Software engineering certificates are a fantastic alternative to a traditional college education, saving you time and money while preparing you for a career in software engineering. A software engineering certificate program equips students with the knowledge and technical skills they need to become competitive software engineers in the modern workforce.
In this article, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide for beginners and professionals about the best software engineering college certificate programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as the job opportunities available to software engineers who’ve earned a college-level certificate.
What Is a Software Engineering Certificate College Program?
A software engineering certificate college program is a higher-education program covering fundamental aspects of software programming and engineering. Its core courses teach students the basic principles and use of software development tools and prepare them for entry-level jobs or academic advancement in the field of software development and engineering.
What’s the Difference Between a College Software Engineering Certificate and Professional Certification in Software Engineering?
The difference between a college software engineering certificate and a professional certification in software engineering is that the first is an educational program earned at an accredited college or university that teaches students the skills needed to work in the industry, while the second is an attestation of a professional’s skills and knowledge awarded by a recognized body in the industry.
Software Engineering College Certificate vs Software Engineering Certification: Key Differences
| Software Engineering Certificate | Software Engineering Certification |
|---|---|
| Can typically be completed in about a year | Typically only requires the completion of a short course along with an exam |
| Awarded by an accredited academic institution | Awarded by an independent organization that upholds industry standards |
| Does not expire | Must be renewed, usually every three years |
How Long Does It Take To Get a Software Engineering Certificate at College?
It takes about six to 12 months to get a software engineering certificate at college. That being said, the time it takes for a student to complete a certificate program can be affected by their prior knowledge and level of education in the field, as well as whether they are enrolled in a full-time or part-time program.
Best Software Engineering Certificate Undergraduate Programs
| School | Program Name | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Champlain College | Software Development Undergraduate Certificate Program | $318/credit; $250/credit (active military duty) |
| Framingham State University | Undergraduate Certificate in Software Engineering | $1,195/course |
| Full Sail University | Certificate in Application Development Fundamentals | $457/credit |
| University of California, Berkeley | Certificate in Software Development | $4,000 for the program |
| Whitworth University | Certificate in Software Development | $3,300 for the program |
Best Undergraduate Software Engineering Certificate Programs: Explained
The best undergraduate software engineering certificate programs are offered by some of the best schools in the country such as the University of California, Berkeley. In the section below, you can find a detailed breakdown of some of the best software engineering certificate programs, including their cost, length, learning formats, and requirements.
Champlain College’s software engineering certificate is designed to serve as a springboard for students wanting to eventually earn an undergraduate degree. The program’s flexible curriculum includes Java, Python, and C++ programming courses. The school also offers the optional Fast Start Formula Career Bundle, which provides additional career-related benefits for a small additional fee.
Software Development Undergraduate Certificate Program Details
- Cost: $328/credit; $250/credit (active military duty)
- Length: 18 credits
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: Minimum GPA of 2.5, high school or college transcripts, answers to three or four short essay questions, copy of your professional resume
This certificate program at Framingham State University thoroughly prepares students for the workforce by teaching them the required skills for a lucrative career in software engineering. Its curriculum contains a variety of career-relevant courses such as Introduction to Information Technology, Computer Programming, and Java.
Undergraduate Certificate in Software Engineering Details
- Cost: $1,195/course
- Length: 9 courses
- Learning Format: In-person
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: $50 application fee, high school or college transcripts, standardized test scores (optional), description of your extracurricular activities (optional)
This program at Full Sail University teaches students industry-standard software development skills, giving them proficient coding expertise as well as essential knowledge of app development, workflows, and documentation. The program also helps its students learn to communicate efficiently, which is a vital soft skill for software development professionals.
The curriculum can allow for both online and on-campus study and includes courses that cover topics such as technology in the entertainment and media industries, technical writing, and application development. Full Sail University also offers its Project LaunchBox, which provides students with the essential hardware and software used in the program for a discounted price.
Certificate in Application Development Fundamentals Details
- Cost: $457/credit
- Length: 23 credits
- Learning Format: Online, in-person
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: Interview with an admissions representative, government-issued photo ID
This five-course certificate program at UC Berkeley allows students to study in a variety of areas related to computer programming in addition to its compulsory programming courses. Students of this program need to maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 with a grade of at least C in each course to complete the certificate program.
