Java certificates are excellent credentials that demonstrate your competency in the Java programming language and its applications to prospective employers. As one of the most popular programming languages, there is no shortage of job opportunities for programmers who have mastered core Java concepts.
This article looks at some of the best Java certificates you can earn at the undergraduate or graduate level, including tuition and curriculum information to help you determine which Java certificate program is right for you. You’ll learn what it takes to get a Java college certificate and the sorts of career opportunities you can find after finishing your certificate program.
What Is a Java Certificate College Program?
A Java certificate college program is an intensive course that provides a solid foundation in the Java programming language, object oriented programming, and design. The curriculum covers basic, key competencies, as well as real-world examples of Java programming to help students develop innovative solutions for businesses and organizations.
What’s the Difference Between a College Java Certificate and Professional Certification in Java?
The difference between a college Java certificate and a professional certification in Java is that a college certificate provides proof of completion of a college-level Java program, while a professional certification in Java has you prove your competency by passing an exam.
Java College Certificate vs Java Certification: Key Differences
| Java Certificate | Java Certification |
|---|---|
| Awarded by a college or university | Issued by a standard setting entity or authorizing body |
| No certificate expiration date | May require recertification or meeting ongoing standards to maintain |
| Offered upon successful completion of a Java college program | Offered upon passing a Java certification exam |
How Long Does It Take To Get a Java Certificate at College?
It takes three to 12 months to get a Java certificate at a college, depending on your prior programming experience and whether you’re studying full-time or part-time. On average, students take six months to complete a Java certificate program.
Best Java Certificate Undergraduate Programs
| School | Program Name | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Central Piedmont Community College | Certificate in Java Programming | $76/credit (in state); $268/credit(out of state) |
| Devmountain | Certificate in Java Software Engineering | $9,900 total |
| Grand Canyon University | Certificate in Java Programming | $485/credit |
| Massasoit College | Certificate in Java Programming | $24/credit (in state); $230/credit (out of state) |
| Montgomery College | Certificate in Java Development | $341.80/credit (in state); $467.80/credit (out of state) |
| Southeast Technical Institute | Certificate in Java Programming | $3,060 total |
| University of Arkansas | Java Development Certificate | $2,999 total |
| University of Massachusetts-Lowell | Certificate in Java Development | $385/credit |
| University of Washington | Certificate in Java Programming | $3,825 total |
| Wake Technical Community College | Certificate in Java Programming | $2,010/year (in state); $7,180/year (out of state) |
| Wilmington University | Certificate in Java Programming | $390/Credit |
Best Undergraduate Java Certificate Programs: Explained
The best undergraduate Java certificate programs are relatively affordable and take three to 12 months to complete, on average. Some of the best schools for a Java college certificate include Central Piedmont Community College, Devmountain, University of Massachusetts-Lowell, University of Washington, and Montgomery College.
This Java programming certificate from Central Piedmont Community College equips students with the essential Java programming skills they’ll need to advance their careers and keep up with tech trends. It teaches in-demand skills through courses such as database fundamentals, programming fundamentals, java core programming, and java enterprise programming.
Certificate in Java Programming Details
- Cost: $76/credit (in state); $268/credit(out of state)
- Length: 172 hours
- Learning Format: In-person
- Minimum Education: No minimum education requirement
- Other Requirements: None
Devmountain’s Java Software Engineering program takes 16 weeks to complete with full-time study and up to 36 weeks to complete part-time. It’s offered online and in person. Students in this program build a portfolio of projects and are ready for entry-level software engineering positions by the time they graduate.
The curriculum in this program starts with Java and covers other topics you’ll need to know to become a software engineer. Coursework includes SQL, Git and Github, data structures, computer science algorithms, spring boot web framework, and Java persistence API.
Certificate in Java Software Engineering Details
- Cost: $9,900 total
- Length: 16 weeks (full time), 24-36 weeks (part time)
- Learning Format: In person, online
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: Students must be at least 18 years old to enroll
This program at Grand Canyon University covers highly technical topics such as open source software development, Java I/O and collection framework, interfaces, event and exception handling, machine architecture, data organization, and fundamental Java concepts, algorithms and syntax. Students dive in with hands-on programming exercises and coding challenges, which are taught in a practical, in-depth manner.
Java Programming Certificate Details
- Cost: $485/credit
- Length: 16 credits
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: Students must be at least 16 years old to enroll
Massasoit Community College’s Certificate in Java Programming consists of three classes: introduction to Java, advanced Java, and introduction to software design and development. These classes teach the core constructs of repetition, sequence, and selection, and how to develop Java programs using polymorphism, inheritance, and data abstraction.
