Computer Programming Degree

The computer programming degree program at Sierra 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 California colleges that offer computer programming degrees.

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Sierra College

11555 Old Oregon Trail, Redding, CA

Sierra College is a two-year community college located near the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Rocklin is roughly 100 miles northeast of San Francisco, California. Sierra College's main campus in Rocklin, California, is situated on 300 acres. The Sierra Community College District serves a range of communities that cover more than 3,000 square miles, including Placer and Nevada counties. It also serves parts of Sacramento and El Dorado counties.

Sierra College provides general education for students who wish to complete associate's degrees, and transfer programs for those who aim to transfer to four-year universities to complete a bachelor's degree.

Sierra College also provides excellent career and technical training programs. Sierra College offers more than 65 associate degrees, more than 50 Certificates of Achievement, and more than 25 professional Skills Certificates. Many courses are available that prepare students for employment in industries that are located in the Sierra College District. Pre-collegiate courses are also offered to prepare new students for college-level work. Online training courses are available to community members.

The faculty members include approximately 900 full and part-time instructors who are experts in their fields. Instruction at Sierra College receives excellent reviews, and the school ranks number one in Northern California for its successful student transfers to the California State University and University of California systems.

The range of courses and curricula offered at Sierra College are designed to prepare students for life in a changing world. Classes are offered that expose students to cultural differences, leadership skills, health and fitness, the environment, natural sciences, social and behavioral sciences, humanities, communications and critical thinking, among others. The TRIO Program at Sierra College offers support to first generation students who do not have a parent who earned a bachelor's degree.

History

Sierra College was founded in 1936. For more than 50 years, Sierra College has enjoyed solid leadership, with only five individuals holding the post of president to date.

Academics

The academic calendar for Sierra College follows the semester format, with fall, spring and summer semesters. The summer semesters are divided into three shorter sessions.

Colleges and Schools

The academic units at Sierra College are divided into divisions and programs. The academic divisions are:

• Business & Technology
• Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Athletics
• Liberal Arts
• Sciences & Mathematics
• Non-credit Programs
• Community Education
• Osher Lifeline Learning Institute
• Sierra College Training & Development, Center for Applied Competitive Technologies 

The Programs of Special Interest at Sierra College are:

• College Credit While in High School
• Distance Learning
• English as a Second Language
• Fire Technology
• International Students
• Mechatronics
• New Legacy Mentoring Program
• Puente Program
• Straight AAAs
• Study Abroad
• Supplemental Instruction
• Virtual Office Professional
• Women & Gender Studies

Student Life

Sierra College offers its students a wealth of support services to ensure success. Some of the student services include:

• Academic Foundations Program
• Academic Support Services
• Bookstore - textbooks, hours, services
• Cafeteria
• Career Connections
• Career Programs
• Child Development Centers
• Counseling
• Disabled Students Programs & Services
• Health Services Clinic
• Housing on campus
• International Students
• Learning Center (formerly Tutor & Computer Centers)
• Library / Learning Resources Center (LRC)
• Sierra College Library web pages
• A Mother's Place (for breastfeeding mothers)
• Perceptual Training (for learning disabled students)
• A Safe Space (for LGBT students)
• Straight AAAs Program (for student athletes)
• Supportive Education
• Testing Center
• Transfer Information
• TRiO Program for first generation students
• Workshops
• Writing Center
• Veterans Educational Services
• Academic Foundations Program
• CalWORKS
• CARE (Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education) - support for single-parent students.
• Computer labs
• EOPS (Extended Opportunity Programs and Services) - Educational and financial support services for low-income and educationally under-prepared students
• ESL Lab
• Learning Center (tutoring and open computer lab)
• Testing Center

Student activities at Sierra College include campus clubs, student government, leadership development, educational and cultural activities, and an events calendar that is available to all.

Traditions

The traditional school colors for Sierra College are red, black and white. The school mascot is the wolverine, and the athletic teams are nicknamed the Sierra "Wolverines."

Athletics

The Sierra College "Wolverines" athletic teams have won many championships and compete in several intercollegiate sports, including:

Men's Sports:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cross country
• Football
• Golf
• Soccer
• Swimming and Diving
• Tennis
• Track and Field
• Water Polo
• Wrestling 

Women's Sports:

• Basketball
• Cheer
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Soccer
• Softball
• Swimming and Diving
• Tennis
• Track and Field
• Volleyball
• Water Polo

Satellite Campuses

In addition to its main campus in Rocklin, California, Sierra College has three satellite locations:

• Roseville Gateway Campus
• Grass Valley, Nevada County Campus
• Tahoe/Truckee Center

Community Life

Sierra College contributes to the education and development of the community by offering lifelong learning opportunities to community members. The college's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute has many programs available throughout the year. The Institute also fosters programs that improve and support the skills of the community workforce, in order to contribute to the economic growth of the region.

Living in Rocklin and the surrounding areas is very affordable. Students with families will enjoy the good schools and the pleasant climate, which allows for outdoor recreation. The scenic Lake Tahoe area is a one-hour drive away, and there are nearby trails for hiking, riding and skiing.

Students Enrolled in the Computer Programming Program

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

• Less Than One Year Certificate
• 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).