Software Development, Basic Certificate

Program Code: 0442

Program Requirements

Required Program Core
MATH 118General Education Math (or higher General Education Mathematics) 14
or MATH 140 College Algebra
CIS 101Computer Science 1013
CIS 103Fundamentals of Programming3
CIS 142C++ Object Oriented Programming I3
or CIS 144 Java Object Oriented Programming I
CIS 181Web Development I/Basic Web Technologies3
CIS 245 Principles of Software Development3
Select one of the following:3
Web Development II/Client Side Scripting
Web Development III/Server Side Programming
Client-Server Database I
Total Hours22
1

MATH 140 College Algebra is a prerequisite for MATH 146 Discrete Mathematics, which may be applied to the Software Development Associate in Applied Science Degree. Higher numbered courses can also fulfill this requirement.

Pathway

This is an example course sequence for students interested in earning a Basic Certificate in Software Development. It does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If this pathway is followed as outlined, you will earn a Basic Certificate (BC) in Software Development.

Semester-by-Semester Pathway for Full-Time Students

All plans can be modified to fit the needs of part-time students by adding more semesters.

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Hours
MATH 118
General Education Math (or higher General Education Mathematics) 1
or College Algebra
4
CIS 101 Computer Science 101 3
CIS 103 Fundamentals of Programming 3
CIS 181 Web Development I/Basic Web Technologies 3
 Hours13
Semester 2
CIS 142
C++ Object Oriented Programming I
or Java Object Oriented Programming I
3
CIS 245 Principles of Software Development 3
Select one of the following: 3
Web Development II/Client Side Scripting  
Web Development III/Server Side Programming  
Client-Server Database I  
 Hours9
 Total Hours22
1

MATH 140 College Algebra is a prerequisite for MATH 146 Discrete Mathematics, which may be applied to the Software Development Associate in Applied Science Degree

Careers

This program can prepare students for the jobs listed below. Click on each one to learn more, including average earnings, annual job openings, and how much education people in that field have. For additional guidance and resources on career options, current City Colleges students and alumni can contact the Career Services Office.

Computer Programmers

Job Description

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

Salary Based on Experience Level

Take a look at the average hourly/annual earnings for this career in Cook County

Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES data from the BLS and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.

Annual Wages

Entry-Level 10th Percentile$48,630
Median 50th Percentile$79,323
Senior-Level 90th Percentile$144,882

Hourly Wages

Entry-Level 10th Percentile$23
Median 50th Percentile$38
Senior-Level 90th Percentile$70

Annual Job Openings

75 annual openings in Cook County

National Education Attainment

Here, you can see the level of education that people in this career complete.

Degree Program% of Jobs
A high school diploma or less0.00%
A certificate0.00%
Some college2.52%
An Associate degree8.99%
A Bachelor's degree88.04%
A Master's or Professional degree0.45%
A Doctoral degree or more0.00%

88.49% continue their education beyond an associate degree

Software Developers

Job Description

Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

Salary Based on Experience Level

Take a look at the average hourly/annual earnings for this career in Cook County

Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES data from the BLS and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.

Annual Wages

Entry-Level 10th Percentile$78,089
Median 50th Percentile$130,702
Senior-Level 90th Percentile$181,191

Hourly Wages

Entry-Level 10th Percentile$38
Median 50th Percentile$63
Senior-Level 90th Percentile$87

Annual Job Openings

1599 annual openings in Cook County

National Education Attainment

Here, you can see the level of education that people in this career complete.

Degree Program% of Jobs
A high school diploma or less0.00%
A certificate1.41%
Some college0.00%
An Associate degree3.23%
A Bachelor's degree79.73%
A Master's or Professional degree15.64%
A Doctoral degree or more0.00%

95.37% continue their education beyond an associate degree