Software Development, Basic Certificate
College(s):
DA* HW* KK* MX* OH* TR* WR*Program Code: 0442
*This program is not currently accepting new students
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 Basic Certificate provides an opportunity for students to learn industry-standards through different programming languages including HTML 5 and CSS 3, Python, C++ or Java, and SQL. Students will acquire hands-on experience that develop skills using the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) in the analysis, design, implementation, and maintenance of software applications with those programming languages.
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 142 | C++ Object Oriented Programming I | 3 |
| or CIS 144 | Java Object Oriented Programming I | |
| CIS 181 | Web Development I/Basic Web Technologies | 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 | ||
| Total Hours | 22 | |
| 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.
| 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 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 | ||
| Hours | 9 | |
| Total Hours | 22 | |
| 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, forms, and script that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software developers or other individuals. May assist software developers by analyzing user needs and designing software solutions. 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 | $38,330 |
|---|---|
| Median 50th Percentile | $92,796 |
| Senior-Level 90th Percentile | $151,549 |
Hourly Wages
| Entry-Level 10th Percentile | $18 |
|---|---|
| Median 50th Percentile | $45 |
| Senior-Level 90th Percentile | $73 |
Annual Job Openings
314 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, Applications
Job Description
Develop, create, and modify general computer applications software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions. Design software or customize software for client use with the aim of optimizing operational efficiency. May analyze and design databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team. May supervise computer programmers.
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 | $67,044 |
|---|---|
| Median 50th Percentile | $105,436 |
| Senior-Level 90th Percentile | $159,508 |
Hourly Wages
| Entry-Level 10th Percentile | $32 |
|---|---|
| Median 50th Percentile | $51 |
| Senior-Level 90th Percentile | $77 |
Annual Job Openings
2509 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
Software Developers, Systems Software
Job Description
Research, design, develop, and test operating systems-level software, compilers, and network distribution software for medical, industrial, military, communications, aerospace, business, scientific, and general computing applications. Set operational specifications and formulate and analyze software requirements. May design embedded systems software. Apply principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis.
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 | $67,044 |
|---|---|
| Median 50th Percentile | $105,436 |
| Senior-Level 90th Percentile | $159,508 |
Hourly Wages
| Entry-Level 10th Percentile | $32 |
|---|---|
| Median 50th Percentile | $51 |
| Senior-Level 90th Percentile | $77 |
Annual Job Openings
2509 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 | 1.00% |
| Some college | 0.14% |
| An Associate degree | 3.65% |
| A Bachelor's degree | 78.41% |
| A Master's or Professional degree | 16.81% |
| A Doctoral degree or more | 0.00% |
95.22% continue their education beyond an associate degree