Software development is the process of designing, building, testing, andmaintaining the software people rely on every day, from the websites and mobile apps in your pocket to the systems that run businesses behind the scenes. In Ivy Tech's Software Development program, you'll build practical, job-ready skills and learn how professional software is planned, written, and supported from start to finish. No prior programming experience is required. As a Software Development student, you will learn to:
Understand and document the software and systems development life cycle (SDLC) and apply different development methodologies.
Write code using multiple programming paradigms(procedural, object-oriented, andevent-driven).
Build software in today's in-demand languages, including Java, Python, C++, C#, JavaScript/TypeScript, Rust, and Swift.
Design and develop websites, web applications, and mobile apps.
Create user-friendly interfaces using industry-standard UX/UI practices.
Work with databases and turn raw data into useful information.
Apply secure coding principles to build reliable, trustworthy software.
Debug, test, and troubleshoot applications to make sure they work as intended.
Use professional tools like Git for version control and collaborate effectively in team environments.
Explore cloud foundations, artificial intelligence essentials, and IT project management.
Build a working software application from concept to finished product.
Prepare for and earn industry certifications that employers recognize.
Strengthen the communication, critical-thinking, teamwork, and professional skills every developer needs.
Career Options
Software developers do it all, designing and planning, writing code, testing, and fixing bugs to keep applications running smoothly. Some focus on systems software like operating systems and utilities; others build the tools developers use to write programs, and many work on application software: the web apps, mobile apps, productivity tools, games, and security programs people use every day.
It's a field with strong, lasting demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of software developers is projected to grow 15% from 2024 to 2034, with roughly 129,200 openings each year across the broader software workforce.Roles you could step into include:
Back-End Developer
Front-End Developer
Full-Stack Developer
Mobile App Developer
Web Developer
Game Developer
Junior Software Developer
Application Developer
Quality Assurance Analyst / Tester
SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT TOOLKIT
Leverage our Toolkit to access resources and information related to educational opportunities, competitions, certifications, programming languages, tools, blogs, forums, projects, volunteering, freelancing, events, professional associations, and jobs in Software Development.
Note: Program availability varies by location and not all program tracks are offered at each campus/location.
Affiliated Partners
Software Development relies on various building blocks that students and professionals alike can use in unique ways to innovate and push technology further. To make sure our students are as successful as possible, Ivy Tech teaches on some of the most relevant systems in the industry, including:
Associate Degree – Career-Ready Degree
The AAS in Software Development prepares you for a career in the field.You'll take development courses alongside general education classes that give you a strong, well-rounded foundation, plus coursework in databases, cloud foundations, project management, and a capstone, everything you need to land your first role. A recommended path is to earn one or more of the program's certificates along the way, so you can start working sooner and apply those credits toward your degree.
Students must take 60 credit hours to graduate from the AAS in Software Development program. This typically takes four semesters to complete.
Earn a Certificate on the Way to Your AAS
A recommended path to the associate degree in Software Development is to complete one or more of the three certificates offered by Ivy Tech while working toward the degree. The certificates are designed to provide gateways toward entry-level software development careers, so you can begin working quickly. You may then choose to pursue a credential that requires more credits and time in order to learn more and move up in your professional career. You can apply the credits from your certificate to your higher-level credential at Ivy Tech to make the most of your time and tuition.
Required Courses
AAS Software Development graduates must complete a total of 60 credit hours:
The AS in Software Development is built for students who plan tocontinue onto a bachelor's degree. It includes the Indiana College Core and a strong foundation in software development, so you can complete your first two years at Ivy Tech and then transfer to a four-year college or university. Talk with a transfer advocate to map your path; note that admission to your transfer school is separate from enrolling at Ivy Tech.
Our Software Development program currently partners with multiple schools, so you can seamlessly transfer without losing your credits or time.
Talk to our transfer advocates for information about continuing your education after completing your associate degree at Ivy Tech. You are also encouraged to contact the university to which you plan to transfer. Note that admission is not guaranteed just by enrolling in the Software Development program. You will need to be admitted to the institution you intend to transfer to.
