{"id":35392,"date":"2026-09-04T00:43:43","date_gmt":"2026-09-04T00:43:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.degreequery.com\/?page_id=35392---168b2b9c-a4fa-4580-b73f-d2e695e75429"},"modified":"2026-09-29T22:13:18","modified_gmt":"2026-09-29T22:13:18","slug":"how-old-should-i-be-when-i-start-to-learn-how-to-code-in-order-to-get-a-masters-in-computer-science","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.degreequery.com\/computer-science-degrees\/how-old-should-i-be-when-i-start-to-learn-how-to-code-in-order-to-get-a-masters-in-computer-science\/","title":{"rendered":"How Old Should I Be When I Start to Learn How to Code in Order to Get a Master’s in Computer Science?"},"content":{"rendered":"

To earn a master\u2019s in computer science \u2013 one of the highest-paying master\u2019s degrees<\/a> \u2013 you will need to develop coding skills. It\u2019s in your best interests not to wait until you apply to graduate school to begin learning the basic skills of computer programming. It takes considerable time to master the skills of programming, so the earlier you start learning to code, the better.<\/p>\n

Is There a Right Age to Learn Programming?<\/h2>\n

Developing the skills for computer programming isn\u2019t easy. Many computer science students<\/a> struggle with learning to code, especially if they tend to have weaker than average skills in mathematics. However, starting to study the basics of coding is a valuable endeavor for just about anyone of any age.<\/p>\n

The ideal age to learn coding is still up for debate, but educators and experts generally agree that early exposure to the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) principles that form the foundations of coding is beneficial. If you weren\u2019t exposed to the principles of programming in elementary school, then look for opportunities to start learning in middle school, or high school, or at the start of your college career.<\/p>\n

While it\u2019s generally ideal to start learning this valuable skill earlier, there\u2019s also no cutoff age after which you\u2019re \u201ctoo old\u201d to learn to code. Many aspiring computer science students hesitate to apply because they fear that they may already be too old to learn programming, even at as young an age as 20. What you should know is that it\u2019s never too late to learn something new.<\/p>\n

In fact, even people in their 60s, 70s and even 80s have undertaken the challenge of learning how to code, according to The New York Times<\/a>. Whether you\u2019re seeking to make a career change, take up a new hobby, gain the skills to work on a personal project or just exercise your brain, learning to program when you\u2019re older<\/a> is a worthwhile pursuit that you can accomplish through formal studies or informal resources like books, videos and interactive programs.<\/p>\n

One reason people fear being too old to learn coding is that developers, on average, are young. The average age for developers is just 28 in Silicon Valley and 31 across the U.S., <\/strong>Business<\/strong><\/a> Insider reported. In India, the average developer is just 25 years old. <\/strong><\/p>\n

Why You Shouldn\u2019t Wait Until Grad School to Start Learning to Code<\/h2>\n

By the time you get to graduate school, picking up coding skills will be extremely difficult if you\u2019re attempting it for the first time. It can sometimes take students several programming courses to learn to master coding. Since master\u2019s degree programs are considerably shorter than bachelor\u2019s degree programs, this doesn\u2019t give you much time if you\u2019re not yet familiar with coding when your graduate program begins.<\/p>\n

This warning doesn\u2019t mean you have to give up on your ambitions of earning a master\u2019s in computer science, but you may need to put it off a little longer. Giving yourself some time to take a couple of basic computer programming courses or engage in some independent study of coding can put you on a better path to success in your computer science studies.<\/p>\n

Having prior coding knowledge, even if it wasn\u2019t part of a formal degree program, can help you get into graduate school. Many <\/strong>master\u2019s in computer science programs<\/strong><\/a> expect applicants to have a working knowledge of a general-purpose programming language. <\/strong><\/p>\n

Learning to Code at a Young Age<\/h2>\n

How young is too young to learn computer programming? While toddlers won\u2019t be writing their own algorithms, programming artificial intelligence systems or developing websites anytime soon, you might be surprised at the ages children can begin to learn basic coding concepts. The International Society for Technology in Education has supported integrating computer science concepts into the elementary school curriculum, including programs for students as young as kindergarteners.<\/p>\n

RELATED: The 20 Best Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs Online<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Naturally, students in the five-year-old to ten-year-old age range won\u2019t be delving deep into the complexities of advanced computer science theory or undertaking difficult programming projects independently. However, programs like ScratchJr<\/a> are basic introductory programming languages that kids as young as five can use for interactive play, storytelling and creative expression.<\/p>\n

Even if you\u2019re past the elementary school age, you\u2019re not too late to start learning to code. Students in high school, for example, can enroll in free online courses or take a community college course in programming over the summer.<\/p>\n

It isn’t only children who can learn to code from kids’ programs, games and toys. These tools tend to be simple and engaging for all ages, not to mention being fun. <\/strong><\/p>\n

Additional Resources <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

My Teenager is Interested in Programming. How Do I Help Support Him\/Her to Be Best Prepared for Applying to School for Computer Science?<\/a><\/p>\n

What Areas of School Should I Focus on in Order to Strengthen My Abilities in Computer Science?<\/a><\/p>\n

Does a Degree in Computer Science Matter More Than My Natural Ability to Code?<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

To earn a master\u2019s in computer science \u2013 one of the highest-paying master\u2019s degrees \u2013 you will need to develop coding skills. 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