Which Michigan Schools Offer Courses in Computer Programming?

Find schools in Michigan offering computer programming courses. Learn about career requirements and get job growth and salary info for computer programmers living in Michigan. Schools offering Computer Programming degrees can also be found in these popular choices.

Career Info for Computer Programmers in Michigan

The most common level of training for computer programmers is a bachelor's degree in an area like computer science, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). An associate's degree could also qualify you for an entry-level position in this field. Certifications from software vendors are available as well. When combined with your education, these credentials might give you an advantage over other candidates when applying for a job.

Employment opportunities for computer programmers were projected to increase 12% nationwide between 2010 and 2020, according to BLS figures. Competition for these positions was expected to remain strong due to outsourcing. You could have the best chances for employment if you earn at least a bachelor's degree and learn multiple programming languages. As of May 2011, the mean annual wage for computer programmers in the U.S. was about $76,000, compared to an average of around $69,000 for the 9,100 computer programmers working in Michigan.


Computer Programming Associate's Degrees in Michigan

Grand Rapids Community College

  • Program Name: Associate in Arts or Associate in Applied Arts and Sciences in Computer Information Systems - Programming
  • Program Length: 2 years full-time
  • Tuition: $98 per contact hour for in-district residents, $215 per contact hour for out-of-district residents, $322 per contact hour for out-of-state-residents (for Fall 2012)
  • School Type: 2-year, public; about 17,600 undergraduate students
  • Address: 212 Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center, 151 Fountain Street NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
  • Phone: 616-234-3670

GRCC is located in western Michigan and offers the computer programming Associate in Applied Arts and Sciences program to students who would like to pursue entry-level careers after graduation. The Associate in Arts option is for those who would rather transfer their credits to a 4-year school. Regardless of which track you choose, you'll study such topics as computer information systems, Java programming, Visual Basic .Net programming and database design. A handful of general education courses are also required.

Mid Michigan Community College

  • Program Name: Associate in Applied Science in Computer Information Systems
  • Specialization Areas: Networking, Visual Basic programming or C++ programming
  • Program Length: 64 credits
  • Tuition: $2,823 per year for in-district residents, $5,270 per year for out-of-district residents, $9,456 per year for out-of-state residents (for 2011-2012)
  • School Type: 2-year, public; about 4,900 undergraduate students
  • Address: 1375 S. Clare Avenue, Harrison, MI 48625
  • Phone: 989-386-6622

The computer information systems concentrations in MMCC's associate's degree program cover topics in operating systems, Cisco, systems analysis and database systems. General education courses are also required, as is instruction in information systems, website design, networking essentials and financial accounting. You also have the option of completing a co-op work experience.


Computer Programming Bachelor's Degrees in Michigan

Michigan State University

  • Program Name: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
  • Program Length: 4 years
  • Tuition: $12,674 per year for in-state residents, $32,632 per year for out-of-state residents (for 2012-2013)
  • School Type: 4-year, public; about 36,600 undergraduate and 11,300 graduate students
  • Address: 428 S. Shaw Lane, Room 3115, East Lansing, MI 48824
  • Phone: 517-353-3148

Michigan State University's computer science program includes a handful of programming courses. You can study software design, operating systems, computer architecture, computer networks and database systems as well. You also fulfill course requirements outside of the department in areas such as communication arts, foreign language, social sciences or math.

University of Michigan - Dearborn

  • Program Name: Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Science
  • Specialization Areas: Computer science or information systems
  • Program Length: 120 credits
  • Tuition: $6,854 (lower division) and $8,884 (upper division) per year for in-state residents, $19,578 (lower division) and $21,987 (upper division) for out-of-state residents (for full-time students in 2011-2012)
  • School Type: 4-year, public; about 7,200 undergraduate and 1,500 graduate students
  • Address: Computer and Information Science Department, University of Michigan - Dearborn, 105 CIS Building, 4901 Evergreen Road, Dearborn, MI 48128
  • Phone: 313-593-5510

UM - Dearborn is located in a small city just outside of Detroit. If you choose to pursue the school's computer science option, you'll examine such areas as programming, artificial intelligence, computer architecture, networking and web technologies. You can also study programming in the information systems option, though coursework is related to the use of computer applications, rather than designing or developing computer systems. Both program tracks offer you the option of completing a paid co-op work experience during your last 2 years of study.


Computer Programming Master's Degrees in Michigan

Michigan State University

  • Program Name: Master of Science in Computer Science and Engineering
  • Specialization Areas: Networking and ubiquitous computing, software systems, intelligent systems or biological computing
  • Program Length: 30 credits
  • Tuition: $569 per credit hour for in-state residents, about $1,118 per credit hour for out-of-state residents (for 2011-2012)
  • Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree with minimum 3.2 GPA
  • Admissions Requirements: GRE scores, 2 personal statements, 3 letters of recommendation and a resume
  • School Type: 4-year, public; about 36,000 undergraduate and 11,300 graduate students
  • Address: 428 S. Shaw Lane, Room 3115, East Lansing, MI 48824
  • Phone: 517-353-3148

This graduate program offers both thesis and nonthesis options. A teaching assistantship might also be available to you, based on your financial aid needs and academic performance. MSU encourages interdisciplinary work, so you'll have opportunities to work with various departments. You can also complete core program coursework in such areas as software development, computer architecture, algorithms design and machine learning.

University of Michigan - Dearborn

  • Program Name: Master of Science in Computer and Information Science
  • Specialization Areas: Computer graphics, geometric modeling and game design; information systems; computer networks and security; software engineering; data management; systems software; and web computing
  • Program Length: 30 semester hours
  • Tuition: $1,538/$1,178 per credit hour for in-state residents, $2,251/$2,611 per credit hour for out-of-state residents (for 2011-2012)
  • Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree with coursework in linear algebra or statistics, calculus, a programming language, data structures, computer architecture and operating systems
  • School Type: 4-year, public; about 1,500 graduate students and 1,500 graduate students
  • Address: Computer and Information Science Department, University of Michigan - Dearborn, 105 CIS Building, 4901 Evergreen Road, Dearborn, MI 48128
  • Phone: 313-593-5510

In addition to the courses for your chosen area of concentration, your graduate program at UM - Dearborn will include core computer courses and either a master's project or thesis. In an effort to meet part-time students' needs, courses are available in the evenings. Paid research assistantships are also available on a limited basis to full-time students.

To continue researching, browse degree options below for course curriculum, prerequisites and financial aid information. Or, learn more about the subject by reading the related articles below:

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