Essential Information
Computer programming training teaches students to use computer-based languages to analyze, develop and test computer programs. Maryland students interested in computer programming can find both undergraduate- and graduate-level educational opportunities at various 2- and 4-year colleges and universities. In addition to degrees, students can earn certificates or pursue degree program minors in computer programming.
Some relevant majors include computer science, Web development, software engineering, information assurance and information technology management. Certain schools' programs are designed to prepare students for industry credentialing exams. Below are profiles of the seven Maryland schools that offer studies in computer programming, as well as a table that compares tuition and program info.
Capitol Technology University
Laurel's Capitol Technology University offers several degree program options for students interested in computer programming careers. They can pursue a bachelor's program in computer science, cyber and information security, management of information and cyber technology, software engineering or Web development. Between 121 and 133 credits are necessary to complete these programs, and computer programming coursework is available in all of them. Some of the available classes include introductory programming, Java programming, algorithms, database administration, mathematics and software design. The information security program also prepares students to earn the CompTIA Security+ and Systems Security Certified Professional (SSCP) credentials.
The college also offers an associate's program in telecommunications engineering technology. It's one of seven ABET-accredited programs in this discipline in the county, and it includes coursework in introductory programming within its 64-credit curriculum.
College of Southern Maryland
Located in La Plata, the College of Southern Maryland offers an associate's program in information services technology, with the option to focus on Web development. The 63-credit program can prepare students for transfer to 4-year programs. Students can learn about telecommunications administration, computer troubleshooting, Windows programming and software applications, while sharpening key communication skills. Those who select the Web development option can gain proficiency in HTML, JavaScript, visual communications and Web programming. The program can be completed online.
The Community College of Baltimore County
Students interested in computer programming can find an associate's program with relevant coursework at this Baltimore community college. The college's School of Applied Science and Information Technology offers an associate's degree program in computer science with the option to specialize in information systems management. Students complete a minimum of 60 credits of coursework covering areas such as basic programming, C++ programming, statistical methods and object-oriented programming. The information systems management option incorporates coursework in management, accounting and economics. The program is designed for transfer.
Montgomery College
Montgomery College is a public, 2-year institution located in Rockville that enrolls nearly 27,000 students. Students interested in computer programming can earn an associate's degree in computer science and technologies with a concentration in computer science or information systems. Topics of study may include discrete structures, introductory programming, Java programming, computer security, visual programming and/or application programming. The program prepares students to transfer to 4-year computer science degree programs. In addition the school offers certificates in computer programming.
University of Maryland - Baltimore County
Located in Baltimore, the University of Maryland - Baltimore County has multiple computer science programs. Students who enroll in the bachelor's program can learn about programming languages, operating systems, artificial intelligence, computer architecture and theories of computation. They can also select a specialization track in game development or information assurance. The school also offers a joint Bachelor of Science/Master of Science program in computer science and a 23-credit minor in the discipline.
The master's program offers both thesis and non-thesis options; the thesis option requires 30 credits, while the non-thesis option incorporates 33 credits. Graduate-level computer science topics include advanced computer architecture, systems engineering, modeling and simulation of computer systems, mobile computing and programming language semantics. Students in the PhD program complete 11 courses and 18 credit hours of dissertation research. The doctoral program culminates in a dissertation and defense.
University of Maryland - College Park
College Park's University of Maryland offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in computer science. More than 1,200 students are currently enrolled in the undergraduate computer science program. It covers object-oriented programming, programming language organization, data structures, network security and more. Students can also participate in career and internship fairs and events, including hackathons. A 5-year Bachelor of Science/Master of Science program is also available. Students in other majors can pursue a 15-24-credit computer science minor.
The University of Maryland also offers Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy programs in computer science. The master's program requires 30 credits to complete, while the PhD program involves seven courses and 12 credits of dissertation research. Students in both programs have numerous research opportunities. While performing research, graduate students can take advantage of the school's well-equipped facilities, including a network of several hundred workstations, a Unix-based open laboratory, a multimedia and robotics lab and more.
University of Maryland - University College
The University of Maryland - University College is part of the University System of Maryland and is located in Adelphi. Degree-seeking students can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. Computer programming-related courses include introductory computer science, computer systems and programming languages. Program graduates can pursue careers as systems analysts, computer programmers, software architects or application software designers. A bachelor's program in information systems management and a 15-credit computer science minor are also available.
School Comparison: At a Glance
| School Name | School Type & Setting | Computer Programming Degree Programs Available | Undergraduate Tuition & Fees (2018-2019) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capitol Technology University | 4-year, private not-for-profit; large suburb | Associate in Applied Science in Telecommunications Engineering Technology, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Bachelor of Science in Cyber and Information Security, Bachelor of Science in Management of Cyber and Information Technology, Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Web Development | $25,540* |
| College of Southern Maryland | 2-year, public; fringe rural | Associate of Applied Science in Information Services Technology | $3,825 in-district; $6,660 in-state; $8,580 out-of-state* |
| The Community College of Baltimore County | 2-year, public; large suburb | Associate of Science in Computer Science | $4,276 in-district; $7,110 in-state; $10,204 out-of-state* |
| Montgomery College | 2-year, public; small city | Computer Programming Certificate, Associate of Arts in Computer Science and Technologies | $5,178 in-district; $9,966 in-state; $13,602 out-of-state* |
| University of Maryland - Baltimore County | 4-year, public; large suburb | Minor in Computer Science, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Master of Science in Computer Science, Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science | $11,778 in-state; $26,872 out-of-state* |
| University of Maryland - College Park | 4-year, public; large suburb | Minor in Computer Science, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Master of Science in Computer Science, Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science | $10,595 in-state; $35,216 out-of-state* |
| University of Maryland - University College | 4-year, public; large suburb | Minor in Computer Science, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Management | $7,416 in-state; $12,336 out-of-state* |
Source: *NCES College Navigator.