Certificate in Java Programming Details
- Cost: $24/credit (in state); $230/credit (out of state)
- Length: 9 credits
- Learning Format: In person
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: None
In this program at Montgomery College, students learn to develop object oriented Java applications for client systems and servers. Topics include introduction to programming, advanced java programming, mobile game and application programming, client-server programming with Java, introduction to SQL using Oracle, and system analysis and design. Students also complete an internship.
Certificate in Java Development Details
- Cost: $341.80/credit (in state); $467.80/credit (out of state)
- Length: 16-19 credits
- Learning Format: In person
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: None
This program offered by Southeast Technical Institute explores advanced object oriented programming, Java syntax, memory, control, and data structures, IBM’s WebSphere for Java applications, and programming solutions for modern business problems. This certificate prepares students for careers in computer system design, finance and insurance, software publishing, manufacturing, and education.
Certificate in Java Programming Details
- Cost: $3,060 total
- Length: 12 credits
- Learning Format: In person
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: Students must be at least 16 years old to enroll
This is a six-month program at University of Arkansas focused on programming proficiency using Java. It covers Java programming fundamentals, object oriented programming, IDE/machine setup, web architecture, security, databases, containers, service endpoints, manual testing web services, and more.
Certificate in Java Development Details
- Cost: $2,999 total
- Length: 120 hours/6 months
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: None
Students in this program at University of Massachusetts-Lowell complete 18 credits between four required courses and two electives. The required courses include introduction to Java programming and introduction to Java web development. Students can choose electives including a survey of Perl/Python/PHP, C programming, and survey of programming languages.
Certificate in Java Development Details
- Cost: $385/credit
- Length: 18 credits
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: None
This program at the University of Washington covers object oriented programming in Java, applications programming in Java, and Java’s advanced features. You will learn Java syntax, data structures and integration libraries, and concepts such as patterns encapsulation, abstraction, inheritance, interactions, logging, and multithreading.
Certificate in Java Programming Details
- Cost: $3,825 total
- Length: 8 months
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: This program is recommended for those with two years of programming experience in a procedural or object oriented language, or who have taken University of Washington’s Java Foundations course.
Wake Tech’s fully online program teaches students the essential skills for designing and implementing Java programs. It covers Java programming, software development, cloud application development, and advanced Java programming. Students can choose between day and night scheduling options.
Certificate in Java Programming Details
- Cost: $2,010/year (in state); $7,180/year (out of state)
- Length: 12 credits
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: None
Wilmington University’s Java certificate program emphasizes object oriented systems analysis and design using agile, iterative methods. The program's five courses include fundamentals of object oriented programming, Java programming, database foundations, and object oriented system analysis and design.
Certificate in Java Programming Details
- Cost: $390/Credit
- Length: 15 credits
- Learning Format: In person, online
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: Average GPA of 3.0 for courses taken in the past two years
Java College Certificate Program vs Java Associate Degree
Java college certificate and associate degree programs both provide excellent foundations for people who want to become Java programmers. There are differences between these two credentials, including the time commitment, price, and coursework for each. Here are some of the key factors that can help you determine which option better suits your career goal.
- Time Commitment. It takes about three to 12 months to complete a Java college certificate program, and two years of full-time study to complete an associate degree. Question how much time you want to dedicate to your study when deciding which program to attend.
- Price. Although most programs have the same tuition cost per credit for certificate and associate degree programs, associate degrees require more credits, so they are more expensive overall.
- Coursework. A Java college certificate program focuses on specific skills, while an associate degree provides a greater breadth of knowledge and includes courses in key subjects like math, science, and computer science.
Best Online Associate Degrees
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Is an Undergraduate Java Certificate Worth It?
Yes, an undergraduate Java certificate is worth it because it helps you learn new skills to advance your career, meet certain licensing requirements, and gain knowledge in a new field. Although a certificate cannot replace a degree, it allows you to focus on specific topics and skills while investing smaller amounts of time and money.
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Best Java Certificate Graduate Programs
| School | Program Name | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Fairleigh Dickinson University | Graduate Certificate in Advanced Computer Programming | $850/credit |
| Harvard University | Graduate Certificate in Programming | $12,400 total |
| Northeastern University | Graduate Certificate in Computer Science | $1,094/credit |
| Regis University | Graduate Certificate in Enterprise Java Software Development | $870/credit |
| University of California-San Diego | Specialized Certificate in Java Programming | $2,995 total |
Best Graduate Java Certificate Programs Explained
The best graduate Java certificates cost between $2,995 and $12,400 and take six months to three years to complete. The best schools for graduate Java certificate programs include Fairleigh Dickinson University, Harvard Extension School, Northeastern University, Regis University, and UCSD Extension School.
