Develop Software That Makes a Difference
The online Bachelor’s in Software Development degree program at DeVry University will teach you contemporary techniques and tools to create software applications. You’ll also learn how to manage and analyze data through our Tech Core curriculum, designed to help you build a foundation of interdisciplinary skills you’ll need for today’s Internet of Things (IoT) economy.
Get to Know Our Software Development Bachelor's Degree
When you partner with DeVry to earn your online Bachelor’s in Software Development, you’ll explore real-world concepts and skills to guide your focus toward a specialty. Our experienced professors will help you gain a solid foundation of knowledge in operating systems, programming, hardware and connectivity. You’ll also develop an understanding of the professional, ethical, security and social responsibilities of creating and utilizing software systems.
- Launch an in-demand career: Employment of software developers is expected to grow 21% nationally from 2018-2028,1 much faster than average. The median pay for software developers in 2018 was $105,590 per year.
- Learn to manage and analyze data: Our Tech Core curriculum is designed to help you build a foundation of interdisciplinary skills needed for today’s Internet of Things (IoT) economy.
- Learn from experienced professors: DeVry’s experienced faculty will help you gain a solid understanding of operating systems, programming, hardware and connectivity.
- Develop a deep understanding: Explore the professional, ethical, security and social responsibilities of developing and managing software systems.
Classes Start Every 8 Weeks
Earn your Bachelor's Degree in Software Development in as little as 2 years + 8 months*—or even more quickly with qualifying transfer credits.
*Not including breaks. Assumes year-round, full-time enrollment.
Availability
Software Development Degree Specializations
Customize your online software development degree program with one of our three specializations:
Software Design and Programming
Earn an online Bachelor’s Degree with a Specialization in Software Design and Programming from DeVry University and dive deep into the world of software development. Learn about the design and creation of new applications and software packages from our experienced professors, who will teach you methods for building and testing in a variety of operating systems. DeVry’s program is anchored with Tech Core, a curriculum designed to teach you relevant skills in operating systems, programming, hardware, connectivity and security.
Our online Bachelor’s Degree with a Specialization in Big Data and Analytics will help you develop the skills needed to address the complexity of examining large and varied data sets. Develop a well-rounded mastery of data acquisition, storage, interpretation and management. Gain an understanding of how predictive analytic measures and machine learning tools help drive quick decision-making.
Web and Mobile Application Development
With DeVry’s Bachelor’s Degree with a Specialization in Web and Mobile Application Development, you’ll develop the skills and techniques needed to create effective websites and mobile applications. Our expert faculty will teach you about cross-platform operating systems, including how to incorporate your designs and applications into wearables, IoT and smart devices. Our online Web and Mobile Application Development Specialization program is built with Tech Core, a curriculum designed to help you build a foundation of interdisciplinary skills so you’ll be prepared for today’s Internet of Things (IoT) economy.
Why DeVry?
Complimentary Laptop
As a new student, you’ll get a complimentary laptop as part of your technology program2. It’s our way of investing in your education—and you.
You can take it anywhere, it’s powerful enough to run robust applications, and best of all, you can use it for all of your classes to optimize your DeVry experience.
IoT Kit
Simulate the Internet of Things (IoT) wherever you are with your IoT Kit*, designed to give you hands-on experience and confidence working with real IoT technologies.
With the full complement of microprocessors and sensors in your kit, you’ll build elementary IoT devices, integrate them into cloud-based server systems and develop skills needed for today’s IoT economy.
*The IoT Kit is a required expense and is not complimentary.
Certification Exam Reimbursement
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+
- Microsoft Technology Associate - Python
Others may be applicable as well. Speak with your professor for more info.
What You'll Learn
Graduates of DeVry’s online Bachelor’s in Software Development degree can expect to gain the following skills:
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Application DevelopmentDevelop applications using skills in analysis, interface design, programming, coding and scripting, as well as database connectivity.
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Communicate Methods and FindingsLearn to communicate the rationale behind research methods and recommendations while presenting performance objectives, issues and solutions.
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Software Systems Analysis and DesignDevelop information system models and design system requirements to identify and solve business problems.
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Complex Problem SolvingApply critical and analytical thinking to identify complex problems, evaluate options and implement solutions.
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Data AnalysisLearn to draw conclusions by finding patterns and relationships in numerical data with tools used for statistical analysis.
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Web Distributed SystemsLearn the principles of web architecture and connectivity, including Internet protocols such as transmission control protocol/Internet protocol (TCP/IP); domain name server (DNS); simple mail transfer protocol (smtp), hypertext transfer protocol (http) and file transfer protocol (ftp); and design of an Internet or corporate intranet infrastructure to meet specific needs.
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Collaborate in Dynamic Work EnvironmentsLearn to collaborate with colleagues in varying locations and environments to coordinate and share information.
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Digital LiteracyLearn to apply and utilize appropriate digital technologies for data and information acquisition, storage, retrieval, analysis, interpretation and communication.
