Without such professionals writing, troubleshooting, testing, debugging, updating, and translating code to various digital devices or applications, the digital understructure of our society would simply collapse.
Programmers can take pride in their work, knowing they help the world function. They can also enjoy high job security and salaries. Software Developers and Web Developers remain in high demand in the United States, and job growth is only expected to increase. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a rise in employment of 23% and 25% between 2021 and 2031, which is higher than projections for most professions in the nation.
Washington DC is developing into a substantial tech hub as Silicon Valley companies relocate their headquarters to the city and surrounding Virgina area. Washington DC recently had more tech job postings than Silicon Valley and other tech-central California cities. In addition, DC tech salaries are similar to Silicon Valley, meaning employees can take advantage of the area’s more comfortable cost of living (around 28% lower). According to Glassdoor, the average salary of a Web Developer in Washington DC is $85,000 a year, and the average Software Engineer salary is $110,000. Salaries can reach even higher for senior developers.
The top industries of DC include government, technology, hospitality, business, and education. The majority of tech services Washington DC’s industries consist of information technology, with cybersecurity making a significant economic contribution. DC also boasts a strong pool of tech-skilled workers, with top occupation groups being Software Developers, Computer Systems Analysts, and Computer User Support Specialists. DC is also one of the best cities in the nation for women working in tech, with women making up 38% of the workforce.
Programmers can work in a variety of specialties, including web, web and mobile applications, software development, software engineering, databases, networks, cloud technology, data science, machine learning, algorithms, and more. In addition to information technology, Washington DC’s tech businesses also focus on developing and delivering consumer and business products and services. Whatever technological niche a student chooses to pursue, any of the certificate programs below can provide them with the knowledge and skills to start their career in Washington DC.
Noble Desktop: FinTech Bootcamp
Key Information: The FinTech Bootcamp prepares students for careers in data science and financial technology. It is open to students with no programming experience. Those without a background in finance will receive supplemental material. The course can be completed online during the week for four weeks under a full-time schedule or during evenings or weekends for four months under a part-time schedule. Tuition is $4,995. Interest-free financing is available along with payment plans.
The program begins with a foundation in the key elements of Python programming. Once the basics are mastered, students will move on to more advanced techniques. A course is also devoted to SQL for storing and managing data within databases. Students further learn how to analyze and organize data with Python as well as how to use Python for creating dynamic dashboards and other data visualizations. After mastering data, the course progresses to instruction in machine learning regressions and predictive models. Students may also choose an elective course in using Python to analyze financial data or a course in the fundamentals of financial modeling, accounting, and corporate valuation.
Students receive a certificate upon completion of the program. The bootcamp also includes one free retake of the program that students can complete within one year of graduation. Career support services are available and include mentoring, interview prep, resume and portfolio workshops, and job search assistance, among other benefits.
Noble Desktop provides several other programming certificates in JavaScript, Python, FinTech, Data Science, Web Development, and Data Analytics.
ONLC Training Centers: Python Certification Path
Key Information: ONLC’s Python Certification Path involves two courses: Python Programming Level 1 & Python Programming Level 2. Students may choose between the Level 1 course For Non-Programmers or the Introduction for Programmers. Students attending the non-programmers course receive an extra day of instruction. The certification path is also available in an on-demand format, but not for students without prior programming experience. The entire certification path lasts five days (six days for non-programmers). On-demand students gain six months of access to course materials with a tuition of $895. Both online courses cost $2,590. Students can attend class online or in-person at one of ONLC’s training labs in Washington DC.
Students begin the certification path by learning the basics of Python programming, including strings, conditionals, loops, variables, and other structures. By the end of the course, students can create, test, and debug their own programs as well as work with files and graphs. The level 2 course dives into advanced Python techniques. Upon completion of both courses, students will possess the skills to pass the Python IT Specialist Certification exam. The exam is not part of the program. Students must register through Pearson themselves and pay the additional $127 exam fee.
