Need help choosing a web/software programming certificate from the following university
I would like to learn basic web and/or software programming, and I've found that my local university, University of Maryland University College (UMUC) offers undergraduate certificates in software engineering, web and information technology. The PDF listing these certificates is online at http://www.umuc.edu/certificates
I'd like to ask any programmers if they could recommend to me which of these certificates would be most practical for me, because I am very tech-savvy and an advanced computer user, but programming and web programming are all new to me.
I'm a quick study, but I'd like to begin with the certificate that would give me real-world use soon after achieving it and get me on my way to having the basics to build on for later self-study on my own.
I am currently working to finish a degree in Communications, and I'm not interested in most degree programs, which would seem to only set me up to be a Microsoft IT professional. I think the certificate would be the best route for me to get the quick and fast knowledge I crave, but I want to choose the right one.
My goal is to learn to build software or web applications one day, possibly in my own business, but I have to know which programming language to begin with.
Comments
IMO C++ is an excellent language to learn more on the inner workings of an OS. It requires discipline and can be a pain in the ass, but if you stick to it, it will allow you do a lot of things.
Furthermore PHP is not a real big step from C++. The syntax is quite similar and can thus be learned quite quickly.
However due to the complexity of C++, it's more a language you should learn by taking a class, rather than learning it by yourself.
Hope this helps