You need a way to set yourself apart from a field of applicants. When you earn a certificate or certification in programming, you demonstrate that you have up-to-date expertise in ever-changing technology. These credentials validate your skills, boost your resume, and offer recognition within the programming community. Phoenix is at the center of Arizona’s economy and home to thriving industries in manufacturing and tourism, as well as emerging technology and service industries, which need programming experts. Computer programming salaries for programmers in Phoenix range from $53,000 to $98,000 per year.
As the world becomes ever more dependent on the internet and computing, programming is becoming an essential skill in almost every business. It allows you to communicate with computers and instruct them to perform specific tasks. Mobile applications, software, websites, and operating systems all use computer coding. Jobs like developer, data scientist, mobile application developer, programmer, and big data engineer require coding skills. Earning a certificate or certification in programming proves to hiring managers and colleagues that you took a proactive approach to building your skills and you’re willing to go to extra lengths to excel.
Phoenix College: Programming and Systems Analysis Level I
Key Information: The Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Program and Systems Analysis Level I at Phoenix College explores different computer language and technical skills, including operating systems, local area networks, business communication, team roles, and dynamics. This 24-credit program can be started during any term, and core coursework must be completed within five years prior to completion of the program. It’s free to apply to Phoenix College and everyone is accepted. Tuition is $85 per credit hour for in-county and reciprocal county residents, with a $1,020 flat rate for 12 credits or more. Tuition is $401 per credit hour for students living outside of Arizona counties, and $241 per credit hour for online students living in non-reciprocal counties who reside in Arizona. Students participating in the Western Undergraduate Exchange Program (WUE) are eligible for tuition of $127.50 per credit hour, and online, out-of-state students pay $250 per credit hour or a maximum of $2,750 per semester.
When you complete the Programming and Systems Analysis Level 1 Certificate of Completion, you’ll learn valuable business skills like how to analyze business requirements using critical thinking skills and how to use computer systems and networks in a responsible and ethical manner. You’ll be able to design, develop, and implement database solutions and develop computer programs that solve business problems, test and debug computer programs, and leverage an operating system to meet the goals of a business.
This course will teach you how to design web-based applications using client-side and server-side scripting and develop a project scope that aligns with customer requirements, project costs, return on investment, and internal/external business objectives and processes. In addition, you’ll learn valuable “soft skills” like communicating with diverse audiences, writing documents to industry standards, and collaborating with teams.
Advance your skills further with complimentary certificates like Programming and Systems Analysis Level II, Web Development, Cyber Engineering, or Mobile App Development.
University of Phoenix: Advanced Software Developer Certificate
Key Information: Develop your programming, software engineering, and IT architecture skills with the online Advanced Software Developer Certificate in as little as ten months. Courses at University of Phoenix are designed to both meet rigorous academic standards and provide you with skills that immediately fire up your career. You can attend class whenever it fits your life because the online classroom is available 24/7/365. Previous eligible college credits are accepted from over 5,000 institutions, and tuition is locked at one fixed rate from the day you enroll until you graduate from your program. The current tuition rate is $398 per credit. There is no fee to apply, no testing or essays, and a no-cost, risk-free trial for eligible students.
This 24-credit program includes eight core courses in topics ranging from software engineering and software architecture to C++ programming. You’ll learn to design and implement software solutions that suit the project scope and stakeholder needs, and you’ll become adept in multiple programming languages and software architecture principles.
An Advanced Software Developer Certificate can prepare you for employment as a software developer, application developer, or developer, career fields that are projected to grow 25 percent between 2021 and 2031. The eight core classes include topics in software development, engineering, and architecture;.NET; database fundamentals and cloud programming; and project management. Expand on your new skills with the Advanced Cybersecurity Certificate or Scripted and Compiled Programming Languages Certificate.
