Computer Programming Degree

The computer programming degree program at Bates Technical College prepares students to learn software installation, maintenance, and methods and procedures of software design and programming by focusing on the general writing and implementation of computerized programs of operating systems. Students who graduate from the computer programming degree program may pursue careers in IT technology, web development, database design, and more. Courses in the program include software design, program customization and linking, prototype testing, and troubleshooting. Get more details below including other Washington colleges that offer computer programming degrees.

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Bates Technical College

6007- A 244th Street SW, Mountlake Terrace, WA

About
Bates Technical College, located in Tacoma, Washington, began operation in 1940 as a vocational school operating out of the Hawthorne Elementary School basement. The school expanded quickly, becoming a Tacoma Vocation-Technical Institute in 1947, under the direction of Vern Bates, who retired in 1969. To honor Mr. Bates, the school was renamed L.H. Bates Vocational Technical Institute.

By 1991 the school was merged into the Washington State Board of Community and Technical Colleges, where eventually the name was once again changed to its current. The school has expanded its offerings and is dedicated to providing the best education possible for its service area.
Academics
Bates Technical College's primary offerings are for career and technical training to assist individuals in entering the workforce. These programs utilize simulated real world settings to impart the skills and abilities necessary for employment in one's chosen field, with such fields typically being in high demand, particularly among businesses in the BTC's service area. T

hese programs take between one and two years to complete, resulting in a certificate or associate's degree that demonstrates competency and dedication.
Some programs offer transferable credits that may be used in the pursuit of higher levels of education. This is done by completing the equivalent of the first two years of a four year education, followed by applying for transfer to a four year institution to continue that education and earn a  bachelor's degree.

Transfer to a public Washington college or university will be easier through transfer agreements that guarantee acceptance if certain requirements are met. Transfer to private or out of state schools will be more difficult due to more stringent admissions policies for transfer students.  As a technical college, earned credits may not be transferable by out of state school's or private schools, and as a result should be discussed with a counselor.
Programs offered include:

• Business Administration
• Engineering
• Construction
• Information Technology
• General Education

Admissions and Financial Aid
Bates Technical College is an open enrollment institution that admits any individuals that meet the minimum criteria for admission, submit a completed application and pay accrued fees. Students are also asked to provide previous transcripts and standardized test scores, and may be asked to take a placement exam prior to registration.

The school also encourages meeting with a counselor to discuss goals and program enrollment.  Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships. Students in need of financial assistance must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information from which is used by the school's financial aid department to determine the student's need and aid program eligibility prior to forming a financial aid packet.

Financial aid must be reapplied for prior to each academic year. Students may be chosen at random to provide additional information to be compared to the FAFSA in order to verify its accuracy as part of new federal regulations governing the disbursement of aid funds.

Students Enrolled in the Computer Programming Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Bates Technical College has offered the following program levels for students:

• Less Than One Year Certificate
• Less Than Two-Year Award
• Associate's Degree

Students by Academic Level (2019)

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Computer Programmers

Description

Create, modify, and test the code, forms, and script that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software developers or other individuals. May assist software developers by analyzing user needs and designing software solutions. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

Software Developers, Applications

Description

Develop, create, and modify general computer applications software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions. Design software or customize software for client use with the aim of optimizing operational efficiency. May analyze and design databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team. May supervise computer programmers.

Software Developers, Systems Software

Description

Research, design, develop, and test operating systems-level software, compilers, and network distribution software for medical, industrial, military, communications, aerospace, business, scientific, and general computing applications. Set operational specifications and formulate and analyze software requirements. May design embedded systems software. Apply principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis.

Web Developers

Description

Design, create, and modify Web sites. Analyze user needs to implement Web site content, graphics, performance, and capacity. May integrate Web sites with other computer applications. May convert written, graphic, audio, and video components to compatible Web formats by using software designed to facilitate the creation of Web and multimedia content.

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).