Develop Software That Makes a Difference
The online Bachelor’s in Software Development degree program at DeVry University can help you to learn the contemporary techniques and tools used to create software applications. In this program, you'll have the opportunity learn how to manage and analyze data through our Tech Core curriculum, which was , designed to help you build a foundation of interdisciplinary skills needed 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 can help you gain a solid foundation of knowledge in operating systems, programming, hardware and connectivity. You can also develop your 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 22% on a national level from 2020-2030,1 much faster than average.
- 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 can help you build your 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 program can 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. Build 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 work to develop the skills and techniques used to create effective websites and mobile applications. Our 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 that can help you prepare for today’s Internet of Things (IoT) economy.
Why DeVry?
Complimentary Laptop
You’ll get a complimentary laptop as part of your technology program2. It’s our way of investing in your education—and you.
Work With IoT Technologies & Systems
Immerse yourself in the Internet of Things (IoT) world and obtain hands-on experience with IoT, cloud, software and security technologies and systems.
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+
Other certifications may also be eligible for reimbursement. Speak to your Student Support Advisor for additional information.
What You'll Learn
The Software Development degree program is built upon our tech-empowered learning approach. This program covers the following:
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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.
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Software Systems Analysis and Design
Develop information system models and design system requirements to identify and solve business problems. -
Web Distributed Systems
Learn 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. -
Application Development
Develop applications using skills in analysis, interface design, programming, coding and scripting, as well as database connectivity. -
Product Life Cycle Management
Understand 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.
Embedded Programs - Demonstrate Skills at Every Step
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 at DeVry3.
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 22% on a national level through 2030,1 faster than the average for all occupations in the United States.
With a bachelor’s-level online software development degree, DeVry’s graduates may consider such careers as:
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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
Skill Focused Curriculum
Elements of the curriculum are aligned to industry certifications to help you validate your knowledge and skills as you prepare to pursue such certification exams as:
- CompTIA A+: This certification exam is designed to demonstrate your capabilities with information technology skills relevant to IT operational and technical support roles.
- CompTIA Linux+: This certification shows your proficiency with common tasks in distributions of Linux operating systems including installing, updating and configuring software applications.
- CompTIA Network+: This is an entry-level certification that measures your abilities as an IT network technician and shows your baseline competency at a variety of networking tasks.
- CompTIA Cloud+: This certification is focused on skills surrounding the deployment and automation of cloud environments. It can be a useful certification for those who wish to work with cutting edge technologies like cloud computing.
General Education Courses
Communication Skills
| ENGL112 | Composition |
| ENGL135 | Advanced Composition |
| ENGL216 | Technical Writing |
One of:
| SPCH275 | Public Speaking |
| SPCH276 | Intercultural Communication |
Humanities
| LAS432 | Technology, Society and Culture |
One of:
| ETHC232 | Ethical and Legal Issues in the Professions |
| ETHC334 | Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace |
Social Sciences
| ECON312 | Principles of Economics |
| SOCS185 | Culture and Society |
One of:
| SOCS325 | Environmental Sociology |
| SOCS350 | Cultural Diversity in the Professions |
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
| CEIS150 | Programming with Objects |
| CEIS209 | Intermediate Programming |
| CEIS236 | Database Systems and Programming Fundamentals |
| CEIS295 | Data Structures and Algorithms |
| CIS355A | Business Application Programming with Lab |
Analysis and Design
| BIAM110 | Introduction to Business Analytics |
| CEIS310 | Process Improvement with Machine Learning |
| CEIS312 | Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning |
Career Preparation
| CEIS299 | Careers and Technology |
| CEIS499 | Preparation for the Profession |
| MGMT404 | Project Management |
| TECH460 | Senior Project |
FAQs: Software Development Degree
What software development degree specializations are available?
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?
Can I earn a Bachelor's in Software Development online?
Do the credits I earn as part of a Bachelor's in Software Development program count toward other degrees?
"I have been attending DeVry online since May of 2021 and have enjoyed the flexibility in my Software Development program as well as the communication from the school. DeVry offers many resources. I recommend DeVry University to family and friends all the time, and view what I've learned at DeVry as crucial for my future career and lifestyle."
About 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).
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Program Overview
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1Growth projected on a national level. Local growth will vary by location. https://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 in Cybersecurity and Networking, Associate in Information Technology and Networking, Associate in Engineering Technology, Bachelor’s of Information Technology and Networking, Bachelor’s of Software Development, Bachelor’s of Engineering Technology, Bachelor’s of Network and Communications Management and Bachelor’s of Computer Information Systems. The laptop is issued during the student’s second session. Certain restrictions apply.
3At the time of application to the next credential level, an evaluation of qualifying transfer credit will occur and the most beneficial outcome will be applied.
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.
