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If you want to advance in your technology career, GCU’s online Undergraduate Certificate of Completion in Java Programming may be right for you. The accelerated and intensive online Java programming courses are available to students with or without a degree and will teach you software development with Java.
It is important to note that while this is not a certification program, students will earn a certificate that proves they have the requisite knowledge to break into Java programming and have the framework understanding to prepare them for industry certification.
Learn Java online at your convenience. Java is a programming language that powers applications and the web. It runs on billions of devices and platforms. Java programming is the backbone of Android applications and powers many of the technology tools we interact with every day.
Graduates who complete the Java programming courses at GCU are prepared to position themselves for careers related to computer and app development. They are taught the skills to write, revise and update applications and develop coding algorithms. During your time in GCU’s Java courses online, you will study how to analyze and validate data.
With our flexible and accessible program, you can study Java software development from the comfort of your own home and at a pace that suits your schedule.
This online certificate program includes studying and direct application of:
The program will focus on ways to conduct yourself in your future technology career, such as clear and concise writing, active listening, adaptability and collaboration and teamwork. In addition to this well-rounded technical skill set, you will also study professional communications.
Students who complete the Java courses online will be able to work toward building applications and developing an acquaintance with:
Object Oriented Programming (OOP) languages
Java and spring frameworks
Build tools
APIs
Version control software
Licensing constraints
The undergraduate online Java programming certificate is highly technical. You are immediately exposed to coding and programming challenges. Though the timeframe of an online certificate program is quick, the skills and focus is in-depth and practical.
Students in this online Java programming certificate will study:
Software development is a growing field. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook estimates job growth for software developers to increase by about 26% from 2022 to 2032.1 This certificate can be an investment in a potentially promising and fulfilling career.
Graduates of the online Java certificate program from GCU may seek career opportunities such as:
Computer programmer
Web Developer
Software developer
Software quality assurance analyst and tester
Computer network support specialist
Web and digital interface designer
Estimated job growth increase for software developers from 2022 to 20321
Median annual wage for software developers in May 20232
Whether you're considering earning a Java certificate to enhance your programming skills, boost your career prospects or validate your expertise in Java, we’ve provided valuable insights to your most frequently asked questions. Explore the questions and answers to help you make informed decisions about your professional development in the field of Java programming.
This certificate is an instructor-led, online program. Along with students from across the United States, you can participate in Java courses online and complete project-based assignments with knowledgeable professors. Our students come from all facets of life and educational backgrounds to learn Java. You will work in a collaborative, project-based learning environment to explore the Java programming ecosystem.
The duration of the Java programming certificate program at GCU can vary based on several factors such as individual pace, prior knowledge and course load. Typically, certificate programs are designed to be completed in a shorter time frame compared to bachelor's degrees.
This shorter duration is advantageous for individuals looking to quickly gain specialized skills with a focus on Java programming expertise. It's important to consider your personal commitments and learning goals when planning your schedule for completing the certificate program. Fill out the form on this page to speak to a university counselor to better understand how long it takes to earn your certificate.
Embracing a lifelong learning mindset is highly valuable when it comes to Java. This versatile programming language finds applications in numerous industries and scenarios. By continuously expanding your knowledge and skills in Java, you can make significant strides in mastering its programming techniques.
Java is generally regarded as one of the most popular, powerful, diverse and easy-to-learn programming languages due to its readable syntax and extensive documentation.3 However, like any programming language, it requires time, effort and practice to become proficient. Java has a strong object-oriented programming (OOP) foundation, which can present challenges for those new to OOP concepts.3 Overall, with dedication, patience and studying the right concepts, you have the potential to learn Java.
Learning Java depends on your specific goals, interests and the context in which you plan to apply your programming skills. Many who learn how to program, go on to pursue careers in software development, which can make learning Java a worthwhile endeavor. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, software developers had a median annual wage of $132,270 in May 2023.2
Whether you're a beginner looking to start your software developer journey or an experienced developer seeking to enhance your skills, our Java certificate program offers comprehensive training, hands-on projects and industry-recognized credentials.
1 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2022 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2023, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Software Developers, retrieved on April 29, 2024.
2 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Software Developers, as of May 2023, retrieved on April 29, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as software developers, quality assurance analysts and testers, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
3 Techreviewer. (2023, March 25). The Easiest and Hardest Programming Languages to Learn. Retrieved June 28, 2023.
Online: $500 per credit [More Info]
Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).