Maricopa Community Colleges: Programming Certificate
Key Information: The Certificate of Completion in Programming at Maricopa Community Colleges is designed to prepare you to work in the programming field. Courses focus on programming theory, Java programming, Visual Basic programming, and web programming. The program consists of 21 to 26 credits which must all be completed with a grade of C or better. If you wish to enroll in Introduction to Computer Science (Java) you must first complete Intermediate Algebra.
When you earn a Certificate of Completion in Programming, you’ll learn the essential skills that employers want in the programming field today. You’ll know terms, hardware and software components, and computer operation skills, and you’ll be able to evaluate and select computer hardware and software for specific applications. You’ll be able to use SQL programming language to interpret data in a relational database and explain the program business and structure using logic tools. Plus, you’ll be able to describe the components and techniques of structured programming and advanced programming techniques.
This program covers multiple programming languages, including SQL, Visual Basic, C#, and Java. You’ll complete a Survey of Computer Information Systems, as well as Object-Oriented Analysis and Design or Object-Oriented Programming and Data Structures.
Arizona Christian University: Certificate in Computer Programming
Key Information: Arizona Christian University’s Computer Programming Certificate is an accelerated, six-course program that provides you with foundational skills for entry into a computer programming career. You’ll develop deep knowledge of Python programs, as well as the fundamentals of data management and access using HTML, XML, JSON, and SQL, and web development using Django and relevant web applications. Tuition is $450 per credit hour plus a $45 technology fee and a $250 graduation fee.
Classes developed by industry experts accelerate your pathway toward a booming career in technology. The class focuses on the Python language, which is one of the simplest programming languages to learn for first-time coders but is an in-demand skill in the workplace. In addition to coding skills for software development, you’ll get hands-on experience that will prepare you for a career as a developer.
This eighteen-credit certificate program covers fundamentals of Python programming syntax and best practices, and creating, modifying, and debugging Python programs. You’ll learn to use Python with HTML, XML, JSON, databases, and SQL, and how to develop a web application from idea to launch using multiple frameworks. Classes give you a solid grounding in the fundamentals of data structures and database management.
Noble Desktop: Full-Stack Web Development Certificate
Key Information: You’ll receive hands-on training to develop every aspect of a digital application or webpage in Full-Stack Web Development Certificate at Noble Desktop. The course lasts 17 weeks full-time with classes on weekdays, or ten months part-time with evening classes. Tuition is $7,995 for either format, which can be paid upfront, in installments, or using student financing. The course includes online classes, setup assistance, and a certificate of completion that you can share with your professional network. Supplementary materials will assist you both during and after your course, and you can retake any part of the course for free within 12 months of completion. Plus, you’ll receive ten one-on-one mentoring sessions where you can review your portfolio with an expert, dig into challenging concepts, polish your resume and LinkedIn profile, receive professional job search advice, and ensure you’re on track with your learning goals.
You’ll learn how to program the visual appearance of an application (the front-end) and the infrastructure that allows it to function (the back-end) to create complex web pages. In this course, you’ll use programming languages like HTML and CSS and JavaScript to create memorable, interactive web pages, plus you’ll learn to use the MERN tech stack (MongoDB, Express.js, React, and Node.js) to add databases, APIs, server environments, and interactivity. Since almost every business has an online presence to build its identity and find its audience, there is a high demand for Full Stack Developers who can program and maintain those web pages.
You’ll complete hands-on projects and exercises that boost your learning, and study with expert instructors who are industry professionals and help you succeed. Project-oriented courses teach you to code a website from scratch, so by the end of the course you’ll have developed a portfolio of working web applications that will enhance your job opportunities and career advancement.
Noble Desktop courses include best-in-class course materials. Proprietary, detailed workbooks are designed by a team of industry experts and instructional designers and are updated regularly to include the latest features and trends. Recordings of each session are available in your student portal for one month after the session’s end, so you can revisit material or refresh your memory. By the end of this course, you’ll learn front-end responsive layouts with HTML and CSS, client-side JavaScript programming, libraries, and frameworks, Node.js web app development, MongoDB for working with databases, Express.js for API development, and Git to track changes in your code and collaborate with other developers.
