An accelerated programming degree affords you a host of opportunities within the tech industry. As technology continues to become more integral to our everyday lives, the need for people skilled in programming languages is on the rise. You know you need a programming degree to access many job opportunities, but maybe you don’t want to spend four years getting one.
This article covers how to get a programming degree fast for anyone who’s in a hurry to start working as soon as possible. We cover different jobs you can get with a programming degree, what an accelerated programming degree is, the best accelerated programming degree programs, and the programming skills you’ll learn in these fast-paced programs.
What Is an Accelerated Programming Degree?
An accelerated programming degree is an academic degree that’s obtained in less time than it would take to acquire a traditional bachelor’s or master’s degree. An accelerated bachelor’s degree takes less than four years and an accelerated master’s degree usually takes one year. Students in accelerated programming programs are taught through onsite or online courses.
You still get to cover the same coursework required to become a professional programmer, the only difference is that you tackle the courses more intensively with extra classes per week and study during the summer. Accelerated classes are ideal for an undergraduate student looking to complete their degree and start a programming-related career quickly.
How Fast Can You Get a Programming Degree?
You can get a programming degree in two or three years, depending on the degree level and school you attend. Accelerated degrees enable you to cut down on at least one academic year and still meet the education requirements. An accelerated undergraduate degree spans two or three years of full-time study and an accelerated graduate degree takes a year.
What Jobs Can You Get with an Accelerated Programming Degree?
- Database Developer. Database developers create database management systems. Their role includes developing, programming, designing, and implementing database systems. Database developers earn a median salary of $95,066, based on the salary review by ZipRecruiter.
- Systems Engineer. Systems engineers create, design, analyze, and maintain the entire functioning of complex systems. Systems engineers have average annual wages amounting to $92,508, according to ZipRecruiter.
- Systems Analyst. Systems analysts analyze and diagnose computer infrastructures and systems to solve the problems associated with their functionalities and align them with their client’s specifications. According to ZipRecruiter, system analysts earn an average annual salary of $82,901.
- Web Developer. Web developers are programmers who create and design websites and web applications. Their job includes developing responsive and visually appealing websites. According to ZipRecruiter, web developers earn a median salary of $75,073.
- Computer Programmer. Computer programmers develop a series of instructions for a computer to perform, in a language understood by the computer. Their job includes writing, testing, and debugging source code for computer programs. According to ZipRecruiter, computer programmers have an average salary of $65,142.
How We Ranked the Best Accelerated Programming Degrees
We compiled a list of accelerated master’s and bachelor’s degrees programs and we graded these online and on-campus programs based on graduation rate, program accreditation, program length, and tuition cost. If you’re ready to get started with your college education at an accelerated pace, these onsite and online degrees are your best options.
The Best Nursing Accelerated Degrees in 2022
| Degree Title | School | Required Time |
|---|---|---|
| Accelerated BSc in Computer Science (Programming) | Boston University | 24 months |
| Accelerated BSc/MSc in Computer Science | Florida International University | 5 years |
| Accelerated BSc in Computer Programming | Herzing University | 32 months |
| Accelerated BSc in Computer Science (Programming) | Lewis University | 24 months |
| Accelerated MSc in Computer Science | Michigan Technological University | 12 months |
| Accelerated BSc/MSc in Computer Science | New York Institute of Technology | 5 years |
| Accelerated BSc/MSc in Computer Science | North Carolina State University | 12 months (without thesis) or 18 months (with thesis) |
| Accelerated MSc in Computer Science (Programming) | University of Arizona | 12 months |
| Accelerated MSc in Computer Science (Programming Cognate) | University of New Hampshire | 12 months |
| Accelerated BSc/MSc in Computer Science | University of North Dakota | 5 years |
The Best Fast-Track Programming Degrees in 2022, Explained
Most of the accelerated programs on this list are computer science degrees with programming majors. By enrolling in any of these onsite or online programs, prospective students have to agree to a rigorous program structure. Motivated students that can handle the faster pace of the course are able to take professional opportunities sooner than their normal-paced counterparts.
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (Programming) | Boston University
- Location: Boston, Massachusetts
- Online Option: Yes
- Tuition Per Credit: $2,343 in-state, $2,343 out-of-state
- Required Time: 24 months
This accelerated computer science degree program enables busy adults to complete their graduate studies in two years. The program is designed to build your advanced knowledge of object oriented programming, Java programming, web development, and database management. A 3.0 GPA qualifies students for a Master’s Degree in Computer Science.
Accelerated Bachelor and Master of Science in Computer Science | Florida International University
- Location: Florida, Miami
- Online Option: No
- Tuition Per Credit: $206 (BSc), $619 (MSc) in-state, $456 (BSc), $1,002 (MSc) out-of-state
- Required Time: 5 years
Florida International University (FIU) is one of the most reputable universities in the country. This university provides undergraduate students in an FIU computer science program the opportunity to graduate early. All they have to do is have 30 credits left in their bachelor’s major and a 3.3 GPA to qualify for this advanced degree.
