Close Menu

Certificate in Software Development

Ready to level-up your career? Invest in your future with a certificate that can prepare you for positions in software development. With one-on-one support from Whitworth instructors, you'll be prepared with the knowledge and skills to add value to any organization. Whitworth's Certificate in Software Development will equip you to create advanced user interface, improve web and mobile development skills, and utilize databases. Other employment opportunities this certificate can prepare you for include: 

  • Software engineer
  • Software engineer in test
  • Full stack developer 

REQUEST INFO APPLY NOW 

Snapshot
Module Format Online (synchronous) or in person
Wednesday evenings from 6-9:30 p.m. 
Locations Online
Downtown in the U-District
Completion Time 6 months (fall 2024-spring 2025)
Application Deadline Apply now to start fall 2024
Limited spaces available
Eligibility Anyone not currently enrolled in a program at Whitworth University; must be a high school student or older to apply. No prior experience required.
Cost $3,300 total; no additional fees or course material costs
  • Complete the certificate in less than six months with four, six-week modules, beginning fall 2024.
  • Evening classes allow you to attend after work, just one night per week.
  • Convenient location downtown in Spokane's U-District or online (synchronous courses).

Certificate Cost

$3,300 total, non-credit

Financial aid is not available for non-credit certificates. However, payment plans are available. Contact Whitworth Student Financial Services at stuaccts@whitworth.edu for information.

Program Benefits

Live Instruction Offers Support and Accountability
Opportunities for low-cost online certificates are everywhere. Just remember: You get what you pay for. The Whitworth Software Development Certificate is unique – you will have the opportunity to learn from a live instructor in real time. You can choose to attend in person in downtown Spokane or synchronously online from wherever you are. Have a question? Receive an answer immediately. Struggling with an assignment? Get help right away.

Reskill or Upskill
Many jobs are in danger of being lost to automation. Whether you’re looking to start a new career or upskill in your current role, this certificate will provide relevant skills for our technology-filled future. 

Hands-On Projects
Apply your skills with hands-on projects and build a portfolio that showcases your job readiness to potential employers.

Earn a Career Credential
Upon successful completion of each module, you will earn a digital badge. The digital badges can be displayed, accessed and verified on your social media newsfeeds to showcase the skills and competencies learned. Digital badges offer many benefits, including:

  • Recognition for acquiring new skills
  • The ability for hiring managers to understand acquired competencies
  • Representation of a desire to continue learning

Program Information

  • Certificate Curriculum (2023-24)

    MODULE 1: Programming I (Wednesdays, Sept. 25-Nov. 3, 2023)
    Students will learn basic software development skills using the programming language Python. Upon completion, students will be able to develop a simple software project. 

    MODULE 2: Programming II (Wednesdays, Nov. 6-Dec. 15, 2023)
    Students will build on their skills from Programming I and develop more advanced programming skills, including introductions to other programming languages. Upon completion, students will be able to develop a more robust software project.

    MODULE 3: Database Management (Wednesdays, Feb. 12-March 22, 2024)
    Students will learn how to model data and standard query languages for fetching those data. Students will be able to take what they learn and build software that presents and manipulates those data for users.

    MODULE 4: Web Development (Wednesdays, March 25-May 3, 2024)
    Students will learn how to build applications that are deployed on the web, learning commonly-used technologies for the client/browser and the server. 

     

  • Hardware/Systems Requirements

    Students must have access to a laptop or desktop computer for homework and projects; however, students may use public computers (e.g. library) if private access is unavailable. Students choosing to attend online must have access to a web cam for class participation purposes. 

    Component TypePC (Windows OS)Apple (Mac OS)PC (Linux OS)
    Memory (RAM) 4GB or higher 4GB or higher 4GB or higher
    Hard Drive 16GB or higher 16GB or higher 16GB or higher
    Antivirus Software Windows defender recommended Avast Free recommended Any compatible antivirus software recommended
    Internet/Bandwidth Must have reliable internet access Must have reliable internet access Must have reliable internet access

    Note: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework in the Software Development Certificate. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some module technologies.

  • Meet the Instructor

    With a Ph.D. and extensive real-world experience in the computer science industry, Pete Tucker has taught for 18 years at Whitworth University. He received a B.S. in computer science and B.S. in math from Whitworth and a Ph.D. in computer science with an emphasis on data management from Oregon Health & Science University. Pete has taught most classes in the computer science department but generally teaches Database Management, Software Engineering, Quality Assurance and How to Make Darn-Near Anything. Prior to Whitworth, Pete worked at Microsoft for eight years helping to develop Access and Internet Explorer. More recently he has had his hand in a few startup companies: Zivoze, N2X and Drip7. At present, his research interests involve technology and education; he believes all education levels can benefit from developing technology. Outside of the computer science world, Pete enjoys brewing beer and a good barbecue.

Frequently Asked Questions