Dallas College

Programming


15 Certificates 3 Associate Degrees 1 Bachelor's Degree
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Discover your passion for coding with our specialized programs in computer programming. Gain expertise in programming languages such as C++, Java and Visual Basic.NET as you learn to design and update software for various platforms, from desktop to mobile to web.

We also now offer a Bachelor of Applied Technology in Software Development. You’ll pay community college prices for a bachelor’s degree in an in-demand and high-paying field.

Programming at a Glance

Dallas College offers many different ways to reach your career goals. Whether you want to jump into the workforce quickly or spend more time building advanced skills, we have the programs that fit your needs and timeline.

Certificate Programs

Estimated total tuition cost2:

$891-$4,320

Estimated time to complete1:

2-8 months

  • Brookhaven
  • Cedar Valley
  • Eastfield
  • El Centro
  • Mountain View
  • North Lake
  • Richland3

Associate Degrees

Estimated total tuition cost2:

$5,940

Estimated time to complete1:

2 years

  • Brookhaven
  • Cedar Valley
  • Eastfield
  • El Centro
  • Mountain View
  • North Lake
  • Richland3

Bachelor's Degree

Estimated total tuition cost2:

$11,880

Estimated time to complete1:

4 years

  • Brookhaven
  • Cedar Valley
  • Eastfield
  • El Centro
  • Mountain View
  • North Lake
  • Richland3

Which Degrees and Certificates are Right for Me?

Workforce Training

Dallas College offers fast, flexible credentials designed with local employers to help you quickly start or advance your career.

Can I Get a Job?

Dallas College offers a variety of certificates and degrees to help you gain the skills you need to start working right away.

  • These credentials are often considered Career and Technical Education (CTE).
  • These credentials are established with the assistance and cooperation of representatives from local business, to meet local and regional employment needs.
  • Higher-level certificates and degrees will typically lead to a higher salary in the workforce.
  • Workforce (CE) certificates can often be completed faster than traditional credit certificates but typically do not offer college credit.
  • Level 1, Level 2, Enhanced Skills certificates and others offer college credit and are often stackable to help you build skills as you work toward an associate degree.
  • Workforce credentials may give you college credit at Dallas College, but they may not transfer to other colleges or universities.

If you're unsure if this is the right path for you, you can talk to a pathway specialist for advice.

Pathway Specialist

Credit Certificates

Dallas College offers credit certificates that provide focused, career-ready skills recognized by employers.

Can I Get a Job?

Dallas College offers a variety of certificates and degrees to help you gain the skills you need to start working right away.

  • These credentials are often considered Career and Technical Education (CTE).
  • These credentials are established with the assistance and cooperation of representatives from local business, to meet local and regional employment needs.
  • Higher-level certificates and degrees will typically lead to a higher salary in the workforce.
  • Workforce (CE) certificates can often be completed faster than traditional credit certificates but typically do not offer college credit.
  • Level 1, Level 2, Enhanced Skills certificates and others offer college credit and are often stackable to help you build skills as you work toward an associate degree.
  • Workforce credentials may give you college credit at Dallas College, but they may not transfer to other colleges or universities.

If you're unsure if this is the right path for you, you can talk to a pathway specialist for advice.

Pathway Specialist

Associate Degrees

Dallas College's associate degrees provide a strong academic foundation for career entry or transfer to a four-year institution.

Can I Transfer?

Our Associate of Applied Science degrees and certificates may not fully transfer to a four-year college or university.

  • If your goal is to transfer, you may want to explore our Core Curriculum and Transfer Pathways.
  • You may also want to explore a transfer degree, like an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science.
  • The classes you take will count towards a bachelor's degree and are designed to be accepted by any public college or university in Texas.

If you're not sure if this is the right choice for you, you can talk to a Pathway Specialist for guidance.

Pathway Specialist

Bachelors Degrees

Dallas College offers bachelor's degrees designed to help you advance your career with a higher level of expertise.

