Bachelor's in Software Development

Continue

Harness the power of AI with an online software development degree

Technology’s evolution is rapidly influencing the field of software development — from artificial intelligence to vibe coding to the next digital disruptor. At this pivotal moment, you have an opportunity to be on the frontier of the field. With an online software development degree, you’ll gain advanced tech skills, learn to leverage cutting-edge AI tools, and discover what it takes to become the kind of innovative and data-savvy professional employers rely on.

In our Bachelor’s in Software Development program here at DeVry, you’ll get hands-on experience with artificial intelligence, established coding languages, app-building strategies, and more: 

  • Innovate with AI: Learn the skills and strategies tech pros are using to stay in demand and boost their capabilities with our future-focused AI courses for software engineers, centered on managing large language models (LLMs), validating code outputs, and more. 

  • Develop critical career skills: Build confidence with communication, strategic thinking, problem-solving, adaptability, math, and other skills employers rely on. 

  • Create a tech toolkit for tomorrow: Gain advanced knowledge of developer tools, machine learning, and programming languages to strategically blend human ingenuity with AI savvy and position yourself for emerging careers.

  • Prepare for certifications: Prepare to pursue professional certification exams from CompTIA, Python, and more — and receive reimbursement for your first qualifying exam fee. 

Classes Start Every 8 Weeks

Become an AI innovator to strengthen your software developer skillset. Connect with us today.

What you’ll learn in our software development program

Here at DeVry, you’ll discover how to bring your human capabilities and AI insights together to form an essential, industry-aligned skillset for tomorrow’s workplace. As you learn to analyze complex problems, design solutions, and work effectively on a team, you can grow into the type of strategic systems thinker business leaders look to.

Artificial intelligence

Become an AI innovator in the field of software development as you learn to leverage these emerging tools with ethics, strategic thinking, and problem-solving at the forefront of your process. You’ll gain firsthand experience with LLMs and other technology that’s revolutionizing the way developers work today so you can future-proof your skillset.

Data analysis

Advance your skills with algorithms, predictive analysis, data examination, and more. You’ll learn to design smart systems that learn, reason, and interact with their environments.

Web architecture and distributed systems

Study the core principles and internet protocols of web application architecture and learn how to design and implement structural frameworks based on these practices.

Software development lifecycle

Gain a deep understanding of all stages of a software development project: planning, designing, implementing, testing, deploying, and troubleshooting.

Design and implementation

Take a deep dive into the entire process of developing software — from creating functionality blueprints to meeting specifications during the coding process.

Software development project leadership

Direct a successful project by strengthening your management skills, fostering a collaborative environment, learning to strategically solve problems, establishing clear communication channels, and defining project scope.

Bachelor’s in Software Development classes and credits:

Classes

36

Credits

120

Semesters

81

Build a future-focused skillset with hands-on software development and AI courses like:
TECH112
AI in Industry
SIS310
AI-Driven Business Application Coding
TECH110
Coding and Scripting
SIS150
Fundamentals of Programming
SIS180
Introduction to Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
TECH305
Technology Career Development
SIS240
Web Programming

Learn more about the courses and details of this degree in our program guide.
 

Your program perks
#image

Career-focused tech education: Develop a versatile skillset in our innovative technology classes, where you’ll study how to merge the timeless fundamentals with new AI tools to become a standout in the job market.

#image

Industry certification prep: Our program is designed with industry-aligned content from organizations like CompTIA and the Python Institute to prepare you to pursue professional certifications.

#image

Certification reimbursement: We’ll reimburse you up to $300 on your first exam for 1 of these certifications:

  • Certified AI Practitioner (CAIP)
  • Certified Associate Python Programmer (PCEP)
  • Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer (PCAP)
  • CompTIA Cloud Essentials+
  • CompTIA A+
  • CompTIA AI Essentials
  • CompTIA Data+
  • CompTIA Project+
  • Cyber Secure Coder (CSC)
  • LPI Linux Essentials

Pick a specialization for your Bachelor’s in Software Development program


Focus on a specialization that matches your passions and career goals when you enroll in our Bachelor’s in Software Development program. You can study everything from emerging AI tools to developer fundamentals to app creation and beyond.

AI and Analytics

Develop innovative approaches for analyzing and processing complex datasets to uncover hidden patterns, trends, and aha moments within vital data:

  • Learn to code with future-focused AI developer tech and long-established programming tools to get hands-on experience with the systems and software used in the industry today and position yourself for future careers.

  • Discover how the latest tech for data mining, predictive analytics, and machine learning can enhance productivity and free up more time for the creative and advanced problem-solving businesses rely on. 

  • Program and manage data systems with specialized tools and techniques that store, process, and analyze vast amounts of information.

  • Prepare and filter data for analysis and present findings in dashboard summaries with dynamic data visualization technology. 

Software Design and Engineering

Turn your love of creating software into a successful career path with a robust education in the architecture, components, and interfaces of software system development:

  • Leverage AI tools to automate routine tasks so you can dive into the strategic and complex problem-solving opportunities you’re likely to encounter in the workplace.

  • Learn to conceptualize, design, and build optimized software systems by translating user needs into functional and technical specifications.

  • Study programming languages, machine learning, design principles, and security measures for applications and operating systems.

  • Explore advanced strategies for developing software with Object-Oriented Analysis and Design (OOAD) and Unified Modeling Language (UML) concepts.

