Software Engineering Graduate Certificate Programs

Thinking of advancing your career with a certificate in software engineering? Use our guide & listings to make the most of your educational investment. Explore the ins & outs of software engineering certificate programs, including how they work, what to expect, and the benefits of earning one. Find out how much you’ll need to budget for tuition and compare the benefits of undergraduate & graduate certificates in software fields.

Ready to lay your money down? Explore our state-by-state listings of the best software engineering certificate programs in the country.

What Are Software Engineering Certificate Programs?

Software engineering certificates teach students the skills & knowledge necessary to design, develop, test, deploy, and maintain software applications. These efficient programs typically last between six and twelve months and include coursework in computer programming, software design, and project management. Many graduate certificates in software engineering also offer opportunities for students to gain real-world experience through internships or research projects.

You’ll be spoiled for choice! Regionally accredited institutions offer plenty of software engineering certificate programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels (depending on prior education and experience). See our listings for examples. Certificates are not degrees, but they can provide a solid foundation for a successful career in software engineering. You may also wish to apply your certificate credits towards a degree sometime in the future.

Note: Steer clear of for-profit institutions that offer certificates in software engineering—they don’t hold the same weight as certificates from regionally accredited universities & colleges.

Software Engineering Fields: Your Certificate Options

Common Types of Software Certificates

As a software engineer, your options for pursuing a certificate program are seemingly endless. Here are a few of the most common types of certificates that universities & colleges offer:

• Software Engineering: Software engineers work on a large scale to develop and maintain entire software applications and computer systems.
• Software Development: Software developers design and create individual software programs, applications, and games.
• Computer Science: Computer scientists study the principles behind computing and computer systems. They develop algorithms, analyze data, and create models to solve complex problems.
• Database Administration: Database administrators manage and organize data, ensuring that it is accessible and secure.

Certificates in Specialized Areas

Universities have also developed specialized types of certificate programs, such as those in health informatics, information security, financial software engineering, cloud computing and virtualization, and blockchain. These certificates are laser-focused on specific skills. For instance:

• Health Informatics: Health informaticians use their knowledge of computer science and information technology to develop systems that can be used in the healthcare industry. Northeastern University’s Health Informatics Software Engineering Program includes five courses and specialized tracks in data science and healthcare analytics.
• Cybersecurity: Cybersecurity focuses on protecting data from unauthorized access and theft. Pace University’s Secure Software and Information Engineering Certificate Program includes 18 credits that cover topics such as software validation, network security, and quality assurance.
• Financial Software Engineering: As FinTech becomes more commonplace, demand has increased for software engineers who specialize in the financial space. Stevens Institute of Technology’s Financial Software Engineering Certificate teaches students about derivatives products, stochastic portfolio simulation, and pricing and hedging strategy to create value in financial markets.
• Cloud Computing and Virtualization: Cloud computing technologies like Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure are revolutionizing how businesses operate. LSU’s Graduate Certificate in Cloud Computing and Machine Learning equips students with the skills they need to design, deploy, and manage cloud-based applications and systems.
• Blockchain: A new and emerging niche, blockchain is geared to take the center stage as decentralization, cryptocurrency, and digital security grow in popularity. Northeastern University’s Blockchain and Smart Contract Engineering Certificate Program gives students a holistic look at how this technology impacts different industries. Through two years of full-time coursework, this program aims to teach students how to develop and implement this innovative technology.

Industry Certifications in Software Engineering

There are also many software engineering certifications available for enterprise software platforms that you’ll probably use as an engineer. Industry certifications are not university qualifications. However, they can show employers that you have achieved mastery over a topic and a certain level of career experience.

Some of the most popular industry certifications in the field of software engineering include:

• AWS Certified DevOps Engineer
• Oracle Certified Master
• Certified Agile Leadership
• Salesforce Administrator
• Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect
• Scrum

Certificate Program Overview: Curriculum, Admission Requirements & Costs

Structure & Timeline

Whether your certificate program is in-person or online, you can expect it to last between six and twelve months. Software engineering graduate certificate programs range from 9–18 credits. Many programs require 5 courses (3 credits each) for a total of 15 credits. On a full-time plan of study, you might be taking 3-4 courses per semester.

A large number of certificate programs offer part-time plans of study for working professionals who want to take fewer classes per semester. For example, UC Berkeley’s Graduate Certificate Program in Software Development and Programming gives aspiring engineers the option stretch the certificate out over the course of four semesters. Boston University’s Online Graduate Certificate in Software Engineering is organized on a part-time framework.

Software Engineering Certificate: Curriculum

Typical Coursework

The certificate program you enroll in will determine the curriculum and coursework you’ll complete. But a few concepts you can expect to learn include:

• Programming Languages: Python, C, C++, JavaScript, SQL
• Object-Oriented Programming: Software design patterns, UML diagrams
• Software Engineering Concepts: Algorithms, data structures, software testing
• Operating Systems: Linux, Unix, Windows
• Databases: MySQL, MongoDB, Cassandra
• Information Systems: Cloud computing, big data, business intelligence
• Networks: Cloud computing, distributed systems
• Software Architecture: Microservices, SOA, REST
• Project Management: Agile methodologies, Scrum

Not every software certificate program will cover all of these subjects, but most will touch on at least a few of these concepts. And if you’re looking to specialize in a specific area, such as cloud computing or big data, there are certificates that focus exclusively on those topics.

Internships, Projects & Career Opportunities

In addition to achieving a 13–25% salary boost (on average) after graduation, many certificate program participants gain access to unique internships, hands-on projects, and private job boards. Here are a few examples:

• University of Washington, Tacoma: Private networking events, panel discussions, and career counseling are included in the cost of the certificate.
• West Virginia University: On-campus employment opportunities are provided throughout the certificate program.
• Boston University: Certificate-to-master’s-degree pathway and one-on-one consultations are available from the Career Development Center.

Most graduate certificate programs in software engineering & software topics also involve hands-on workshops and projects that simulate real-world scenarios. In many cases, professors will invite executives from their professional networks to serve as guest lecturers or mentors.

Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements

The admission process for a graduate certificate in software engineering will depend on the school’s reputation. Stanford, MIT, or an Ivy League school will be much more difficult to get into than a community college. But in general, you can expect the following:

• Bachelor’s Degree: You’ll need to have a four-year degree from a regionally accredited university.
• Work Experience: Many certificate programs require at least two years of related professional work experience, although some may accept less if you have a strong academic track record.
• GPA: The minimum GPA is usually around 2.5, but prestigious institutions may require 3.0 or higher.
• Letters of Recommendation: Most certificate programs will require one or two letters of recommendation, often from a former employer or professor.
• Application Fee: Nearly all certificate programs have an application fee in the $50-150 range.

Note: Undergraduate certificates will have a separate set of admissions.

How Much Do Software Engineering Graduate Certificate Programs Cost?

At the graduate level, software engineering certificate programs can cost as little as $4,000 or as much as $16,500. The price varies wildly depending on the institution (public vs. private, in-state vs. out-of-state), the length of the program, and the state where the school is located. For example, in 2023:

• The estimated total cost for UC Berkeley’s Certificate Program in Software Development & Programming was $4,000 (not including course materials or registration fees).
• UW Tacoma’s Graduate Certificate in Software Development Engineering cost an estimated $16,500.
• Most institutions fall somewhere between these two figures—WVU’s Software Engineering Graduate Certificate cost around $10,470.

The per-credit cost at most regionally accredited institutions is between $650 and $1,200. If your certificate program is 16 units or more, you can expect to pay over $10,000. Paying attention to credit numbers can help you develop a better understanding of what the total cost of your individual program would be. Use the cost & coursework links is our listings to create a budget.

How to Save Money on Certificate Programs

Since many colleges & universities offer virtual courses at a discount, students who enroll in online certificate programs sometimes enjoy lower tuition rates. Online and hybrid certificates in software engineering will also allow you to save money on additional educational costs, such as commuting, on-campus housing, and parking.

Look into financial assistance options such as scholarships, employer reimbursement, and grants to help offset the costs of earning a software engineering certificate. Just be aware that many universities may only offer graduate scholarships & fellowships to degree-seeking students.

Online vs. On-Campus Certificates

Certificates in software engineering are a popular choice for working professionals, so it makes sense that universities & colleges offer convenient campus programs and 100% online certificates.

• On-Campus: In-person classes will be held on the campus of the college or university you choose to attend—usually during the evenings and/or weekends. These classes will be in the form of traditional lectures, lab work, or seminars.
• Online: Online classes don’t require any on-campus participation. All class discussions and communication will happen via Zoom, WebEx, or a similar online platform. Your day-to-day communication, resource sharing, collaboration, and coursework submission will most likely occur through a learning management system like Blackboard or Canvas.

If you’re interested in a 100% online certificate in software engineering or a closely related field, ask the program coordinator about how the coursework will be completed. There are two ways you can take classes in a virtual setting:

• Synchronously: In a synchronous course, you attend class at the same time as your classmates, similar to the traditional classroom format. This works best for students who live in similar time zones to the university and can take time out from other responsibilities (e.g. childcare, commuting, etc.).
• Asynchronously: In an asynchronous class, you can access lectures and other course materials on your own time. For example, you may be able to watch recorded lectures at any time and complete assignments on your own schedule. This approach is well-suited for students who have other responsibilities that may interfere with attending live lectures.

A number of universities & colleges like to have a mix of synchronous and asynchronous learning in their online programs. For instance, you might have to attend one evening class per week and spend the rest of the time working on your own.

Undergraduate vs. Graduate Certificates

Undergraduate Certificates

Undergraduate certificates in software topics usually only require a high school diploma or a GED, making them accessible to almost anyone. They are generally shorter and less expensive than their graduate counterparts. An undergraduate certificate program may be a good option if you want to change careers or enhance your job prospects without going back to school for a four-year degree. You also have the option to earn one alongside your bachelor’s degree or after you’ve graduated.

Graduate Certificates

Graduate certificates in software fields are designed for working professionals who want to improve their skills without committing to a full master’s degree. They are more robust than undergraduate programs and often offer access to exclusive internships, events, and job boards. Some certificates offer a fast track to admissions at the school’s master’s degree program.

Admission requirements are more stringent for graduate certificates than undergraduate certificates. You’ll need to have a four-year degree and—in some cases—at least two years of professional work experience. Many schools don’t require a computer science degree, but students without one may need to complete prerequisite CS coursework to get up to speed.

Is a Graduate Certificate in Software Engineering Worth It?

Whether or not a graduate certificate in software engineering is worth it is a hotly debated topic. And the truth is, it depends on your specific situation. Many argue that you can learn most of what’s taught in a certificate program on your own, through online courses and self-study. While that may be true to some extent, there are plenty of benefits that come with pursuing a formal education.

Pros of a Certificate in Software Engineering

For those interested in pursuing a career in an innovative & lucrative field, a certificate offers an accelerated way to gain the skills and advanced knowledge necessary to kick-start their job search. Among the most in-demand and highest-paid jobs in the country are those in the field of software engineering. Having a credential from a respected institution on your résumé will help you stand out.

If you choose a graduate certificate from a university or college, you’ll have access to experienced professors who can offer insights and guidance that you might not receive from self-directed learning. You’ll get the chance to network with other students and professionals, which can be helpful when you’re looking for a job or seeking advice. And you can always choose to apply your certificate credits towards a master’s degree in the future. (Just be sure those credits will transfer!)

Cons of a Certificate in Software Engineering

With an average cost of over $11,000, a graduate certificate in software engineering or software development can be financially restrictive. If you are already burdened by student loans from a previous degree, pursuing an additional educational qualification may not be feasible. In some cases, your current employer may be willing to foot the bill—but that’s not always the case.

• At the beginning of your career in software engineering or development, you may only need a bachelor’s degree. Many companies are open to considering BS graduates as long as they have the right technical skills, relevant industry certifications and/or real-world experience.
• On the flip side, a master’s degree may be necessary to apply for the best software engineering positions. At top companies, you may find it hard to compete with job candidates who hold an MS.

Each company is different, so it pays to do a little research and plan ahead. Look up current employees on LinkedIn and examine their qualifications. If you have the time and money to spare, pursuing a certificate in software engineering can result in tangible benefits. But it isn’t the be-all, end-all solution.