Normal
It depends on who is doing the programming. In general, programmers change far more parameters... A/F ratio, timing tables, intake air temperature sensitivity, knock sensor sensitivity... those are just a handful of the ECM functions. In addition, the tune will typically adjust transmission functions as well... mostly shift RPM and firmness (usually though increased line pressure). If you stick with basic mods (intake, catback exhaust, etc.) then most programmers will have a canned (off the shelf) tune to fit your mods. Beyond that, I prefer using a tuner that will customize your tune to the specific mods. Either way, you will see solid gains from a good tune. For example, when Livernois did the first version of my tune, my GXP gained 40 RWHP and 37 RWTQ from the tune and a quality CAI.