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Thinking of advancing your career with a certificate in software engineering? Use our guide & listings to make the most of your educational investment. Explore the ins & outs of software engineering certificate programs, including how they work, what to expect, and the benefits of earning one. Find out how much you’ll need to budget for tuition and compare the benefits of undergraduate & graduate certificates in software fields.
Ready to lay your money down? Explore our state-by-state listings of the best software engineering certificate programs in the country.
What Are Software Engineering Certificate Programs?
Software engineering certificates teach students the skills & knowledge necessary to design, develop, test, deploy, and maintain software applications. These efficient programs typically last between six and twelve months and include coursework in computer programming, software design, and project management. Many graduate certificates in software engineering also offer opportunities for students to gain real-world experience through internships or research projects.
You’ll be spoiled for choice! Regionally accredited institutions offer plenty of software engineering certificate programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels (depending on prior education and experience). See our listings for examples. Certificates are not degrees, but they can provide a solid foundation for a successful career in software engineering. You may also wish to apply your certificate credits towards a degree sometime in the future.
Note: Steer clear of for-profit institutions that offer certificates in software engineering—they don’t hold the same weight as certificates from regionally accredited universities & colleges.
Software Engineering Fields: Your Certificate Options
Common Types of Software Certificates
As a software engineer, your options for pursuing a certificate program are seemingly endless. Here are a few of the most common types of certificates that universities & colleges offer:
- Software Engineering: Software engineers work on a large scale to develop and maintain entire software applications and computer systems.
- Software Development: Software developers design and create individual software programs, applications, and games.
- Computer Science: Computer scientists study the principles behind computing and computer systems. They develop algorithms, analyze data, and create models to solve complex problems.
- Database Administration: Database administrators manage and organize data, ensuring that it is accessible and secure.
Certificates in Specialized Areas
Universities have also developed specialized types of certificate programs, such as those in health informatics, information security, financial software engineering, cloud computing and virtualization, and blockchain. These certificates are laser-focused on specific skills. For instance:
- Health Informatics: Health informaticians use their knowledge of computer science and information technology to develop systems that can be used in the healthcare industry. Northeastern University’s Health Informatics Software Engineering Program includes five courses and specialized tracks in data science and healthcare analytics.
- Cybersecurity: Cybersecurity focuses on protecting data from unauthorized access and theft. Pace University’s Secure Software and Information Engineering Certificate Program includes 18 credits that cover topics such as software validation, network security, and quality assurance.
- Financial Software Engineering: As FinTech becomes more commonplace, demand has increased for software engineers who specialize in the financial space. Stevens Institute of Technology’s Financial Software Engineering Certificate teaches students about derivatives products, stochastic portfolio simulation, and pricing and hedging strategy to create value in financial markets.
- Cloud Computing and Virtualization: Cloud computing technologies like Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure are revolutionizing how businesses operate. LSU’s Graduate Certificate in Cloud Computing and Machine Learning equips students with the skills they need to design, deploy, and manage cloud-based applications and systems.
- Blockchain: A new and emerging niche, blockchain is geared to take the center stage as decentralization, cryptocurrency, and digital security grow in popularity. Northeastern University’s Blockchain and Smart Contract Engineering Certificate Program gives students a holistic look at how this technology impacts different industries. Through two years of full-time coursework, this program aims to teach students how to develop and implement this innovative technology.
Industry Certifications in Software Engineering
There are also many software engineering certifications available for enterprise software platforms that you’ll probably use as an engineer. Industry certifications are not university qualifications. However, they can show employers that you have achieved mastery over a topic and a certain level of career experience.
Some of the most popular industry certifications in the field of software engineering include:
- AWS Certified DevOps Engineer
- Oracle Certified Master
- Certified Agile Leadership
- Salesforce Administrator
- Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect
- Scrum
Certificate Program Overview: Curriculum, Admission Requirements & Costs
Structure & Timeline
Whether your certificate program is in-person or online, you can expect it to last between six and twelve months. Software engineering graduate certificate programs range from 9–18 credits. Many programs require 5 courses (3 credits each) for a total of 15 credits. On a full-time plan of study, you might be taking 3-4 courses per semester.
A large number of certificate programs offer part-time plans of study for working professionals who want to take fewer classes per semester. For example, UC Berkeley’s Graduate Certificate Program in Software Development and Programming gives aspiring engineers the option stretch the certificate out over the course of four semesters. Boston University’s Online Graduate Certificate in Software Engineering is organized on a part-time framework.
