However, other asynchronous classes provide greater support through online learning communities where students can post questions and collaborate with each other. Some courses allow students to contact instructors through online chat or submit assignments for feedback. Other courses require weekly scheduled live meetings with instructors so students are guaranteed personal, quality feedback.
The common denominator of on-demand courses is the ability for students to control their own learning schedule. This is ideal for students with hectic schedules or who work during odd hours and otherwise can’t attend online classes during normal day hours. Some students also prefer to learn at their own pace with the ability to choose how long they spend on a given section based on their needs, rather than moving on or holding back due to the needs of the overall class. However, the lack of support from an instructor in many on-demand courses can be detrimental to the learning experience. Most students feel they learn best when taught by an experienced instructor who can point out mistakes and direct them in honing their skills.
Live online classes provide live interaction with instructors and students as well as support and feedback on assignments. They are generally considered better learning experiences than on-demand courses. However, on-demand courses almost always cost less and may be a better fit for certain schedules. Obviously, asynchronous classes come in various forms. A student who is interested in on-demand learning should consider the amount of support they are looking for and search for courses that provide it to get the most out of their education.