Written By
Nicole Sonnier
Digital Content Specialist,
Grand Canyon Education
Software development is a strong career choice with positive job growth, competitive salaries and diverse opportunities across industries. It offers creativity, problem-solving and continual learning as technology evolves.
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Approved and verified accurate by the Assistant Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology on Oct. 22, 2025.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
GCU's software development program is practical and career-oriented. Unlike traditional computer science degrees that prioritize theory, GCU’s curriculum directly aligns with the skills employers seek for development roles. “GCU offers the software development degree, which is pretty much a mapping to the resumes you need for most jobs as a developer,” says Sluiter. “Developers that work for banks and insurance companies and small businesses… they create websites, they create mobile apps — and all the skills that go into that are exactly what we offer in the courses.”
Sluiter points out that many companies hire computer science graduates, knowing they’ll need months of additional training to learn the specific tools used in industry. “If you come from our software development program, you’ve got all those specialties. You’ve got the names of the technologies already in your coursework,” he explains. “It’s a very practical degree.”
That relevance is backed by faculty who bring hands-on experience to the classroom. Sluiter, who holds a degree in computer science, has served as a technology director for both a school district and a university, overseeing servers and networking infrastructure. His diverse background includes 10 years as a missionary in Mexico, teaching high school and eight years teaching at GCU. This blend of academic knowledge and practical experience can enhance the learning environment for students.
At GCU, students can not only learn to code but also how to build, collaborate and deliver solutions that meet industry standards. It’s a program built for developers who want to hit the ground running.
Software development can provide a path for individuals to enhance their technical skills and leadership abilities. Many developers begin their careers in entry-level positions, where they can gain experience and refine their skills.4 As they expand their knowledge and take on additional responsibilities, some may have the opportunity to potentially progress to more advanced roles.
The common stages of this career progression may include:
As developers gain experience, many choose to specialize in areas that align with their interests and strengths. Popular specializations include:
Beyond technical mastery, software developers may position themselves to potentially transition into leadership positions that influence team dynamics and product direction:
According to the BLS, employment for software developers is expected to grow much faster than average.4 This growth is driven by the continued expansion of software development for artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), robotics and other automation applications.5
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Explore GCU’s software development degrees and turn your passion for technology into a career.
Software development provides a compelling mix of financial opportunities, creative engagement and long-term potential, making it an appealing path for both recent graduates and professionals looking to change careers. Here’s a closer look at each of the key benefits that set this field apart.
Software developers continue to earn some of the most competitive salaries in the tech industry.1 According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for software developers, quality assurance analysts and testers was $131,490 as of May 2024.1
Some software development roles offer remote or hybrid work options.2 As Shad Sluiter, software development and computer science instructor at GCU notes, “Software developers are kind of like the original remote work… it’s just convenient. You’ve got the technology to do it, and a lot of times you just need to talk by Zoom and work at your computer.” However, while remote work is common, Sluiter points out that companies like Amazon have shifted away from fully remote models.
Software development encourages professionals to stay current through continuous learning as technology advances. Developers can pursue online courses, certifications, coding bootcamps and hands-on projects to sharpen their skills. Whether mastering a new programming language or exploring specialized areas like mobile app development or artificial intelligence, there’s always room for growth.
Software developers held approximately 1.7 million jobs in 2024, with opportunities spanning various industries, including finance, software publishing and manufacturing, underscoring the need for their skills across the economy.3 From healthcare and finance to education and entertainment, organizations everywhere rely on developers to build and maintain the systems that support their operations.
At its core, software development is about solving problems using technology. Developers leverage logic, creativity and collaboration to design solutions that enhance people’s lives, whether it’s through a mobile app that helps users manage their health or a platform that streamlines business operations.
“It can be very creative,” says Sluiter. “You’re solving problems that can be kind of mentally challenging. It’s exciting if your application gets used.” Sluiter recalls a guest speaker from Facebook who shared that her responsibility was the upper right corner of the platform’s iconic blue interface, an element seen by over a billion people. Such visibility can be deeply rewarding.
However, not every project reaches the public. “There are a lot of companies and people that have developed things for employers, and it never gets approved, and it never sees the light of day,” Sluiter notes. “That’s very demotivating.” Still, the potential to create something meaningful and widely used is what drives many developers and makes the effort worthwhile.
Software development professionals require more than just coding expertise; they must blend technical proficiency with strong interpersonal and organizational skills. This combination enables developers to build reliable systems, collaborate across teams and respond effectively to shifting project needs. As Sluiter explains, “Our students are always doing services for other people in the company or for clients directly, so understanding what people need you to do is essential." He emphasizes that the most successful developers are those who “can relate to people who are not in their field” and communicate in clear, accessible language. The most effective developers possess a well-rounded skill set that supports both innovation and execution.
These capabilities not only enhance individual performance but also contribute to the overall success of development teams and the products they create:6
Before pursuing a degree or career in software development, it’s important to ask yourself a fundamental question: Do I really enjoy this kind of work? Sluiter emphasizes the importance of self-reflection. “It’s hard to describe the work to somebody unless they try it,” he explains. “Usually about a semester in, people have a very clear idea if they like this or not.”
Software development isn’t for everyone. It often requires hours of focused problem-solving, deep concentration and staring at a screen while debugging complex systems. “You’re thinking very deeply, you’re looking for very detailed problems,” Sluiter says.
To make a more informed decision, Sluiter suggests gaining early exposure to programming. High school courses in AP computer science, software or coding can provide a valuable preview, but even informal experiences, such as online tutorials or small projects, can be beneficial. “Students can do themselves a favor by taking courses in high school, like in software, some kind of programming,” he advises.
Ultimately, the critical question isn’t just, Can I do this? but rather, Do I like it? This personal connection to the work is what sets successful developers apart and helps them in a field that demands both precision and passion.
Earning a degree helps students follow a proven sequence of learning that builds a strong foundation in both theory and application. Still, self-driven learning, primarily through hands-on projects, can be a powerful complement to traditional instruction. “People that are self-taught usually have some kind of a rule where they are forced into doing a project and they know the goal,” he explains.
Whether through coursework or independent experience, what matters most is the ability to solve problems and demonstrate your skills. “You go to a job interview for a technical role… they give you a coding challenge,” Sluiter notes. “You can’t really fake it if you don’t know those things.” A degree adds credibility, but practical knowledge and the ability to build and explain solutions can set candidates apart.
While software development and software engineering overlap significantly, often with about 50% of similar coursework, according to Sluiter, their focuses differ. “Software engineering usually involves some kind of a component that is a piece of hardware,” explains Sluiter. For example, a software engineering project might involve setting up a home security system, where the developer creates the user interface for a control panel, while the engineer ensures that the doorbell camera, garage door opener and other devices are properly connected and functioning as a system.
This distinction is particularly evident in robotics and control systems, where software engineers specialize in the interactions between software and hardware. “The wires and the connections between those gadgets are the software engineer’s specialty,” Sluiter notes, an area that is often outside of the software developer’s purview.
Another key difference lies in the academic foundation:
Software development is a systematic process that involves creating digital tools and systems to solve problems and enhance user experiences. It includes stages like design, coding, testing, deployment and maintenance. Using diverse programming languages (Java and C#) and frameworks, developers turn ideas into user-friendly tools, collaborating with designers and analysts.
Software development focuses on solving problems with technology, shaping how we live, work and connect. Whether you’re interested in building mobile apps, solving complex problems through code or contributing to the digital tools that shape everyday life, the field offers numerous opportunities.
This post will explore the key benefits of being a software developer, including competitive salaries, flexible work environments and strong career growth. You’ll also learn about the necessary skills, how to reach your goals and how Grand Canyon University’s new Bachelor of Science in Software Development: Mobile App Development Emphasis can help you position yourself for a job in the field.
If you’re passionate about technology and ready to take the next step toward a career in software development, GCU offers two comprehensive degree programs designed to help you build the necessary skills and experience.
The Bachelor of Science in Software Development provides a strong foundation in programming, software architecture and project planning. This program is ideal for students seeking broad exposure to the field and flexibility in their career options.
For those interested in a more specialized path, the Bachelor of Science in Software Development with an Emphasis in Mobile App Development focuses on mobile platforms, user experience design and app deployment.
