Undergraduate Certificates

Build Your Skills Toward a Future in Software Design

Online Undergraduate Certificate Program in Software Design and Solutions

Whether you are currently working in the field or looking to get started in software design, our online software design certificate program can help you build your knowledge of the discipline. Develop new skills like programming, database concepts and the implementation of software design strategies to help prepare you to pursue a career in the software design field.

Learn the complete software development lifecycle and gain a solid understanding of data structures and design patterns while exploring coding, algorithms and software engineering. This software development knowledge can help you provide value to organizations by creating and implementing scalable, efficient software components.

At DeVry University, elements of our Undergraduate Certificate Program in Software Design and Solutions are structured to help you prepare to pursue the following certification exams:

  • CompTIA IT Fundamentals:

    This certification is a basic information technology (IT) certification that provides an introduction to IT skills. Having this certification proves that you have the basic knowledge needed to perform entry-level IT tasks.

  • CompTIA Linux+:

    This certification confirms that you are capable of using the Linux operating system. It covers several tasks related to Linux and builds a foundation for industry-specific applications of the operating system.
     

Classes start on May 5, 2025

100% online Software Design and Solutions Certificate Program classes start every 8 weeks.

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Quick Facts
How long is the Software Design and Solutions Undergraduate Certificate program?

  • 14 courses

  • 42 minimum credit hours

Minimum Completion Time*
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1 year
4 months
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Normal Completion Time**
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2 years

ACCELERATE ON YOUR SCHEDULE

Choose the schedule that best fits your goals and commitments. You can earn your Undergraduate Certificate in as little as 1 year, 4 months.*

Or, follow a normal schedule and complete your program in 2 years.**

*Minimum completion time does not include breaks and assumes 3 semesters of year-round, full-time enrollment in 7-13 credit hours a semester per 12-month period.

**Normal completion time does not include breaks and assumes 2 semesters of enrollment in 7-13 credit hours per semester per 12-month period.

  • 01 Knowledge & Skills
  • 02 Stackable Programs
  • 03 Career
  • 04 Program Courses
  • 05 FAQs
  • 06 Catalog Download
Knowledge & Skills

Online Undergraduate Certificate Program in Software Design and Solutions – What You Can Learn

This certificate program is built around our tech-powered learning approach, which was created to help you thrive during your academic journey. This program will also teach you:

Advanced Application and Product Development

Learn the basics of designing and developing extensible, secure, scalable and high-performing applications that can be implemented as well-defined procedures in code to build real-world software solutions.

Coding, Programming and Database Systems

Understand basic coding and programming methods using an algorithmic approach, with hands-on experience scripting and writing components for an application or program. Work from designing a single component software system to learning to program and manage large data systems.

Digital Devices and Operating Systems

Explore digital concepts, devices and connectivity within the realm of the Internet of Things (IoT). Topics include networking, securing and deploying digital devices and installing and configuring operating systems using Command Line Interface (CLI).

Along with the technical and programming skills, you will also learn business and management principles to problem-solve a variety of workplace challenges as well as the basics of data analytics.

Software Design and Solutions Certificate Program Admissions Requirements

Students must place in MATH062 and BUSN062 or above. To begin program coursework, students must first complete transitional study courses1, if applicable. Please see the catalog for complete admissions requirements.

Software Design and Solutions Certificate Program and Financial Aid

When considering your Software Design and Solutions options, know that we’ve made a strong commitment to make our programs more affordable for you.2 Through our commitment to affordability, during the 2022-2023 award year, DeVry University has assisted students by awarding more than $71 Million  in student financial assistance3 through partner tuition savings, institutional scholarships and university grants.

Explore Financial Aid Opportunities


3Data is inclusive of all partner tuition savings, institutional scholarships and grants for the period for July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023.
 

Stackable Programs

Make the Most of Stackable Degrees

Earn a Credential at Every Step

You don’t have to wait four years to show a credential on your resume.  At DeVry, several programs are designed to stack. 

  • Start with a shorter credential that takes less time so it’s more affordable

  • Flexible online and on-site classes build your professional skills right away

  • Every course counts toward the next degree level4

How Do Credentials Stack?

