How To Become a Java Developer
What Is a Java Developer?
A Java developer is someone who utilizes Java, one of the most widely used and versatile programming languages. Java powers various applications, including mobile phones, video games, point-of-sale systems and digital bank accounts, making it essential in today's technological landscape. If you're passionate about technology and aspire to become a Java developer, you can pursue your dream by earning a software development degree.
This role often involves designing, implementing, and maintaining Java-based software solutions, requiring a solid understanding of programming principles and software development methodologies. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), approximately 1.6 million individuals were employed as software developers in 2022.1 A software development degree can help address the ongoing need for professionals in technology-driven fields like Java development.
What Does a Java Developer Do?
Professionals in this role create, test, adapt, monitor and repair software applications using the Java programming language. Due to its versatility and widespread use, developers may work on various applications across industries. For example, they may develop a digital patient portal for healthcare or a smartphone app for tracking work-related miles. Specific tasks may include:
Maintain Java applications
Create, design and maintain software solutions using Java, including architecture, user interface, functionality and updates.
Software development tasks
Create Java applications, including analysis, coding, review and integration.
Java developers play a pivotal role in creating software programs.2 They start by understanding customer needs, defining core functionalities and ensuring security requirements. Their collaboration with cross-functional teams when troubleshooting issues helps to continuously enhance applications when meeting business needs and standards. Java developers often collaborate closely with programmers, sometimes coding themselves instead of just providing instructions.
Understanding the educational pathway for how to become a Java developer is crucial for individuals aspiring to enter the field of software development. Here's a typical educational route and steps to kickstart your career in Java development:
Students who are still in high school are encouraged to meet with their school guidance counselor to discuss their career plans and look at their current and upcoming course load. Consider adding any computer science courses the school may offer, in addition to related subjects like math and computer science.
Java developers, also called software developers, typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology.3 While not a requirement to pursue a higher-level, managerial position, you may opt to return to school for your master’s degree. Pursuing a computer science degree can provide you with the hands-on training and key competencies to enter into careers in technology.
Internships may allow you to learn from more experienced developers and help to refine your own skills in a work environment.
There are entry-level positions for developers, which may be ideal for applicants with limited experience. When you first land an entry-level job in the field, you may be termed a junior programmer or associate developer. As a junior programmer, you may be responsible for enhancing existing code, reviewing it for accuracy, running debugging applications and writing technical documentation.4
If you're aiming to progress in your technology career, GCU offers an online Undergraduate Certificate in Java Programming. These immersive online courses cater to both degree holders and non-degree seekers, providing comprehensive instruction in Java software development.
By following this educational and experiential path, you can actively pave the way for a career as a Java developer. Work toward arming yourself with the essential knowledge, skills and practical experience to excel in this field.
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Best Degrees for Java Developers
Aspiring developers may want to consider pursuing at least a bachelor’s degree in information technology or software engineering as possible entry paths.3 While not always needed for entry, employers may prefer a master’s degree for some software developer positions.3 Developers need to continually stay well-informed of emerging tools and programming languages throughout their professional journey.
Java developers often have varied duties and responsibilities that can differ depending on the organization they work for. Key attributes include a deep understanding of developing principles, proficiency in software development and the ability to adapt to evolving technology landscapes.
If you're interested in pursuing a career as a Java developer, consider the following degree programs:
Bachelor’s Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Software Development
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with an Emphasis in Business Entrepreneurship
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with an Emphasis in Game and Simulation Development
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with an Emphasis in Big Data Analytics
Master’s Programs
Other Programs
Developers in this role typically leverage a variety of skills to develop secure and efficient software systems. While technical proficiency is vital for assessing program suitability, essential skills also include a blend of technical and soft skills, such as:2, 3
- Analyze user needs
- Develop software
- Recommend upgrades
- Design and integrate components
- Create models and diagrams
- Conduct maintenance and testing
- Document for reference
- Communicate effectively
- Innovate in design
- Stay detail-oriented
- Resolve issues
Median Annual Wage
While the BLS may not provide specific details for a Java developer salary and career, related fields such as software development are relevant to this degree. According to the BLS, software developers had a median annual wage of $132,270 as of May 2023.5 Software developers typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology or a related field. However, some employers may prefer to hire those who have a master’s degree.3
Projected Job Growth
The software development industry is set for a much faster than average job growth, as per the BLS.6 The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook estimates job growth for software developers to increase by about 26% from 2022 to 2032, accounting for an estimated increase of 410,400 jobs in the field.6
Where Do Java Developers Work?
With 1.6 million positions held by software developers in 2022, it’s evident that skilled professionals in the tech industry continues to rise.1 According to the BLS, the primary employers of software developers were as follows:1
Computer Systems Design and Related Services
Developers actively contribute to designing and maintaining robust software solutions, optimizing systems and collaborate closely with IT professionals to troubleshoot and elevate overall system efficiency.
Advancement Opportunities Within Java Development
To advance in Java development, mastering Java and enhancing skills in database administration, Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) and project management are key.7 Required qualifications for advancement may include Java proficiency, knowledge of OOP patterns, design trends and concurrency patterns. Additionally, Oracle specialized certifications in areas like Java application and web component development are accessible for those aiming to gain expertise in specific domains.7
Ready to embark on your journey to become a skilled Java developer? Explore the educational opportunities at GCU and take the first step toward a career in software development. Start your journey with GCU today.
1 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, April 17). Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers: Work Environment. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
2 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, Sept. 6). What Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers Do. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Jan. 26, 2024.
3 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, Sept. 6). How to Become a Software Developer, Quality Assurance Analyst, or Tester. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Jan. 25, 2024.
4 ZipRecruiter. (n.d.). Junior java developer jobs. Retrieved Jan. 26, 2024.
5 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Software Developers as of May 2023, retrieved July 10, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as software developers, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
6 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2022 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2023, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Software Developers, retrieved Jan. 25, 2024.
7 Troy, M. (2023, June 26). Advancement Opportunities For Java Developers: Taking Your Career To The Next Level. OPT nation. Retrieved March 4, 2024.