Your career in software development IS possible with Herzing
- 100% online coursework with optional internship or capstone project
- Program length: 16-32 months
- Transfer up to 90 approved credits
- Associate & bachelor’s degree pathways
- Learn in-demand programming languages including Java, C++, Python and more
- Earn dual credit towards a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) degree
Program
Earn a software developer degree and become possible.
Become indispensable in a modern business environment increasingly dependent on the maintenance and innovation of web and mobile applications.
Software Developer Ranked #1 Best Technology Jobs of 2021 by U.S. News & World Report
Learn to code, build your skills in application and systems software development and build a foundation to continue forging the career path of your choice.
Additional program highlights
- Courses designed for beginners; no coding experience required
- Bachelor’s degree program includes topics in software engineering
- Prepare for several industry certifications
- Our academic alliances offer discounted certification exams & free computer software
- Access virtual environments remotely for real, practical experience
Classes Start July 12th
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Curriculum
Software development program classes & curriculum
The curriculum includes classes in object-oriented programming, database concepts and applications, C++ programming, Python, technical writing, and the fundamentals of computer architecture.
Herzing University offers associate and bachelor’s degree paths in software development. The bachelor’s degree program provides additional coursework in software engineering, business systems analysis and more – including a required capstone or internship.
| Program | Months* | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science in Software Development | 32 | 120 |
| Associate and Associate of Applied Science in Software Development | 16 | 60 |
Program availability varies by location
Associate degree
The Associate of Science in Software Development online program incorporates the fundamentals of programming, networking, troubleshooting, internet application and databases with the general education courses required for an Associate level degree. This program is a first step toward an entry-level software developer career. Graduates of this degree may roll their credits into either the software development or technology management bachelor's degree programs for greater career opportunities. View Program Course Sheet
Bachelor's degree
The Bachelor of Science in Software Development online degree program is designed for those students wishing to pursue the programming or coding side of computers. Students in this program will gain the knowledge and skills to understand, analyze, test and design the software and systems responsible for the base functionalities of computers. Software engineers design innovative software for businesses and clients and typically specialize in computer applications software or computer systems software. View Program Course Sheet
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Find out which degree program is right for you. Call 1-800-596-0724 to learn more about Herzing's programs.
Requirements
Skills for the job
Successful software developers have skills in web and mobile application development, object-oriented programming, database applications and understand the fundamentals of network and computer architecture. Soft skills include critical thinking and problem-solving ability with persistent attention to detail.
Education
Every employer will have their own requirements for the job and they don’t always ask for an applicant to hold a degree. However, earning an associate or bachelor’s degree in software development proves you’ve earned the training you need to succeed as a developer—and gives you a better chance of getting the job you really want.
Enrollment
Prerequisites to enroll in the Herzing software development program include a high school diploma or equivalent and an interview with a Herzing admissions advisor. Our goal is to empower you to build the skills needed to thrive in your new career.
Careers
What can I do with a degree?
Upon earning a degree in software development from Herzing University, you’ll be prepared for many types of different jobs in software development.
Potential job titles include:
- Application software developer
- Systems software developer
- Software quality assurance engineer/tester
- Web developer
- Computer systems analyst
As you learn more about the fundamentals of coding and get comfortable with different programming languages you’ll get a feel for what you do best.
With a degree in software development you may find opportunities creating websites, designing video games, developing mobile apps, building business applications and much more. Our program is designed to empower you to find the job that’s perfect for you.
Certifications
What certifications will I be eligible for?
In addition to earning a software developer degree, you will have the opportunity to prepare for these important industry credentials during your program:
- Oracle Certified Java Programmer (formerly SCJA)
- Oracle Database Administrator Certified Associate
- CIW Database Design Specialist
- CIW Web Design Specialist
- CIW Site Development Associate
- C++ Certified Associate Programmer
- MTA: Security Fundamentals
- MTA: HTML5 Application Development Fundamentals
- Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer
- Oracle Database Fundamentals
Frequently Asked Questions
The Herzing University software development program takes 16-32 months depending on the degree you pursue. After earning either an associate or bachelor’s degree you’ll be ready to apply for entry level software development positions in many different industries.
Strictly speaking, no. You don’t need to be well-versed in calculus or be able to perform complex computations in your head in the snap of a finger.
