Discover your passion for coding with our specialized programs in computer programming. Gain expertise in programming languages such as C++, Java and Visual Basic.NET as you learn to design and update software for various platforms, from desktop to mobile to web.
We also now offer a Bachelor of Applied Technology in Software Development. You’ll pay community college prices for a bachelor’s degree in an in-demand and high-paying field.
Programming at a Glance
2-8 months to complete1
$891-$4,320 tuition2
- Brookhaven
- Cedar Valley
- Eastfield
- El Centro
- Mountain View
- North Lake
- Richland3
2 years to complete1
$5,940 tuition2
- Brookhaven
- Cedar Valley
- Eastfield
- El Centro
- Mountain View
- North Lake
- Richland3
4 years to complete1
$11,880 tuition2
- Brookhaven
- Cedar Valley
- Eastfield
- El Centro
- Mountain View
- North Lake
- Richland3
What Can I Study?
I Want to Go to Work
-
Workforce Certificates
- C# Programming Occupational Skills Award $891 8 months
- C++ Programming Occupational Skills Award $891 8 months
- Intro to Data Analytics Occupational Skills Award $891 8 months
- JAVA Programming Fundamentals $2,880 2 months
- Java Programming Occupational Skills Award $891 8 months
- Mobile App Programming Fundamentals $2,880 2 months
- Mobile Applications Occupational Skills Award $891 8 months
- Python Programming Fundamentals $4,320 4 months
- Python Programming Occupational Skills Award $891 8 months
- SQL Occupational Skills Award $891 8 months
-
Credit Certificates
- C# Developer Certificate $1,782 8 months
- C++ Developer Certificate $1,782 8 months
- DBA Certificate $1,782 8 months
- Java Developer Certificate $1,782 8 months
- Python Developer Certificate $1,782 8 months
Can I Get a Job?
Dallas College offers a variety of certificates and degrees to help you gain the skills you need to start working right away.
- These credentials are often considered Career and Technical Education (CTE).
- These credentials are established with the assistance and cooperation of representatives from local business, to meet local and regional employment needs.
- Higher level certificates and degrees will typically lead to a higher salary in the workforce.
- Workforce (CE) Certificates can often be completed faster than traditional credit certificates but typically do not offer college credit.
- Level 1, Level 2, Enhanced Skills certificates and others, offer college credit and are often stackable to help you build skills as you work towards an Associate Degree.
- Workforce credentials may give you college credit at Dallas College, but they may not transfer to other colleges or universities.
If you're unsure if this is the right path for you, you can talk to a Pathway Specialist for advice.
Pathway Specialist
- 972-669-6400
- PathwaySpecialist@DallasCollege.edu
I Want to Transfer
-
Associate Degrees (for Transfer)
Can I Transfer?
Our Associate of Applied Science degrees and certificates may not fully transfer to a four year college or university.
- If your goal is to transfer, you may want to explore our Core Corriculum and Transfer Pathways.
- You may also want to explore a transfer degree, like an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science.
- The classes you take will count towards a bachelor's degree and are designed to be accepted by any public college or university in Texas.
If you're not sure if this is the right choice for you, you can talk to a Pathway Specialist for guidance.
Pathway Specialist
- 972-669-6400
- PathwaySpecialist@DallasCollege.edu
What Can I Earn? Will There Be Plenty of Jobs?
With next-level coding skills, you can design and update software for all kinds of applications. Check out a few of the incredible career opportunities you’ll be ready for. Your future starts here!

Computer and Information Scientists
$47/hr
Median Salary
100
Job Openings
+33%
Projected Outlook
Top Skills:
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Complex Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Systems Analysis
- Active Listening
- Systems Evaluation
- Programming
- Active Learning
- Speaking

Computer and Information Systems Managers
$81/hr
Median Salary
3263
Job Openings
+24%
Projected Outlook
Top Skills:
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Speaking
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Writing
- Complex Problem Solving
- Coordination
- Systems Evaluation

Information Security Analysts
$63/hr
Median Salary
787
Job Openings
+42%
Projected Outlook
Top Skills:
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Complex Problem Solving
- Speaking
- Writing
- Monitoring
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Systems Analysis
- Active Learning

Software QA Analysts and Testers
$49/hr
Median Salary
791
Job Openings
+22%
Projected Outlook
Top Skills:
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Programming
- Monitoring
- Quality Control Analysis
- Complex Problem Solving
- Systems Evaluation
All jobs data gathered for Dallas/Fort Worth. Source: Dallas College Labor Market Intelligence and Lightcast4.
“After being homeschooled and graduating high school with dual credit prerequisites already done, I went straight into the workforce, no intention of getting a degree. I worked in a warehouse for about a year and thought about going into welding, but I injured my back. ... At that point I decided to go for my associate degree, which I accomplished, and now I’m working to get my bachelor’s degree of applied technology in software development this fall. I love that I can do it 100% online because I also take care of my family every day.” Read Cristian Castillo's story.

School of Engineering, Technology, Mathematics and Sciences by the Numbers
Please review current job openings and contact your advisor to review your options. All data gathered for Dallas/Fort Worth.
Source: Dallas College Labor Market Intelligence
Find Out More About Programming
Sign up to receive additional information about Programming or call 972-669-6400.
School of Engineering, Technology, Mathematics and Sciences
- 972-238-6248
- AskETMS@dallascollege.edu
Dallas College
- 972-669-6400
- Text College to 214-978-6457
- StudentHelp@DallasCollege.edu
1Length of time is based on catalog degree plans. Prerequisites may be required, which are not included in this estimate. For most programs, full-time student status is assumed, a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester.
2Cost is based on tuition rates for program hours for Dallas County residents. The price of most required learning materials (books, software, supplies, etc.) is included with the price of tuition. Visit our Paying for College site to learn more about cost, financial aid, scholarships and more.
3Each location offers a unique combination of certificate and degree options. Not all degree and certificate offerings are available for admission/start at all campuses every semester.
4A portion of Lightcast’s data comes from O*NET Online by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Lightcast has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.