61 Semester Credit Hours; Curriculum: 0120
This degree prepares the student to become proficient in writing business-oriented computer programs and to develop skills in a wide range of topics, from foundational programming concepts to advanced application development. Students will gain proficiency in various programming languages, development tools and best practices, enabling them to build and maintain software applications that meet industry standards and demands.
Students may select one of three different tracks: general programmer, mobile programmer, or web programmer.
Note: Refer to IAI General Education Courses page for guidelines on General Education course selection.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Requirements | ||
| Area A — Communications | ||
| EGL 101 | Composition I | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Composition II | ||
| Introduction to Business and Technical Writing (recommended) | ||
| Writing Digital Content | ||
| Technical Writing Applications (recommended) | ||
| Effective Speech (recommended) | ||
| Area B — Mathematics | ||
| Select seven credit hours from Area B — Mathematics (MAT 140 or higher required) | 7 | |
| College Algebra (recommended) | ||
| Discrete Mathematics (recommended) | ||
| Area C — Science | ||
| No course needed | 0 | |
| Area D — Social and Behavioral Sciences | ||
| One course from a social or behavioral science discipline | 3 | |
| Area E — Humanities/Fine Arts | ||
| One course from a humanities or fine arts discipline | 3 | |
| Area F — Global Studies 1 | ||
| One course that satisfies Global Studies requirement | 0-3 | |
| Area G — U.S. Diversity Studies 2 | ||
| One course that satisfies U.S. Diversity Studies requirement | 0-3 | |
| Total Hours | 19 | |
- 1
Students may take a Global Studies course that satisfies both Area F and another Area requirement.
- 2
Students may take a U.S. Diversity Studies course that satisfies both Area G and another Area requirement.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | ||
| CIS 101 | Introduction to Computer Information Systems | 3 |
| CIS 131 | Web Page Development | 4 |
| CIS 136 | Project Management Fundamentals Using Agile Principles | 3 |
| CIS 143 | Introduction to SQL | 3 |
| or CIS 241 | Database Management | |
| CIS 171 | Advanced Web Page Development | 3 |
| CIS 204 | Introduction to System Analysis and Design | 3 |
| CIS 205 | Documentation and Technical Writing | 3 |
| CIS 270 | Automated Testing and Deployment | 3 |
| Select one of the following course sequences: | 6 | |
| C++ Computer Science I and C++ Data Structures | ||
| Java Computer Science I and Java Data Structures | ||
| Python Computer Science I and Python Data Structures | ||
| CSC 255 | Objects and Algorithms | 3 |
| Select one of the following eight credit hour tracks: | 8 | |
| Total Hours | 42 | |
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Programmer Track | ||
| Select two of the following: | 8 | |
| Visual Basic for Applications | ||
| Database Programming for PCs | ||
| Visual Basic .NET Programming for Files and Databases | ||
| Java Programming | ||
| Advanced Topics in Visual Basic .NET Programming | ||
| Java Programming Using Files and Databases | ||
| C# Programming | ||
| Advanced Java Programming | ||
| Total Hours | 8 | |
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Programmer Track | ||
| Select one of the following course sequences: | 8 | |
| Apps Programming for Apple Mobile Devices and Advanced Apps Programming Using Apple Mobile Devices | ||
| Or | ||
| Apps Programming for Android Mobile Devices and Advanced Apps Programming for Android Mobile Devices | ||
| Total Hours | 8 | |
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Web Developer Track | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Web Site Maintenance and Management | ||
| Web Scripting | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Active Server Pages | ||
| Web Database Management | ||
| Total Hours | 8 | |
Internship (recommended):
An internship in a software development degree is vital as it provides hands-on, real-world experience, allowing students to apply their theoretical knowledge, gain practical skills, and build a professional network crucial for launching a successful career in the field. In addition to finding internships on their own, students are welcome to use Oakton's Internship program for assistance in finding an internship. Please visit www.oakton.edu/internships or email internships@oakton.edu for more information.
Note: Pathway is a recommended sequence and selection of courses. Part-time students should contact the department chair to discuss a part-time pathway as well as course prerequisites and recommendations.
