Software Development

Online Bachelor's Degree Specialization in Software Design and Programming

Learn to Build Software and Apps

Today’s tech-infused world is constantly evolving, and a vital part of that work is software development. An online Bachelor’s Degree Program with a Specialization in Software Design and Programming from DeVry University will take you deep into the world of software development so you can learn about the design and creation of new applications and software packages. Our program is anchored with Tech Core curriculum, designed to teach you relevant skills in operating systems, programming, hardware, connectivity and security.

Get to Know Our Software Design and Programming Degree Specialization

Our online Bachelor’s Degree Program with a Specialization in Software Design and Programming will help you develop the skills you need to build and maintain software products that align with customer design specifications. A knowledge of multiple programming languages is essential in this field. Our experienced professors will teach you methods for building and testing in a variety of operating systems. You’ll also learn about web architecture and database structures to work with local and online data within software applications.
 

  • Join a fast-growing profession

    The future looks bright. Employment of software developers is projected, on a national level, to grow 25% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.1

  • Explore the Internet of Things

    Build relevant IoT systems using cloud-based technologies designed to give you hands-on experience – even at home – using software, security technologies and other tools.
     

1https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm. Growth projected on a national level. Local growth may vary. BLS projections are not specific to DeVry University students or graduates and may include earners at all stages of their career and not just entry level.

Classes start on July 7, 2025
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Why DeVry?

Why Study Software Design and Programming at DeVry

Certification Exam Reimbursement

Several of our tech programs are designed with industry-recognized certifications in mind. Qualified students may receive up to a $300 reimbursement for the cost of one exam attempt across a wide range of certifications:
 

CompTIA A+
CompTIA Linux+
CompTIA Network+
CompTIA Cloud Essentials+
 

Other certifications may also be eligible for reimbursement. Speak to your Student Support Advisor for additional information.

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Questions for our admissions team?

Software Design and Programming Specialization Program

 

 

 
Minimum Completion Time*
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2 year
8 months
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Normal Completion Time
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4 years

ACCELERATE ON YOUR SCHEDULE

Choose the schedule that best fits your goals and commitments. You can earn your Bachelor's Degree in as few as 2 year 8 months.*

Or, follow a normal schedule and complete your program in 4 years.**
 

*Minimum schedule does not include breaks and assumes 3 semesters of year-round, full-time enrollment in 12-18 credit hours a semester per 12 month period.

**Normal schedule does not include breaks and assumes 2 semesters of enrollment in 12-18 credit hours per semester per 12 month period.

  • 01 Knowledge & Skills
  • 02 Embedded Programs
  • 03 Catalog Download
Knowledge & Skills

What You'll Learn

DeVry’s Bachelor’s Degree Program with a Specialization in Software Design and Programming is designed to help you develop the skills needed to build and maintain software products. You’ll learn the methods used to build software, the types of programming languages required for various applications, and how software packages are tested. Specifically, this program covers the following:

  • Applications and Algorithms
    Learn the principles and concepts of developing programs and algorithms that support typical business processing activities and needs such as transaction processing, report generation and solving algorithmic problems.
  • Advanced Strategies for Software Development
    Explore best practices in the implementation phase of the software development life cycle (SDLC). Using UML/OOAD, learn to program, test and implement a product that meets approved specifications.
  • Information Security and Mobile Devices
    Focus on protecting information on mobile devices, types of mobile devices, risks, encryption, information at rest and in motion, attack scenarios and defense-in-depth controls.
  • Mobile Device Programming
    Understand and apply mobile operating systems programming. Explore the Android and the iOS operating systems with the goal of creating an application. Study menu systems, user interfaces, 2D graphics and audio.
  • Advanced Programming Techniques for App Development
    Study programming language concepts and design principles of programming paradigms as related to mobile operating systems for application development.
  • Communicate Methods and Findings
    Learn to communicate the rationale behind research methods and recommendations while presenting performance objectives, issues and solutions.
  • Collaborate in Dynamic Work Environments
    Learn to collaborate with colleagues in varying locations and environments to coordinate and share information.
  • Complex Problem-Solving
    Apply critical and analytical thinking to identify complex problems, evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Data Analysis
    Learn to draw conclusions by finding patterns and relationships in numerical data with tools used for statistical analysis. Find out how data analysis can be used to make more efficient databases.
  • Digital Literacy
    Learn to apply appropriate technologies in order to solve digital issues and problems within databases.
Embedded Programs

Embedded Programs - Demonstrate Skills at Every Step

Ready to earn two additional credentials with our unique 3-in-1 design? Courses in our Programming Essentials certificate program and Information Technology and Networking associate degree are embedded within our online Software Development program. Allowing you to earn a certificate and an associate degree on the way to your bachelor's degree.3

Bachelor's
120
Credit Hours*
Associate
60
Credit Hours*
Certificate
22
Credit Hours*

 

*The figures displayed represent the minimum credit hours required for graduation. Additional coursework may be necessary to complete program requirements.

Academic Catalog
2023 - 2024 Academic Catalog
View Academic Catalog
Program Guides
Program Overview
View Program Catalog

Related Programs

1https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm. Growth projected on a national level. Local growth may vary. BLS projections are not specific to DeVry University students or graduates and may include earners at all stages of their career and not just entry level.
3Future programmatic changes could impact the ability to earn additional credentials en route to an eligible degree program. Refer to the academic catalog for details.
4Students who complete CARD415 instead of CARD405 apply CARD415 to fulfill this requirement.

All students enrolled in site-based programs will be required to take some coursework online and, for some programs and locations, a substantial portion of the program may be required to be completed online.