Here’s an example: The Undergraduate Certificate in Software Design and Solutions can serve as a steppingstone to our Bachelor’s Degree in Software Development with a Specialization in Software Design and Programming or our Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Systems with a Specialization in Software Programming. If you choose to continue on with your education, all credits apply to your bachelor’s degree.4

Find Out More
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Associate
+82
Credit hours remaining
120-124
Credit Hours*
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Certificate
42
Credit Hours*

 

*The figures displayed represent the minimum credit hours required for graduation. Additional coursework may be necessary to complete program requirements.

Career

Job Opportunities in the Software Design and Solutions Field

 

Graduates from our software design and solutions certificate program may consider opportunities such as:

  • Software Application Developer

    Design applications such as productivity apps for businesses or social media and e-commerce apps and games for consumers. You may create custom software for a specific customer or commercial software for the public.

  • Mobile Device Programmer

    Implement, maintain and work to improve systems that take advantage of the capabilities of specific device platforms to store data, display graphics and enhance a user’s experience.

  • Software Programmer and Analyst

    Use your technical knowledge to create and implement software specifications based on user, company and client information. You’ll primarily work with existing systems and software to make improvements based on analysis.

  • Mobile App Developer

    Use programming languages to create and test applications on mobile devices. You’ll work in popular operating system environments like iOS and Android.

Program Courses

Software Design and Solutions Courses

Mathematics
MATH114
Algebra for College Students
Tech Core
CEIS101C
Introduction to Technology and Information Systems
CEIS106
Introduction to Operating Systems
CEIS110
Introduction to Programming
Information Systems and Programming
CEIS150
Programming with Objects
CEIS209
Intermediate Programming
CEIS236
Database Systems and Programming Fundamentals
Application Development
CEIS295
Data Structures and Algorithms
Software Development
CEIS200
Software Engineering I
CEIS320
Introduction to Mobile Device Programming
CEIS400
Software Engineering II
CEIS420
Programming Languages and Advanced Techniques
Career Preparation
CEIS298
Introduction to Technical Project Management
CEIS499
Preparation for the Profession

Software Design and Solutions FAQs

What is software design?

Software design is, in a way, a form of problem-solving. Utilizing research, planning, user testing, visual design and more, software designers build software solutions that make people’s lives easier and businesses function more efficiently.

How do you design software?

There are many methods and techniques for designing software, but generally, software design begins with a set of user requirements and proper planning. Those requirements guide the building of a set of components that are implementable using programming languages. Conducting research, planning information architecture, wireframing, prototyping and many more skillsets often go into the design of new software.

What makes good software design?

A good designer will take the time to assess every requirement or component and consider alternate approaches using all available resources. The application should combine the need for compatibility and modularity and implement well-defined procedures in code. Having good design makes software easier to implement and will reduce the need for major changes down the line.

What are the benefits of software design?

Within software development, software design practices allow for flexibility, reusability and ease of understanding. Effective software design makes changing and adjusting the software much easier during the development process, saving time and money.

What type of jobs can I get with a certificate in software design and solutions?

Graduates of our online software design certificate program may consider, but are not limited to, the following careers:

  • Software Application Developer
  • Mobile Device Programmer
  • Software Programmer and Analyst
  • Mobile Application Developer
Academic Catalog
2023-2024 Academic Catalog
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Program Guides
Program Overview
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Related Programs

1Transitional studies coursework may affect program length and cost.

2Students may participate in only one DeVry University-based scholarship, grant or group tuition benefit program at a time. Those who qualify for more than one program will be presumed to accept the program with the highest reduction in by- session cost. Students who qualify for and prefer a different tuition benefit program must confirm, in writing, the alternate program in which they wish to participate prior to starting classes at DeVry. Scholarship and grant terms and eligibility conditions are subject to change. Scholarships are available to those who apply and qualify. Click here for more information.

3Data is inclusive of all partner tuition savings, institutional scholarships and grants for the period for July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023.

4At the time of application to the next credential level, an evaluation of qualifying transfer credit will occur and the most beneficial outcome will be applied. Future programmatic changes could impact the application of credits to a future program. Refer to the academic catalog for details.