Certificate in Software Development Details
- Cost: $4,000 for the program (excluding course materials and registration fees)
- Length: 10 semester units equivalent to five courses
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: None
- Other Requirements: None
Whitworth University’s certificate program in software development has a curriculum consisting of courses covering topics including computer programming, database management, and web development, all of which can be taken either online or in person. This program is a great opportunity for working professionals to upskill and gain experience through hands-on projects.
Certificate in Software Development Details
- Cost: $3,300 for the program
- Length: N/A
- Learning Format: Online, on-campus
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: None
Software Engineering College Certificate Program vs Software Engineering Associate Degree
A software engineering certificate and a software engineering associate degree are similar in terms of course content and level of qualification, but they differ in several other areas. For example, while an associate degree is designed for students who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree, a certificate can be earned as a post-baccalaureate diploma.
A certificate and an associate degree will also differ in several other areas, which include their cost, duration, credit requirements, and admission requirements. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of these differences:
- Cost. The cost of tuition for a certificate program is usually less than that of an associate degree program. While this isn’t always the case, and many factors can affect the cost of either program, the lower credit requirement and shorter duration of certificate programs usually entail a lower cost.
- Duration. Associate degrees take longer to earn than certificates. An associate degree program takes an average of two years to complete when enrolled on a full-time basis, while a certificate program can typically be completed within a year.
- Credit requirements. The main reason why associate degrees are more expensive and take longer to complete than certificate programs is the number of credits each program requires to complete. Associate programs, which cover a broader range of topics in greater depth, typically require 60 credits, while certificates only require 15 to 20.
- Admission requirements. The admission requirements for associate degree programs are usually higher than certificate programs, with a high school diploma or GED almost always being a requirement. Many certificate programs don’t require a high school degree or GED, and many have no admission requirement at all other than age.
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Is an Undergraduate Software Engineering Certificate Worth It?
Yes, an undergraduate software engineering certificate is worth it. A software engineering undergraduate certificate can prepare you for a number of entry-level positions and possible continuation of education paths. One of the main benefits certificates provide is that their credits can be transferred toward a degree program’s credit requirements.
Best Software Engineering Certificate Graduate Programs
| School | Program Name | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Boston University Metropolitan College | Graduate Certificate in Software Engineering | $15,040/semester |
| George Mason University | Software Engineering Graduate Certificate | $813.25/credit (in state); $1,581.25/credit (out of state) |
| University of Houston-Clear Lake | Software Engineering Certificate | $697/credit (resident); $1,219/credit (non-resident) |
| University of Washington-Tacoma | Graduate Certificate in Software Development Engineering | $16,500 for the program |
| West Virginia University | Software Engineering Graduate Certificate | $682/credit |
Best Graduate Software Engineering Certificate Programs Explained
The best graduate software engineering certificate programs are offered by a wide number of reputable universities including the University of Washington-Tacoma, Boston University Metropolitan College, West Virginia University, and the University of Houston-Clear Lake.
This program offered at the Boston University Metropolitan College teaches students how to create, design, and apply software applications and lead software engineering projects. Its curriculum covers object oriented programming, project management, and application testing. The program is designed for software engineers wanting to give their career a boost.
Graduate Certificate in Software Engineering Details
- Cost: $15,040/semester
- Length: 16 credits
- Learning Format: Online, in-person, and hybrid
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Other Requirements: None
George Mason University’s software engineering graduate certificate program helps its students learn the fundamentals of software engineering and prepares them for a master’s degree in the same field or for direct entry into the industry. Students can pursue any master’s degree program in the school’s College of Engineering and Computing at the same time.
Software Engineering Graduate Certificate Details
- Cost: $813.25/credit (in state); $1,581.25/credit (out of state)
- Length: 12 credits
- Learning Format: In-person
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Other Requirements: A minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 credits of their bachelor’s degree program, the completion of four prerequisite courses or knowledge equivalent to them, a statement of educational and work experience in the computing field, one year of work experience in the computing field (optional)
Students in the University of Houston-Clear Lake’s certificate program are prepared to handle important aspects of software development by taking courses such as Software Engineering I and II, Software Engineering Management, and Software Testing. These courses develop their communication, project management, and quality assurance skills.
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Software Engineering Certificate Details
- Cost: $697/credit (resident); $1,219/credit (non-resident)
- Length: 12 credits
- Learning Format: In-person
- Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree
- Other Requirements: $45 application fee, official college transcripts, coursework in computer programming and data structures or related work experience, a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
The University of Washington-Tacoma’s graduate certificate program in software engineering improves its students' basic programming skills and prepares them to implement advanced software design techniques. Students in this program study topics such as data structures, software engineering, and object oriented programming.