Required Courses
Associate degree graduates must complete a total of 60 credit hours:
Long-Term Certificates
known as Technical Certificates (TC)
Thistechnical certificate takes you deeper into programming languages, data analytics, informatics, and IT project management over two semesters and helps you prepare for industry certifications.
Earn a Certificate on the Way to Your Associate Degree
A recommended path to either of the associate degrees in Software Development is to complete one or more of the three certificates offered by Ivy Tech while working toward the degree. The certificates are designed to provide gateways toward entry-level software development careers, so you can begin working quickly. You may then choose to pursue a credential that requires more credits and time in order to learn more and move up in your professional career. You can apply the credits from your certificate to your higher-level credential at Ivy Tech to make the most of your time and tuition.
FREE through Next Level Jobs
Software Development TC is part of Indiana’s Next Level Jobs degree program, funded by the Workforce Ready Grant. You may be eligible for a free Software Development TC. You are eligible to be a part of Next Level Jobs at Ivy Tech if you fulfill all of the following requirements:
Are an Indiana resident
Have a high school diploma or GED/High School Equivalency
Have not previously received a certificate in a Next Level Jobs eligible program
Have not previously received an associate degree or higher (bachelor's, master's, etc.)*
This technical certificate prepares you for a career as a full-stack developer by teaching both front-end and back-end website development. You'll study website and web application development, content management systems, hybrid apps and frameworks, two levels of UX/UI design, and project management.
Earn a Certificate on the Way to Your Associate Degree
A recommended path to either of the associate degrees in Software Development is to complete one or more of the three certificates offered by Ivy Tech while working toward the degree. The certificates are designed to provide gateways toward entry-level software development careers, so you can begin working quickly. You may then choose to pursue a credential that requires more credits and time in order to learn more and move up in your professional career. You can apply the credits from your certificate to your higher-level credential at Ivy Tech to make the most of your time and tuition.
Required Courses
Graduates must complete a total of 31 credit hours:
Short-Term Certificates
known as Certificates (CT)
This certificate takes about two semesters and covers computing logic, data analytics, software development, website and web application development, and frameworks. It helps prepare you for the Microsoft Software Development Fundamentals and HTML5 certifications, as well as parts of the CIW Web Development Professional certification.
Earn a Certificate on the Way to Your Associate Degree
If your goal is to earn an associate degree or Technical Certificate (TC) in Software Development, you can earn this CT on your way. The CT is designed to provide a gateway into entry-level software development careers. That means you may be able to enter the workforce in your desired field even before you graduate, if your plan includes working while you’re in school.
FREE through Next Level Jobs
Web Application Development CT is part of Indiana’s Next Level Jobs degree program, funded by the Workforce Ready Grant. You may be eligible for a free Web Application Development CT. You are eligible to be a part of Next Level Jobs at Ivy Tech if you fulfill all of the following requirements:
Are an Indiana resident
Have a high school diploma or GED/High School Equivalency
Have not previously received a certificate in a Next Level Jobs eligible program
Have not previously received an associate degree or higher (bachelor's, master's, etc.)*
This certificate builds software development skills in your choice of Java, Python, C++, C#, orSwiftand explores game, web, and mobile application development. You can even earn credit through a co-op, internship, or externship experience. It helps prepare you for the Oracle Java Foundations and ATC Android Developer certifications.
Earn a Certificate on the Way to Your Associate Degree
If your goal is to earn an associate degree or technical certificate (TC) in Software Development, you can earn this CT on your way. The certificate is designed to provide a gateway into entry-level software development careers. That means you may be able to enter the workforce in your desired field even before you graduate, if your plan includes working while you’re in school.
FREE through Next Level Jobs
Software Application Developer CT is part of Indiana’s Next Level Jobs degree program, funded by the Workforce Ready Grant. You may be eligible for a free Software Application Developer CT. You are eligible to be a part of Next Level Jobs at Ivy Tech if you fulfill all of the following requirements:
Are an Indiana resident
Have a high school diploma or GED/High School Equivalency
Have not previously received a certificate in a Next Level Jobs eligible program
Have not previously received an associate degree or higher (bachelor's, master's, etc.)*
Software development can be fast-paced. Technology is always changing, and developers keep learning to stay current. For people who are curious, love solving puzzles, and enjoy building things, that constant change is part of the appeal. It can also offer real flexibility: many developers work from home, the office, or anywhere they can bring a laptop. If you like the idea of creating the technology other people use every day, this could be the path for you. Read through the traits below to see if it's a good fit.
