Develop a high tech career with an online associate degree in application development

Careers in computer technology are thriving and one of the fastest-growing careers is in application development, also known as software development. Earn a degree in application development and you could be setting yourself up for a rewarding career in computer technology.

What Do Application Developers Do?

Application developers--or computer software engineers--design and develop software. Using computer science and mathematics, they create the programs that people use every day. For a computer software engineer, processes change daily as technology evolve.

There are two types of computer software engineers: application engineers and systems engineers. Application engineers put together the software from concept through testing. Systems engineers work in existing computer networks.

Careers for an Associate Degree in Application Development

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), computer software engineer positions are expected to be one of the fastest-growing careers between 2008-2018. Employment of computer software engineers is expected to grow by 32% during that period.

New growth in computer application development comes from the rapidly expanding technology field. If you earn a degree in application development, you're preparing for a career that evolves quickly, creating the potential for new positions.

Related careers in the field include computer systems engineers and computer systems analysts. Take a look at industries showing the highest levels of employment for the career, plus their mean annual wages from 2009, as reported by the BLS:

• Computer systems design: $91,130
• Software publishers: $91,910
• Management of companies and enterprises: $88,490
• Insurance carriers: $83,550
• Architectural, engineering and related firms: $90,200

In May 2009, computer software engineers earned mean annual wages of $90,170. While a bachelor's degree is required for many computer engineering careers, an associate degree can get you started on the path to career success.

Education and Application Development Careers

Employers look for applicants with a college degree, so an associate degree in application development will look good to a potential employer. In addition, many employers like to see an educational background in mathematics and sciences or employment in computer technology.

Some of the benefits of earning an application development degree through online programs include the flexibility of arranging your education and life schedules to fit each other. You may also find it's easier to get one-on-one time with instructors through online education than through campus-based classes.

Some of the classes you'll probably take to earn a degree in application development include:

• Computer science
• Software design and development
• Problem solving using computer technology
• Computer organization and architecture

Once you've earned your degree in application development, you may choose to seek certification from various software vendors. Such certification is an additional attraction to potential employers.

You may be eligible for financial aid if you choose to earn a degree in application development. National SMART Grants are for careers in mathematics and sciences, and include computer science certificate programs.

If a degree in application development interests you, you might also be interested in exploring your options in online technology degrees and online network administration degrees. Looking for a broader level of degree training? Explore college majors in information technology and network administration.

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