An Industry Relevant Curriculum 

Dominican’s MS in Software Development degree and certificate option offer you a convenient, flexible and robust academic program to deepen your current skills or forge a new career path. No matter your academic background, we respect and value the experience you bring, because solving today’s toughest challenges requires diversity, agility and fresh perspectives. This program equips you with the expertise to learn and apply software tools employers are hiring for, leverage emerging AI solutions, and drive innovation in the ever-evolving tech landscape.  

Advance Your Career in a Fast and Convenient Format

5
Semesters to complete the program
100%
An entirely online program
#1
Best Value in Midwest (U.S. News & World Report)

Benefits of Dominican’s MSSD Program  

Whether you’re a newcomer pursuing a career change or an experienced developer seeking a career boost, Dominican’s online software development program offers you a convenient, flexible path to achieving your most ambitious goals.  

  • No prerequisites in computer science: We welcome students from all academic backgrounds
  • Start immediately: Dive in with our self-paced foundation courses
  • 100% online: Build face-to-face connections with your classmates and professors through videoconferencing
  • Tailored to you: find introductory courses for individuals with no previous experience in software development or advanced courses for individuals who hold a degree in computer science or related disciplines
  • Personalized support: connect with expert faculty, who have real-world software development experience in fields ranging from business and advertising to health care and military/aerospace technology 

This Program Is Ideal For: 

  • Working professionals with no prior background in computer science looking to explore new career opportunities
  • College graduates with a background in computer science or related fields
  • Professionals seeking to upskill or transition into software development roles using AI tools and applications
  • Entrepreneurs looking to develop technical expertise to launch new startups and business ventures 

Dominican’s master’s in software development program provided the foundation for a career transition to becoming a software system’s consultant. The emphasis on communication along with technical skills was a great blended learning experience. Overall, I obtained the real-world skills needed to succeed in the field because of the program.”

Andy Cox 
Dominican University Graduate

What You’ll Learn 

Our outstanding faculty designed the MS in Software Development curriculum in close partnership with industry leaders to ensure it meets the most current and highest industry demands and anticipates technological advances in a fast-changing field.

You’ll master the subtleties of applications, frameworks and support components. And you’ll learn to design, program, test, debug and maintain today’s most sophisticated systems.  

  • Java Programming
  • C# Programming
  • Front End Web Development
  • Web Development Server-Side or Introduction to AI Applications
  • Android Apps Development I or Cross Platform App Development
  • Database Design and Management or Advance Database Design
  • Agile Software Development–Practices and Management
  • Software Design
  • Internship or Independent Study  

Our program will allow you a deep dive into an in-demand area of specialization:

  • Web development
  • Application of AI technologies and tools
  • Mobile applications development
  • Database management
  • Software design 

You’ll acquire the cutting-edge skills that top employers demand. Read detailed course descriptions.

  • Python
  • Introduction to AI
  • AI Prompt Engineering
  • Topics in Web Technologies
  • Android Apps Development II
  • Mobile Web Applications
  • iOS Apps Development
  • Advanced Database Systems
  • Topics in Data Technologies
  • Topics in Software Design
  • Intelligent Embedded Systems 

Reboot your career by focusing on the skills employers want most. Learn more about our curriculum.

Advance in a Rapidly Growing Career Field

Now is a great time to enter or take steps to boost your career in the software development field.  

Continued Growth

Jobs in the software development field are projected to grow 17% in the coming years—much faster than average.

Rising Compensation

The U.S. Department of Labor data  puts the median salary at $132,270 with a high degree of upward mobility.

AI Applications and Prompt Engineering Certificate 

Designed for students with any undergraduate degree and working professionals looking to upskill, our AI Applications and Prompt Engineering Certificate will prepare you to meet the growing demand for individuals with expertise in artificial intelligence. As a student, you’ll not only gain the foundational skills to drive innovation and leverage emerging AI technologies—you’ll also future-proof your career in a rapidly evolving workforce.

  • No prior knowledge in AI, software development or programming needed
  • 100% online format with optional weekly small group synchronous meetings
  • Two required courses that can be completed in a single semester
  • Practical learning opportunities to explore how AI is used in your current job—helping you stay competitive and increase your job security
  • Courses completed for the certificate can be applied toward the full Master of Science in Software Development degree
  • Develop a deeper understanding of creative and ethical applications and uses of AI.
  • Learn how to write effective prompts for using AI tools.
  • Understand effective agile project management skills to implement initiatives created with AI tools.
  • Enhanced research capabilities and critical thinking skills when using AI tools, specifically in inherent biases in current tools and dataset used for AI.
  • Explore practical applications of AI in a specific field or occupation.