Interested students may dive deeper into Python and learn how to work with data through ONLC’s Python Programming Level 3: Data Analysis Using Python course.
Learning Tree International: Java Certification Paths
Key Information: Learning Tree International offers multiple training paths in Java programming and Java web development. Each of the four paths requires three to six months of prior experience in programming and an understanding of data structures, variables, and flow-control statements. General programming paths last seven to eight days of training while expert paths consist of an additional four days. Tuition for general programming courses ranges from $5,000 to $5,340 depending on the number of training days. Learning Tree does not mention scholarships or payment plans on its website. The courses are available online or in-person at one of Learning Tree’s two training centers in Washington DC.
Students of any Java training path first attend an introductory course on Java programming that teaches how to design and build object-oriented applications. Students also learn how to develop graphical user interfaces, store and retrieve data, work with relational databases, and Java development tools. Students on the Programming path then attend training in Java Best Practices and Design Patterns for software development. Alternatively, students can follow the Web Development path and attend training in web application development. Paths can end there or students can take an additional course for expert level training.
Students receive a certificate upon completion. Students can download course exercises and redo them for up to 90 days after completing each course. For the same time period, students have access to one-on-one coaching by their instructor.
Learning Tree also has programming paths with Python.
George Washington University:Coding Bootcamp
Key Information: GWU offers a Coding Bootcamp for non-students, which teaches full-stack web development. It runs part-time for 24 wells (six months). Tuition is $12,245, and scholarships and payment plans are available. Though located in Arlington, VA and Washington DC, the program is conducted completely online. No programming experience is required prior to the course. Registered students will receive pre-course materials before the boot camp begins.
Students learn the basics of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript in addition to popular JavaScript libraries and frameworks. Such front-end applications include jQuery for simplified programming, Bootstrap for improving application performance, and React for greater efficiency. Back-end applications include the Node.js environment for network coding, MySQL for database management, MongoDB for improved data structure, and ExpressJS for improved back-end data flow. The program also includes career services for job matching, interview prep, and workshopping resumes and social media profiles.
George Washington University also provides programming bootcamps in Data Analytics and FinTech.
American University: Graduate Certificate in Data Science
Key Information: The Certificate in Data Science prepares students for careers as Data Scientists. Classes take place two evenings each week over the course of 9 months. Prospective students must have completed a college-level statistics or calculus course. Those who have not may still register for the program but must complete statistical coursework prior to the start date of the program. Tuition for non-degree students is $23,064. Additional university fees apply. Financial aid, scholarships, and work studies are available.
Students begin their education in data science with a course in statistical programming where they learn basic data programming essentials, including structures, analysis, wrangling, cleaning, visualizing, and importing and exporting, among others. Students then learn important data science tools for data manipulation, collection, statistical modeling, and more. A whole course is dedicated to regression for studying mathematical relations among data. Lastly, students conclude the program with a course on machine learning concepts, models, and algorithms. The program totals 12 credit hours that can be applied, if desired, to a Master’s degree in Data Science.
Montgomery College:Computer Programming Certificate
Key Information: The Computer Programming Certificate is designed to impart students with the necessary skills in computer programming and software development to enter the programming career of their choice. Such careers may include web development, software development, user interface design, and computer programming, among others. The program is customized to student interests and generally consists of 18 to 20 credit hours. Tuition varies depending on credit hours and student residency. Interest-free installment plans, scholarships, and financial aid are available. It can be completed in-person or online. No prerequisites are listed for the program.
All students enrolled in the program must complete a course in computer concepts, which provides a foundational understanding of the elements of a software system. Students then learn the essential elements of programming such as functions, structures, debugging, and more. After, students choose the direction of the program, starting with an intermediate programming course. Available course options include Java, C++, visual programming, computer science, or another class approved by the department. Additional courses in the program are also selected by the student but must relate to their chosen intermediate subject.
Students enrolled in the program also receive access to campus computer labs, learning centers, and tutoring in addition to student clubs and student membership in professional programming organizations such as IEEE and ASEE. Montgomery College also offers a Java Developer Certificate.