However, you will need to be able to think mathematically and logically to succeed in software development. Programming logic is a foundational topic—the ability to design and debug systems and successfully navigate progressive “if/then” logic requires mathematical thinking.
Students with an aptitude for math may have an advantage, but a career in software development doesn’t require advanced math skills.
Software developers conceptualize, design, code and produce the programs we use every day.
The specific tasks and duties of a software developer will vary depending on the employer and industry. Generally, software developers do the following:
- Evaluate user needs to determine whether they will need existing, modified, or new software
- Plan out each part of an application or system, creating diagrams and models of how the program will flow and which programming languages will be used
- Direct the work of software programmers as they code and test the program
- Create reference documentation so the program can be upgraded and maintained
- Conduct testing of the program and create regular updates
Software developers typically work in a comfortable office environment or computer lab. A standard workweek is 40-50 hours with occasional periods of longer hours when deadlines must be met.
Those employed in this field most often enjoy full benefits packages from their employers along with a competitive salary.
There is a lot of similarity between software developers and computer programmers. They very often work closely together, and oftentimes experienced developers will wear both hats. Here is the primary distinction:
- Software developers design software.
- Computer programmers build software.
The developer outlines how the software must function, and the programmer makes it function. To successfully design software programs, developers need a background in programming to understand what’s possible from a programmer’s perspective.
Do you excel in executing tasks and carrying out instructions with tremendous attention to detail? You could thrive as a programmer and may consider working towards a computer programming degree.
Do you excel in conceiving a new solution to a problem, designing it from the ground up and working with the many people needed to make it work? A career as a software developer might be perfect for you.
This is a subject of ongoing discussion as the industry continues to evolve. Some people use the terms interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference between engineering and development:
- A software engineer applies traditional engineering principles to analyze and solve problems. Their analysis, interpretation and solutions are done through a quantitative, engineering lens.
- A software developer approaches problems creatively with more flexibility to solve problems outside of the scientific method, applying qualitative practices and patterns learned outside of an engineering-based process.
The Herzing software development program introduces concepts in software engineering but does not provide a full foundation in engineering principles.
Yes, working from home and remote work may be an option for software developers. Especially for freelancers/contractors and those who choose to work for themselves.
However, every employer has their own requirements in regard to remote work. Not every company is equipped to smoothly handle remote communication and team project management. Some jobs will require office availability by default and offer one or more days per week to work remotely.
If you enjoy problem-solving, possess critical thinking skills and have a keen attention to detail, earning a software developer degree could be right for you. Software engineers rely heavily on the ability to analyze and evaluate technical data.
Professionals in this field must have a strong aptitude for reasoning, be detail-oriented and possess interpersonal skills in order to work as part of a team and communicate technical details—both to clients unfamiliar with the language and programmers demanding clear instructions to execute.
The average salary for software developers can vary widely based on the specific roles and responsibilities of the job.
According to 2020 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for software developers is $114,270 per year ($54.94 per hour).*
Job outlook
The BLS reports employment of software developers is expected to rise 22% from 2019-2029, much higher than the 4% projection across all U.S. occupations.
Program Finder
Software Development Degree Programs
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This program prepares students for a broad range of positions in the computing field, with particular emphases placed on software development. Foundational skills taught include programming logic, object-oriented programming, applications development, including web and mobile application fundamentals, database applications, security concepts, and network and computer architecture fundamentals. Advanced skills include software application design, systems analysis and design, software testing, and business analysis.
Students will have the opportunity to complete their studies through a selection of elective coursework that deepens their understanding of information technology and software development techniques, as well business management concepts.
This program prepares students for entry-level positions in the computing field, with particular emphases placed on software development. Skills taught include programming logic, object-oriented programming, applications development, including web and mobile application fundamentals, database applications, security concepts, and network and computer architecture fundamentals. Graduates of this program may continue on to a bachelor's degree in software development.
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* Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2020. BLS estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geography market in which you want to work and degree field, will affect career outcomes and earnings. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the average salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, salary increase or other career growth.
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What I liked most about my experience at Herzing University was the fact that a lot of the classes were fairly small so I had a lot of one-on-one time with the instructor.
