Software Development Overview
Computers must have software in order to function. Software is the system interface that connects you to a computer, tablet or smartphone. It's a specific set of programs, procedures, and algorithms that requires advance knowledge to develop. Each year, enterprising developers and companies create an array of cloud, mobile and web-based offerings designed to make business more effective and our lives more enjoyable.
If this sounds like the career you've been looking for, consider earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer and Information Systems with a Concentration in Software Development. Through ECPI University's year-round schedule, you could graduate in just 2.5 years!
For more information about this program, please see the program description in the University Catalog. Software Development Program Description
What You Can Learn in Software Development
Through ECPI's hands-on curriculum, you can learn how to write and maintain source code and become knowledgeable in the planning and structured process involved with software development. You will learn to develop efficient and scalable programs, mobile and web applications, and cloud-based software using languages and technologies such as Java, C#, Objective-C, Python, iOS, Android, jQuery, Google App Engine, BigTable, and MongoDB.
Building upon ECPI's tradition of providing an interactive and "real world" hands-on education, graduates of this program are prepared to:
- Effectively analyze customer requirements
- Develop desktop, mobile, web, and cloud applications
- Integrate with relational databases like Oracle and MySQL, and non-relational databases like BigTable (used by Google) and MongoDB (used by Foursquare)
- Design and implement RESTful web services
- Apply information assurance knowledge to the design of secure applications
- Deploy applications through thin clients (computer programs which depends heavily on another computer or server to fulfill its traditional computational roles)
- Use professional software development tools and source code management systems
The program includes instruction in many areas including:
- Ethical and professional practices
- Logic and decision processes
- Problem resolution
- Oral and written communication skills
- Customer service skills
- Best practices in software development
Where You Can Go In Software Development
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for software developers between 2010 and 2020 is expected to increase by 30%, which is much faster than the average for all occupations (14%).*
Software Development graduates are prepared for positions in a wide spectrum of industries, including:
- Social Media
- Education
- Defense
- Healthcare
- Advanced Manufacturing
Job titles for these positions include:
- Mobile Application Developer
- Cloud Application Developer
- Software Developer
- Healthcare
- Web Developer
- Independent Video Game Developer
* Derived from U.S. Dept. of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition
Future Possible Careers for This Program
| 11.0101 | Computer and Information Sciences | |
|---|---|---|
| 15-1141.00 | Database Administrators Bright Outlook | |
| 15-1142.00 | Network and Computer Systems Administrators Bright Outlook | |
| 15-1122.00 | Information Security Analysts | |
| 15-1152.00 | Computer Network Support Specialists Bright Outlook | |
| 15-1143.00 | Computer Network Architects | |
Success
Time frame: July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012 Award Year 2011-12
Q
How long will it take to complete this program?
A
The program is designed to take 30 months to complete.
--% of graduates from this program finish in this time.*
The median time for graduates to complete this program is -- months.*
*For the period June 2011 to June 2012, there were no graduates from this newer program.
Cost
Q
What is the total cost of this program for me?
A
At ECPI University, programs are competitively priced and are designed to help you achieve your goals. Through our year-round schedule, you could earn your Bachelor's degree in 2.5 years. That can give you the edge over students at other colleges who might still be attending class.
| Program Cost/Tuition Chart | |
|---|---|
| Books & Supplies | $2,280.00 |
| Tuition and Fees | $56,070.00 |
| Total Tuition | $58,350.00 |
Foundation course requirements can result in additional costs and increase the time to graduation. Actual cost may vary depending on actual time to graduate, and subject to any necessary tuition increases. (for all programs and schools)
Financing
Time frame: July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012 Award Year 2011-12.
Q
What are my financing options to pay for the program?
A
In addition to any grant and scholarship aid for which they are eligible, graduates used loans to finance their education. The median debt for program graduates is:
| Loan Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Federal Median Loans | $--- |
| Private Median Loans | $--- |
| Institutional Median Loans | $--- |
*This is a newer program. No graduates reported for this period.