Can I Transfer?

Our Associate of Applied Science degrees and certificates may not fully transfer to a four-year college or university.

  • If your goal is to transfer, you may want to explore our Core Curriculum and Transfer Pathways.
  • You may also want to explore a transfer degree, like an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science.
  • The classes you take will count towards a bachelor's degree and are designed to be accepted by any public college or university in Texas.

If you're not sure if this is the right choice for you, you can talk to a Pathway Specialist for guidance.

Pathway Specialist

Transfer Degrees

Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university should consider the Core Curriculum, Transfer Pathways, or degrees like the Associate of Arts or Associate of Science, which are designed to be widely accepted at other institutions.

Pathway Specialist

Questions About Degrees and Certificates?

We know applying to college can be confusing. If you are not yet a Dallas College student, you have a whole team of recruitment coaches to help guide you through programs and the enrollment process.

Current students, contact your success coach (advisor) who can answer any questions you have about Programming programs and your degree and certificate options.

Contact a Recruitment Coach

What Can I Earn? Will There Be Plenty of Jobs?

With next-level coding skills, you can design and update software for all kinds of applications. Check out a few of the incredible career opportunities you’ll be ready for. Your future starts here!

male workers in a white collared shirt sitting in front of a laptop with a blue backdrop

Computer and Information Scientists

$47/hr

Median Salary

63

Job Openings

+29%

Projected Outlook

Top Skills:

  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Systems Analysis
  • Active Listening
  • Systems Evaluation
  • Programming
  • Active Learning
  • Speaking
male and female coworker sitting in front of a computer monitor with a laptop

Computer and Information Systems Managers

$81/hr

Median Salary

3263

Job Openings

+24%

Projected Outlook

Top Skills:

  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Monitoring
  • Speaking
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Writing
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Coordination
  • Systems Evaluation
male worker standing in front of a large screen with graphs and charts

Information Security Analysts

$63/hr

Median Salary

787

Job Openings

+42%

Projected Outlook

Top Skills:

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Listening
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Speaking
  • Writing
  • Monitoring
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Systems Analysis
  • Active Learning
male worker in a green sweater at a computer desk looking at a monitor with code

Software QA Analysts and Testers

$49/hr

Median Salary

492

Job Openings

+20%

Projected Outlook

Top Skills:

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Critical Thinking
  • Writing
  • Programming
  • Monitoring
  • Quality Control Analysis
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Systems Evaluation

All jobs data gathered for Dallas/Fort Worth. Source: Dallas College Labor Market Intelligence and Lightcast4.

“After being homeschooled and graduating high school with dual credit prerequisites already done, I went straight into the workforce, no intention of getting a degree. I worked in a warehouse for about a year and thought about going into welding, but I injured my back. ... At that point I decided to go for my associate degree, which I accomplished, and now I’m working to get my bachelor’s degree of applied technology in software development this fall. I love that I can do it 100% online because I also take care of my family every day.” Read Cristian Castillo's story.
Christian Castillo
Cristian Castillo
Dallas College student Bachelor’s Degree of Applied Technology

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1Length of time is based on catalog degree plans. Prerequisites may be required, which are not included in this estimate. For most programs, full-time student status is assumed, a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester.

2Cost for credit courses is based on tuition rates for program hours for Dallas County residents. The price of most required learning materials (books, software, supplies, etc.) is included with the price of tuition. Certain programs may have additional costs above the standard tuition. Continuing Education and Ed2Go courses may vary by program. Please review the Area of Study Overview and/or the Health Information Packets for additional costs and details. Visit our Paying for College site to learn more about cost, financial aid, scholarships and more.

3Each location offers a unique combination of certificate and degree options. Not all degree and certificate offerings are available for admission/start at all campuses every semester.

4A portion of Lightcast’s data comes from O*NET Online by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Lightcast has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.

Updated June 25, 2026