Associate of Science in Software Development

Introduction

The Associates of Science in Software Development (ASSD) program combines foundational programming theory with a broad survey of topics across information technology. The project- and problem-based curriculum focuses on the skills most valued by today’s employers. Graduates of this program will be well-versed in software development practices, technologies, and methodologies. The curriculum is designed to emphasize collaboration and communication skills along with strong practical technology skills. 

Through various courses and projects, students can focus on diverse career paths that are related to software development, web development, information systems, and technology management. Graduates will be prepared for entry level positions including software developer, web developer, systems analyst, and quality assurance positions.

Program Overview

Students participate in courses that are taught using active learning methods. Teaching techniques include lectures, class discussions, debates, student presentations, individual and group activities, creative assessments, various labs and assignments, and more. Additionally, students work individually and in teams on supervised projects in which they apply related concepts. Content is delivered in either traditional, blended, or online formats utilizing the campus LMS and other communication tools. The program is twelve quarters in length and requires three years to complete at half-time status.

Students completing the program online will be required to have access to the following equipment for the duration of their degree program:

A desktop or laptop computer with a minimum:

• Core i5 processor
• 4GB of memory
• 256GB hard drive
• Keyboard and mouse you are comfortable using for extended periods of time
• Monitor with 1920 x 1080 or greater resolution
• Running Windows 10 or Mac OS Sierra
• Streaming web camera
• Microphone and speaker system (preferably in a headset)

Access to a high speed internet connection with a minimum:

• 5mbps download
• 1mbps upload
• 100 Gigabyte data cap or higher
• Preferably a wired connection (DSL, Cable, or Fiber)

Program Objectives

Graduates of the Associates of Science in Software Development program are expected to be able to:

• Model best practices and processes involved in software development
• Develop software using modern languages and integrated development environments
• Recognize the impact of business decisions and implications in software development
• Effectively communicate in a professional setting
• Produce professional-quality specifications, models, and other documents
• Utilize technical and non-technical expertise in team-based, collaborative environments
• Demonstrate effective problem solving and critical thinking skills

ASSD Program Requirements

General Education (23 credits)

Required Courses (7 credits)

Communications (3 credits)

Complete one of the following:

Mathematics (6 credits)

Complete two of the following:

Additional General Education (7 credits)

Complete at least 7 credits of additional general education courses with code FAC, HUM, LNG, LIT, MAT, PSC, or SSC.

Software Development Courses (62 credits)

Required Core (18 credits)

Elective Core Courses (44 credits)

Complete 44 credits of technical courses with code BIT, BUS (excluding BUS101 & BUS110), CSC, DBT, GAT, ITH, ITS, MOA, MGT, MTM, PRA, PRO or TST

Other required courses (5 credits)