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Computer Programmers
Writes the code behind apps, websites, games and machines.
Read the full guide
Software developers turn ideas into working programs: they plan, write, test and fix code, usually on a team. Nearly every industry hires them.
Open the software developer guide
The guide checks the courses against your plan, with things to try each year. Free account needed.
High school courses that build toward it
- Computer Science Principles · Computer Science
Builds computers and electronics, which this job uses.
- Pre-Algebra · Math
Builds math, which this job uses.
- Engineering Design · Career and Technical
Builds engineering, which this job uses.
- English 10 · English
Builds reading and writing, which this job uses.
- Physics · Science
Builds math, which this job uses.
- Human Geography · Social Studies
Builds geography, which this job uses.
Ranked by how much the job relies on what each course teaches, from O*NET's knowledge ratings. Your school's own courses and the counselor have the final word.
Computer Programmers on O*NET OnLine · O*NET 31.0 (U.S. Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0); BLS Employment Projections 2025.