Why Earn a Software Development Degree?

With an increase in the demand for apps and software, there is a need for skilled software developers. If you love programming or working with programs on the computer, then this could be the career path for you. Though it is important to consider several things before you decide.

What Do Software Developers Do?

As the name suggests, these professionals make software for various companies and devices. They use their creativity to solve complex issues when designing or repairing bugs in the systems. As new phones and computers are made, there will be more demand for new applications and programs to meet the improved technology. Another responsibility of a software developer is to update existing apps to improve the user experience. Several duties you can expect in this career field include:

• Test, design and develop programs to meet user’s needs
• Ensure continued functionality
• Create various pieces and get them to function in unison
• Document the creative process

What Will I Learn in This Degree?

Throughout the bachelor's in software development program, you will learn web development skills, how to code in programming languages and how to create databases. These skills are essential when making a wide range of applications from social media apps to business oriented programs. Some of the most valuable programming languages to consider are C#, Java and JavaScript. Knowing multiple programming languages will help to diversify what you can build in your programs.

Algorithms and databases will also be covered in such a curriculum. These different tools can help to build up information that workers can analyze. These analyses can help improve the software itself by finding issues or improving how the app is organized. Also, knowing how to store information efficiently for programs to pull up is necessary for increasing speeds.

Possibilities for Careers in Technology

With a fast-growing field like technology, corporations need to hire more workers to make and maintain their applications. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of software developers is projected to grow 22% from 2019-2029.* The mass growth in the job market benefits students because demand is in their favor. Since software developers are responsible for creating, improving and maintaining the technologies that modern society relies on, it is no surprise there could potentially be a job waiting for them upon graduation.

Full Web Stack Developer

With a strong programming background, many students could potentially get a job as a web developer. This role is responsible to design company websites, build them and test the outcome. The back-end development of these sites is meant to function with the front-end.

Mobile Application Developer

These individuals work on making better apps to be downloaded and implemented for a variety of uses. These developers work to make apps for iPhones and Androids at some point in their career. These programmers tend to know languages like Swift for Apple products and Java for Android phones.

System Software Manager

Workers in this position focus on making systems for organizations to operate on the back end and improve different aspects of a business. One such program is a back-end processing system. This system deals with the various parts of the software, such as interface, collecting inputs and inventory that support the back office. These programs are put into the back end of devices, including phones, switches and many other networking devices.

Software Development Manager

Leading the charge for many projects, software development managers are responsible for dividing responsibilities between workers based on experience and skills. The manager keeps track of how the projects are progressing and how much time should be allocated to each part. If certain sections fall behind schedule, it is their job to catch up and communicate all information with shareholders.

Quality Assurance Analysts

People in this position are tasked with the quality assurance of the company’s software. Another important part to the job is testing all the systems to ensure there are no flaws before launch. Some quality assurance analysts may work in different parts of a business, such as a manufacturing plant, to make sure no errors occur on any software.

Computer Programmer

A computer programmer is responsible for writing out code to perform various functions and fix bugs. There is a wide range of products that need code written for anything from algorithms to like buttons. These programmers are highly flexible in their skill set, knowing several different programming languages and, likely, need to think outside the box.

How To Decide on a Technology Career?

The best way to decide on a career is to consider your strengths and career goals. For example, if you are better at programming then you might want to pursue work in making phone apps or designing the software. It is up to the student to assess and decide the best fit for themselves. Also, do not worry if you change your mind after getting a job. Technology is a flexible career field that has many opportunities for movement and growth.

If you’re ready to pursue a lucrative career in a high-tech industry, it’s time to think about earning your engineering degree at Grand Canyon University. The College of Science, Engineering and Technology offers numerous degree options for aspiring programmers. These include the Bachelors of Science in Software Engineering and the Bachelor of Science in Software Development degree programs.

Click on the Request Info button at the top of your screen and begin exploring the diverse academic options at GCU.

*Retrieved from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Software Developers, in March 2021

*Covid-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics as well. Accordingly, data shown is based on 2019, which can be found at U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Software Developers.