Software development is one of the fastest-growing careers in the world, largely driven by the growing importance of technology into every type of industry and business. Industries such as healthcare, finance, automotive, and architecture need developers to create, deploy, and maintain the software that keeps their digital architecture in place. This growth has been observed in US states such as Texas, New York, Virginia, Illinois, and Florida. New York alone has experienced a 20% annual growth in software development roles.
Getting an MS in software development has never been more accessible to the average person. Traditional degrees in computer science are still a common educational pathway, but now there are cheaper and faster alternative methods. One of the most viable is accelerated certification programs. These programs are able to be completed in less than a year, while still equipping students with industry-relevant skills equivalent to 2–3 years of professional experience. They also offer a much lower financial investment compared to traditional university degrees, which can cost anywhere between $50,000 – $150,000 for the total tuition.
These certification programs are unique in that they place a strong focus on real-world application of the learnings. For example, students are required to build a project portfolio that is able to showcase their skills to potential employers. In addition, nearly 40% of the curriculum is made up of open lab sessions. Peers and professors alike are able to offer individualized mentorship and work with students to make sure they are building their research and problem solving skills.
These programs are designed to simulate the responsibilities of a real software developer. For example, coursework is usually given during normal business hours, for a total of 50 hours a week, so students are fully prepared for the professional world. This ends up paying off, because alumni of the programs end up placing well at top companies, such as Meta and Amazon.
Source: YU Global
