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Software Development
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
Turn your passion for technology into professional expertise and get ready to expand your career potential. The online bachelor’s in information technology, software development from Capella University can equip you with IT skills and programming abilities that make an impact in today’s digital landscape. Immerse yourself in experiential, real-world learning scenarios and develop your command of industry-standard languages like Java, HTML5, C# and SQL. Our curriculum is designed around Agile processes and DevOps methods that streamline development and operations, so you can build the fundamental skills you need to pursue a wide range of IT roles, projects or advanced certifications.
Classes start July 10
Use the code SPRING to waive the $50 application fee.
At a glance
- Online
- 8–13 General education courses
- 11 Core courses
- 4 Specialization courses
- 4–5 Concentration courses
- 5–9 Elective courses
- 1 Capstone
- 180 Total quarter credits
- 135 Max transfer credits
Reduce your tuition by $15,000
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $15K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your bachelor’s degree.
Explore software development courses
- This degree requires a total of 180 program credits in GuidedPath
- You’ll need to complete 8–13 general education courses, 11 core courses, 4 specialization courses, 4–5 concentration courses, 5–9 elective courses and one capstone
| IT3349 * |
Intermediate Java Programming
Learners apply features and techniques beyond the basics of the Java programming language to develop applications of moderate complexity. Learners analyze advanced object-oriented programming concepts like inheritance, polymorphism, interfaces, and abstract classes. Learners also investigate programming Graphical User Interface (GUI) applications with Java and the Java rich library of data structures like lists, stacks, and queues. Prerequisite(s): IT2249. |
3 quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| IT4736 * |
SQL and NoSQL Programming
In this course, learners examine the differences between relational and non-relational databases and explain big data and non-relational database concepts. Learners apply advanced querying methods to access data from both types of databases for use in applications, as well as explore database design, normalization and database optimization. Prerequisite(s): IT4737. |
6 quarter credits |
| IT4789 * |
Mobile Cloud Computing Application Development
Learners in this course evaluate and demonstrate using Mobile Backend as a Service (MBaaS) platforms to create secure, modern, and innovative crossplatform mobile applications. Throughout the course, learners practice using some of the commonly available MBaaS services, including cross-platform identity and authentication, user account management, data synchronization, Not only Structured Query Language (NoSQL) data access, and storage services. Prerequisite(s): IT4780. |
3 quarter credits |
| IT4774 * |
Software Construction
Learners in this course use the output from the software design process to create working software through coding, debugging, and testing. Learners practice construction tasks, as well as learn to minimize complexity, deal with change, and build applications for verification with basic construction standards. Prerequisite(s): IT4775. |
6 quarter credits |
| IT4795 * |
Web Application Development
Learners develop web applications using an Integrated Development Environment (IDE). Learners apply object-oriented software design and programming tools and create object-oriented software solutions using a Web 2.0 frontend and a database backend. Learners demonstrate their knowledge of dynamic Internet scripting, standard library packages, AJAX interface elements, dynamic scripting algorithms, and database access algorithms. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in IT4737. |
3 quarter credits |
*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.
What you’ll learn
The software development specialization helps you to develop increasingly complex computer programs and end-user applications using Agile methods as well as theories, concepts and practices supported by the Software Engineering Body of Knowledge (SWEBOK). Software requirements definition, design, construction, testing and application security methods are applied in all approaches. Your curriculum includes one of four required concentrations: Mobile Development, Web Development, Cloud Application Development, or Programming and Application Development.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Collect and analyze user requirements
- Translate user requirements into system and software requirements
- Identify and apply appropriate software architecture patterns to create high-level designs
- Construct software to design specifications using a high-level programming language
- Implement appropriate software testing and quality assurance activities in the development process
- Develop software applications in one or more significant application domains
- Work effectively as a member of a software development team
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.
Faculty spotlight
Melissa Zgola, EdD
Program Director, Information Technology
How much does the BS in IT cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term
$18,675
MAX TRANSFER CREDITS
$39,785
AVERAGE TRANSFER CREDITS
$365 per 1000-2000 level credit $415 per 3000-4000 level credit, 180 total quarter credits, 135 max transfer credits
*This is only an estimate, effective July 10, 2023, and is subject to change. Your price will vary depending on your specialization, transfer credits, and tuition discounts. Books, supplies, and other fees are not included in this estimate. GuidedPath prices show the tuition you would pay if you brought in an average number of transfer credits or the maximum allowed transfer credits. New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs.
Capella is committed to transparency in its tuition and pricing. In addition to tuition, you will be responsible for additional costs, which may include an application fee, travel expenses, and practicum costs. A resource kit fee of $50-$175, charged quarterly or per billing session, covers the cost of required books, software, and other course materials. Click here to review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education. Learn more about financing your education.
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
“The material that Capella used in their classes provided real-world examples of IT industries. I felt that these gave me greater insight into not only how things work but to think more strategically.”
Will Resendes* – BS Information Technology
*Actual Capella graduate who agreed to appear in promotional materials.
Are there scholarships available for bachelor’s degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future. There are more ways to save than you might think.
*Additional fee of $50 assessed each quarter you request documented credit.
**Learners who submit IAC-IT documented credit for the CISSP, CISM, CISA, CEH and SSCP can be awarded a maximum of 5 specialization courses through documented credit. They may be able to submit petitions for the remaining credits allowed for CPL in their curriculum.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability.
See all our accreditations and recognitions.
*The FlexPath format for the BS in Information Technology program specializations is not accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.
What are the BS in IT Software Development requirements?
Applicants to the BS in Information Technology, Software Development program must provide the following information for admission:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Transcript of any reported GED
- A $50 nonrefundable application fee, required at the time of application, to cover transcript requests, transcript evaluation, and other administrative costs
- You must be at least 24 years old. This requirement may be waived for:
- Military applicants and veterans
- Applicants with 24 or more quarter credits of prior college or university coursework (transferable college coursework and/or credentials that map to preapproved Credit for Prior Learning opportunities may be considered toward the 24-credit minimum equivalency total)
- Applicants who do not have any credits eligible for transfer must successfully complete a university-approved reading and writing assessment; by evaluating your skills prior to your first course, Capella can more effectively provide resources to prepare you for a successful learning experience
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
SAT and ACT are not required for admission.
International student requirements
If you live outside the U.S. or aren’t a U.S. citizen, you may be considered an international student.
To meet the requirements for Capella admission, you must:
- Earn the minimum score on an acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Attend an internationally recognized institution
- Provide transcripts for evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of bachelor’s students. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your degree with support from faculty, staff and online resources.
What can you do with a BS in IT Software Development degree?
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Software Development.
Job titles to explore
- Software engineer
- Software developer
- Business analyst
- Systems engineer
- Systems administrator
- Java software developer
- Network engineer
- Information technology manager
- .Net developer
- Applications developer
- Programmer/Analyst
- Web developer
Employment settings to explore
- Software publisher
- Hospital
- Computer systems service
- Financial institution
- Insurance carrier
- Management, scientific and technical consulting service
- Manufacturing
- Community or technical college
- Land-based or online college or university
- Government – local, state, federal
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