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Product Life Cycle ManagementUnderstand product lifecycle management as related to software development. Learn to manage the development of software from analysis and design to programming, implementation, testing, deployment and troubleshooting.
Acquire an additional two credentials with our unique 3-in-1 design. Courses in our Programming Essentials certificate program and Information Technology and Networking associate degree are inserted within our online Software Development degree program. So you can earn a certificate and an associate degree on the way to your bachelor's degree.
Career Opportunities
Software development continues to be a fast-growing field. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in software development are expected to grow 21% through 2028,1 faster than the average for all occupations in the United States.
With an online software development degree, DeVry’s graduates are prepared for careers including:
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Software Application Developer
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Software Systems Developer
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Software Developer – Web Portals & e-Commerce Applications
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Mobile Device Software Developer
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Web Program Analyst
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Software Game Developer
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Data Analyst
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Data Architect
Essentials Courses
Communication Skills
ENGL112 | Composition |
ENGL135 | Advanced Composition |
ENGL216 | Technical Writing |
SPCH275 | Public Speaking |
Humanities
ETHC232 | Ethical and Legal Issues in the Professions |
LAS432 | Technology, Society and Culture |
Social Sciences
ECON312 | Principles of Economics |
SOCS185 | Culture and Society |
SOCS325 | Environmental Sociology |
Mathematics and Natural Sciences
MATH114 | Algebra for College Students |
MATH221 | Statistics for Decision-Making |
MATH234 | Discrete Math in Information Technology |
PHYS204 | Applied Physics with Lab |
Personal and Professional Development
CARD405 | Career Development |
COLL148 | Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving |
Tech Core Courses
Tech Core
CEIS101 | Introduction to Technology and Information Systems |
CEIS106 | Introduction to Operating Systems |
CEIS110 | Introduction to Programming |
CEIS114 | Introduction to Digital Devices |
NETW191 | Fundamentals of Information Technology and Networking |
NETW211 | Fundamentals of Cloud Computing |
SEC285 | Fundamentals of Information Security |
Program Courses
Information Systems and Programming
CEIS236 | Database Systems and Programming Fundamentals |
CEIS312 | Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning |
CIS170C | Programming with Lab |
CIS247C | Object-Oriented Programming with Lab |
Application Development
CEIS295 | Data Structures and Algorithms |
CIS321 | Structured Analysis and Design |
CIS339 | Object-Oriented Analysis and Design |
CIS355A | Business Application Programming with Lab |
Career Preparation
CEIS299 | Careers and Technology |
CEIS499 | Preparation for the Profession |
MGMT404 | Project Management |
TECH460 | Senior Project |

Academic Catalog
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Program Overview
Download PDFAcademic Catalog
Download PDFProgram Overview
Download PDFAbout Our Faculty
Rick Bird, MCS, MPM
Senior Professor
Rick has been a professor with DeVry University for nearly 30 years and has taught courses ranging from computer applications to management to computer programming. He has earned national awards, including “The PRIDE of DeVry University”. Rick earned a Master’s Degree in Project Management from Devry University’s Keller Graduate School of Management, and a second Master’s Degree in Computer Science from the University of Illinois Springfield. Rick is a strong believer in the power of technology and the use of software tools to make employees more productive and businesses more competitive.
Gina Cooper, Ph.D.
Faculty Chair
Gina has been a professor with DeVry University since 1999 and currently serves as faculty chair. She earned a Ph.D. from Wright State University in Computer Science and Engineering with specializations in database, math, and bioinformatics. She presented her bioinformatics research at an IEEE International Bioinformatics Conference in Taiwan and has published scientific papers related to the courses she has developed at computer science education conferences.
Geneviève Sapijaszko, Ph.D., MISM, PEng, SMIEEE
Professor
Geneviève has been a professor with DeVry University since 1997 and has taught courses in electrical engineering, electronics, computer programming, web development, networking and more. She earned a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering with a focus on artificial intelligence, neural networks and image recognition from the University of Central Florida. Geneviève holds a professional engineering license in the province of Alberta, Canada, is a senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and is a member of the engineering honor society Tau Beta Pi. In addition to enhancing the student experience in the classroom, Geneviève has served as a mentor to the FIRST Robotics Competition, IEEExtreme competition, and MyWorld (Women in STEM).
FAQs: Software Development
What specializations are available to take?
Our bachelor’s degree in software development offers three specializations:
How long will it take for me to complete the software development degree program?
What's the difference between a software engineer and a software developer?
Are there software developer certifications or professional associations I should consider?
Related Programs
1https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm
2As part of this program, one complimentary laptop is provided to students enrolled in the Associate of Information Technology and Networking, Bachelor’s of Information Technology and Networking, Bachelor’s of Software Development, Bachelor’s of Engineering Technology – Electronics and Bachelor’s of Computer Information Systems. The laptop is issued during the student’s second session. Certain restrictions apply.
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.