Application Development

Create dynamic websites, multiplatform apps, and responsive web content while employing AI tools designed to streamline workflows and allow developers to focus on more complex projects:

  • Put AI tools to work in hands-on coding and app development projects to increase productivity, work smarter, and build a professional portfolio.

  • Study game programming and virtual reality platform creation while going hands-on with the exciting tech that powers these programs.

  • Explore immersive web design and study site structure and navigational models. Build skills in dynamic HTML, CSS, and more.

  • Design, code, and script for cross-platform applications such as mobile devices, wearables, smart gadgets, and other wireless tech in the IoT.

General Option

Learn to identify business and technology challenges and build out efficient, full-stack software solutions that align with organizational goals. You’ll study a variety of tools and tech to gain a strong foundation in software development:

  • Customize your curriculum with a wide range of courses, including some graduate-level options, that support your interests and career goals.

  • Develop a deep understanding of foundational technology and its influence on business, including programming, software product development, cyber security, networking, and more.

  • Learn the latest in machine learning and coding — and how to leverage these tools to position yourself as a vital member of tomorrow’s AI-enabled workforce.

Accreditation matters

Being accredited means we’ve met rigorous quality standards and are committed to giving you the education you deserve. Our accreditations and recognitions include:

  • The Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of ABET: Our Bachelor of Science in Software Development is accredited by CAC of ABET, www.abet.org, a global mark of quality respected by employers and professional associations within this field.

  • The Higher Learning Commission (HLC): Institutionally, DeVry University is accredited by the HLC, www.hlcommission.org. Our Keller Graduate School of Management is included in this accreditation.

Learn more about our
accreditations
ETAC of ABET logo

Software development careers are growing

Machine learning tools, app creation, game development, and website design — this work all relies on future-focused tech pros who keep their fundamentals strong and build fresh skills aligned with today’s job market needs. 

The good news is that software development jobs are predicted to grow 15% from 2024 to 2034, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, though actual local growth may vary. That’s over 129,000 jobs that need to be filled each year — which is faster than the average for all other occupations.

With an online software development degree, you can pursue software development careers like: 

  • AI application analyst

  • AI solutions specialist

  • Software architect

  • Software designer

  • Software developer

  • Software quality assurance analyst

Connect with our Career Services to explore networking opportunities and the exciting impact of AI on software development jobs during school and long after graduation.

Ways to save

Explore some ways to help make your education more affordable.

Scholarships and grants

Save money with a variety of scholarship and grant opportunities.2

Transfer credits

Your hard work matters: Transfer up to 80 qualifying credit hours.

Employer reimbursement

Find out if your employer offers tuition savings or reimbursement.

Military and veteran benefits

Learn about savings for veterans, active-duty U.S. military members, and their spouses.

Activate your future with an online software development degree

Turn your passion for coding into a career you love. Connect with us today.

Frequently asked questions

What is software development?

Software development is the process of creating applications and programs by converting their design into code with programming languages like Python or Java. The field is undergoing a transformation that includes adopting AI tools and other emerging software, making now an exciting time to consider software development.

What is the best online software development degree?

The best online software development degree for you depends on your experience and goals. We offer software development programs for every stage of your journey — whether you’re looking to build foundational knowledge, position yourself with a fresh skillset to navigate the impact of AI on software development jobs, or want to specialize more deeply in your current tech career. 

At DeVry, you can feel confident you’re gaining the career-focused skills you need from our expert instructors, online or on-campus classes,3 AI training, and content partnerships with CompTIA, ACI Learning, and other industry leaders.

Is software development hard?

How hard software development is depends on your experience, skills, and interests. This field requires a passion for innovation, strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to embrace new tools and technologies. Earning a software developer degree can help you build industry-relevant skills and confidence to step into the field.

What are the skills required for software development?

Software development requires a combination of technical and soft skills, which you can explore in our Bachelor’s in Software Development program. You’ll learn to code using industry-known programming languages, explore the role of generative AI in software development, and build algorithms and data structures. You’ll also gain a solid understanding of web architecture, frameworks, databases, and emerging technologies.

How do I get into software development?

You can get into the software development field by building skills in different programming languages and gaining experience with data structures and algorithms — which we’ll teach you in our Bachelor’s in Software Development program.

Our program will also provide you with AI education, industry certification preparation, exam reimbursement,4 portfolio-building lab classes, and networking opportunities, which can all help you build the career path you envision.

How do I apply to DeVry?

Applying is quick and easy: 

1. Talk to an admissions representative: Fill out a brief form, and we’ll reach out to walk you through the process.
2. Submit your application: We’ll take you through the application over the phone. If you prefer, you can apply online. It only takes 5-10 minutes.
3. Enroll in your first courses: Once you have applied and are accepted, we’ll help you build your schedule.

Learn more about admissions.

18 semesters to complete assumes enrollment in 15 credit hours per semester; enrollment in additional credit hours may be needed in some semesters.

2Scholarships are available to those who apply and qualify. Click here for more information, including any requirements or restrictions. Students may participate in only one DeVry University-based scholarship, grant or group tuition benefit program at a time. Those who qualify for more than one program will be presumed to accept the program with the highest reduction per session cost, unless the student confirms their desire to participate in a different program in writing prior to starting classes at DeVry. Scholarship and grant terms and eligibility conditions are subject to change.

3Program, course, and extended classroom availability vary by location. In site-based programs, students will be required to take a substantial amount of coursework online to complete their program.

4Qualified students may receive up to a $300 reimbursement for the cost of 1 exam attempt.