Graduate Certificate in Software Development

This certificate offers students the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills needed to pursue entry-level careers as software designers, developers, and systems analysts. Through a focused program of study covering fundamental principles and practices involved in software design and development, students will develop an ability to effectively analyze user requirements for a moderately sized software system and design, develop, and document a software system that addresses those requirements.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing the certificate program, students will be able to:

1. Analyze user requirements and apply the principles and practices of software design and development to design, implement, test, and document a moderately sized software system that addresses those requirements.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of at least one technical area outside of software development and apply software development processes and methodologies in that area (i.e., web technologies, human/computer interaction).

Required Courses

All courses carry 3 semester hours of credit, for a total of 15 required hours.

• CS 6241 - Software Development I
• CS 6242 - Software Development II
• Choose one of the following courses:
  • CS 6251 - Web Technologies I
  • CS 6281 - Human/Computer Interaction I
  • CS 6311 - Programming Languages I
• One additional CS-approved graduate elective
• CS 6900 - Capstone Project

When to Enroll?

Enrollment dates may differ based on the academic and professional background of each student. If you are interested in the Software Development Certificate program and wish to know the best semester for you to start your studies, please contact Dr. Adel Abunawass.

Specific Requirements for all Graduate Certificates in Computing

• A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 in all courses for the certificate is required.
• Students must meet with their advisor at least twice during each semester of enrollment.
• The selection of elective courses must be made in consultation with the student's faculty advisor and be approved by the Department.
• Students must complete an exit interview with the Department during the final semester of enrollment.