CareerZone
Computer Programmers
An occupation in Engineering and Technologies
This occupation is in demand in the High Growth industry: Information Technology
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Convert project specifications and statements of problems and procedures to detailed logical flow charts for coding into computer language. Develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information. May program web sites.


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Investigative - Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.


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1. Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced.

2. Conduct trial runs of programs and software applications to be sure they will produce the desired information and that the instructions are correct.

3. Compile and write documentation of program development and subsequent revisions, inserting comments in the coded instructions so others can understand the program.

4. Write, update, and maintain computer programs or software packages to handle specific jobs such as tracking inventory, storing or retrieving data, or controlling other equipment.

5. Consult with managerial, engineering, and technical personnel to clarify program intent, identify problems, and suggest changes.

6. Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements.

7. Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.

8. Write or contribute to instructions or manuals to guide end users.

9. Investigate whether networks, workstations, the central processing unit of the system, or peripheral equipment are responding to a program's instructions.

10. Prepare detailed workflow charts and diagrams that describe input, output, and logical operation, and convert them into a series of instructions coded in a computer language.

11. Perform systems analysis and programming tasks to maintain and control the use of computer systems software as a systems programmer.


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Programming - Writing computer programs for various purposes.

Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Learning Strategies - Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Operations Analysis - Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.


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Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Telecommunications - Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

Clerical - Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.


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Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Education: Most of these occupations require a four - year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.


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The college search results are undergraduate programs associated with Computer Programmers. Further education may also be required to pursue this career.

The training search results include both short and long-term programs associated with Computer Programmers, and may be more appropriate for adult and non-traditional students. Further training may also be required to pursue this career.


Find Training Courses in New YorkFind Colleges in New YorkArtificial Intelligence and Robotics. - A program that focuses on the symbolic inference, representation, and simulation by computers and software of human learning and reasoning processes and capabilities, and the modeling of human motor control and motions by computer-driven machinery. Includes instruction in computing theory, cybernetics, human factors, natural language processing, robot design, and applicable aspects of engineering, technology, and specific end-use applications.


Find Training Courses in New YorkFind Colleges in New YorkComputer Programming/Programmer, General. - A program that focuses on the general writing and implementation of generic and customized programs to drive operating systems and that generally prepares individuals to apply the methods and procedures of software design and programming to software installation and maintenance. Includes instruction in software design, low- and high-level languages and program writing; program customization and linking; prototype testing; troubleshooting; and related aspects of operating systems and networks.


Find Training Courses in New YorkFind Colleges in New YorkComputer Programming, Specific Applications. - A program that prepares individuals to apply the knowledge and skills of general computer programming to the solution of specific operational problems and customization requirements presented by individual software users and organizational users. Includes training in specific types of software and its installation and maintenance.


Find Training Courses in New YorkFind Colleges in New YorkComputer Programming, Vendor/Product Certification. - A program that prepares individuals to fulfill the requirements set by vendors for professional qualification as certified installation, customization, and maintenance engineers for specific software products and/or processes. Includes training in specific vendor supported software products and their installation and maintenance.


Find Training Courses in New YorkFind Colleges in New YorkWeb Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design. - A program that prepares individuals to apply HTML, XML, Javascript, graphics applications, and other authoring tools to the design, editing, and publishing (launching) of documents, images, graphics, sound, and multimedia products on the World Wide Web. Includes instruction in Internet theory; web page standards and policies; elements of web page design; user interfaces; vector tools; special effects; interactive and multimedia components; search engines; navigation; morphing; e-commerce tools; and emerging web technologies.


Find Training Courses in New YorkFind Colleges in New YorkComputer Graphics. - A program that focuses on the software, hardware, and mathematical tools used to represent, display, and manipulate topological, two-, and three-dimensional objects on a computer screen and that prepares individuals to function as computer graphics specialists. Includes instruction in graphics software and systems; digital multimedia; graphic design; graphics devices, processors, and standards; attributes and transformations; projections; surface identification and rendering; color theory and application; and applicable geometry and algorithms.