Grand Canyon University: Java Programming Certificate
Key Information: The intensive online certificate of Completion in Java Programming at Grand Canyon University is designed for students who are seeking to step into or advance a technology career, and is available to students with or without a degree. This instructor-led, online program includes classes and project-based assignments with experienced professors. The 16-credit certificate program takes up to 32 weeks to complete and takes students from having no programming skills to becoming entry-level, marketable software developer applicants. Tuition is $485 per credit, or $250 per credit for active duty, active reserve, National Guard, and military spouses.
Online courses cover three important domains, including programming, information systems, professionalism, and ethics. When you complete the certificate, you’ll be able to build applications and develop an acquaintance with compilers, scripting languages, frameworks, build tools, APIs, version control software, and licensing constraints. In addition to this technical skill set, you’ll obtain skills in professional communications and learn how to conduct yourself in your future technology career. You’ll complete four courses in Computer Programming I, Programming in Java II and III, and Database Design and Development.
Java is an in-demand programming language that runs on billions of devices and powers applications and the web. It is the backbone of Android applications. This certificate demonstrates that you have the knowledge to break into Java programming, and gives you the framework to prepare for an industry certification. You’ll learn how to write, revise, and update website applications and coding algorithms, and analyze and validate data. This fast-paced program includes direct application of Java object-oriented programming techniques, Java-driven database (SQL) software development, full-stack application development using software engineering methods, and project-based development methodologies including Agile and team coding tools.
Devmountain: Web Development Immersive Bootcamp Course
Key Information: The Online Web Development Immersive Bootcamp Course at Devmountain teaches you how to develop websites and web-based applications so you can work as a front-end developer. The full-time online program takes 18 weeks to complete and the part-time program lasts 34 weeks. For either plan, the cost for the bootcamp is $9,900. There’s a simple three-step application process and anyone can apply. Simply fill out your information form, schedule a 30-minute consultation with an admissions counselor, and complete a skill review to gauge how well you might learn the material and whether you like learning about web development.
You’ll learn to use full-stack developer tools like JavaScript, React, Node.js, PostgreSQL, and Redux to bring the web to life. JavaScript ES6 is the only front-end programming language and is complemented by the markup languages HTML and CSS. Reach, originally invented by Meta, is a front-end library that enhances the build process for modular and quick web applications and is used by thousands of companies. Node is a popular back-end coding language that allows you to create back-end functionality using JavaScript, so you don’t have to learn another language solely for back-end development. PostgreSQL is an open-source, free relational database language; once you understand PostgreSQL, other databases are straightforward. Finally, Redux is a state management system used by large infrastructure companies that need to handle a lot of information at once. It integrates with JavaScript and React to make development easier.
Web development is a constantly changing field, and even established developers continuously grow their skills to stay ahead. Learning web development at a bootcamp pace helps you build your skills quickly, so you can get to work sooner. Plus, you’ll build a network of peers from your class cohort and a career support team will help you prepare for launching your career, including personalized job search help and mock interviews. When you complete this immersive bootcamp, you’ll receive a certificate of completion, have projects you created for your portfolio, and be ready to pursue junior front-end developer positions in the tech industry.
FAQ for Programming Certificates
What is the Difference Between a Certificate and a Certification?
Certificate and certification are terms that are often used interchangeably, but they have distinctly different meanings. A certificate is awarded when you complete a course, workshop, or training module, and can be obtained from educational institutions, online learning platforms, vocational schools, and training centers. Certificate programs may take a few hours or days to complete, or stretch to weeks and even months, and they cover skill levels from basic to advanced techniques. Certificates can enhance your knowledge in an area or bolster your resume.
A certification is often more rigorous and comprehensive than a certificate and is typically associated with professional fields. It demonstrates that you have met the professional criteria of a recognized certifying body for your skills and knowledge. Certifications validate your expertise in a particular domain and demonstrate mastery in your field. They usually have stringent requirements such as passing a standardized exam, demonstrating years of experience, completing a certain level of education, and adhering to a code of ethics. Certification is recognized within the industry it pertains to, so it can enhance your credibility and career prospects.
