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.

Gain industry experience

Add valuable experience to your portfolio by working on real-world projects with live clients.

Take certification exams on us

Capella offers eligible students certification exam vouchers from CompTIA, Cisco, and SAS.

Agile and DevOps

Build the expertise to model and design software; and code, test and ensure quality using Agile and DevOps methods to streamline development and operations.

Classes start June 6

Use the code SPRING to waive the $50 application fee.

At a glance

Online
8–13 General education courses
15 Core courses
6 Specialization courses
4–6 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.

Apply now

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, 15 core courses, six specialization courses, 4–6 concentration courses, 5–9 elective courses and one capstone

View all courses

Show course with description

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
IT4733 *	Advanced Database Development Learners investigate the data access layer of an application. Learners develop and demonstrate their knowledge of application objects that interact with an assortment of databases and data repositories, and evaluate data modeling, connections, queries, data manipulation for contemporary Web, traditional applications, database administration and user security implementation. *Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in IT4731.*	3 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): IT4784.*	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): IT4772.*	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 IT4731.*	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.

GUIDEDPATH

A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.

Learn more about GuidedPath »

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

$18,495–$42,984^* MAX TRANSFER CREDITS–AVERAGE TRANSFER CREDITS

$357 per 1000-2000 level credit $411 per 3000-4000 level credit, 180 total quarter credits, 135 max transfer credits

Learning outcomes »

View all tuition and fees »

*This is only an estimate, using general program pricing, and it does not include fees (including application and resource kit fees). Your price may be higher or lower depending on your specialization, transfer credits, and tuition discounts. If transfer credits are allowed in this offering, the prices above show what you would pay if you brought in the average number of transfer credits and the price if you brought in the maximum allowed transfer credits.

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.

Transfer credits

Capella lets you transfer previous college credit to cover up to 75% of your bachelor’s degree, saving you significant time and money.

Gen ed courses included

Capella students have a great way to complete gen ed requirements with access to ACE-recommended courses from our affiliate, Sophia Learning.

Save with prior learning and IT certifications

Potential savings* of $8,581 on your Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with your CISSP®** – Certified Information Systems Security Professional. See what you could save on your IT degree.

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Save with prior learning and IT certifications

*Savings inclusive of fees charged by Capella to evaluate and award academic credit for your prior learning. The documented credit fee of $50 is assessed each quarter you request documented credit. Capella reserves the right to change fees at any time.

**Learners who submit IAC-IT documented credit for the CISSP, CISM, CISA, CEH and SSCP can be awarded a maximum of 5 courses through documented credit. They are able to submit petitions for the remaining credits allowed for PLA 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 Prior Learning Assessment 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.

Faculty

Our courses are taught by distinguished faculty members who hold top credentials and have hands-on expertise in their fields.

Enrollment counselors

Our enrollment counselors will set you up for success. They’ll help you find the right degree and program and answer all your questions about Capella. They can also help you with the admissions process.

Academic coaches

Once you enroll, these specialists can help tailor a program to your goals and experiences and help you stay on track to meet program requirements.

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.