Curriculum

Dominican’s MS in Software Development is distinctive for its curricular breadth and flexibility. Courses are offered online with an array of in-demand electives and students can specialize in four areas. There are also options to earn individual certificates instead of the full master’s degree. Additionally, the certificates are “stackable,” meaning they can lead one-by-one toward the full master’s if a student chooses to elevate to degree-seeking status.

Degree Requirements

The typical candidate for the Master of Science in Software Development will need to complete 30 credit hours. Depending on a student’s previous academic coursework, up to two zero-credit foundation courses could be waived. If foundation courses are needed, upon acceptance to the program you can take them at your own pace, online and at no cost.

Foundation Courses

Up to two zero-credit courses

• Java Programming
• C# Programming

Required Core Courses

21 semester hours comprised of:

• Front End Web Development
• Web Development Server-Side
• Android Apps Development I
• Database Design and Management
• Agile Software Development – Practices and Management
• Software Design
• Master’s Capstone Seminar or Internship

Electives

At least three courses (9 semester hours) will be chosen from the following:

• Topics in Web Technologies
• Android Apps Development II
• Mobile Web Applications
• iOS Apps Development
• Advanced Database Systems
• Topics in Data Technologies
• Topics in Software Design
• Intelligent Embedded Systems

Areas of Specialization

Degree-seeking students may specialize in:

• Web Development
• Mobile Applications Development
• Database Management
• Software Design

Non-Degree Certificates

Each certificate program requires four courses. Certificates are offered in these specialized areas:

• Web Development
• Mobile Applications Development
• Database Management

If a non-degree seeking student has successfully completed a certificate program with a grade-point average of at least 3.0, the student may apply to elevate his or her status to that of a MSSD degree seeking student. Students who successfully complete three courses in a certificate program with a grade-point average of at least 3.0, may petition early to elevate their status to MSSD degree seeking.