Graduate Certificate in Software Development Engineering Details
- Cost: $16,500 for the program
- Length: Six courses over three quarters
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Other Requirements: Official college transcripts, a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the last 90 quarter credits of their bachelor’s degree, basic software programming skills
This software engineering graduate certificate program at West Virginia University is designed for information technology working professionals looking to advance their career prospects. The certificate program can be completed on its own or at the same time as one of the school’s graduate degree programs.
Software Engineering Graduate Certificate Details
- Cost: $682/credit
- Length: 15 credits
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering or a related field
- Other Requirements: One year of software engineering work experience, a minimum GPA of 3.0, three letters of recommendation, your professional resume
Software Engineering Graduate Certificate Program vs Software Engineering Master’s Degree
A software engineering graduate certificate, when compared to a software engineering master’s degree, is more focused on providing specialized training and honing students’ skills in a particular topic or area. However, a master’s degree develops a student’s skills in the field of software engineering more broadly and is typically more respected by employers.
In addition, graduate certificates and degrees in software engineering differ in other ways, including their available financial aid opportunities, level of difficulty, and limitations when it comes to career growth. Some of the main differences between a graduate certificate program and a software engineering master’s degree are:
- Financial aid opportunities. Although both are graduate programs, there is a wider range of financial aid opportunities available to students enrolled in master’s degree programs compared to those available in graduate certificate programs.
- Level of difficulty. Master’s degree programs are often harder than graduate certificate programs because they cover a broader range of topics and involve significantly more research. Graduate certificate programs are usually more focused on a specialized area and prepare students for specific positions.
- Career growth. Because master’s degree programs cover a wider range of areas of study and in more depth, they generally allow for their holders to qualify for a larger number of positions compared to graduate certificate programs.
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Best Master’s Degrees
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Is a Graduate Software Engineering Certificate Worth It?
Yes, a graduate software engineering certificate is worth it because it is easier to obtain and costs less than a master’s degree. If you have a specific career path in mind and don’t need a master’s degree to qualify but want to give yourself a competitive edge over other applicants, a graduate certificate in software engineering is a fantastic investment.
Software Engineering Certificate Program Coursework
Graduate and undergraduate software engineering certificate programs share similar coursework, with graduate certificate programs typically offering a more advanced version of the undergraduate curriculum. Below are some examples of courses you can find across many software engineering certificate programs.
Object Oriented Programming
Object oriented programming is a programming model focused on developing software using objects and data sets that are easier to understand than functions. An object is a unique data field with attributes assigned to it by the developers who created it. Students in this course are taught object oriented programming principles and their relation to programming systems.
Database Design
Database design involves the use of database management systems to manage the organization of data according to a predefined database model. Students in a database design course are taught to determine how related data should be stored and then fitted into appropriate database models.
Software Development
Software development is at the heart of software engineering. In fact, both are often used interchangeably. Software development involves the creation, design, building, maintenance, evaluation, and debugging of computer programs. Students in a software development course learn about the software development cycle and how to apply its principles to their own projects.
Python Programming
Python is usually considered a support language for software engineers and is one of the easiest languages to learn for software development projects. Students in this course learn to use this object oriented high-level programming language, giving them an advantage due to its high interpretability and variety of use cases.
Java Programming
Java is a high-level, general-purpose programming language that allows programmers to define codes in English, making it applicable to various operating systems and very important in the field of software engineering. A course on Java programming teaches students how to read complex data across different software interfaces as well as build applications and graphic interfaces.
Best Online College Courses for Credit
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What Can You Do With a Software Engineering Certificate from College?
With a software engineering certificate from college, you can work as an entry-level software engineer, computer programmer, application developer, or network developer. As you gain experience, you’ll get to work on more advanced projects and move from entry-level positions to mid-level positions where you’ll earn a higher salary.
Best Software Engineering Jobs and Careers With a Certificate
| Job Role | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Engineer | $110,140 |
| Computer Programmer | $93,000 |
| Network Administrator | $80,600 |
| Application Developer | $73,373 |
| Junior Software Engineer | $63,724 |
Best Software Engineering Certificate Jobs and Careers: Explained
Many of the best software engineering jobs require a bachelor’s degree, making a graduate certificate extremely beneficial in helping you stand out, but some positions are also open to undergraduate certificate holders. Below are some of the best jobs you can get with a software engineering certificate, along with information concerning their responsibilities, salary, outlook, and requirements.
