Essential Information
Visual Basic .NET programmers develop software for Windows, Web, tiered and database centric program applications. Currently, there are no online diploma programs available for this field, but students have the option to apply to an online certificate program in the field instead. There are also diploma programs offered in general computer programming, which may cover concepts useful for aspiring Visual Basic .NET programmers.
Program Information and Requirements
The goal of a Visual Basic .NET online certificate program is to teach students how to develop applications for the Web or Windows that will solve both commercial and technical problems. Students become proficient in accessing databases through Web and Windows applications, incorporating object-oriented features to Visual Basic projects and utilizing controls, visual tools and code syntaxes needed to build Internet applications, computer programs and databases.
Participating in a Visual Basic .NET online certificate program helps students become adept in various technical skills that qualify them to work in technology-based environments. Students should develop advanced skills in:
- Creating user interfaces
- Writing event codes
- Managing software properties
- Implementing call methods
- Converting data into various forms
- Creating sub and function procedures
Course Topics
The Visual Basic .NET online certificate program allows students to take courses that provide them with hands-on practice in software development. Examples of courses students can expect to take include:
- Visual Basic .NET fundamentals
- Algorithm and programming design
- Systems analysis and design
- SQL
- XML - an introduction
- C# programming
- ASP.NET programming
- Database concepts
Career Information
Visual Basic .NET programmers who stay up-to-date with the latest technological advances and continue to earn certifications may qualify for supervisory and managerial responsibilities. Some of their options include advancing to positions as computer software engineers, systems programmers or programmer-analysts.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the lowest-paid tenth of programmers earned less than $50,150, while the top 10% earned over $140,250 (www.bls.gov). In May 2019, the median annual salary for programmers was $86,550.
The BLS projects a 9% decline in employment for computer programmers between 2019 and 2029. This decline is likely the result of an increase in the outsourcing of programming jobs to countries where employees can be paid lower wages, but since managing an overseas team can be challenging, some jobs are returning to the United States.
Aspiring computer programmers who want to focus on Visual Basic .NET can get a certificate in the field, which introduced students to the syntax of the language and broader coding concepts like algorithm development and object orientation.
