Saint Joseph’s University’s Master of Science in computer science is a 30-credit program built on a core curriculum of software development with an additional specialized concentration in artificial intelligence, web and database technologies and cybersecurity.
Overview
With a certificate in software development from Saint Joseph’s University, you will grow your knowledge with a certificate to add to your resume. You can also decide to continue on to earn your Master of Science in computer science by adding an additional certificate in web and database technologies or artificial intelligence, depending on your interests and career goals. This certificate is completed in five courses or 15 credits.
What Is the Software Development Certificate?
The software development certificate from Saint Joseph’s University provides functional knowledge in computer science that is valuable in the workplace for career advancement or a stepping stone on the path to a graduate degree. You will learn to analyze contemporary issues related to the evolving discipline of computer science and gain the skills to adapt and evolve in a complex technological environment.
Saint Joseph’s software development certificate teaches students the methodologies and processes of software development that are critical for software developer jobs in addition to instilling the value of careful, precise thinking. You will gain the ability to identify, formulate and solve problems encountered when constructing solutions in computer science and related fields. The certificate covers topics such as computer architecture and systems, data structures and designs.
In-Demand Industry
Employment of software developers is projected to grow 22% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. There is an increased need for new applications on smartphones, tablets and appliances. In addition, the healthcare, medical insurance and many other industries have a growing demand for skilled professionals to develop innovative software.
Online and On-Campus Courses
The software development certificate combines online and on-campus courses. Our program provides personal attention from faculty as well as opportunities for meaningful interactions with your peers.
Certificate Courses
The certificate requires the completion of the following five courses. Students without adequate programming background are required to take CSC 503 Java Programming, which will count toward one of the required courses:
- CSC 550 Object Oriented Design and Data Structures
- CSC 551 Design and Analysis of Algorithms
- Three electives from the approved list, including courses covering computer architecture, systems and software engineering
Build Your Specialized Master's Degree with Stacking Certificates
The software development certificate can be completed as a standalone certificate or as part of the Computer Science M.S. from Saint Joseph's. To earn your computer science master's degree, you can stack the software development certificate with either one of our five-course, specialty certificates: artificial intelligence or web and database technologies. Once you complete both certificates, you will be awarded a Master of Science in computer science.
Whether you enroll in the certificate on its own or stack it as part of a Computer Science M.S., you will receive a certificate credential that can be added to your resume.
What Can I Do with a Software Development Certificate?
Across all industries, the demand for professionals with a strong understanding of software development and engineering, as well as computer systems and architecture, continues to grow. A certificate in software development prepares you for many job opportunities, including:
- Java developer
- Mobile application developer
- Software developer
- Software engineer
- Video game designer
- Computer systems analyst
How Will Saint Joseph's University Help Me Advance My Career in Computer Science?
As a student in the software development certificate program at Saint Joseph’s, you will learn from faculty experts in the Department of Computer Science who are on the cutting edge of the computer science industry. The computer science program at Saint Joseph’s prepares students to be precise thinkers with the intellectual preparation they need to apply what they have learned, communicate it to others and continue to be lifelong learners. In the program, you will hone your skills, learn from top industry leaders and obtain real-world experience and specialized skills for a successful career. The certificate curriculum is focused on a specific field of study, providing you the opportunity to take a deep dive into an area that interests you and further your career.
By earning a software development certificate from Saint Joseph’s, you will have an industry credential and knowledge that sets you apart. You will be a thoughtful, precise, critical thinker with the ability to solve complex problems and implement solutions in an appropriate computational environment. Graduates from Saint Joseph’s apply the knowledge and experience they have gained in our classrooms to real-world problems that they face in computer science roles.
Pursuing computer science and software development at Saint Joseph's gives you the added benefit of being in Philadelphia, one of the major corporate centers in the U.S. and headquarters for more than a dozen Fortune 500 companies.
At-a-Glance
| Length |
Average part-time: 2-4 semesters, or -12 months. This certificate is self-paced so you can take as many courses in a semester that make sense with your schedule and goals. |
| Credits |
15 credits or 5 courses |
| Start Terms |
Fall |
|
Format |
Online, on-campus |
| Tuition for 2022-2023 |
$1,011 per credit hour. Learn more about our tuition & fees. |
|
Stack this Certificate into a Master’s Program |
The credits of the software development certificate can be applied towards the Computer Science M.S. |
| Potential Career Paths |
The software development certificate helps prepare graduates for jobs such as:
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| Admission Requirements |
Students without adequate programming background are required to take CSC 503 Java Programming, which will count toward one of the required courses of the certificate. |
| Application Information |
The GMAT is not required for certificates. To learn more about the admission process and required materials, Graduate Admission can provide more information and answer any questions. |
| Financial Aid |
Scholarships, federal and state grants, loans and other types of financial aid may be available to those who qualify. Our Office of Financial Aid can help you understand your options. |
|
Discount Eligibility |
*note - discounts cannot be combined. |
|
Veterans |
Saint Joseph's is a Yellow Ribbon School that accepts GI education benefits. Our Office of Veterans Services can help you access and understand your benefits. |
For additional information regarding whether SJU’s programs meet educational requirements for professional licensure/certification, please visit https://www.sju.edu/disclosures.
Related Programs
The web and database technologies certificate from Saint Joseph’s University is offered for students looking to gain a specialty for their resume. This certificate is completed in 15 credits and can be stacked into the Computer Science M.S.
The artificial intelligence certificate from Saint Joseph’s University is offered for students looking to specialize in big data, web intelligence and machine learning. This 15-credit certificate can be stacked into the Computer Science M.S.