Software engineers design, develop, and test software according to the software development life cycle. They are also tasked with maintaining and improving software products as well as working with their team leaders and stakeholders to create a product that achieves its goals. A graduate certificate is extremely beneficial to people wanting to become software engineers.
- Average Salary: $110,140
- Job Outlook: 22% from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education and Experience: Two years of work experience and a bachelor’s degree
A computer programmer is responsible for developing and maintaining software applications. They need to be skilled at analyzing user requirements, designing software systems, coding software, and testing and debugging applications. While a bachelor’s degree is the typical minimum requirement, an undergraduate certificate can still qualify you for some positions.
- Average Salary: $93,000
- Job Outlook: -10% from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education and Experience: Two years of work experience and a bachelor’s degree
Network administrators are responsible for the overall operation of a company's computer networking infrastructure. They must be adept at installing, configuring, maintaining, and optimizing different kinds of network hardware and software. Network administrators can relatively easily start their careers with just an undergraduate certificate.
- Average Salary: $80,600
- Job Outlook: 5% from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education and Experience: A bachelor’s degree
Application developers work on a team that develops and maintains applications for an organization or company. Application developers collaborate as a group on application design, code, test, and deployment. An associate or bachelor’s degree is usually the minimum requirement for this position, making an undergraduate certificate a possible alternative.
- Average Salary: $72,373
- Job Outlook: 22% from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education and Experience: A year of software development experience, a bachelor’s degree or associate degree
Junior software engineers primarily work assisting software development teams as well as the team leads. While a bachelor’s degree is usually the minimum level of education for this entry-level position, a large number of employers will take on applicants with associate degrees or undergraduate certificates who have a certain amount of experience.
- Average Salary: $63,724
- Job Outlook: 22% from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree or associate degree with two years of experience
Should I Also Get a Software Engineering Certification?
Yes, you should also get a software engineering certification. While not essential for all software engineering positions, a certification can help you stand out among other candidates in a competitive job market or prove your technical expertise to potential employers. Below are some of the most popular software engineering certifications you could get after graduating from a certificate program.
Best Software Engineering Certifications
- Amazon Web Service Certified Developer Associate. Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Developer Associate is a certification offered by Amazon.com that validates technical expertise in developing and managing applications on the AWS platform. The certification costs $150 for its 130-minute certification exam.
- Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional. The Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP) certification provided by (ISC)² was created for software professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in secure software development. The certification requires passing a rigorous exam and an annual fee of $125.
- Professional Software Development Certification. This certification is offered by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Computer Society. Candidates need at least two years of computer science experience and two years of industrial experience to take the three-hour online examination, which costs $485 for non-members.
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert. This credential awarded by Microsoft validates that you can design and implement advanced solutions using Microsoft Azure. The certification exam costs $165 and evaluates your design identity, design data storage, design business continuity, and design infrastructure skills.
- Oracle Certified Master (OCM) Exam. This prestigious certification awarded by Oracle is designed to help experienced Oracle database administrators stand out from the competition and demonstrate their expertise. This exam is notoriously challenging and covers a wide range of topics. Valid for six months, the exam costs $297 to take.
Best Professional Certifications
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Is a College Certificate for Software Engineering Worth It?
Yes, a college certificate for software engineering is worth it because it can help you start or further your career in the software industry. Before you decide on a program, it’s important to consider the cost, the curriculum, and the reputation of the school. Certificates are also a great way to start your path toward earning a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Software Engineering.
Software Engineering Certificates FAQ
Yes, software engineers are well paid. In fact, there are several high-paying jobs for software engineers. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, software engineers, which are grouped under the umbrella of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers, earn an average annual salary of $110,140.
Some of the best certifications for software engineering include Amazon Web Service Certified Developer Associate, Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional, Professional Software Development Certification, and Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert.
The qualifications you need for software engineering jobs are typically a Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering as well as some professional experience in the field. Internships are a great way to build experience and an in-depth understanding of relevant concepts while in school. Getting a software engineering graduate certificate after your bachelor’s can help you stand out among other candidates when applying for a more specialized position.
Entry-level software engineers are responsible for developing, designing, and improving software programs within a team of engineers and managers. They can also be responsible for testing software programs to ensure they work properly. Entry-level software engineers typically have a degree in computer science or a related field.
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