Software Development, Graduate Certificate

Program Overview

Invest In Your Tech Career Online with UNC Charlotte

In today’s fast-paced digital world, software development stands as a cornerstone of technological advancement and a critical skill set for aspiring professionals. The UNC Charlotte Graduate Certificate in Software Development offers a golden opportunity for individuals aiming to break into the field of software development or enhance their existing expertise. Designed with flexibility in mind, this online program caters to working professionals and provides a comprehensive foundation in software development principles.

Program Curriculum Highlights

Object-Oriented Programming: Master the art of object-oriented programming (OOP), a fundamental skill in software development that enables you to write modular, reusable code.

Software Application Design and Implementation: Learn how to design and implement robust software applications that meet user requirements and stand the test of time.

Agile Methodologies: Gain proficiency in Agile methodologies, an industry-standard framework for efficient and adaptive software development.

Database Systems and Application Integration: Understand the intricacies of database systems and how to integrate them seamlessly into software applications.

Program Contact

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  • Delivery
    Online
  • Credits
    15 Credit Hours
  • Admits
    Fall & Spring

Who Should Enroll?

This certificate is designed for a wide range of individuals, including:

  • Non-CS Graduates: Individuals without an undergraduate degree in computer science who wish to pivot into the tech industry.
  • Professionals Seeking Updates: Those who have completed a computing degree years ago and wish to update their knowledge and skills.
  • IT Workers Lacking Formal Training: IT professionals or those in the computing field lacking formal education or training in programming or coding.
  • Career Shifters: Individuals looking to add programming to their skill set and open up new career opportunities in software development.

Transform Your Future with Software Development

Whether you aim to transition into software development, update your skills, or position yourself for further academic pursuits, the UNC Charlotte online Graduate Certificate in Software Development offers the knowledge and skills you need to succeed.

Courses

Grade Requirements: A cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required, and at most one course with a grade of C may be allowed towards the certificate.

Five (5) graduate level, 16 week courses (15 credits)

  • ITIS 5101: Foundations of Programming (3 credits)
  • ITIS 5135: Web-based Application Development (3 credits)
  • ITIS 5166: Network-Based Application Development (3 credits)
  • ITIS 6122: Software System Design and Implementation (3 credits)
  • ITIS 6120: Applied Databases (3 credits)

Students must start with ITIS 5101 to gain experience in programming.  ITIS 5135 can be taken concurrently with ITIS 5101.  Both ITIS 5101 and ITIS 5135 should be completed prior to taking the remaining 3 courses in the certificate

Admissions

Application Deadlines: 

  • August 1 (fall)
  • December 1 (spring)

Admissions & Requirements:

  • A bachelor’s degree from a regionally college or university accredited by US Department of Education-recognized accreditor.
  • Undergraduate GPA 2.75 on a 4.0 scale
  • An online application through the Graduate School’s application system 
  • A statement of purpose
  • Transcripts of all college coursework attempted
  • Resume

To earn the online Graduate Certificate in Software Development, students must complete all listed requirements with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, and at most one course with a grade of C may be allowed towards the certificate.  All requirements must be completed within 5 years, starting from the semester when the first course in the certificate is taken.  Coursework taken in this graduate certificate cannot apply towards a second graduate certificate, but some coursework can be applied to the Master of Science in Information Technology with approval of the Department Graduate Program Director.

Application

Applicants can apply via the Graduate Admissions application portal.

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Outlook

Software development remains one of the fastest-growing and most sought-after skills in the job market. According to Lightcast, over 5,900 job postings in North Carolina from January 2024 through July 2024 specifically list software development as a key requirement. The demand is particularly high in major cities such as Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Morrisville, and Greensboro.

The most frequently posted job titles in this field include Software Engineers, Software Developers, Java Developers, and Embedded Software Engineers. This growing demand highlights the importance of acquiring specialized skills in software development, making it an excellent focus for graduate certificate programs at UNC Charlotte. By enrolling in our program, you can gain the expertise needed to excel in these high-demand roles and advance your career in this dynamic industry.

Why UNC Charlotte?

Key Features of the Program

Diverse Career Opportunities: Graduates can pursue various roles in the tech industry, including Software Engineer, Computer Programmer, Coder, Software Developer, and Java Developer.

100% Online and Asynchronous Learning: Fit your studies around your schedule with our fully online, asynchronous classes. Ideal for working professionals looking to advance their careers without sacrificing their current positions.

Rapid Completion: Achieve your Graduate Certificate in Software Development in as little as 3 semesters, propelling you faster toward your career goals.

Tuition

*Rates are subject to change* 

Resident:

  • $288.82 per credit hour

Outside of NC Non-Resident:

  • $536.98 per credit hour

Non Resident:

  • $1,098.21 per credit hour

Find more information regarding tuition and fees here ».

Additional Information

This graduate certificate can be pursued as a standalone option for post-baccalaureate and post-master’s students or concurrently with a related graduate degree program at UNC Charlotte. The 15 credit hours earned in this certificate program may be applied to graduate programs in the Department of Software and Information Systems, with the approval of the department Graduate Program Director.