It’s All in the Code: C++Programming Certificate

C++ Programming Certificate Information

You love math, are proficient in critical thinking and enjoy solving puzzles and problems, then becoming a computer programmer could be an ideal career for you. While computer programmers usually learn a few computer languages, C++ tops the list in terms of overall importance. By learning C++, you will learn the syntax and basics of not only this computer language, but of many others as well, much as having a background in Latin can help a student in learning French, Spanish and Italian.

Whether you’re interested in earning a degree in information technology, computer programming or computer security, learning C++ can help with a variety of careers in the computer industry. People who enjoy playing video games should learn C++ if they’d like to get into programming gaming code for a living. Web designers find C++ useful, as do net developers and software design developers. Employers look at candidates for a job to see if they’ve learned C++, because those who have a good comprehension of C++ generally have no trouble with other computer languages. Software developers consider C++ the lingua franca of computer languages, that is, the basic language everyone should know.

Online Education

Many colleges and organizations offer online computer programming certificates and degrees. Obtaining a certificate in C++ adds professionalism and shine to your resume, and could easily translate into higher pay. While a traditional brick and mortar school also offer degrees and certificates in programming languages, learning C++ in an online program allows you to learn at your own rate and tune into the class whenever and wherever it is convenient for you.

C++ Certificate

Universities and colleges have bachelor’s and master’s degree programs for computer programming, information systems and cybersecurity, software engineering technology, software applications development and data communication systems technology. Learning C++ is often a part of these degree programs, offered as a class. However, a degree is not required for learning C++. Most people earn a certificate in C++ to show future employers that they’ve fully learned the language and its applications.

Certificate programs for C++ ensure that students can incorporate programming elements like loops, variables, functions, decision making and object-oriented constructs into any applications they create that can solve real problems. Certificate students will learn about algorithms and efficient data structures and their design, implementation, analysis and application. A certificate program in C++ usually consists of computer classes such as an introduction to computer systems, beginning C++ to advanced C++, data structures and algorithms, discrete mathematics and linux/unix programming.

Some C++ certificate programs approaches C++ as an extension of the C language, an earlier computer language. C++ builds on the C language by adding object-oriented programming. Utilizing both C and C++ extends a programmer’s capability and experience. Learning C++ is useful in a variety of computer based careers such as programming, software analysis, object-oriented software development and software testing. By earning a C++ certificate, students prepare themselves to develop, design, implement and maintain intricate C/C++ applications.

Coursework

Most C++ certificate programs teach C++ from the very basic level and move on to intermediate level and finally into the languages most complex applications. Most will cover the following C++ topics:

• Installing Xcode
• Variables
• Functions
• If/Else statements
• Learning Objects
• Methods
• Arrays
• Loops
• Object-oriented design
• Basic modeling
• Function overloading
• Managing Multiple Objects
• NSString comparisons
• Building an iPad application

Most C++ certificate programs train students in C++ essentials. The capstone of a C++ certificate program usually entails the students doing a programming project that simulates a real-world project. The project usually includes specification, design, test plan and implementing and testing the project. By the end of the program, students will be able to design, write and debug a program in C++.

Career Opportunities

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job openings for computer programmers in general are expected to increase by 12 percent to the year 2020. Since all companies now use computers, new software applications are continually being developed, which increases opportunities for programmers and other computer professionals. The BLS reports that computer programmers with a bachelor’s degree and who have learned a number of computer languages will have the best job prospects.

Current programmers strongly suggest learning C++ as it is one of the core languages used by many industries, such as advanced medical devices and equipment, the defense industry, video game developers, telecom and communications and the gas and oil industry. By learning C++, a student learns what basic programming is all about, and this knowledge will serve them well throughout their careers.

Earning Potential

The BLS states that the median annual salary for computer programmers is $71,380, a goodly wage for someone with a bachelor’s degree. A recent Forbes article about the five or six classes that can ensure a college graduate gets a job listed computer programming in C++ or Java as one of the classes. If you’re a programmer, consider learning C++ in order to gain in salary. People who employ programmers look at C++ as a hardcore computer language, one that guarantees a flexible and astute employee capable of solving complex programming problems. Which industry a computer programmer works for can determine his or her salary. For example, a programmer who works in software development can make $81,330, while a programmer in the animal slaughtering and processing niche can make $110,660. Insurance carriers paid their computer programmers $75,570, while deep sea and Great Lakes transportation firms paid theirs $99,360.