CMIT-135
Upcoming Start Dates
Spring term A begins. Apply by Jan. 3.
Spring term B begins. Apply by Feb. 27.
Explore Software Development
Earn your software development certificate online at Champlain College (including knowledge of multiple key applications, platforms, and programming languages) and enter this in-demand field with a credential employers will respect.
This software development certificate online can be taken as a stand-alone program, or can be used as a stepping stone on the way to obtaining your online associate degree in software development, online bachelor's degree in software development, or online bachelor's degree in computer information systems.
Build Your Career Future
We understand how important it is for busy working adults to gain knowledge and expertise quickly, which is why our online software development certificate coursework is applicable to the workplace from day one. Whether you've already earned an undergraduate degree or you're currently pursuing your bachelor's degree, a software development certificate is a great way to earn a credential in the field, get your resume noticed, and demonstrate proficiency in a focused area of knowledge.
Program Curriculum
Learn more about Champlain's 100% online software development undergraduate certificate, designed for working professionals.
Champlain's online software development courses encompass the top skills needed by today's software development professionals. Complete the first two required courses, and then choose one of three options to complete your certificate.
Note: Some of the courses in this program are available in 15-week terms only. Please contact your advisor for details.
From day one, students in this course are problem solving, first in terms of algorithmic design and then as early as week two via programming in the latest version of Python, using PyCharm. Students begin by writing a program to have a conversation, having strings and numbers as input, and advance, by week seven, to building a working password saver program, capable of looking up, adding (and encrypting), and storing passwords.
Learn the basics and more in this course on Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS) and SQL (Structured Query Language). Students propose a final project in the first module and then work, week-by-week, to design, create, and populate the database. Then, students learn to create queries and stored procedures.
Prerequisites
This course will introduce students to programming concepts, using a major industry programming language, C++. SDEV-240 covers the history of programming languages, the essentials of the C++ programming language, and how to write effective and efficient programs to solve a variety of real-world problems.
Prerequisites
CMIT-135
This course is an introduction to programming using the Java programming language. Topics include programming logic, selection and repetition, array processing, classes, methods, and loops. The course introduces the student to the basic concepts of object oriented programming and exception handling. The focus is on developing high quality, working software that solves real problems.
Prerequisites
CMIT-135
From storyboard to form creation, students walk through the steps to create a basic four to five-page website to specification in this course that introduces HTML5 and CSS. Hands-on assignments reinforce skills development and best practices in design: navigation, column layout, image editing and usage, fonts and tables.
Choose One of the following courses
The focus of this course is to cover the robust and powerful features of C++ and Object Oriented Programming. These skills will serve as a foundation to transit to develop Client/Server, Database driven applications and simulations.
Prerequisites
SDEV-240
A study in Java language techniques beyond the introductory course. Topics include object inheritance, polymorphism, abstract classes and interfaces, multithreading, graphical user interfaces, event-driven programming, exceptions, and Java packages for collections. Robust software development assignments will emphasize solving real problems.
Prerequisites
SDEV-250
Python is a programming language with broad appeal because of its accessibility, community, sponsorship and utility. In this course students learn additional Python programming concepts and further develop their skills. Students progress from lists and basic structures to Object Oriented Programming, including objects, classes, encapsulation, abstraction modularity, memory management, inheritance and polymorphism. Students also learn advanced Python language features such as iterators and generators, along with error and exception handling.
Prerequisites
Complete CMIT-135
Additional Program Details
Graduates of the online software development certificate program will demonstrate the following industry-specific skills, knowledge, and competencies:
- Apply core technologies to design and create stand-alone and web-based software applications.
- Use object-oriented programming principles to build reusable software components that model real-world objects, reduce complexity and make software easier to maintain.
- Create database-driven applications
- C++
- Java Programming
- Python
- Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS)
- SQL (Structured Query Language)
Champlain College Online's technology faculty, led by Program Director Richard Pickering, are expert practitioners in the field. Their industry expertise ensures that our software development certificate curriculum is aligned with the needs of employers, and reflects the skills today’s software development professionals need for success. Classes led by our seasoned experts will give you real-world insight into the field, and create a rich community of career-focused learning.
Tuition & Costs
Online Undergraduate Tuition Fall '23 - Summer '25
$335
per credit
$1,005*
per course
$290**
per credit for Champlain alumni or associate degree graduates from any college or university
$250
per credit for military service members (family members see truED tuition)
$150
One-time graduation fee
*Based on a 3-credit course; cost will vary if course is a different number of credits
** Starts Summer 2024, not retroactive
See the undergraduate cost of attendance and fees here
Affordability and Paying For Your Education
We provide a number of options to make your online education affordable, including preferred tuition for alumni, associate degree graduates, community college graduates, and military.
Gain New Skills with a Certificate
Computer and information technology occupations are projected to grow 13% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all new occupations, as a result of an increased business focus on cloud computing, data collection and storage, and information security.*
*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 2020
Top Reasons to Pursue a Certificate
- Enter a new field
- Build new skills
- Gain knowledge on your way towards a degree
- Differentiate your resume
- Earn a credential
Why Champlain
Online Experience
"I wanted to go to an online school with a good reputation, and with a brick-and-mortar base. So I found Champlain, and that was it. Doing the online program was the only way I could pursue my education, being a mom of three and working full time."
Vanessa Junkins
Bachelor's Degree in Healthcare Administration, Master of Business Administration
Inpatient Services Program Manager, Fresenius Medical Care North America
Academic Excellence and Recognition
Regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education
Designated as a Military Friendly School for our commitment to the military community
Ranked among the best by Tech Guide for game design and computer science
Named the among the best schools with accelerated bachelor's degrees by Intelligent.com
Meet the Program Director
Daniel Selicaro, MS
Program Director, Technology and Assistant Professor
Oversees
- Computer Science (BS)
- Software Development (AS, BS)
- Web Design & Development (AS, BS)
- Software Engineering and Project Management (MS)
About
Daniel Selicaro is an Assistant Professor and Program Director for Technology at Champlain College Online. He oversees bachelor degree programs for Software Development, Web Design and Development, and Computer Science, as well as the graduate program in Software Engineering and Project Management.
Dan has been at Champlain College since 2007, and has been teaching web design and development for Champlain since 2015. He began his career in print journalism as a newspaper reporter, and was the news editor for Upside magazine and the Red Herring magazine in California. After moving back to the East Coast, he worked on digital marketing at Champlain College, and was an active part of two redevelopments of the College website, champlain.edu, before he took a role in the Information Systems department.
Outside of Champlain, Dan runs his own website development company, and is on the board of directors for several local organizations — including as marketing chair at the Fellowship of the Wheel mountain biking club, the Green Mountain Montessori School, and the Essex United Soccer Club. He is an avid mountain biker, and loves to spend his time adventuring in Vermont with his two young children.
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