42 Semester Credit Hours; Curriculum: 0124
This certificate provides a comprehensive and hands-on educational experience designed to equip aspiring developers with the essential skills, knowledge, and practical expertise required to thrive in the ever-evolving field of software development.
The program covers 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.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses for a Certificate | ||
| 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 |
| Complete one of the following 8 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 certificate 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. Please visit www.oakton.edu/internships or email internships@oakton.edu for more information.
Software Developer Certificate Pathway
The following Pathway is recommended for students pursuing the Software Developer Certificate.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Semester One | Hours | |
| CIS 101 | Introduction to Computer Information Systems | 3 |
| CIS 131 | Web Page Development | 4 |
| CIS 143 or CIS 241 | Introduction to SQL or Database Management | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| C++ Computer Science I | ||
| Java Computer Science I | ||
| Python Computer Science I | ||
| Hours | 13 | |
| Semester Two | ||
| CIS 136 | Project Management Fundamentals Using Agile Principles | 3 |
| CIS 171 | Advanced Web Page Development | 3 |
| CIS 204 | Introduction to System Analysis and Design | 3 |
| CIS 205 | Documentation and Technical Writing | 3 |
| 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 | ||
| CSC 255 | Objects and Algorithms | 3 |
| CIS 270 | Automated Testing and Deployment | 3 |
| Select courses to total a minimum of 8 credit hour from one of the following tracks | 8 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| 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.
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.
- Demonstrate 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.