The first step in the process of pursuing a career in QA is to earn a bachelor’s degree in software engineering or a closely related subject. Although the curriculum will depend on your institution and the specific degree you choose, you can generally expect to study topics such as the following:
- Software development, analysis, testing and use
- Algorithm writing
- Embedded systems and system testing
- FPGA design and use
- The Software Development Life Cycle
- Architecture
- IT design
- Large data stores
- Cloud-based systems
You may have one or more capstone courses. A capstone course is typically completed during the senior year as a culmination of everything that students have learned. It is your opportunity to put your new skills to work solving real-world problems.
Earn Your Undergraduate Java Programming Certificate
It is possible to begin pursuing entry-level work in the field after earning a bachelor’s degree. However, it is a smart idea to look for ways to set yourself apart from other job candidates. One way to do this is to earn an undergraduate certificate in your area of expertise.
A Java programming certificate can take less than one year to complete. It is an excellent option for QA analysts, as many of them rely heavily on their knowledge of the Java programming language. Note that an undergraduate certificate program is not the same thing as a certification, but it does build advanced skills and knowledge that employers will look for.
Alternatively, you could earn your Java programming certificate before you enroll as an undergrad student. This would allow you to build fundamental knowledge and skills in the field, which can help you prepare to ace your four-year degree.
While working toward your certificate, you will study topics such as the following:
- Java object-oriented programming techniques
- Full-stack application development
- The use of Agile and team coding tools
- Version control software
- Licensing constraints
- Scripting languages