Learn more about our AI Applications and Prompt Engineering Certificate.

FAQs

Software is fundamental to modern life. Every sector of the economy—from government to academia to business and beyond—relies heavily on highly skilled software developers to create everything from social networking applications to wearable technology. Jobs in the software development field are growing rapidly. Whether you’re a recent college graduate, a career changer or a career advancer, Dominican’s master’s in software development will prepare you to meet the market’s voracious demand for advanced technical knowledge and to thrive throughout a long and rewarding career.

  • Applications programmers
  • Java developers
  • Web developers
  • Software developers
  • iOS/Android/.NET developers
  • Database analysts
  • Systems architects
  • Systems analyst
  • Technology managers

No. You don’t need a four-year degree in computer science to enter our software development master’s program and succeed in technology careers. In fact, a liberal arts background may give you a competitive edge as businesses seek technology leaders able to understand the human contexts critical to solving today’s toughest social and technological challenges. That trend is sure to continue as the IT industry evolves, for instance, in deploying low-code and no-code development platforms used by citizen developers. There are fewer barriers to entering the field.

At the same time, the need for developers skilled in the intricacies of traditional programming and capable of building complex enterprise systems is surging. Whether you’re already fluent in today’s coding languages or just starting out, you’ll be prepared to succeed in Dominican’s master’s in software development and beyond.

In Dominican’s software development graduate program, you’ll find students from all academic backgrounds, including many career changers who earned liberal arts degrees as undergraduates.

At Dominican we believe in the compatibility of the liberal arts/humanities and STEM fields like computer science. To develop technology that responds to real human needs, a new generation of troubleshooters needs to include professionals who can think critically, communicate effectively, understand human behavior and act ethically. These are skills many liberal arts graduates possess. So, no matter your background or whether your path has been full of twists and turns, here you’ll fit right in.

Our expert faculty, too, come from different fields and backgrounds. They prepare aspiring and current developers to thrive in careers that will span decades. You will master current technology as well as gain insights needed to become a leader in imminent and future innovations.

Yes, you will be encouraged to use all resources available to become a better developer. Additionally, specific courses are offered in the MSSD program introducing you to these tools.

Now is a great time to enter or take steps to boost your career in the software development field. The “Best Jobs” list by U.S. News & World Report ranks software development among the Top 5 out of 100 jobs. It’s not hard to see why. The job has a high degree of upward mobility and work-life balance with ample opportunities for both onsite and remote work. But the skills gap is large, and many jobs remain unfilled because of a lack of qualified candidates. Those with high-quality graduate-level training stand to benefit.

As a graduate student at Dominican, you’ll find the resources to help offset your tuition and costs. Options range from scholarships and student loans to campus employment and graduate assistantships. We will help craft an individualized plan for you to meet these costs. A 20% tuition discount is also available to Dominican University alumnae/i. Contact the  Office of Financial Aid  to learn more. 

We can be reached at (708) 524-6809 or finaid@dom.edu.

This program will prepare you with the skills to use technologies employers are hiring for, along with a strong foundation in software development principles using traditional and AI tools. I look forward to meeting you, and together, we can chart a new career path for you using your unique talents and professional experiences.” 

Steven Plane
Director, Master of Science in Software Development Program

Application Requirements

You will need the following:

  • A completed  online application
  • Official transcripts from universities showing all degrees earned
  • A GPA of 2.7 or higher for the full degree program
  • Non-degree students admitted to admitted to the AI Certificate program may elevate to degree-seeking status after completing at least three courses with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Candidates for admission may qualify to waive up to two zero-credit foundation courses, depending on their undergraduate coursework or if they can demonstrate proficiency in Java and C# programming in an exam
  • If foundation courses are needed, upon acceptance to the program you can take them at your own pace, online and at no cost 

Before you apply, make sure you review our full  application and admission requirements. 

Ready to take the next step?  Apply now online

For more information,
please contact:

Office of Graduate Admission
Enrollment Management
gradinfo@dom.edu

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