Find Training Courses in New YorkFind Colleges in New YorkWeb/Multimedia Management and Webmaster. - A program that prepares individuals to develop and maintain web servers and the hosted web pages at one or a group of web sites, and to function as designated webmasters. Includes instruction in computer systems and networks; server installation and maintenance; web page design and editing; information resources management; web policy and procedures; Internet applications of information systems security; user interfacing and usability research; and relevant management and communications skills.


Find Training Courses in New YorkFind Colleges in New YorkBioinformatics. - A program that focuses on the application of computer-based technologies and services to biological, biomedical, and biotechnology research. Includes instruction in algorithms, network architecture, principles of software design, human interface design, usability studies, search strategies, database management and data mining, digital image processing, computer graphics and animation, CAD, computer programming, and applications to experimental design and analysis and to specific quantitative, modeling, and analytical studies in the various biological specializations.


Find Training Courses in New YorkFind Colleges in New YorkMedical Office Computer Specialist/Assistant. - A program that prepares individuals to apply computer programming, troubleshooting, and information technology skills to the installation, maintenance, and upgrade of standard, customized, or proprietary medical software and associated hardware. Includes instruction in computer programming, systems analysis, networking, telecommunications, medical records and informatics software applications, information technology, systems administration, computer security, and applicable regulations and certifications or licenses.


Find Training Courses in New YorkFind Colleges in New YorkMedical Informatics. - A program that focuses on the application of computer science and software engineering to medical research and clinical information technology support, and the development of advanced imaging, database, and decision systems. Includes instruction in computer science, health information systems architecture, medical knowledge structures, medical language and image processing, quantitative medical decision modeling, imaging techniques, electronic medical records, medical research systems, clinical decision support, and informatics aspects of specific research and practice problems.


Find Training Courses in New YorkFind Colleges in New YorkE-Commerce/Electronic Commerce. - A program that prepares individuals to plan, manage, supervise, and market electronic business operations, products, and services provided online via the Internet. Includes instruction in business administration, information technology, information resources management, web design, computer and Internet law and policy, computer privacy and security, e-trading, insurance, electronic marketing, investment capital planning, enterprise operations, personnel supervision, contracting, and product and service networking.


Find Training Courses in New YorkFind Colleges in New YorkManagement Information Systems, General. - A program that generally prepares individuals to provide and manage data systems and related facilities for processing and retrieving internal business information; select systems and train personnel; and respond to external data requests. Includes instruction in cost and accounting information systems, management control systems, personnel information systems, data storage and security, business systems networking, report preparation, computer facilities and equipment operation and maintenance, operator supervision and training, and management information systems policy and planning.


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In NY the average wage for this occupation was:

$47,790 for entry level workers, and $89,890 for experienced workers.


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Based on the total number of annual openings and its growth rate, the employment prospects for this occupation are described as Favorable.

During 2006, there were approximately 36,180 Computer Programmers employed in NY.

We estimate that in 2016 there will be 33,920  employed in NY. This represents a decrease of 0 job(s) each year, and a total of 760 job openings each year.


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Summer Computer Camp at New York Institute of Technology - Manhattan NY - When it comes to learning cool new technologies at your own pace, Cybercamps gives you a lot of options. All of the courses are project based, which means you'll learn by making cool things. The courses are grouped into three main subject areas, User (Graphics),Coder (Programming), and Gamer (Game Design)!

MentorPlace - A structured online program connecting IBM employee-volunteers with students and teachers.

iD Tech Camps: Columbia University Computer Camps,NY - iD Tech Camps offers summer computer camps for kids and teens at over 30 universities. The summer computer camp courses are for beginner to advanced levels, and vary from creating video games and producing digital movies to designing web pages and learning programming and robotics.

Westchester Community College Children and Teens 2007 - Westchester Community College Children and Teens 2007 programs include Ossining Summer Science Academy, Computer Arts for Teens, and Computers for Kids in Peekskill.

Summer Computer Camp at Fordham University (Marymount Campus) - Tarrytown,NY - When it comes to learning cool new technologies at your own pace, Cybercamps gives you a lot of options. All of the courses are project based, which means you'll learn by making cool things. The courses are grouped into three main subject areas, User (Graphics),Coder (Programming), and Gamer (Game Design)!