This is a comprehensive programming curriculum offered by Fairleigh Dickinson University that teaches Java, C/C++, systems programming, VB.NET, C#, and ASP.NET. Students take six courses on topics like Java and the Internet, Unix shell programming, systems programming, programming for the Internet, computer game programming, assembly language, and data structures.
Graduate Certificate in Advanced Computer Programming Details
- Cost: $850/Credit
- Length: 18 credits
- Learning Format: In person
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Other Requirements: Satisfactory academic record
Harvard University’s graduate certificate in programming provides a solid foundation in computer science, programming, data structures, algorithms, encapsulation, string manipulation, security, web development, and software engineering. This program is ideal for students who want to become Java programmers, software engineers, or information management systems experts.
Graduate Certificate in Programming Details
- Cost: $12,400 total
- Length: 4 classes
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Other Requirements: None
This program at Northeastern University teaches various theoretical and mathematical concepts in computer science that are useful for Java programming. Students get a solid foundation in computer systems, algorithms, object oriented programming, data structures, basic programming, and discrete mathematics.
Graduate Certificate in Computer Science Details
- Cost: $1,094/Credit
- Length: 16 credits
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Other Requirements: None
This program at Regis University is focused on the development of enterprise applications using Java programming. It covers topics like Java database connectivity, web services, Java’s Enterprise API, and Java API. A certificate holder will be prepared for a career as a Java developer in ecommerce, accounting, banking information systems, telecommunications, and government.
Graduate Certificate in Enterprise Java Software Development Details
- Cost: $870/Credit
- Length: 12 credits
- Learning Format: In person, online
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Other Requirements: Current resume and admission essay
This specialized graduate certificate program includes advanced courses and concepts in Java programming, such as object oriented programming and data techniques, concurrent programming, exceptional threading, error handling techniques, and REST based web services.
Students must have a basic knowledge of core Java concepts to enroll in this program.
Java Programming Specialized Certificate Details
- Cost: $2,995 total
- Length: 12 credits
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Other Requirements: Basic knowledge of Java programming
Java Graduate Certificate Program vs Java Master’s Degree
There are many differences between a Java graduate certificate program and a Java master’s degree. A certificate can get you an entry-level job as a Java developer or help build programming specific skills. Master’s degrees are long, advanced programs that indicate a high level of expertise and training.
Certificate and master’s programs have different admission requirements, application processes, and costs. Programs vary between institutions, degree programs, and certificate details, but the main shared differences between these two credentials are outlined below.
- Admission Requirements. Java graduate certificate programs require a bachelor’s degree for admission. Master’s programs require bachelor’s degrees and other criteria, including GRE scores, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.
- Application Process. The application process for a Java certificate program is easier and much quicker than for a master’s degree program, since there are fewer admission criteria.
- Specialization. The curriculum for a Java certificate is very specific, with advanced courses in Java and other programming topics. A master’s degree may cover both core computer science courses and Java-specific courses.
Best Online Master’s Degrees
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Best Master’s Degrees
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Is a Graduate Java Certificate Worth It?
Yes, a graduate Java certificate is worth it if you want to learn advanced Java programming skills to advance your career. Because Java certificate programs are focused and specialized, they allow you to learn more quickly than a traditional master’s degree track.
Java Certificate Program Coursework
Most Java certificate program coursework includes object oriented programming, data structures, Java database construction (JDBC), SQL programming, and multithreading. Other common topics include exception handling, datatypes and variables, and control statements. Learn more about these core Java concepts below.
Object Oriented Programming
In this course, students learn to create their own objects and write their own classes. They learn to implement real-world objects such as polymorphism, hiding, abstraction, and inheritance to become a better Java programmer. Object oriented programming is essential in Java programming, since every piece of Java code revolves around classes and objects.
Data Structures
Data structures increase efficiency, reusability, and abstraction in Java programming. Data structure classes cover linear and non-linear data structure and the different types of data structures, like arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, graphs, and sets.
Java Database Connectivity(JDBC)
This course covers connecting and executing queries within various databases. Students learn how to connect to a database, execute SQL commands, and interpret results from data. This class helps Java programming students appreciate the components and architecture of JDBC.
SQL Programming
SQL programming is essential in Java programming because it allows you to store, retrieve, and manipulate data in databases. Learning SQL programming will help students become better programmers by improving their data management practices.
Multithreading
Multithreading is an essential skill in Java because it saves memory space and increases optimum CPU usage. This course teaches students how to execute multiple threads simultaneously. Students learn how to create threads by extending thread classes and implementing a runnable interface.
