• Programming emphasizes the content, practices, thinking and skills central to the discipline of computer science. Through both its content and pedagogy, this pathway aims to appeal to a broad audience. The focus of this pathway will fall into these computational thinking practices: connecting computing, developing computational artifacts, abstracting, analyzing problems and artifacts, communicating, and collaborating.

    The Programming Pathway is a sequence of courses designed to provide students with an understanding of the concepts, principles, and techniques required in computer information processing. If you would like to establish a strong foundation in the design and implementation of computer programming using state-of-the-art programming tools, this curriculum is for you. The Programming Pathway will introduce logic and fundamental programming concepts using a shared computer language with emphasis on syntax and structure. Topics include programming skills for creating websites, covering a range of issues from HTML and CSS to the primary usage of common design patterns and web frameworks.

    The information technology industry, including programming, is a dynamic and entrepreneurial field that continues to have a revolutionary impact on the economy and on the world. Students in information technology learn and practice skills that prepare them for diverse post-high school education and training opportunities, from apprenticeships and two-year college programs to a four-year college and graduate programs. After mastery of the standards in this course, students should be prepared to take the end of pathway assessment in this career area.

     

    Programming Pathway Courses

    Introduction to Digital Technology

    Computer Science Principles

    Programming, Games, Apps and Society

     

    End of Pathway Assessment Options

    Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) HTML5 Application Developer Fundamentals Exam 98-375

    Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) Software Development Fundamentals Exam 98-361

    Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 8 Programmer

     

    Wages for Computer Programmers

    In Georgia:

    Workers, on average, earn $85,020.

    10% of workers earn $47,270 or less.

    10% of workers earn $129,340 or more.

    In the United States:

    Workers, on average, earn $86,550.

    10% of workers earn $50,150 or less.

    10% of workers earn $140,250 or more.

    Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2019 wage data external site.

     

    Top Industries in Which Computer Programmers Work

    Software Publishers

    Finance and Insurance

    Manufacturing

    Computer Systems Design and Related Services

     

    Similar Occupations to Computer Programmers

    Computer and Information Research Scientists. Median Income: $122,840
    Computer and information research scientists invent and design new approaches to computing technology and find innovative uses for existing technology.
    Entry-Level Education: Master's degree

    Computer and Information Systems Managers. Median Income: $146,360
    Computer and information systems managers plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities in an organization.
    Entry-Level Education: Bachelor's degree

    Computer Hardware Engineers. Median Income: $117,220
    Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer systems and components.
    Entry-Level Education: Bachelor's degree

    Computer Network Architects. Median Income: $112,690
    Computer network architects design and build data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and Intranets.
    Entry-Level Education: Bachelor's degree

    Computer Support Specialists. Median Income: $54,760
    Computer support specialists provide help and advice to computer users and organizations.

    Computer Systems Analysts. Median Income: $90,920
    Computer systems analysts study an organization's current computer systems and find a solution that is more efficient and effective.
    Entry-Level Education: Bachelor's degree

    Database Administrators. Median Income: $93,750
    Database administrators (DBAs) use specialized software to store and organize data.
    Entry-Level Education: Bachelor's degree

    Information Security Analysts. Median Income: $99,730
    Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems.
    Entry-Level Education: Bachelor's degree

    Network and Computer Systems Administrators. Median Income: $83,510
    Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of computer networks.
    Entry-Level Education: Bachelor's degree

    Software Developers. Median Income: $107,510
    Software developers create applications or systems that run on a computer or another device.
    Entry-Level Education: Bachelor's degree

    Web Developers. Median Income: $73,760
    Web developers design and create websites.
    Entry-Level Education: Associate degree

    Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Computer Programmers, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-programmers.htm (visited September 02, 2020). (Smaller font)