Online Bridge: Master’s in Software Development
Online Bridge: Master’s in Software Development
Start your GCU
journey today.
journey today.
We're here to help.
If you’re looking to enter into the field of software development, read through some of the most frequently asked questions below and consider completing your online bridge program from GCU.
There is a mix of hard and soft skills that can help software developers be successful at their jobs. Soft skills include communication, teamwork, problem-solving and a close attention to detail. Hard skills include data structure and algorithms, software security and programming languages.2
The master’s in software development online bridge program can help you develop many of these skills while helping you gain competence in areas such as computer programming, Java, cybersecurity and database design and development.
Completing an MS in software development bridge can help you feel prepared to take on a master’s level software development program. By completing the online bridge, you can gain a baseline of knowledge in multiple areas of software development; it can be an ideal option for those with a prior bachelor’s degree who are looking to break into this field yet have no prior experience.
Additionally, in May 2021, software developers, quality assurance analysts and testers had a median annual wage of $109,020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.3
Software development refers to the process of creating software. This can include designing, programming, deploying, testing and troubleshooting software. These are all components that are critical to creating successful computer programs.
Are you looking to take your career in a new direction? You may find a career in software development a promising and rewarding option if you are interested in technology and would like to have a direct hand in creating the software our society uses every single day.
Grand Canyon University’s Master of Science in Software Development bridge program is directly designed for candidates with a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field. After completing the bridge program, you will have been taught the skills and knowledge you need to be eligible to apply for entry into in the Master of Science in Software Development program.
1 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as well. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2022, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers, retrieved on July 3, 2023.
2 Sartore, M. (2023, January 10). Software Developer Career Overview. Computerscience.org. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
3 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers, as of May 2021, retrieved on July 3, 2023. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may also impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the BLS. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers from across the country with varying levels of education and experience and does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as software developers, quality assurance analysts and testers. It does not reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country. It also does not reflect a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. You may also wish to compare median salaries if you are considering more than one career path. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, and accept employment from, determines salary not only based on education, but also individual characteristics and skills and fit to that organization (among other categories) against a pool of candidates.
Enrolling in GCU’s software development bridge pathway can be your first step toward transforming your career into one you are passionate about. Fill out the form on this page for more information.
Technology is immensely important in our 21st century society. The generation of usable software is necessary in every field, industry and organization. As this necessity increases, job growth for software development-related professions is also increasing.
Those who pursue a master’s-level software development degree after completing this master’s in software development online bridge program may consider exploring jobs such as:
Estimated job growth for software developers, quality assurance analysts and testers from 2021 to 2031.1
GCU’s Bridge (Master of Science in Software Development) pathway is designed with working professionals in mind. Flexible online options allow for you to complete your degree while maintaining your already busy schedule.
Online courses require the same coursework as in-person courses, meaning you can experience the same level of advanced education in both the remote and traditional settings. Laboratory requirements allow you to gain hands-on experience in important field content, providing a workable foundation made up of both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills.
Online: $485 per credit [More Info]
Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).
Even for those with limited to no experience in software development, this bridge offers you the opportunity to gain the background necessary to apply for entry into the master’s-level software development program.
Throughout your courses, you can gain knowledge and hands-on skills. Your courses will cover these topics:
Computer programming
Explore fundamental concepts of the programming languages, focusing on object-oriented techniques as well as troubleshooting, problem-solving and basic algorithm knowledge.
Java
Explore the Java programming language in depth, focusing on advanced techniques. Study topics such as file I/O, generics, collections, multi-threading, networking and unit testing.
Database design and development
Equip yourself with the basic technical skills to implement database solutions. Coursework covers relational and non-relational databases, data definition language, data manipulation language, SQL server management and more topics necessary for creating and interacting with databases.
Cybersecurity
Prepare to secure data and maintain the privacy of digital information. The coursework explores white-hat hacking techniques, the use of preventative tools and how to identify potential breaches.