Best Online College Courses for Credit
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What Can You Do With a Java Certificate from College?
With a Java certificate from college you can explore various roles in Java architecture, Android development, Java SE, Java EE, web development, and database administration. Below are the best Java jobs and careers you would qualify for with a certificate.
Best Java Jobs and Careers With a Certificate
| Job Role | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Java Architect | $118,254 |
| Java Android Developer | $83,803 |
| Java EE Developer | $77,990 |
| Java Web Developer | $76,620 |
| Database Administrator | $74,348 |
Best Java Certificate Jobs and Careers: Explained
The best Java certificate jobs and careers have annual salaries between $74,348 and $118,254. They include Java architects, Java Android developers, Java EE developers, Java web developers, and database administrators.
Java architects manage applications and systems that run Java applications. A Java college certificate can give you a solid understanding and mastery of Java programming and its nuances. With these skills, you’ll be able to develop software architecture for Java applications.
Java Android developers create apps that are used in Android operating systems. They write and proofread code, work on larger projects with team members, and monitor customers’ feedback.
To be a Java Android developer, you must be proficient in Java programming and knowledgeable about the traditional product life cycle. A Java programming certificate can help you land this job, since it shows a mastery of key Java concepts.
Java Enterprise Edition (EE) Developers write clean, fast, and efficient code for software and applications. They contribute to the development cycle and produce and prepare releases for software components. A graduate certificate program that covers Java EE would be beneficial for this Java developer job.
Java web developers are responsible for writing and testing code, designing and developing projects, performing regular system checks, and troubleshooting issues. They collaborate with other team members to meet the project requirements and preferences of clients.
Database administrators oversee the security measures and maintenance of organizations’ databases. They also update and monitor malware protection software to prevent security breaches. Many Java certificate programs cover databases and data systems and would be beneficial in this career.
Should I Also Get a Java Certification?
Yes, you should get a Java certification if you want to stand out in the IT and application development industries. A Java certification credential is a great complement to a Java college certificate, and is a signal to prospective employers that you’re an expert when it comes to Java.
Best Java Certifications
- Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 11 Developer. This certification validates your competency in SE 11 software development. You earn this certification by achieving a score of at least 68 percent in the Java SE 11 Developer 1Z0-819 exam, which costs $245.
- Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 8 Programmer. This Java certification is the second step towards becoming a professional Java S8 developer. To earn this certification, you must pass the prerequisite associate 1Z0-808 exam and the Java SE 8 Programmer II 1Z0-809 exam.
- Oracle Certified Professional, Java EE 7 Application Developer. This certification confirms that you have the skills to develop and deploy applications using Java EE 7. To earn this certification, you must sit for the Java EE 7 1Z0-900 Application Developer exam and achieve a score of at least 66 percent. The exam fee is $245.
- Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 8 Programmer. This associate-level credential demonstrates competency in Java and is the first step towards becoming a professional Java S8 developer. To earn this certification, you must pass the Java SE 8 Programmer I 1Z0-808 by achieving a score of at least 65 percent. The exam price is $245.
- Oracle Certified Foundations Associate, Java. This Oracle Java certification confirms conceptual knowledge and skills in Java programming. To earn this certification, you must pass the 150-minute Java Foundations 1Z0-811 exam with a minimum score of 65 percent. This exam costs $95.
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Is a College Certificate for Java Worth It?
Yes, a college certificate for Java is worth it because you’ll learn in-demand skills in Java development in a short timeframe. Because Java certificates are short programs and cost less than associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degrees, they provide a good return on investment for students.
Certificate programs can often be taken without needing a bachelor’s degree. If you are totally new to Java or computer programming, it’s essential that you learn about the basics of coding in Java before enrolling in a college certificate program.
Java Certificates FAQ
The Oracle Certified Professional Java Programmer certification is extremely valuable if you plan on getting a job in a service-based company. An Oracle Java programmer with this certification receives a higher salary because employers and clients value their technical prowess and expertise in core Java concepts.
It is easier to get an undergraduate Java certificate than a graduate Java certificate. While both programs offer solid foundations in Java programming, the graduate certificate is more rigorous and features advanced courses. A bachelor’s degree is often required for graduate certificate programs, whereas high school graduates can enroll in undergraduate certificate programs.
The learning options available for Java certificates are in-person classes and online courses. Some programs also offer part-time study to accommodate working professionals. The right option for you will depend on your availability, goals, and learning preferences.
You should get a Java certification for the best return on investment, since exam fees cost less than program tuition. However, if you are new to Java programming, it might make more sense to build foundational knowledge and skills by enrolling in a Java certificate program. Earning a Java certificate can set you up for success when taking a Java certification exam.
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