Should I Pursue a Certificate or a Certification?
Whether a certificate or a certification is right for you depends on your goals and the level of expertise you’re aiming for. Consider earning a certificate if you want to quickly gain specialized skills or credentials since they can often be completed in a shorter time than certifications. Certificates help you explore new interests, quickly add value to your resume, and open doors to new opportunities. If you’re aiming for a deeper level of expertise and recognition within your industry, a certification might be the better path. You’ll solidify your expertise and make an impact in a competitive job market.
Do I Need to Become Certified to Find a Job?
Whether you need to become certified depends on your intended career and role. Industries like healthcare, information technology, and finance have well-established standards that make certification necessary. Some professions require a certification due to stringent industry regulations. The IEEE Professional Software Developer Certification is a programming certification that requires the successful completion of Certificates of Proficiency in the following four key knowledge areas: Software Engineering Requirements, Software Engineering Design, Software Engineering Construction, Software Engineering Testing, and the successful completion of an online exam. Candidates seeking this professional certification should have completed a minimum of two years of college education in computer science or equivalent in a related field and two years of relevant experience in the industry.
Many jobs don’t require certification but instead look at your skills, experience, and education.
Earning a certificate in the field can demonstrate your knowledge of essential skills and expand your career opportunities.
What Certificate Program is Right for Me?
Which is Better: In-Person or Online Classes
When you choose between in-person or online classes, consider factors like your learning style, schedule, preferences, and the nature of the subject matter. Each mode of learning has advantages and disadvantages.
In-person classes provide direct interaction with your instructors and peers and potentially more structure in your classes. You may find it easier to learn hands-on subjects like lab work, art, or physical training. Opportunities for in-person networking with classmates and instructors can lead to collaborations and career opportunities. When you attend classes in-person you may feel more accountable and motivated to keep up with assignments. However, in-person classes require a costly and time-consuming commute to a physical location, your schedule might conflict with other commitments, and classes may be less accessible if you have mobility issues or live in remote areas.
When you take online classes, you can learn at your own pace and on your schedule. This can be a great advantage if you have a busy life or work irregular hours. Online classes are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection and offer courses on a wide range of subjects, giving you access to specialized knowledge that might not be available locally. Plus, often online courses cost less than in-person classes. This comes at a cost, though; online classes don’t have the immediacy of face-to-face interactions. Your questions may not be answered in a timely way or you may feel isolated. Online learning requires you to use more self-motivation and time management skills to stay on track, and if you lack technology skills you may find the format challenging. Ultimately, the better option depends on what aligns best with your circumstances and learning style.
Which is Better: Live Online or Asynchronous Classes?
If you enjoy real-time interaction, discussions, and group activities, live online classes may be a great fit for you. The structured routine helps you stay accountable, and you receive immediate feedback on class material. Live classes can incorporate more social interactions and networking, so you feel a sense of community. However, live online classes offer less flexibility than asynchronous classes. They have set schedules that might not be convenient if you have a busy life or varying work hours, and classes might not occur at a convenient time due to time zone differences.
Asynchronous classes offer a flexible schedule, so you can learn at your own pace and work around your schedule and commitments. Courses can be accessed from anywhere at any time, and you have control over when you study. Asynchronous classes are a great option if you have a busy life and many responsibilities. The trade-off is that you might experience delays in receiving answers to your questions or collaboration with your peers. Without a fixed schedule, you’ll need to have the self-motivation and time management skills to keep up with your coursework. You may feel isolated or procrastinate due to the absence of a structured routine.
How you choose between live online and asynchronous classes depends on your preferences and circumstances. Consider your learning style, time availability, and need for real-time engagement to select a format that suits you. Some classes may be available in a hybrid format, combining live sessions with asynchronous content, to provide a balance between structure and flexibility.