The Computer Programming program of the Computer Technologies department is an associate degree program consisting of two years and a total of 4 semesters. Students who graduate from this program receive the title of "Computer Programmer".

In today's rapidly digitalizing world, computer programming has become one of the most critical professions of the future. Offering the opportunity to specialize in areas such as software development, data analysis, web design, and system administration, this program provides students with both technical knowledge and problem-solving skills. The two-year Computer Programming associate degree program in Turkey prepares students for business life by providing them with basic software and network technologies, while at the same time offering them the opportunity to continue their undergraduate education with the Vertical Transfer Exam (DGS). In this way, graduates can have the chance to focus on more advanced academic and professional development areas such as computer engineering, software engineering and management information systems.

In addition to offering students a wide range of job opportunities, computer programming education also stands out with its flexible working opportunities and high earning potential. Graduates can work as programmers in software companies, work as IT specialists in public institutions, or provide services to customers around the world with freelance projects. In the ever-evolving world of technology, individuals who receive education in this field gain innovative thinking, analytical problem-solving, and creative software development skills, and have the chance to progress with solid steps in their careers. Students who choose this program have built a strong foundation to embark on a successful journey in the world of technology.

What Does a Department Graduate Do?

Graduates of the 2-year Computer Programming program in Turkey can work in the fields of software development, data management and information technology. Graduates' job opportunities vary according to their acquired skills, experience, and additional education.

1. Software Development and Programming

  • Web Development: Front-end (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) or back-end (PHP, Python, Java, .NET) development. Creating CMS-based websites such as WordPress, Shopify, etc. Developing e-commerce sites or dynamic web applications.
  • Desktop Application Development: Developing office programs, data management systems or small-scale software with languages such as C#, Java, Python.
  • Mobile Application Development: Developing simple applications based on Android (Kotlin/Java) or iOS (Swift). Using cross-platform frameworks such as Flutter or React Native.
  • Database Management: Database design and query with SQL (MySQL, PostgreSQL, MSSQL). Application development for CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) operations.
2. System and Network Management
  • IT Support Specialist: Installation and maintenance of on-premises computer networks. Providing user support (help desk).
  • Network Management: Managing network infrastructure and taking security measures in small and medium-sized businesses.
  • System Administration: Management, maintenance and update of Windows and Linux-based servers.

3. Technical Support and IT Services

  • Technical Service Specialist: Providing technical support related to computer hardware and software.
  • IT Support Staff: Ensuring the smooth operation of computer systems in companies.
  • Help Desk Specialist: Solving users' technical problems.

4. Graphic and Web Design

  • Graphic Design: Doing basic graphic design work with programs such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.
  • -Web Design: Designing websites using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

5. Freelancing and Entrepreneurship

  • Freelance Software Developer: Developing their own projects or providing custom software solutions to customers.
  • E-Commerce and Digital Marketing: Selling digital products or providing digital marketing services by setting up your own website.

As graduates develop themselves, they may have the chance to turn to areas such as software development, data analysis or artificial intelligence at a more advanced level.

Studying computer programming offers many advantages for those who want to build a strong career in the world of technology.

Advantages of Computer Programming Education

1. Wide Job Opportunities

Computer programming graduates can work in many fields, including software development, data analysis, web design, mobile application development, and cybersecurity. They have a good chance of finding a job in both the private sector and public institutions.

2. High Salary Potential

Jobs in software and technology offer higher salaries compared to other industries. Your income level may increase, especially as you gain experience and expand your area of expertise.

3. Flexible Working Opportunities

Computer programmers can pursue an independent career through remote work or freelance projects. This provides an opportunity to work with clients from different countries and start your own business.

4. Continuous Learning and Development

Because technology is changing rapidly, computer programmers are constantly learning new skills. This gives you a competitive edge in your career and keeps you up to date at all times.

5. Developing Creativity and Problem-Solving Ability

Writing code requires creative thinking and developing problem-solving skills. These capabilities are useful not only in the field of software, but also in everyday life.

6. Global Career Opportunities

Studying computer programming offers opportunities to work in international companies or pursue a career abroad. The universality of programming languages makes it easier to find a job in different countries.

Thanks to these advantages, computer programming education offers great opportunities in terms of both career and personal development.

Job Opportunities

Job opportunities for Computer Programming graduates are quite wide. They can work in a variety of positions in both the public and private sectors.

Job Opportunities in the Private Sector

  • Software Developer: Developing web, mobile and desktop applications.
  • Database Administrator: Data management with SQL and other database systems.
  • System and Network Specialist: Managing the IT infrastructure of companies.
  • Technical Support Specialist: Providing technical support related to computer hardware and software.
  • Web Designer: Creating websites with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
  • Freelance Software Developer: Developing their own projects or providing custom software solutions to customers.

Job Opportunities in the Public Sector

  • Programmer in Government Agencies: Software development and system administration in public institutions.
  • IT Department: Providing IT support in municipalities, ministries and public hospitals.
  • Computer Teacher in Educational Institutions: Providing education in vocational high schools and universities.

Overseas and Remote Work Opportunities

  • Software Developer in International Companies: Remote work for companies abroad.
  • Freelancing and Remote Work: Developing software projects on platforms such as Upwork and Fiverr.

Computer Programming graduates can find jobs in software companies, web design firms, technical services, and IT departments.

Vertical Transition Opportunities

In Turkey, 2-year Computer Programming graduates have a wide range of opportunities to complete their bachelor's degree with vertical transfer (DGS).

1. What is the Vertical Transfer Exam (DGS)?

  • Objective: It enables associate degree graduates to complete their education in 4 years by transferring to undergraduate programs.
  • Exam Content: It consists of numerical and verbal logic questions.
  • Application Requirement: To have an associate degree diploma or to have graduated.

2. Undergraduate Programs That Can Be Transferred

  • Computer Programming graduates can transfer to the following departments with DGS:
  • Computer Engineering
  • Software Engineering
  • Computer Education and Instructional Technology
  • Management Information Systems
  • Computer Technology and Information Systems
  • Computer and Software Engineering
  • Statistics and Computer Science
  • Control and Automation Engineering
  • Mathematics and Computer Science
  • Meteorological Engineering
  • Aerospace Engineering

3. Preference and Placement Process

  • Score Type: Placement is made with DGS score (numerically weighted).
  • Quotas: Universities announce their DGS quotas every year. For example, in 2023, nearly 1,000 quotas were reserved for Computer Engineering. 
  • Preference Strategy: Public universities (METU, ITU, Hacettepe) and foundation universities (Sabancı, Bilkent) offer different score ranges.

4. Extra Benefits

  • Exemptions: Courses taken in associate degree (programming, database) can be counted in the bachelor's degree.
  • Job Opportunities: A bachelor's degree eases the transition into positions such as software specialist or systems engineer.

5. Alternative Ways

  • Open Education: Distance education opportunity with programs such as Anadolu University Computer Programming (Undergraduate).
  • Certificates: When preparing for DGS, the CV can be strengthened with documents such as Microsoft Certificates (MTA) or Cisco CCNA. 

6/27/2025