Software Engineering Certificate: Curriculum
Typical Coursework
The certificate program you enroll in will determine the curriculum and coursework you’ll complete. But a few concepts you can expect to learn include:
- Programming Languages: Python, C, C++, JavaScript, SQL
- Object-Oriented Programming: Software design patterns, UML diagrams
- Software Engineering Concepts: Algorithms, data structures, software testing
- Operating Systems: Linux, Unix, Windows
- Databases: MySQL, MongoDB, Cassandra
- Information Systems: Cloud computing, big data, business intelligence
- Networks: Cloud computing, distributed systems
- Software Architecture: Microservices, SOA, REST
- Project Management: Agile methodologies, Scrum
Not every software certificate program will cover all of these subjects, but most will touch on at least a few of these concepts. And if you’re looking to specialize in a specific area, such as cloud computing or big data, there are certificates that focus exclusively on those topics.
Internships, Projects & Career Opportunities
In addition to achieving a 13–25% salary boost (on average) after graduation, many certificate program participants gain access to unique internships, hands-on projects, and private job boards. Here are a few examples:
- University of Washington, Tacoma: Private networking events, panel discussions, and career counseling are included in the cost of the certificate.
- West Virginia University: On-campus employment opportunities are provided throughout the certificate program.
- Boston University: Certificate-to-master’s-degree pathway and one-on-one consultations are available from the Career Development Center.
Most graduate certificate programs in software engineering & software topics also involve hands-on workshops and projects that simulate real-world scenarios. In many cases, professors will invite executives from their professional networks to serve as guest lecturers or mentors.
Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements
The admission process for a graduate certificate in software engineering will depend on the school’s reputation. Stanford, MIT, or an Ivy League school will be much more difficult to get into than a community college. But in general, you can expect the following:
- Bachelor’s Degree: You’ll need to have a four-year degree from a regionally accredited university.
- Work Experience: Many certificate programs require at least two years of related professional work experience, although some may accept less if you have a strong academic track record.
- GPA: The minimum GPA is usually around 2.5, but prestigious institutions may require 3.0 or higher.
- Letters of Recommendation: Most certificate programs will require one or two letters of recommendation, often from a former employer or professor.
- Application Fee: Nearly all certificate programs have an application fee in the $50-150 range.
Note: Undergraduate certificates will have a separate set of admissions.
How Much Do Software Engineering Graduate Certificate Programs Cost?
At the graduate level, software engineering certificate programs can cost as little as $4,000 or as much as $16,500. The price varies wildly depending on the institution (public vs. private, in-state vs. out-of-state), the length of the program, and the state where the school is located. For example, in 2023:
- The estimated total cost for UC Berkeley’s Certificate Program in Software Development & Programming was $4,000 (not including course materials or registration fees).
- UW Tacoma’s Graduate Certificate in Software Development Engineering cost an estimated $16,500.
- Most institutions fall somewhere between these two figures—WVU’s Software Engineering Graduate Certificate cost around $10,470.
The per-credit cost at most regionally accredited institutions is between $650 and $1,200. If your certificate program is 16 units or more, you can expect to pay over $10,000. Paying attention to credit numbers can help you develop a better understanding of what the total cost of your individual program would be. Use the cost & coursework links is our listings to create a budget.
How to Save Money on Certificate Programs
Since many colleges & universities offer virtual courses at a discount, students who enroll in online certificate programs sometimes enjoy lower tuition rates. Online and hybrid certificates in software engineering will also allow you to save money on additional educational costs, such as commuting, on-campus housing, and parking.
Look into financial assistance options such as scholarships, employer reimbursement, and grants to help offset the costs of earning a software engineering certificate. Just be aware that many universities may only offer graduate scholarships & fellowships to degree-seeking students.
Online vs. On-Campus Certificates
Certificates in software engineering are a popular choice for working professionals, so it makes sense that universities & colleges offer convenient campus programs and 100% online certificates.
- On-Campus: In-person classes will be held on the campus of the college or university you choose to attend—usually during the evenings and/or weekends. These classes will be in the form of traditional lectures, lab work, or seminars.
- Online: Online classes don’t require any on-campus participation. All class discussions and communication will happen via Zoom, WebEx, or a similar online platform. Your day-to-day communication, resource sharing, collaboration, and coursework submission will most likely occur through a learning management system like Blackboard or Canvas.
If you’re interested in a 100% online certificate in software engineering or a closely related field, ask the program coordinator about how the coursework will be completed. There are two ways you can take classes in a virtual setting:
- Synchronously: In a synchronous course, you attend class at the same time as your classmates, similar to the traditional classroom format. This works best for students who live in similar time zones to the university and can take time out from other responsibilities (e.g. childcare, commuting, etc.).
