Computer Programming for Specific Platforms: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Students in this program gain specialized expertise in creating tailored software applications for targeted platforms, equipping them to solve real-world challenges across industries. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on development, technical precision, and platform-specific optimization to build robust, scalable solutions.
- Computer Programming: Mastery of coding languages and syntax essential for building functional, efficient software across diverse environments.
- Computer Hardware: Understanding of underlying system architecture to enable optimized software performance and seamless hardware integration.
- Data Structures: Study of organized formats for storing and managing data to improve algorithm efficiency and application responsiveness.
- Database Theory: Principles of data modeling, storage, retrieval, and integrity to support reliable and secure information systems.
- Maintenance: Techniques for updating, troubleshooting, and enhancing software systems throughout their lifecycle.
- Operating Systems: In-depth knowledge of system-level operations, resource management, and platform-specific behaviors.
- Project Management: Strategies for planning, executing, and delivering software projects on time and within scope using industry-standard methodologies.
- Software Development: End-to-end processes for designing, coding, testing, and deploying applications with a focus on quality and user needs.
- Systems Analysis: Methods for evaluating existing systems, identifying requirements, and designing effective technical solutions aligned with business goals.
Computer Programming for Specific Platforms Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Computer Programming for Specific Platforms Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Computer Programming for Specific Platforms degrees, including Software Developers, Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers and Computer Programmers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 1,964,110 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developers 15-1252 | $133,080 | $79,850 - $211,450 | 1,654,440 | $63.98 |
| Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers 15-1253 | $102,610 | $60,690 - $166,960 | 199,800 | $49.33 |
| Computer Programmers 15-1251 | $98,670 | $52,190 - $162,090 | 109,870 | $47.44 |
Computer Programming for Specific Platforms Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $68,693 in South Dakota to $151,333 in Washington—a 120% difference. The highest-paying states include Washington, California, and Colorado. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 1,964,110 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Computer Programming for Specific Platforms by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 8 institutions offering Computer Programming for Specific Platforms programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Computer Programming for Specific Platforms is found at Purdue University Global (13 graduates), Mountainland Technical College (MTECH) (10 graduates), Macomb Community College (8 graduates), Prince George's Community College (PGCC) (3 graduates), and Modesto Junior College (MJC) (2 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 41 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purdue University Global |
Postbac Cert.
|
13 | West Lafayette, Indiana | Public | purdueglobal.edu |
| Mountainland Technical College (MTECH) |
Other Award
|
10 | Lehi, Utah | Public | mtec.edu |
| Macomb Community College |
Associate's
|
8 | Warren, Michigan | Public | macomb.edu |
| Prince George's Community College (PGCC) |
Other Award
|
3 | Largo, Maryland | Public | pgcc.edu |
| Modesto Junior College (MJC) |
Other Award
|
2 | Modesto, California | Public | mjc.edu |
| Western Wyoming Community College (WWCC) |
Other Award
|
2 | Rock Springs, Wyoming | Public | westernwyoming.edu |
| ABCO Technology |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
2 | Inglewood, California | Private | abcotechnology.edu |
| Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) |
Other Award
|
1 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Public | ccp.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Computer Programming for Specific Platforms programs
How much can I earn with a Computer Programming for Specific Platforms degree?
Salaries for Computer Programming for Specific Platforms graduates vary by role and location. Software Developers earn a median of $133,080 annually, while Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers earn around $102,610. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Washington average $151,333 compared to $68,693 in South Dakota. Approximately 1,964,110 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Computer Programming for Specific Platforms programs?
Currently 8 accredited institutions offer Computer Programming for Specific Platforms degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Purdue University Global (13 graduates), Mountainland Technical College (MTECH) (10 graduates), and Macomb Community College (8 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Computer Programming for Specific Platforms degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Software Developers, Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers, and Computer Programmers. Related occupations employ approximately 1,964,110 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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