As computers only continue to become more necessary in our society, those equipped with skills to spur this growth onward may be prepared to pursue a variety of high-tech careers. As a student in the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Software Development degree program from Grand Canyon University, you will be taught to work with a variety of programming languages, mobile and web technologies, web application frameworks and cloud platforms. With project-driven courses and knowledgeable faculty who work in the industry, you have the opportunity to develop the skills needed to make an impact on the software development field.
The software development program at GCU offered practice and training for the field, rather than learning chemistry and physics concepts I would never use.
Hermes Minimi Bachelor of Science in Software Development, Class of 2021To prepare you to pursue high-tech positions, courses in the on-campus and online software development degree program are designed to provide you with experiences in both the theoretical and applied aspects of software development. Each course is taught by knowledgeable industry professionals who have real job experience with the concepts you are studying. Classes in our software development degree programs incorporate hands-on projects and assignments at every level.
Get More Information!GCU strives to make higher education accessible for all, which is why we’re pleased to offer a number of online degree programs, including this online software development degree. With our interactive e-learning platform, you can access your course materials from virtually anywhere and enjoy a convenient and flexible learning modality while engaging in meaningful online discussions with your peers and instructors. With no need to commute to our campus, you may find that it’s easier to make your studies fit into your existing schedule while still receiving the same quality of instruction and curriculum that our on-campus students receive.
If you prefer face-to-face instruction over online learning, you may wish to join our evening program modality. Our software development degree program offers evening classes, catering to the scheduling demands of individuals juggling full-time work or other responsibilities during the day. As an evening student, you’ll meet at our campus in Phoenix for classes on one evening each week, during which you can enjoy in-person academic discussions and hands-on learning activities.
GCU’s Bachelor of Science in Software Development degree program integrates a Christian worldview into your study of the technology industry. Explore the field and skills of software development ethically and morally from a biblical perspective. Classes offer the opportunity to explore technology and software development through a Christian lens, which is intended to lead to the development of a well-rounded skillset.
In our BS in Software Development program, you will have the opportunity to gain practical experience in real environments and platforms, potentially aligning with your future career. This can prepare you for the common challenges you might face in the workforce, transforming your tech passion into a fulfilling software development career.
Software developers create the technologies we interact with regularly. As a developer, you could have a hand in shaping how our society will use these technologies in the future. Some of the content areas covered in this software development degree program include:
This software development bachelor’s degree was developed to provide you with a thorough understanding and practical skill set needed for a career in the field. The skills you’ll be taught while pursuing a BS in Software Development at GCU include:
Software development degree programs are intended to prepare graduates for roles in a variety of fields and industries. Jobs in software development can potentially offer you the opportunity to transform your ideas into real technological advancements. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, software developers, quality assurance analysts and testers have a median annual wage of $124,200 as of May 2022. 1 Additionally, the BLS estimates job growth for software developers, quality assurance analysts and testers to be 25% from 2022 through 2032, much faster than average. This indicates that employers expect to hire about 451,200 of these professionals during this time period. 2
Estimated median annual wage for software developers, quality assurance analysts and testers in May 2022 1
Estimated job growth for software developers, quality assurance analysts and testers from 2022 to 2032 2
After completing the on-campus or online software development degree, you may have the opportunity to pursue a variety of careers, including:
With a longstanding tradition of striving for academic excellence and quality instruction, GCU is pleased to be an institutionally accredited university. Furthermore, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) has continually accredited GCU since 1968. The College of Engineering and Technology aligns with the university's dedication to maintaining the principles and standards set forth by our accrediting organizations.
You may find that pursuing a degree in software development to be an exciting and challenging journey, but it can also raise many questions along the way. We’ve provided you with answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the BS in Software Development from GCU.
Aspiring software developers typically need at least a bachelor's degree in software development, computer science or a related discipline to show potential employers that they have acquired the skills and knowledge needed for the position. In addition to an undergraduate degree, software developers may choose to position themselves to potentially take their careers to the next level by completing a graduate degree, such as a master's in software development program. 3
The complexity and wide variety of programming languages can make it a challenge. If you are fascinated with computers, technology and various programming platforms, a degree in software development may be a great choice for you. While the curriculum is designed to challenge you, applying yourself in your coursework and in your projects may help you while completing your degree and working toward becoming a software developer.
Our software development degree requires 120 credits for completion. Most of the software development courses on campus are 15 weeks in length. If you are participating in the online program, the courses are generally seven weeks in length. Fill out the form on this page to speak to a university counselor to better understand how long it may take to earn your degree in software development.
During this time, you will complete core coursework, explore theoretical and applied aspects of software design and development and perform hands-on projects and lessons designed to equip you with the skills needed to help you pursue your career path.
You typically need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree to qualify for positions as a software developer or similar jobs. Some employers may prefer to hire candidates with a master’s degree, particularly for mid-level or senior positions. 3 In addition, the following skills and qualities are helpful for aspiring software developers: 3
GCU’s software development degree is designed to offer opportunities for students to work on developing these essential skills and qualities.
Software development does not always require advanced math skills and the level of math proficiency needed can vary depending on the specific role and the nature of the software being developed. Many software developers use math as a tool to solve problems and build software, which having a foundational understanding of basic algebra, absolute values, averaging, Boolean Algebra and mathematical logic is valuable for problem-solving, but complex math is not consistently required. 4 Computer science degrees often provide essential coding skills and support various aspects of software engineering.
Securing voluntary software development certifications or certificates can help bolster your existing skills and knowledge, potentially making you a stronger candidate in the job market. There is a wide range of relevant certification options for software developers offered by both professional organizations and technology companies. 5
For example, you might consider pursuing a certificate of completion at GCU, such as our Undergraduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Foundations. This certificate may benefit software developers to create more secure and reliable software and contribute to a safer digital environment. Additionally, some software developers may decide to pursue an Undergraduate Certificate of Completion in Java Programming to help validate their skills and provide opportunities for continuous learning and networking in the Java development community.
The distinction between a software developer and a software engineer lies in their scope and focus within the tech industry. Software engineers oversee the design and development of comprehensive computer systems and large-scale applications, while software developers concentrate on crafting specific, smaller-scale computer systems and applications. This nuanced difference ensures each role plays a critical part in the technology sector's success. 6
Are you ready to pursue your passion for technology by earning a software development degree online or on campus at GCU? Fill out the form on this page to speak to a university counselor to learn more about GCU’s software development degree programs.
1 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers as of May 2022, retrieved on Nov. 3, 2023. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may also impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the BLS. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers from across the country with varying levels of education and experience and does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as software developers, quality assurance analysts and testers. It does not reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country. It also does not reflect a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. You may also wish to compare median salaries if you are considering more than one career path. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, and accept employment from, determines salary not only based on education, but also individual characteristics and skills and fit to that organization (among other categories) against a pool of candidates.
2 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as well. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2023, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Software Developers, Quality Analysts and Testers retrieved on Nov. 3, 2023.
3 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, Sept. 6). How to become a software developer, quality assurance analyst, or tester. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Nov. 3, 2023.
5 Stanford, J. (2022, Nov. 7). 14 best software development certifications for 2023. Springboard. Retrieved Nov. 3, 2023.
TOTAL CREDITS & COURSE LENGTH: Total Credits: 120Campus courses for this program are generally 15 weeks. The following courses have different lengths:
Online courses for this program are generally 7 weeks. The following courses have different lengths:
