Computer software development is one of the fastest growing career fields and best-paid industries!
If you're both creative and logical, if you enjoy working with computers, and especially if you'd like to learn how to produce your own solutions for business and other computing needs, this is the degree for you.
Our program includes industry-approved curriculum. You'll complete as much coursework as a four-year program — and you'll have your degree in only two years!
Kirkwood is the affordable option! We offer more than $3 million in scholarships every year. Students in this program may be eligible to have half their tuition paid for by the Kibbie Grant.
Graduates of the Computer Software Development program will be able to:
School Year: 2024–25
Program Entry Semester: Fall
| Fall | Spring | Summer | Fall | Spring | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Hours per Semester | 16 | 16 | 6 | 19 | 17 | 74 |
| In-State Tuition | $3,472 | $3,472 | $1,302 | $4,123 | $3,689 | $16,058 |
| Technology Fee per Semester | $50 | $50 | $50 | $50 | $50 | $250 |
| Clinical Expenses (mileage, lodging, screenings, etc.) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Conferences/Seminars | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Course Resources (textbooks, software, etc.) | $770 | $975 | $340 | $725 | $565 | $3,375 |
| Course/Section Fees | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Laptop (required devices) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Testing Fees | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Third Party Credentials | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Tool Sets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Uniforms | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Other | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $4,292 | $4,497 | $1,692 | $4,898 | $4,304 | $19,683 |
Costs provided are estimated and based on the following current tuition rates: $217 (In-State), $290 (Out-of-State), $400 (International).
Fees and costs are subject to change.
To view all costs associated with attending college visit our Tuition and Costs page.
At Kirkwood you’ll find industry-approved courses featuring hands-on projects that use up-to-date software, in-demand programming languages, and real-world skills to get you started in this well-paid and growing field.
Students learn various phases of software development including how to design, write, test, and document computer programs with a variety of tools, using in-demand languages such as Java, C#, and SQL. In addition to learning to program for desktop computers and other devices, students also explore Internet programming with technologies such as ASP, JSP, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Sample classes include:
One of the fastest growing, best-paid career fields today is Computer Software Development. If you like working with computers and want to be involved in this interesting and rewarding field, an A.A.S. degree from Kirkwood will ensure you are well-trained and job-ready. You’ll learn the various stages of software development in a lab-based, hands-on program. As a graduate, you will be prepared to hit the ground running from day one.
Career opportunities include:
Students in Kirkwood's Computer Software Development program, as well as those pursuing the Java Programming Certificate or .NET Programming Certificate, are encouraged to join the Kirkwood chapter of Business Professionals of America (BPA). With 45,000 members in more than 1,800 chapters across 25 states and Puerto Rico, as well as an international presence in China, Haiti and Peru, BPA has the ability to enhance student participation in professional, civic, service and social endeavors.
BPA is one of eight recognized members of the National Coordinating Council for Career and Technical Student Organizations (NCC-CTSO). CTSOs are co-curricular groups that help students in career and technical education programs further their knowledge and skills by participating in activities, events, and competitions.
Customize your degree and boost your resume with Kirkwood’s certificate options. Students in the Computer Software Development program can specialize in:
Identify and respond to computer programming career opportunities in the Midwest, with specific emphasis on entry-level openings in eastern Iowa. Develop and deliver accessible, high-quality, accredited degree and certificate programs that respond to this community's need for job-ready graduates. Monitor current and emerging software development trends to ensure those offerings continue to provide high value to graduates, employers, and returning learners alike.