Genetic Horizons - Genetic Horizons (Green Genes alumni) investigates how genetic research is changing our lives. Students use DNA fingerprinting to identify suspects at a mock crime scene, use PCR to detect genetically modified foods, and use bioinformatics to analyze and compare DNA sequences

Illuminations: Activities - Illuminations is designed to provide standards based resources that improve the teaching and learning of mathematics for all students. The library of 90 online activities sorted by age group help to make math come alive in the classroom or at home.

Think Quest New York City - ThinkQuest New York City creatively brings together learning and technology for students and educators. Be a part of the greatest adventure of our time, the Internet. Build an interactive Web site that will be freely available to others in the ThinkQuest New York City Library.

Cornell University Cooperative Extension New York City 4 H Youth Favorite Places - 4 H Youth Favorite Places (YFP) is an activity designed to help teach youth about Geographic Information Systems/Global Positioning System (GIS/GPS) as well as provide a service to their community, in which youth "map" their favorite places in their community.

College of SUNY Geneseo Young Scholar Adventures: Geneseo Summer Scholars - The Geneseo Summer scholars program is a wonderful opportunity for interested students entering grades 5 to 8 to take advantage of. Each student chooses two courses that interest them. The courses include Adventures in Science, Astronomy and Aerospace, Computer Art and Design and Web Site Design.

MathBits.com - MathBits is devoted to offering fun, yet challenging, lessons and activities in high school/college level mathematics and computer programming to students and teachers.

Summer Computer Camp at St. Johns University - Queens Campus,NY - When it comes to learning cool new technologies at your own pace, Cybercamps gives you a lot of options. All of the courses are project-based, which means you'll learn by making cool things. The courses are grouped into three main subject areas:User (Graphics),Coder (Programming), and Gamer (Game Design)!

iD Tech Camps: Vassar College Computer Camps,NY - iD Tech Camps offers summer computer camps for kids and teens at over 30 universities. The summer computer camp courses are for beginner to advanced levels, and vary from creating video games and producing digital movies to designing web pages and learning programming and robotics.

Summer at RPI: Computer Game Development Academy - Intended to teach high school students who will enter their senior year in the Fall the fundamentals of the video game creation and design process, artists and programmers will take separate classes that speak to their particular skill sets, and then interdisciplinary teams will be formed and then construct their game from start to finish.

iD Tech Camps: Vassar College Computer Camps,NY - iD Tech Camps offers summer computer camps for kids and teens. The courses are for beginner to advanced levels, and vary from creating video games and producing digital movies to designing web pages and learning programming and robotics.

Summer at RIT:Kids on Campus - Choose Your Workshop! Animation with a Twist, Interactive Music Madness, Web Magic, Flash Puzzle Quest, Draw, Shoot, Animate, and Ultimate Web Comics are just a few fun topics available!

Multimedia Math Mania - Math is fun! This is an opportunity to explore math and technology firsthand, to apply math skills and use problem solving while conducting experiments, designing and constructing projects, working on state of the art computer programs and exploring the Internet

MentorPlace - A structured online program connecting IBM employee volunteers with students and teachers. You and your IBM mentor will talk online, working together on activities and discussing issues that you care about. Your teacher will give you direction on the activities that you and your IBM mentor will work on together.

Summer Day Camp:Ages: 6 to 9 - This computer day camp is designed for children ages 6 through 9. The course includes general computing (OS, Microsoft Apps) to get children up to speed as well as animation, web page making, and computer gaming.

Purchase College: Summer Tech Day Camp - This computer day camp is designed for children ages 6 through 9. The course includes general computing (OS, Microsoft Apps) to get children up to speed as well as animation, web page making, and computer gaming.

Summer Safari at Plattsburgh State University 2007 - Camp Med, Magic World of Chemistry, Forensics: To Catch a Thief, Anatomy and Physiology Lab, Experimenting Excitement, and Creating Music Thru Technology are but a few of the exciting camp themes for you to explore at Summer Safari 2007.