FAQ for Programming Certificates
What is the Difference Between a Certificate and a Certification?
A “certificate” is a document that is awarded to students who complete a training program, while a “certification” is awarded to individuals who pass a standardized exam (often provided by a nationally or internally recognized organization). While training programs are not standardized and can vary wildly from one institution to another, both a certificate and certification are meant to be demonstrative of a student’s skills and can be attractive to potential employers.
Should I Pursue a Certificate or a Certification?
Whether you choose to pursue certification or a certificate depends on your career goals and existing skills. Passing a certification exam requires a student to already possess the skills covered by the exam. A student seeking to learn programming skills would be best served by pursuing a certificate program that will teach them industry standards. Should they wish, students may seek certification upon completion of a training program. Students who already possess programming skills may not benefit much from a certificate program unless they wish to refresh or update their skills or learn adjacent skills to advance or switch careers.
Do I Need to Become Certified to Find a Job?
It’s not unusual for programmers to forgo certification as there isn’t an officially recognized certificate that’s accepted among employers. Many job postings for programmers do not require certification, causing many job candidates to write off the need for one. However, undergoing certification can make potential job seekers stand out from the competition. If you’re struggling in your job search or simply want to get ahead of the pack, becoming certified can be an excellent resume boost. However, job seekers should not ignore the importance of a polished professional portfolio. While being certified may catch an employer’s attention, the quality of an applicant’s portfolio will be a primary factor in an employer’s evaluation of a candidate’s abilities.
What Certificate Program is Right for Me?
There are a number of format options should you choose to attend a certificate program. Many programs offer options for in-person, online, or asynchronous learning. It’s important to consider the perks and drawbacks of each and which format is “best” depends largely on a student’s individual needs and preferences.
Which is Better: In-Person or Online Classes
In-person and online classes are popular options as both allow for direct interaction between students, classmates, and instructors. The main difference between the two is that while in-person classes are held in a physical location (usually a classroom or computer lab), online classes are hosted virtually. This means students must travel to attend in-person courses while with online classes, they can choose to study from their own home (or another favorite study area).
The benefits of these two very different environments vary per individual student. Some students find studying from home too distracting, while others find physical classrooms too stifling. Other students choose online classes because the cost of a commute is too high, while lower income students may choose physical classes because they don’t own a computer or have reliable internet access. Some students don’t get a choice between the two methods as an in-person classroom may not be available near them. And since online courses tend to offer flexible scheduling, students with busy work or home lives may also find this format to be their only option. Ultimately, online courses offer more accessibility, though they may not be every student’s first choice.
Which is Better: Live Online or Asynchronous Classes?
Asynchronous classes are named such because a student’s learning and instruction don’t happen at a set schedule or location. These classes (also known as “on-demand) are held online, provide students with full access to course materials, and allow them to study whenever and wherever they want. Such a class structure can be beneficial to students who feel held back or rushed in a traditional classroom environment where instructors are required to teach topics at the speed of the class average. Asynchronous classes allow students to take as much or as little time as they need with the course material. They also tend to be significantly cheaper than online or in-person classes, and they offer far more flexible scheduling.
The drawback to such a free-form class structure is not all students learn well without a set schedule to hold them accountable. And since most on-demand courses do not feature an instructor or classmates, students have no one to turn to for questions or support. There is also no one to evaluate their work and provide feedback toward making them better programmers.
Most students feel they learn best when taught by an expert, and thus choose online learning over on-demand. However, there are many asynchronous programs that seek to rectify this stumbling block. Some of the programs allow students to submit work online for feedback, offer live chat with mentors, or even live one-on-one weekly instructor meetings. Many also provide online learning communities where students can connect with their classmates.
While support, structure, and expert assistance are better provided through online courses, asynchronous learning can be a better fit for the schedules, budgets, and learning preferences of many students. Should you seek asynchronous learning, make sure the learning institution you choose provides the level of support you prefer.