Master’s in Software Development Degree
Pursue Your Master’s in Software Development
The Master of Science in Software Development degree from Grand Canyon University (GCU) is designed for software developers looking to position themselves for possible career advancement. With a comprehensive curriculum that covers the latest technologies and industry best practices, this program can teach you the advanced skills and knowledge needed within the field of software development.
The MS in software development is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of software development practices and techniques, as well as the ability to apply this knowledge to solve practical problems.
Topics You Will Study in GCU’s Master’s in Software Development Online Degree
The MS in Software Development online program at GCU is focused on equipping talented working professionals with knowledge and skills in advanced writing and implementation of both generic and customized programs. Pursuing an online master’s degree in software development may assist with balancing your studies with work, family and other commitments. Topics covered in this online master’s degree in software development include the following:
- Full software development lifecycle
- System design
- Software design and testing
- Software architecture
- Agile software development and delivery methodologies
- Mobile development
- Advanced database design
- Secure coding
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Develop Advanced Software Skills From the Convenience of an Online Setting
GCU’s online learning management system allows you the flexibility to balance your studies with work, family and other commitments. Assignments and participations are paced to allow every online program to fit into an already busy schedule.
Completing your master’s in software development degree online offers flexibility without removing any opportunities to gain practical skills. Project-based coursework and discussion-driven learning allow students to develop advanced, hands-on capabilities in:
- Software development lifecycle
- Agile software development and delivery
- UML and design patterns
- System and software design
- Enterprise architecture
- Mobile development
- Technical communication
- Secure coding
- Software testing
Career Outcomes for Master’s in Software Development Degree Graduates
The increasing need for software developers comes from the continuous expansion of software development for artificial intelligence, robotics and other automation applications, as well as rising concerns about threats to computer security.2 Job growth for software developers, quality assurance analysts and testers is projected to grow by an estimated 25% from 2021 to 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.3
Graduates with a master's in software development can expect to have a wide range of career options in the field of software development and technology, including the following:
- Computer network support specialist
- Computer programmer
- Software developer
- Software quality assurance analyst and tester
- Web developer
- Web and digital interface designer
- Postsecondary computer science teacher
Master’s degree in software development graduates can work in various industries such as technology, healthcare, finance and education. Additionally, advanced positions that include managing projects or leading software development projects can potentially be pursued with this degree.
Online Master’s Degree in Software Development FAQs
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in the rapidly growing field of software development, this section provides answers to some of your most frequently asked questions about pursuing a MS in Software Development degree from GCU.
Pursuing a master’s degree can be a big commitment. GCU's MS in Software Development online not only focuses on teaching advanced technical concepts but also can prepare you with industry-proven skills in leadership and management, which can help you position yourself for possible career advancement.
The online master’s degree in software development requires a total of 34 credits for completion. Most of the MS in Software Development classes are eight weeks in length. Fill out the form on this page to speak to an admissions counselor to better understand how long it takes to earn your master’s in software development online degree.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, software developers, quality assurance analysts and testers had a median annual wage of $109,020, as of May 2021.4
GCU does not include the term “online” on your diploma when referring to a program that was earned using the online modality.
Work to advance your career potential on your own time. Earn your MS in Software Development online from GCU. For more information, contact an admissions counselor or apply today!
1 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as well. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2022, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers, retrieved on March 7, 2023.
2 Daniel, Emily (2019, July 19). How can a Software Developer keep Updated with new Technical Skills? Search Medium. Retrieved on May 24, 2023.
3 U. S. Department of Labor. (n.d.). Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved on June 9, 2023.
4 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Software Developers, as of May 2021, retrieved on March 7, 2023. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may also impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the BLS. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers from across the country with varying levels of education and experience and does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as software developers. It does not reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country. It also does not reflect a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. You may also wish to compare median salaries if you are considering more than one career path. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, and accept employment from, determines salary not only based on education, but also individual characteristics and skills and fit to that organization (among other categories) against a pool of candidates.
Core Courses
Course Description
This course is designed to prepare students for the graduate learning experience at Grand Canyon University. Students have opportunities to develop and strengthen the skills necessary to succeed as graduate students in the College of Engineering and Technology and the College of Natural Sciences. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the tools for graduate success.
Course Description
This course covers leading the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) processes: planning considerations for product definition, development, test, implementation, and maintenance. The course also covers software requirements elicitation and architecture synthesis.
Course Description
This course involves the study of UML, design patterns, software design principles, and system architecture. Also covered are the study and concepts related to architecture frameworks, technical communication, making informed ethical decisions during the software design phase, and future trends in software design. Prerequisite: SWE-520.
Course Description
This course involves the study of concepts, principles, and scope of software system architecture, including architectural styles, languages, leadership in driving architectures, connectors, middleware, dynamism, analysis, testing and domain-specific approaches. Prerequisite: SWE-520.
Course Description
This course covers theories of management, methodologies, and their application to software projects. It also covers leadership in driving successful teams in SDLC projects, economic analysis of software products and processes, software cost and schedule estimation, planning and control. Prerequisite: SWE-530.
Course Description
This course involves the study of concepts, principles and scope of advanced database design and administration. This course includes conceptual, logical, and physical database design, database analysis and selection during the software design phase, and typical administrative database duties that include but are not limited to user administration, performance tuning, and backup/restore. Also covered are the study of how to make informed ethical decisions during the software design phase and the future trends in database design. Prerequisite: Prerequisite: SWE-540.
Course Description
This course involves the study of the design and development of mobile applications. Students will learn how to build a user interface and connect it to programmable events, integration of various mobile phone services, working with data in local databases and remote servers, and the best practices of software design in the mobile environment. Prerequisite: SWE-520.
Course Description
This course involves the study of concepts, principles, and best secure coding practices for software developers. The course studies the most common vulnerabilities found in application code along with the tools and techniques for identifying and resolving those vulnerabilities. Prerequisite: SDD-630.
Course Description
This course involves the study of concepts, processes, tools, and best practices when maintaining and testing existing software. Prerequisite: SDD-640.
- GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
- Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
- Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.