OVERVIEW
What Is a C# Programmer?
A C# programmer is an expert in C# (C-Sharp), a computer programming language created by Microsoft that runs on a .NET framework. It’s one of the top languages on industry growth lists that allows programmers to work in big tech or with any company that relies heavily on Microsoft infrastructure. C# is a versatile program that’s been around for a long time and is still one of the most popular programming languages around.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a C# Programmer Do?
A C# programmer is responsible for writing and testing computer code that the software developers create. While that will look a little different depending on the company a C# programmer ends up working for, the basics of their day-to-day will look a little something like this:
Design: Depending on the company, C# programmers might well have a voice during the design process of a program. If so, they’ll be expected to analyze user needs and ensure that the software they create is up to the task.
Writing computer programs: Using the language skills that they acquired through a good degree program, C# programmers will write the code behind the program or software they’re working on. This requires a keen knowledge of C#, plus a logical and careful mind. And despite being around for a long time, C# is still popular. A large part of that is because C# was designed with portability in mind, meaning that it can work on almost any type of computer platform.
Testing and maintenance: Once the program is completed, the job isn’t over. Testing is the name of the game, making sure that there’s no faulty code or errors that can affect user experience. And even after the product has been released, C# programmers will often be asked to ensure that it continues to work throughout the product's lifespan, by releasing updates and bug fixes as needed.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
How Do I Become a C# Programmer?
While there’s no one way to become a C# programmer, we’ve listed some of the steps that make the most sense for students who wish to give themselves a solid background in IT and therefore the best chance of enjoying a long and successful career as a C# programmer.
Step One: Earn a bachelor’s degree
While not explicitly required, most programmers have a bachelor’s degree in a related subject like IT, so it’s wise to seek out strong degree program that focuses on fluency in C#. To become a C# programmer with career growth potential, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in software engineering. At WGU, this program has two tracks: Java or C#. A degree that emphasizes coding, web, and application development will help any application shine. And even those focused on becoming a C# programmer should bear in mind that the skills necessary to learn C# will spill over to any computer language.
Getting a degree in software development will allow prospective programmers to become fluent in C#, plus give them a foundation in IT, data structures, management, web development, and user interface design. Being an expert programmer is the most important requirement for a role of this kind, so make sure to choose a degree that provides a solid foundation in coding, or even a more advanced degree, like IT management. With the growing competitiveness of the job market, it’s hard to imagine a prospective programmer landing their dream job without a degree.
Step Two: licenses and certifications
Students at WGU automatically earn certifications and licenses that are a boon to those looking to stand out from the crowd. These include certs such as CompTIA A+, CIW User Interface Designer, and a foundation in ITIL, and others. Some companies might require programmers to be certified in the products they use, so it’s a good idea to use this time to get as many certifications as possible.
Step Three: professional development
Armed with fluency in C# and a solid degree, prospective C# programmers will be able to begin their job hunt with the confidence that they can land any job. But it’s no exaggeration to say that IT is one of the fastest-changing fields out there—and programmers are on the cutting-edge of technological change. So honing programming language skills, learning new ones, and keeping a finger on the pulse of IT is a key part of this role.
The field of tech is fast-changing, and it’s hard to predict which languages will remain important 10 years from now.
Best Degrees for a C# Programmer
Technology
Computer Science – B.S.
Problem solvers and math lovers needed! Your task:...
Problem solvers and math lovers needed! Your task:
Lay the groundwork for the computing breakthroughs that will enable tomorrow's technologies. Utilize your previous college courses or IT experience to help you complete your degree faster.
- Time: 60% of graduates in similar programs finish within 25 months.
- Tuition: $3,985 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 38 total courses in this program.
You'll have the opportunity to earn these certifications:
- Linux Essentials
- Axelos ITIL Foundation
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Architecture and systems
- Data structures
- AI
- Computer theory
- Version Control
- Linux
Technology
Software Engineering – B.S.
You're a creative and tech genius who wants the bigger opportunities....
You're a creative and tech genius who wants the bigger opportunities.
- Time: 60% of graduates finish similar programs within 35 months.
- Tuition: $3,985 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 36 or 38 total courses in this program depending on your track.
Certifications included in this program at no additional cost are:
- CompTIA Project +
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
- ITIL®1 Foundation Certification
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Scripting and programming
- Web development
- Mobile application development
- User experience design
- Software quality assurance
Technology
Information Technology – B.S.
Award-winning coursework and value-add certifications make this online...
Award-winning coursework and value-add certifications make this online program a top choice.
- Time: 61% of graduates finish within 39 months.
- Tuition: $3,625 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 36 total courses in this program.
Certifications included in this program at no additional cost:
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Project+
- CompTIA IT Operations Specialist
- CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist
- Amazon AWS Cloud Practitioner
- ITIL®*^ Foundation Certification
- LPI Linux Essentials
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Scripting and programming
- Networking and security
- Systems and services
- Data management
- Business of IT
Technology
Web Application Deployment and Support Certificate – School of Technology
Enhance your résumé and take a step in your educational journey with the...
Enhance your résumé and take a step in your educational journey with the help of the Web Application Deployment and Support Certificate from the School of Technology.
- Time: 5 months from start to finish.
- Cost: $2,950 for the certificate.
- Courses: 4 courses total in this program.
This certificate also offers two industry certifications, Linux Essentials and AWS Cloud, which will add extra power to your portfolio of experience. You are also guaranteed admission into a WGU School of Technology degree program. This certificate will prepare you for the next step in your career.
This program is ideal for individuals who have 3-5 years of IT experience and a basic understanding of scripting languages and SQL. Prerequisites include: Experience with either Python or Java or another high-order OO (object-oriented) programming language along with Git, experience with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and experience with a major DBMS (database management system) - MySQL (preferred), SQL Server, Oracle, MariaDB, etc.
How Much Does a C# Programmer Make?
$93,000
The U.S. Department of Labor (BLS) tells us the average median wage of a computer programmer was around $93,000 in 2020. While there’s no specific breakdown for C# Programmers, those in the higher percentile earning $146,050, and those at the bottom pulled in $51,440. The amount of experience a C# programmer has is likely to be a factor here.
What Is the Projected Job Growth?
22%
C# programmers can expect to have many job opportunities available to them, with software development expected to grow by 22% by the year 2029. There is an extensive need for skilled programmers and code experts who are able to meet the demands of organizations who require programmers who know C# and can work on their applications.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a C# Programmer Need?
The smallest error in coding can throw off the entire program. So beyond being fluent in C#, a programmer will need careful logical thinking and the ability to go through thousands of lines of code with a fine-toothed comb to ensure everything functions as it should.
- Clear and logical thinking
- An analytical mind
- A knack for problem-solving
- An eye for detail
- Confidence in multiple computer languages
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