Master's Concentration

Software Design and Programming

Design, program, and develop effective web-based applications and software using best practices in security and quality assurance. Whether working in a traditional client-server architecture or more contemporary cloud-based architecture, you'll learn how the fundamental client-side and server-side constructs apply. Build skills in generating program code, creating database queries, and comparing integrated development environments.

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At a Glance

Classes Begin
March 27
Format
Evening or Online
Term Length
10 Weeks
Admission
No GRE or GMAT
Master's Degree
Tuition
$36,768
Time
As few as 18 months
U.S. News Best Colleges
Top-Ranked University

U.S. News & World Report Rankings
Mike Lutito
Talk to an Enrollment Manager

Mike Lutito

If you plan to study on an F-1 or J-1 visa, contact Tracy Joosten.

Free Application


University College is committed to educational access, and given the difficult circumstances currently impacting millions of people, we are waiving application fees.

Skills You'll Learn


Assess the role of frameworks in software design and development to lay the groundwork for full-stack development


Design applications using object-oriented methodologies, models, and design patterns


Generate software code in languages such as Java, Python, C#, JavaScript, and PHP using current integrated development environments

Curriculum

Master of Science in Information and Communications Technology with a concentration in Software Design and Programming requires completion of 48 credit hours (12 courses).

All students are required to complete a zero-credit Student Success Course.

4
Core Courses
4
Concentration Courses
4
Elective Courses

Elective courses may be chosen from among non core and concentration courses in the Information and Communications Technology program, and you may also select courses in other University College graduate programs.

Your academic advisor will help you select electives that align with your career and personal goals.

Sample Schedule

Plan out your schedule and determine your preferred timeline for completing your master's degree—finish in as few as 18 months or take up to five years.

Time to Completion
Year 1 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Classes 2 2 2 2
Year 2 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Classes 2 2 0 0
Year 1 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Classes 1 2 1 2
Year 2 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Classes 1 2 1 2

Interested in a graduate certificate?


Explore our four and six course graduate certificates in Software Design and Programming.

Take a Course Before You Apply


We know how important it is to get started when you're ready and that's why you can enroll in a course before you officially apply.

Career Outcomes

Predicted outcomes for graduates of Software Design and Programming


Job growth for software developers is expected to grow much faster than the national average over the next decade. Growth in the software development field is projected to be around 22% through 2030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.


The healthcare industry may see a higher demand for software developers as insurance and reinsurance carriers will need innovative software to manage new healthcare policy enrollments and administer existing policies.

Job Titles

Programmer
Senior Software Design Engineer
Programming Manager
Software Integrator
Software Design Architect
Software Developer
Programming Specialist
Software Development Manager

Software Developers Salary: National Average

$101,790
(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Get Ahead with Career Services


One-on-one career coaching and mock interviews


Job database dedicated to DU students and alumni


Résumé and cover letter guidance

Hear from Our Students

Theme: Job Satisfaction
Flexible Online Classes

Flexible Online Classes

We understand the demands of balancing work, friends and family, and school can be challenging. That's why at University College, you can complete your program entirely online. Our online learning platform makes it easy to work anywhere at any time.

Advisory Board

Our programs are developed and updated with the input of advisory boards composed of industry leaders and employers. This ensures that you'll learn what employers are looking for, and gain the most current information with a view to future industry trends, connecting you to future success.

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Darl Kuhn
Database Administrator, Research Management Consultant
Don Halloran
Don Halloran
Director of IT, Vail Resorts
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Galina Pildush
Architect and Evangelist
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Isaac Barnes
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
Kyle Coberly
Kyle Coberly
Director of Software Engineering Education, Flatiron School
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Lauren Anthony
Project Management Professional, Scrum Alliance Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) and Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO)
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Mark Merkow
Information Security Manager, PayPal Inc
Rick Bauer
Rick Bauer
IT Professional IT trade associations, Open Networking Foundation, the Storage Networking Industry Association, and CompTIA
Samara Rasmussen
Samara Rasmussen
Senior Project Manager

Featured Instructors

Accreditation & Associations

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Higher Learning Commission

University College programs maintain the highest level of accreditation offered by The Higher Learning Commission, one of the regional accrediting bodies recognized by the federal government. The University of Denver and all of its academic programs are regionally accredited by this commission, and regional accreditation is the highest standard for universities in the United States.

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Colorado Technology Association

The Colorado Technology Association represents technology leaders, professionals, companies, IT departments, government and legislative leaders, and industry advisors. CTA provides members with community, insight, connections and advocacy. Our industry development work spans public policy to education to leadership.

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Project Management Institute

As a Registered Education Provider, University College has designed its Project Management courses to parallel the Project Management Institute's (PMI®) "Project Management Body of Knowledge" (PMBOK® Guide).

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