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Computer Programming | Herzing University
- Location: Online only
- Online Option: Yes
- Tuition Per Credit: $490 in-state, $490 out-of-state
- Required Time: 32 months
The online bachelor’s program offered by Herzing University is designed for online students with little or no knowledge of programming languages. The major admission requirements are a high school diploma and an enrollment application. Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. You get to acquire dual credit for an MBA degree with this course.
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (Programming) | Lewis University
- Location: Online only
- Online Option: Yes
- Tuition Per Credit: $610 in-state, $610 out-of-state
- Required Time: 24 months
Lewis University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. This Catholic University designed the computer science curriculum to meet the needs of a working professional. The entire curriculum is completely online. Students with some experience in software programming and coding skills may qualify for the Prior Learning Assessment which enables them to graduate early.
Accelerated Master of Science in Computer Science | Michigan Technological University
- Location: Houghton, Michigan
- Online Option: No
- Tuition Per Credit: $1,343 in-state, $1,343 out-of-state
- Required Time: 12 months
The accelerated program at Michigan Technological University equips you with all the skills you need to succeed as a professional programmer as well as have a competitive edge in the industry. It enables you to earn up to six senior-level credits in the undergraduate program that you can apply to your master’s program in computer science.
Accelerated Bachelor and Master of Science in Computer Science | New York Institute of Technology
- Location: Long Island, New York
- Online Option: No
- Tuition Per Credit: $1,290 (BSc), $1,400 (MSc) in-state, $1,290 (BSc), $1,400 (MSc) out-of-state
- Required Time: 5 years
The accelerated master’s program in computer science is designed for junior undergraduate students already enrolled in an engineering or computer science bachelor’s degree program who to learn at a faster pace. This program enables you to attain credit for three graduate-level courses during your undergraduate program.
Accelerated Bachelor and Master of Science in Computer Science | NC State University
- Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
- Online Option: No
- Tuition Per Credit: $613 in-state, $2,208 out-of-state
- Required Time: 12 to 18 months
To qualify for the accelerated MSc in Computer Science, undergraduate students must have completed 75 credit hours. They also need a minimum GPA of 3.5. The advantage to this is that you get to earn 12 college credits for both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees. If you choose to not complete a thesis, you could graduate in 12 months. If you do, it will take 18 months in total.
Accelerated Master of Science in Computer Science | University of Arizona
- Location: Tucson, Arizona
- Online Option: No
- Tuition Per Credit: $865 in-state, $1,794 out-of-state
- Required Time: 12 months
This degree was designed for computer science majors at the University of Arizona. This accelerated master’s program also gives you the option of completing a thesis. The degree curriculum includes courses that help you build your programming skills and gain programming experience.
Accelerated Master in Computer Science (Programming Cognate) | University of New Hampshire
- Location: Durham, New Hampshire
- Online Option: No
- Tuition Per Credit: $785 in-state, $1,370 out-of-state
- Required Time: 12 months
The accelerated master’s program at the University of New Hampshire was designed for seniors in an undergraduate computer science program. Admissions are given before the final year of your bachelor’s program. To be considered for this accelerated program, you need a cumulative GPA of 3.2.
Accelerated Bachelor and Master of Science in Computer Science | University of North Dakota
- Location: Grand Forks, North Dakota
- Online Option: Yes
- Tuition Per Credit: $485 (BSc), $545 (MSc) in-state, $577 (BSc), $818 (MSc) out-of-state
- Required Time: 5 years
The computer science program at the University of North Dakota is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission. The accelerated MSc and BSc program in computer science allows students to acquire two degrees in five years. Degree requirements include completion of 30 graduate-level courses, a GPA of at least 3.0, and a thesis.
Should You Get an Accelerated Programming Degree?
Yes, you should. An accelerated degree program enables you to take advantage of a cost-effective approach to building the knowledge needed to follow your career path while taking advantage of the college experience. No matter your career goals, there is a wide range of opportunities for accelerated programming degree graduates.
Another option for learning computer programming is to attend a top coding bootcamp. Like accelerated degrees, bootcamps offer gold standard intensive learning and online courses that prepare you for the workforce. They usually take less than one year to complete with affordable tuition compared to college degrees. Both bootcamps and degrees offer financial aid options to students.
Accelerated Programming Degrees FAQ
The best degree for programming is in the computer science field. With a computer science degree, you have the opportunity to broaden your knowledge through common courses such as object oriented programming, computer networks, data structures and algorithms, computer architecture, and software engineering. This degree also allows you to explore several career options.
The highest paying coding job in the United States is the role of a machine learning engineer. According to ZipRecruiter, machine learning engineers have average salaries of $130,530. These professionals usually use the R language and Python in programming Artificial Intelligence systems.
Yes, it can be stressful. However, this depends on the type of tech company you work for, the scale of the project you’re working on, the size of your project team, and the technical complexities in your project. Coding stress has to be properly managed or it can lead to negligence, mental health issues, and overall low job satisfaction.
Yes, they can be. However, this is mostly because you’ll be expected to complete the standard curriculum as traditional programs within a shorter period. Students in this program have accelerated classes and a strict class schedule. Most accelerated programs demand that prospective students have experience in the computer science field before applying.
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