JavaScript Developers

High School

In high school, take as many programming, web development, and other computer science classes as possible to build your skills. Mathematics courses will provide you with the theoretical framework behind programming. Other recommended classes include business, English, speech, and social studies.

Postsecondary Education

A bachelor’s degree in programming, software development, computer science, information technology, computer engineering, or a related field is required to work as a JavaScript developer. Most students also participate in at least one internship or co-op experience at a software developer to obtain hands-on experience. These experiential opportunities are also good ways to build your network. A JavaScript developer who is interested in becoming a manager or executive might earn a master’s degree in IT management or business management. One who wants to open a consulting firm should take classes or earn a certificate in entrepreneurism.

Some aspiring developers prepare for the field by taking classes and/or earning nanodegrees in JavaScript development from for-profit, online learning providers. For example, Udacity offers a nanodegree in intermediate JavaScript, which takes three months to complete. For more information, visit https://www.udacity.com/course/intermediate-javascript-nanodegree--nd032.

Certification

Many colleges and universities offer certificates in JavaScript development, software engineering, web development, and other IT-related fields. For example, the University of Washington offers a certificate in full-stack web development with JavaScript. (Full-stack development is the combination of front-end and back-end development.) Students who enroll in the program will learn how to combine JavaScript with CSS and HTML for application development, how to utilize various JavaScript libraries, and how to use JavaScript for both front-end and back-end applications. Visit https://www.pce.uw.edu/certificates/full-stack-development-with-javascript for more information. Contact schools in your area to learn about available programs. The International Web Association provides a variety of IT-specialist certificates that will be of interest to developers. Visit https://iwanet.org/profdevel/certification-levels to learn more.

Other Education or Training

Information technology associations and organizations, colleges and universities, tech companies (such as Oracle and General Assembly), and online learning platforms (such as Code Academy, Udacity, Udemy, and Coursera) offer continuing education in-person classes and webinars. Contact these organizations for more information.