The Software Development degree prepares graduates for entry-level developer positions and for continuation to a Baccalaureate degree. Students can specialize in one of three areas: Application Development, Artificial Intelligence, or Game Development. Certificates of Accomplishment and Achievement in Web Development, Python Programming, and Introductory C++ Programming may be applied toward the degree.
For more information, check the program’s website.
Learning Outcomes
Degree recipients should possess the skills & abilities described below:
- Communicate effectively in the three areas of listening, writing, and speaking
- Apply critical thinking and logical research to technological problems in their area of concentration
- Understand the importance of testing and debugging and use appropriate techniques to troubleshoot and debug programs
- Write and execute clear, readable, and well-documented code
- Explain and apply the necessary processes, tools, and skills used in the systems analysis and system design phases of a project
Application Development
This track provides students with the knowledge and skills to design, develop, and maintain software applications using Microsoft’s .NET framework. This program is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in software development and to provide a foundation for further education and advancement in the field. Courses include a focus on programming concepts, data modeling and retrieval, algorithms, and software development methodologies. Students will learn the skills necessary to build and maintain web applications, access and manipulate data and create engaging user experiences.
Focus Areas for Application Development:
- Proficient in programming languages including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, C#, and SQL
- Create .NET applications that utilize relational databases, including modeling data, developing queries, customizing forms and reports, creating charts, and working with digital assets
- Write stored procedures, triggers, and cursors using an appropriate database server programming language
Artificial Intelligence
This track will prepare graduates for entry-level positions within software development with a focus on artificial intelligence. Students will gain the knowledge and programming skills to design, implement, and analyze basic machine learning data models and algorithms that run AI applications. The program also introduces students to the fundamentals of robotics control systems. Students will acquire the foundation they need to continue into a bachelor’s degree in Artificial Intelligence or a related field or to start an entry-level career in the rapidly growing field of AI.
Focus Areas for Artificial Intelligence:
- Understand the fundamental concepts in AI technologies including machine language tools and basic robotics
- Apply mathematical concepts used in AI such as linear algebra, probability, and statistics
- Design programs using the Python language and it’s associated AI libraries to obtain, clean, model, explore, train, and evaluate data from various data sources
Game Development
Students who choose the Game Development track will learn about the technical aspects of video game design and creation. Students are encouraged to explore their creativity and artistic side through cutting-edge technologies like Unity3D. We offer a highly organized environment where problem-solving is encouraged and every student has an opportunity to make an impact on a game they will be able to play years after graduating.
Focus Areas for Game Development:
- Analyze the design of a game critically
- Construct and test a game application using best practices in game design and development principles
- Collaborate with a team to organize and create a game prototype
Enrollment Requirements
Technical and math credits must not be more than 5 years old. Math classes more than 5 years old may be accepted based on math placement test results (see Program Advisor).
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