Summer Computer Camp at Solomon Schechter School Westchester, NY - When it comes to learning cool new technologies at your own pace, Cybercamps gives you a lot of options. All of the courses are project based, which means you'll learn by making cool things. The courses are grouped into three main subject areas, User (Graphics),Coder (Programming), and Gamer (Game Design)!

Columbia University Summer Program For High School Students, Junior - Senior Division - The Summer Program for High School Students in New York City is renowned for its academic rigor, instructional excellence, and the unique opportunity to experience college life in the Ivy League and life in New York City. Intensive summer study includes a variety of coursework in Engineering, Mathematics, and Science and Computers.

Computer programmers - Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.

Computer Game Development Academy - Intended to teach high school students who will enter their senior year in the Fall the fundamentals of the video game creation and design process.

Genetic Horizons - Genetic Horizons (Green Genes alumni) investigates how genetic research is changing our lives. Students use DNA fingerprinting to identify suspects at a mock crime scene, use PCR to detect genetically modified foods, and use bioinformatics to analyze and compare DNA sequences

Summer Safari at Plattsburgh State University 2006 - Chemistry, Forensics, Anatomy and Physiology,Experimenting Excitement,Making Math Magic and Kids Creating Music Thru Technology are but a few of the exciting camp themes for you to explore at Summer Safari.

Summer Computer Camp at Fordham University (Marymount Campus) - Tarrytown,NY - When it comes to learning cool new technologies at your own pace, Cybercamps gives you a lot of options. All of the courses are project-based, which means you'll learn by making cool things. The courses are grouped into three main subject areas:User (Graphics),Coder (Programming), and Gamer (Game Design)!

Summer Computer Camp at St. Johns University, Queens Campus, NY - When it comes to learning cool new technologies at your own pace, Cybercamps gives you a lot of options. All of the courses are project based, which means you'll learn by making cool things. The courses are grouped into three main subject areas, User (Graphics),Coder (Programming), and Gamer (Game Design)!

iD Tech Camps: Columbia University Computer Camp, NY - iD Tech Camps offers summer computer camps for kids and teens. The courses are for beginner to advanced levels, and vary from creating video games and producing digital movies to designing web pages and learning programming and robotics.

National Computer Camp: Manhattan College, Riverdale, New York - National Computer Camp aims to provide campers with life long computer skills. As its primary focus, NCC provides a solid foundation in programming, focusing on languages and applications, hardware, video game and web page design.

Girls Summer 2006: Science and Technology - Science and technology students get hands-on experience in a variety of cutting-edge topics and academic environments. The students get the opportunity to learn as much as possible about the world of science, computers, robotics, technology and other disciplines of the future.

Kids on Campus - Choose Your Workshop: make your very own bumper car flash game, create your own Web site, explore four-dimensional space, join the graphics design think tank and build your own computer game engine!

Camp Game:Intensive Video Game Creation - Camp Game is a unique five-week experience in intensive video game creation, visualization, and production. Work with a faculty of game industry veterans to create concepts and prototypes for games using the latest software, hardware, and development tools. The program provides the optimal balance between creativity and application, evaluation and analysis, and instruction-based learning and hands-on practice.

Computer Systems Officers - Visit this link for information on this career in the military.

International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) - ISTE provides leadership and service to improve teaching, learning, and school leadership by advancing the effective use of technology in PK to 12 and teacher education.

MathBits.com - MathBits is devoted to offering fun, yet challenging, lessons and activities in high school and college level mathematics and computer programming to students and teachers.

Girls Go Tech: Careers You Can Count On - Math, science and technology play an important part in your life. It is all around you! Be surprised how much fun you can have, and are already having, with math, science, and technology. Read the activities and then find out more about the careers associated with them.

Illuminations: Lessons - Illuminations is designed to provide standards based resources that improve the teaching and learning of mathematics for all students. The collection of 524 lessons for preK12 math educators is easily sorted by age group and topic.

iD Tech Camps:Fordham University Computer Camps, NY - iD Tech Camps offers summer computer camps for kids and teens. The courses are for beginner to advanced levels, and vary from creating video games and producing digital movies to designing web pages and learning programming and robotics.