Software Developer Pathway
The following Pathway is recommended for students pursuing an Associate in Applied Science degree in Software Development. For more information or program specific advising contact the program co-coordinators. General Education courses should be selected from the list of IAI General Education Courses.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Semester One | Hours | |
| EGL 101 | Composition I | 3 |
| MAT 140 | College Algebra | 4 |
| CIS 101 | Introduction to Computer Information Systems | 3 |
| CIS 131 | Web Page Development | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| C++ Computer Science I | ||
| Java Computer Science I | ||
| Python Computer Science I | ||
| Hours | 17 | |
| Semester Two | ||
| CIS 143 or CIS 241 | Introduction to SQL or Database Management | 3 |
| CIS 171 | Advanced Web Page Development | 3 |
| MAT/CSC 144 | Discrete Mathematics | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Composition II | ||
| Introduction to Business and Technical Writing (recommended) | ||
| Writing Digital Content | ||
| Technical Writing Applications (recommended) | ||
| Effective Speech (recommeended) | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
Note: Take a course in the same programming language that you took in the first semester | ||
| C++ Data Structures | ||
| Java Data Structures | ||
| Python Data Structures | ||
| Hours | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Semester One | ||
| CIS 136 | Project Management Fundamentals Using Agile Principles | 3 |
| CIS 204 | Introduction to System Analysis and Design | 3 |
| CIS 205 | Documentation and Technical Writing | 3 |
| Select courses to total a minimum of eight credit hours from one of the tracks listed below | 8 | |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Semester Two | ||
| CIS 270 | Automated Testing and Deployment | 3 |
| CSC 255 | Objects and Algorithms | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Art History: Art of the Non-Western World 1 | ||
| Introduction to Global Literature 1 | ||
| Global Cinema 1 | ||
| Introduction to World Music 1 | ||
| World Mythologies 1 | ||
| Asian Humanities 1 | ||
| World Religions 1 | ||
| Asian Philosophy 1 | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Sociology 2 | ||
| Social Problems 3 | ||
| Sociology of Marriage and Family 2 | ||
| Sociology of Sex and Gender 2 | ||
| Sociology of Race and Ethnicity 2 | ||
| Introduction to Ethnic Studies 2 | ||
| Hours | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 61 | |
- 1
Course fulfills the Global Studies requirement. At least one Global Studies course is required for degree completion.
- 2
Course fulfills the U.S. Diversity Studies requirement. At least one U.S. Diversity Studies course is required for degree completion.
- 3
Course fulfills both the Global Studies and U.S. Diversity Studies requirement.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Programmer Track | ||
| Select two of the following: | 8 | |
| Visual Basic for Applications | ||
| Database Programming for PCs | ||
| Visual Basic .NET Programming for Files and Databases | ||
| Java Programming | ||
| Advanced Topics in Visual Basic .NET Programming | ||
| Java Programming Using Files and Databases | ||
| C# Programming | ||
| Advanced Java Programming | ||
| Total Hours | 8 | |
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Programmer Track | ||
| Select one of the following course sequences: | 8 | |
| Apps Programming for Apple Mobile Devices and Advanced Apps Programming Using Apple Mobile Devices | ||
| Or | ||
| Apps Programming for Android Mobile Devices and Advanced Apps Programming for Android Mobile Devices | ||
| Total Hours | 8 | |
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Web Developer Track | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Web Site Maintenance and Management | ||
| Web Scripting | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Active Server Pages | ||
| Web Database Management | ||
| Total Hours | 8 | |
Internship (recommended):
An internship in a software development degree is vital as it provides hands-on, real-world experience, allowing students to apply their theoretical knowledge, gain practical skills, and build a professional network crucial for launching a successful career in the field. In addition to finding internships on their own, students are welcome to use Oakton's Internship program for assistance in finding an internship. Please visit www.oakton.edu/internships or email internships@oakton.edu for more information.
Note: Pathway is a recommended sequence and selection of courses. Part-time students should contact the department chair to discuss a part-time pathway as well as course prerequisites and recommendations.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Architect, implement and debug complex business applications using web scripting and a diverse range of programming languages.
- Integrate database usage into computer programs.
- Demonstrate effective teamwork skills.
- Compose clear and effective technical documentation to convey complex concepts to diverse audiences.
- Discuss the ethical and societal concerns regarding computer technology.
- Apply appropriate workplace behaviors in the classroom environment.
- Identify and solve problems using various resources, both independently and collaboratively.
- Apply agile and Scrum principles to manage software development projects, ensuring iterative progress, effective collaboration, and timely delivery of high-quality code.
- Create, implement, and manage automated testing processes and streamlined deployment pipelines in software development projects.