- Asynchronously: In an asynchronous class, you can access lectures and other course materials on your own time. For example, you may be able to watch recorded lectures at any time and complete assignments on your own schedule. This approach is well-suited for students who have other responsibilities that may interfere with attending live lectures.
A number of universities & colleges like to have a mix of synchronous and asynchronous learning in their online programs. For instance, you might have to attend one evening class per week and spend the rest of the time working on your own.
Undergraduate vs. Graduate Certificates
Undergraduate Certificates
Undergraduate certificates in software topics usually only require a high school diploma or a GED, making them accessible to almost anyone. They are generally shorter and less expensive than their graduate counterparts. An undergraduate certificate program may be a good option if you want to change careers or enhance your job prospects without going back to school for a four-year degree. You also have the option to earn one alongside your bachelor’s degree or after you’ve graduated.
Graduate Certificates
Graduate certificates in software fields are designed for working professionals who want to improve their skills without committing to a full master’s degree. They are more robust than undergraduate programs and often offer access to exclusive internships, events, and job boards. Some certificates offer a fast track to admissions at the school’s master’s degree program.
Admission requirements are more stringent for graduate certificates than undergraduate certificates. You’ll need to have a four-year degree and—in some cases—at least two years of professional work experience. Many schools don’t require a computer science degree, but students without one may need to complete prerequisite CS coursework to get up to speed.
Is a Graduate Certificate in Software Engineering Worth It?
Whether or not a graduate certificate in software engineering is worth it is a hotly debated topic. And the truth is, it depends on your specific situation. Many argue that you can learn most of what’s taught in a certificate program on your own, through online courses and self-study. While that may be true to some extent, there are plenty of benefits that come with pursuing a formal education.
Pros of a Certificate in Software Engineering
For those interested in pursuing a career in an innovative & lucrative field, a certificate offers an accelerated way to gain the skills and advanced knowledge necessary to kick-start their job search. Among the most in-demand and highest-paid jobs in the country are those in the field of software engineering. Having a credential from a respected institution on your résumé will help you stand out.
If you choose a graduate certificate from a university or college, you’ll have access to experienced professors who can offer insights and guidance that you might not receive from self-directed learning. You’ll get the chance to network with other students and professionals, which can be helpful when you’re looking for a job or seeking advice. And you can always choose to apply your certificate credits towards a master’s degree in the future. (Just be sure those credits will transfer!)
Cons of a Certificate in Software Engineering
With an average cost of over $11,000, a graduate certificate in software engineering or software development can be financially restrictive. If you are already burdened by student loans from a previous degree, pursuing an additional educational qualification may not be feasible. In some cases, your current employer may be willing to foot the bill—but that’s not always the case.
- At the beginning of your career in software engineering or development, you may only need a bachelor’s degree. Many companies are open to considering BS graduates as long as they have the right technical skills, relevant industry certifications and/or real-world experience.
- On the flip side, a master’s degree may be necessary to apply for the best software engineering positions. At top companies, you may find it hard to compete with job candidates who hold an MS.
Each company is different, so it pays to do a little research and plan ahead. Look up current employees on LinkedIn and examine their qualifications. If you have the time and money to spare, pursuing a certificate in software engineering can result in tangible benefits. But it isn’t the be-all, end-all solution.