SummerTech at Manhattanville College,Purchase,NY - SummerTech Computer Camps offer a choice of seven week-long and multi-week curricula. All courses are integrated into the full camp experience. Tech learning and fun featuring seven curriculums to choose from: Digital Film, Animation, Music Recording,Machinima Code,Flash and Web.

Purchase College: SummerTech - SummerTech Computer Camps offer a choice of seven week long and multiweek curricula. All courses are integrated into the full camp experience. Tech learning and fun featuring seven curriculums to choose from include Digital Film, Animation, Music Recording,Machinima Code,Flash and Web.

Summer Computer Camp at The New School Manhattan, New York - When it comes to learning cool new technologies at your own pace, Cybercamps gives you a lot of options. All of the courses are project based, which means you'll learn by making cool things. The courses are grouped into three main subject areas, User (Graphics),Coder (Programming), and Gamer (Game Design)!

Wave Hill Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Internship - Wave Hill and Lehman College collaborate to provide a summer opportunity combined with academic studies in Basic Mapping Science, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Site visits to environmentally significant locations and small work crews prune or clear excess vegetation, plant native species, fortify hillsides, and repair woodland trails to prevent erosion along the Hudson River. Lehman College's Department of Environmental, Geographic and Geological Sciences offers laboratory sessions and lectures by graduate students for three college credits, tuition-free.

Girls Go Tech: Careers You Can Count On - Math, science and technology play an important part in your life. It is all around you! Be surprised how much fun you can have, and are already having, with math, science, and technolog. Careers in math, science and technology are as varied as they are exciting. Read the activities and then find out more about the careers associated with them.

Multimedia Math Mania - An opportunity to explore math and technology firsthand, to apply math skills and use problem solving while conducting experiments, designing and constructing projects, working on state-of-the-art computer programs and exploring the Internet

Summer Computer Camp at Adelphi University - When it comes to learning cool new technologies at your own pace, Cybercamps gives you a lot of options. All of the courses are project-based, which means you'll learn by making cool things. The courses are grouped into three main subject areas:User (Graphics),Coder (Programming), and Gamer (Game Design)!

Summer Computer Camp at Adelphi University - When it comes to learning cool new technologies at your own pace, Cybercamps gives you a lot of options. All of the courses are project based, which means you'll learn by making cool things. The courses are grouped into three main subject areas, User (Graphics),Coder (Programming), and Gamer (Game Design)!

Computer Systems Specialists - Visit this link for information on this career in the military.


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Computer and Information Systems Managers - Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

Computer Support Specialists - Provide technical assistance to computer system users. Answer questions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, via telephone or from remote location. May provide assistance concerning the use of computer hardware and software, including printing, installation, word processing, electronic mail, and operating systems.

Computer Systems Analysts - Analyze science, engineering, business, and all other data processing problems for application to electronic data processing systems. Analyze user requirements, procedures, and problems to automate or improve existing systems and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and scheduling limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software. May supervise computer programmers.

Operations Research Analysts - Formulate and apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods using a computer to develop and interpret information that assists management with decision making, policy formulation, or other managerial functions. May develop related software, service, or products. Frequently concentrates on collecting and analyzing data and developing decision support software. May develop and supply optimal time, cost, or logistics networks for program evaluation, review, or implementation.

Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary - Teach courses in computer science. May specialize in a field of computer science, such as the design and function of computers or operations and research analysis.

Computer Operators - Monitor and control electronic computer and peripheral electronic data processing equipment to process business, scientific, engineering, and other data according to operating instructions. May enter commands at a computer terminal and set controls on computer and peripheral devices. Monitor and respond to operating and error messages.

Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers - Repair, maintain, or install computers, word processing systems, automated teller machines, and electronic office machines, such as duplicating and fax machines.

Numerical Tool and Process Control Programmers - Develop programs to control machining or processing of parts by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems.


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