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The Master of Science in Software Development degree from Grand Canyon University is designed for software developers looking to position themselves for possible career advancement. With a comprehensive curriculum that covers the latest technologies and industry best practices, this program can teach you the advanced skills and knowledge needed within the field of software development.
The MS in Software Development is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of software development practices and techniques, as well as the ability to apply this knowledge to solve practical problems.
Technology is only growing in its importance, and software developers occupy a uniquely important role in society. GCU’s online master’s degree in software development program can help prepare graduates to fill these important roles and equip professionals with the opportunity to make an impact in the field. As technology progresses, our professionals need to be equipped with more than knowledge of programming languages or product development.1
Important ethical questions and concerns will undoubtedly arise during every software developer’s career. This master’s in software development at GCU addresses these ethical challenges with a Christian worldview of software development practices while also emphasizing Christian values such as honesty, integrity and compassion.
You can explore dilemmas regarding data and systems access, data privacy, data accuracy and code of conduct in decision-making. Through discussion and coursework, program candidates analyze ways to make ethical judgments in the implementation, modification and development of technology or software to use software development for the common good.
This degree is focused on equipping talented working professionals with knowledge and skills in advanced writing and implementation of both generic and customized programs. Pursuing an online master’s degree in software development may assist with balancing your studies with work, family and other commitments.
Topics covered in this online master’s degree in software development include the following:
Full software development lifecycle
System design
Software design and testing
Software architecture
Agile software development and delivery methodologies
Mobile development
Advanced database design
Secure coding
GCU’s online learning management system allows you the flexibility to balance your studies with work, family and other commitments. Assignments and participations are paced to allow every online program to fit into an already busy schedule.
Completing your master’s in software development degree online offers flexibility without removing any opportunities to gain practical skills.
Project-based coursework and discussion-driven learning allow students to develop advanced, hands-on capabilities in:
The increasing need for software developers comes from the continuous expansion of software development for artificial intelligence, robotics and other automation applications, as well as rising concerns about threats to computer security.2
Master’s degree in software development graduates can work in various industries such as technology, healthcare, finance and education. Additionally, advanced positions that include managing projects or leading software development projects can potentially be pursued with this degree.
Graduates with a master's in software development can expect to have a wide range of career options in the technology field, including the following:
Computer network support specialist
Computer programmer
Software developer
Software quality assurance analyst and tester
Web developer
Web and digital interface designer
Postsecondary computer science teacher
For software developers, quality assurance analysts and testers expected to grow by 25% from 2021 to 2031.3
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in the rapidly growing field of software development, this section provides answers to some of your most frequently asked questions about pursuing a degree and career in software development.
Pursuing a master’s degree can be a big commitment. GCU's MS in Software Development online not only focuses on teaching advanced technical concepts but also can prepare you with industry-proven skills in leadership and management, which can help you position yourself for possible career advancement.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, software developers, quality assurance analysts and testers had a median annual wage of $109,020, as of May 2021.4
GCU does not include the term “online” on your diploma when referring to a program that was earned using the online modality.
Work to advance your career potential on your own time. Earn your MS in Software Development online from GCU. For more information, contact a university counselor or complete the application to get started.
1 Daniel, Emily (2019, July 19). How Can a Software Developer Keep Updated With New Technical Skills?
Search Medium. Retrieved on May 24, 2023.
2 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (n.d.). Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved on June 9, 2023.
3 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 March 7, 2023.
4 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Software Developers, as of May 2021, retrieved on March 7, 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. 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.
Online: $600 per credit [More Info]
Up to 12 credits or 1/3 of the total program requirements in transfer (whichever is less)
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Master'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.
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).