All Software Engineering Certificate Programs
69 Schools Found
Arkansas
Arkansas State University-Beebe
Computer Coding Department
Beebe, Arkansas
Arkansas State University-Mountain Home
School of Business & Technology
Mountain Home, Arkansas
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Department of Computer Science
Little Rock, Arkansas
California
American River College
Department of Computer Information Science
Sacramento, California
Antelope Valley College
Division of Math, Science, and Engineering
Lancaster, California
Bakersfield College
STEM Division
Bakersfield, California
California State University-Sacramento
Department of Computer Science
Sacramento, California
Loyola Marymount University
Seaver College of Science and Engineering
Los Angeles, California
San Francisco State University
Department of Computer Science
San Francisco, California
University of Southern California
Viterbi School of Engineering
Los Angeles, California
Colorado
University of Denver
Division of Information and Communications Technology
Denver, Colorado
Connecticut
Central Connecticut State University
Department of Computer Science
New Britain, Connecticut
Norwalk Community College
Department of Computer Science
Norwalk, Connecticut
Delaware
Wilmington University
College of Technology
New Castle, Delaware
Florida
St Petersburg College
Department of Technology
Clearwater, Florida
State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota
Department of Business & Technology
Bradenton, Florida
Tallahassee Community College
Business, Industry and Technology Division
Tallahassee, Florida
Valencia College
Division of Business, IT & Public Services
Orlando, Florida
Georgia
Albany Technical College
Department of Computer Information Systems (CIS) - Computer Programming
Albany, Georgia
Atlanta Technical College
Department of Computer Information Systems
Atlanta, Georgia
Diploma in Computer Programming
Offered Online
Technical Certificate in C++ Programming
Offered Online
DeVry University
Department of Technology - Software & Information Systems
Arlington, Virginia | Chicago, Illinois | Columbus, Ohio | Decatur, Georgia | Fort Washington, Pennsylvania | Irving, Texas | Miramar, Florida | Phoenix, Arizona | Pomona, California
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
Department of Computer Information Science
Valdosta, Georgia
Illinois
Harper College
Art, Design, & Performing Arts Division
Palatine, Illinois
Southwestern Illinois College
Department of Information Technology
Belleville, Illinois
Waubonsee Community College
Department of Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics
Sugar Grove, Illinois
Indiana
Vincennes University
College of Business & Public Service
Vincennes, Indiana
Iowa
Iowa State University
Colleges of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Engineering, and Business
Ames, Iowa
Maine
Husson University
School of Technology and Innovation
Bangor, Maine
Maryland
Towson University
Department of Computer & Information Sciences
Towson, Maryland
University of Maryland-College Park
Maryland Applied Graduate Engineering (MAGE)
College Park, Maryland
Massachusetts
Boston University
Department of Computer Science
Boston, Massachusetts
Harvard University
Harvard Extension School
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Graduate Certificate in Programming
Offered Online
Springfield Technical Community College
Department of Computer Systems Engineering Technology
Springfield, Massachusetts
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth
College of Engineering
North Dartmouth, Massachusetts
Michigan
Washtenaw Community College
Department of Business
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Wayne County Community College District
Division of Information Technology (DIT)
Detroit, Michigan
Missouri
St Charles Community College
Department of Computer Science
Cottleville, Missouri
State Fair Community College
Department of Computer Information Systems
Sedalia, Missouri
University of Missouri-St Louis
Department of Computer Science
Saint Louis, Missouri
New Jersey
Atlantic Cape Community College
Department of Computer Science
Mays Landing, New Jersey
Stevens Institute of Technology
School of Systems and Enterprises
Hoboken, New Jersey
North Carolina
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Department of Software and Information Systems
Charlotte, North Carolina
Wake Technical Community College
Division of Information Technology
Raleigh, North Carolina
Certificate in Programming Fundamentals
Offered Online
Winston-Salem State University
Department of Computer Science
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Certificate in Computer Programming
Offered Online
North Dakota
North Dakota State University-Main Campus
College of Engineering
Fargo, North Dakota
Valley City State University
Department of Computer Systems and Software Engineering
Valley City, North Dakota
Ohio
Cleveland State University
Washkewicz College of Engineering
Cleveland, Ohio
Stark State College
Department of Computer Information Technology
North Canton, Ohio
University of Cincinnati
College of Engineering & Applied Science
Cincinnati, Ohio
Pennsylvania
Drexel University
College of Computing & Informatics
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Saint Joseph's University
Department of Computer Science
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Westmoreland County Community College
School of Technology
Youngwood, Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Citadel Military College of South Carolina
Department of Cyber and Computer Sciences
Charleston, South Carolina
College of Charleston
Department of Computer Science
Charleston, South Carolina
South Dakota
Dakota State University
Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences
Madison, South Dakota
Texas
Amarillo College
Department of Computer Information Systems (CIS)
Amarillo, Texas
Austin Community College District
Computer Science & Information Technology
Austin, Texas
St Philip's College
Department of Business Information
San Antonio, Texas
Certificate of Web & Mobile Development
Offered Online
Texas Tech University
Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering
Lubbock, Texas
Utah
University of Utah
School of Computing
Salt Lake City, Utah
Utah Tech University
Department of Computing
Saint George, Utah
Utah Valley University
College of Engineering & Technology
Orem, Utah
Vermont
Vermont Technical College
School of Engineering and Computing
Randolph Center, Vermont
Virginia
George Mason University
Volgenau School of Engineering
Fairfax, Virginia
Virginia Western Community College
Center for Cybersecurity Education
Roanoke, Virginia
Washington
Green River Community College
Division of Technology
Auburn, Washington
Seattle Community College-North Campus
Department of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)
Seattle, Washington
Walla Walla Community College
Department of Computer Science
Walla Walla, Washington
Wisconsin
Waukesha County Technical College
Department of Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics
Pewaukee, Wisconsin