Software Development, Advanced Certificate
College(s):
DA HW KK MX* OH TR* WRProgram Code: 0441
*This program is not currently enrolling new students at Malcolm X or Truman Colleges. Please see the Software Development BC or AAS for those colleges.
In an increasingly digital world, software development is key to the technology we use in our daily lives. There is now a growing need for software developers to create new mobile applications and software services in a variety of businesses and fields. City Colleges’ Software Development program teaches students several in-demand programming languages, including Python, C++, Java and JavaScript. Through the courses, students will learn the whole life cycle of software and be ready to meet employer demands.
The Advanced Certificate provides a more advanced level of C++ or Java (data structure), JavaScript/jQuery (frontend website programming language). Students will also build skills with either PHP (backend website programming language) or Android Studio (mobile application development), and have the chance to obtain hands-on experience through a variety of projects.
Related Degrees and Certificates
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Program Core | ||
| MATH 118 | General Education Math 1 | 4 |
| or MATH 140 | College Algebra | |
| CIS 101 | Computer Science 101 | 3 |
| CIS 103 | Fundamentals of Programming | 3 |
| CIS 114 | Mobile Application Development | 3 |
| or CIS 281 | Web Development III/Server Side Programming | |
| CIS 142 | C++ Object Oriented Programming I | 3 |
| CIS 144 | Java Object Oriented Programming I | 3 |
| CIS 181 | Web Development I/Basic Web Technologies | 3 |
| CIS 182 | Web Development II/Client Side Scripting | 3 |
| CIS 242 | C++ Object Oriented Programming II | 3 |
| or CIS 244 | Java Object Oriented Programming II | |
| CIS 245 Principles of Software Development | 3 | |
| NET TEC 101 | Client-Server Database I | 3 |
| Total Hours | 34 | |
Pathway
This is an example course sequence for students interested in earning an Advanced 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) and an Advanced Certificate (AC) in Software Development.
Semester-By-Semester Program Plan for Full-Time Students
All plans can be modified to fit the needs of part-time students by adding more semesters.
| Semester 1 | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 118 or MATH 140 | General Education Math 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 |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| CIS 142 or CIS 144 | C++ Object Oriented Programming I or Java Object Oriented Programming I | 3 |
| CIS 182 | Web Development II/Client Side Scripting | 3 |
| CIS 245 | Principles of Software Development | 3 |
| NET TEC 101 | Client-Server Database I | 3 |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| CIS 114 or CIS 281 | Mobile Application Development or Web Development III/Server Side Programming | 3 |
| CIS 142 or CIS 281 | C++ Object Oriented Programming I or Web Development III/Server Side Programming | 3 |
| CIS 242 or CIS 244 | C++ Object Oriented Programming II or Java Object Oriented Programming II | 3 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Total Hours | 34 | |
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
Emsi 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 | $61,004 |
|---|---|
| Median 50th Percentile | $105,689 |
| Senior-Level 90th Percentile | $157,550 |
Hourly Wages
| Entry-Level 10th Percentile | $29 |
|---|---|
| Median 50th Percentile | $51 |
| Senior-Level 90th Percentile | $76 |
Annual Job Openings
219 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 less | 0.00% |
| A certificate | 0.00% |
| Some college | 2.52% |
| An Associate degree | 8.99% |
| A Bachelor's degree | 88.04% |
| A Master's or Professional degree | 0.45% |
| A Doctoral degree or more | 0.00% |
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
Emsi 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 | $68,475 |
|---|---|
| Median 50th Percentile | $111,498 |
| Senior-Level 90th Percentile | $167,108 |
Hourly Wages
| Entry-Level 10th Percentile | $33 |
|---|---|
| Median 50th Percentile | $54 |
| Senior-Level 90th Percentile | $80 |
Annual Job Openings
2347 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 less | 0.00% |
| A certificate | 1.41% |
| Some college | 0.00% |
| An Associate degree | 3.23% |
| A Bachelor's degree | 79.73% |
| A Master's or Professional degree | 15.64% |
| A Doctoral degree or more | 0.00% |
95.37% continue their education beyond an associate degree