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Software Design and Programming (Master's)

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The Software Design and Programming master’s degree specialty is offered online or on campus at the University of Denver in the evenings, or in a combination of both, to meet the needs of busy adults. Grasp the practical aspects of software design and programming, along with the detailed, in−depth skills necessary to succeed in the field through a Software Design and Programming master’s degree from University College. The Information and Communications Technology program offers a master’s degree in software programming and software design that prepares current or aspiring programmers with workable knowledge of sophisticated applications, object-oriented methods, development processes, and business skills. The Software Design and Programming master’s degree specialty exposes students to applied, hands-on instruction on classifications, implementation strategies, and cost-effective project management skills.

Skills are applied during lab sessions, where expert instructors lead software degree students to identify and overcome challenges presented by designing and programming software. Degree seekers learn how to develop quality software programs and applications, plus learn about Software Quality Assurance, the Unified Software Development Process, and C# and Java languages. With technical skills and a strategic business background, you’ll meet current industry demands, plus the demands of tomorrow.

A comprehensive perspective is also provided, as software design and programming cannot work within a vacuum; students will take away essential lessons on converging information and communication technology subjects. How these subjects, such as telecommunications and database design, affect software programming will be explored, with thoughtful context provided for each IT sector as they relate to your particular specialty. Customize your Information and Communications Technology master’s degree through the innovative Professional Options Curriculum using our convenient online degree builder tool, which allows you to select courses that cater to your specific career needs.

Information and Communications Technology Outcomes

This program prepares students to:

  • Define an enterprise architecture including hardware, software, databases, and communications networks and protocols
  • Evaluate, select, and apply software design and development methodologies that incorporate software development, acquisition, and/or re-use
  • Identify the operational and economic impact of system architecture and software applications in areas such as computer processing, data communications, network design, and software maintenance and support
  • Apply best project management practices
  • Apply good design processes and methods to develop production-quality systems
  • Plan and evaluate, select, and apply appropriate systems and software quality assurance methods and tools
  • Lead and coach others in the development of systems and software components
  • Communicate effectively with technical peers, management, customers, and end-users
  • Assess current and emerging telecommunications technologies
  • Identify practices in information assurance

Required Courses

MAS in Information And Communications Technology with a specialty in Software Design and Programming requires completion of 48 credit hours (12 courses)

Professional Foundation Courses - 12 qtr. hrs

Professional Foundations courses help students to understand the scope of activity, historical development, future direction and trends, and typical types and roles of organizations that operate within a career field.


Specialty Courses - 16 qtr. hrs (Choose 4)

Professional Specialty courses allow students to focus on a specific professional area within the larger industry sector in which they are working or wish to work, and master the skills needed to excel in that area.


Further Study - 12 qtr. hrs (Choose 3)

Further Studies Options allow students to customize their degrees to match their career needs by either choosing in-depth study in their specialty by selecting three of the following courses, or exploring other options by using our Degree Builder tool.


Customize your degree or certificate using our convenient online degree builder tool, which allows you to select courses that cater to your specific career needs.

Core Coures - 8 qtr. hrs

The Graduate Research and Writing and Capstone Project courses are required for all master's degree students. The Graduate Research and Writing course prepares students for the writing and research assignments throughout their program, including the capstone project. The Capstone Project is the culminating academic endeavor of our degree programs, in which students explore a problem or issue within their field of study.



Design Your Custom Plan

Customize your degree

Use the online degree builder tool to customize your degree or certificate. Through the Professional Options Curriculum, you´re able to create your own degree or certificate plan by selecting courses that cater specifically to your career needs. Using the online degree builder, you´ll select the program and courses necessary to graduate from University College.

Start Customizing Your Degree


View the tutorial or start building your plan now.

Careers in Software Design and Programming

Titles
Programming Writer, Senior Software Design Engineer, Programming Manager, Design Integrator, Software Design Architect, Software Developer, Programming Specialist, Software Development Manager, Software Consultant.

Duties
Development, programming, design, management, technical operations, research, analysis, data modeling, data architecture, design mapping.

Outlook
Through 2018, software developers are expected to be one of the fastest growing occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A 34% growth rate for developers makes this an in−demand field, particularly across business, government, and public sectors. Software Developer ranks as the best science and technology job to have in 2012, according to the U.S. News & World Report ranking.

Careers In Information and Communications Technology

YOU are in high demand!
One of the fastest growth rates among all occupations in the US, computer scientist and database administrator job openings are expected to grow 53% in the next ten years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Overall, the ICT career outlook is incredibly positive, with a 28% employment increase expected within the field. Whether you choose a career at a government agency, large private corporation, or small organization, ICT professionals are in high demand−particularly if you have job experience and relevant education in information and communication technology under your belt.

ICT makes the grade.
If you're an ICT professional, don't let market volatility and the economic downturn slow you down. Channel Insider reports that nearly 80% of human resource recruiters are looking to fill technology positions this year. And with network architects, computer software engineers, and database administrators being ranked in the top 50 best careers to have by U.S. News and World Report, it's no wonder the ICT field is booming.

Where are they now?
Alumni from University College who graduated with a master's degree in information and communication technology hold job titles such as Systems Administrator, Project Manager, Network Engineer, Managing Consultant, Network Architect, Lead IT Analyst, and Data Engineer in companies and organizations such as Pratt & Whitney, Ironware Technologies, Vanguard Communication, Qwest, Advanced Program Group, Verizon Wireless, IBM, IntelliDyne, Cisco Systems, Chevron, Time Warner Telecom, Harland Financial Solutions, and the United States Air Force.

Ready to Apply

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Need More Information

Interested in attending University College, but need additional information before you make a decision? No problem−we're here to help. You may request additional information about a specific program and specialty, review and ask questions in our Frequently Asked Questions section, or contact University College directly.

Want to Take a Class

Even if you missed the application deadline, you can start taking courses for one quarter before you have to submit a completed application. We know how important it is to get started when you're ready, so review the class schedule or start the registration process now.

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