Careers inSoftware Development often involve:
Analytical thinking
Problem solving
Attention to detail
Patience and persistence
Clear communication
Collaboration and teamwork
Organization
Time management
Adaptability and a love of learning
Creativity
Sound Like You?
If you identify with the traits above, software development may be the path for you! Take the next step to get started or speak with your local advisor to learn more.
All Software Development students must demonstrate competency through appropriate assessment or earning a grade of “C” or better in at least one course from each of the following categories:
Principles Math Course: The prerequisite courses for math vary based on your knowledge assessment scores and specific credential you're pursuing. Students can expect to take at least two of the following courses.
MATH 023 - Essentials of Algebra
MATH 043 - Intermediate Algebra
MATH 080 - Mathematical Principles
MATH 123 - Quantitative Reasoning
MATH 136 - College Algebra
No Expiration of Credits
There is no expiration date for course credits that were earned in previous years from Ivy Tech Community College.
Transfer Credit for Prerequisite Courses
Prerequisite courses completed at colleges other than Ivy Tech will only be considered for general education selection points if transfer credit has been awarded and courses appear on the Ivy Tech transcript prior to the application deadline.
TR grades are not recognized by the online application. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that transfer credit has been awarded and that TR grades are updated to transfer letter grades (TA, TB, TC) on their Ivy Tech transcript.
It is recommended that college transcripts be submitted to the Registrar’s office for evaluation and transfer credit at least four weeks prior to the program application deadline to ensure adequate time for processing.
Software Development Courses
Descriptions of software development courses can be found in our online course catalog.
View required classes and course descriptions for:
See when specific courses will be offered by searching our course list in Schedule Builder. First, select the semester you’re looking for and then enter the name of the course in the search bar.
If you’re a current student, upcoming courses are easy to find in Schedule Builder in MyIvy.
Course Formats
Software development courses are offered both in person and online.
Applying to Ivy Tech is Free & Easy
The Ivy Tech application is free and easy—you don’t need a certain test score, GPA, or class rank to get started at Ivy Tech. Applying takes about 10-15 minutes and can be completed entirely online.
No Application Deadlines
Ivy Tech does not have a deadline for admission. Our 8-week class sessions start throughout the year—in January, March, June, August, and October—and there is no hard deadline for applying for any of the start dates. It's important, though, to apply early enough that you'll be able to complete all the degree planning, financial aid, and registration activities that need to happen before your first day. We recommend you apply about one month before you intend to start classes. See upcoming start dates
Steps to Apply
(1) Apply to Ivy Tech
If you’ve never applied to Ivy Tech Community College before (or if it’s been two years since you last attended classes here), your first step is to apply to Ivy Tech. You can apply online or in person. To apply in person, reach out toyour local admissions team and arrange a meeting. Or, stop by any campus on any Tuesday for Tuesdays@TheTech to receive personal assistance with applying and registering for classes.
After you submit your application, you'll be asked to upload documentation—such as SAT/ACT/PSAT scores or high school and college transcripts—that can assess your readiness for college-level coursework and help us make sure you are taking classes that are the right fit for you. How to upload assessment documents
If you don't have your scores or transcripts at your fingertips, don’t worry. Go ahead and submit your application. You can go back to upload assessment documents at any time until the end of the term for which you applied.
(3) Look for a Confirmation Email
Once your application is processed, you will receive a confirmation email at the email address provided on your application. Typically the email will arrive within 1-2 business days of submission, but during peak processing periods (April-June) could take up to 5-10 business days.
The email will contain instructions on how to register for classes, as well as important information regarding your Ivy Tech student portal (MyIvy account), tuition, payment options, and more.
(4) Create an Account in MyIvy
MyIvy is Ivy Tech's online student portal. Students use MyIvy to check e-mail, register for classes, pay tuition, manage financial aid, get the latest news and announcements, and much more. MyIvy also contains "QuickLinks" to the Ivy Tech websites and online tools you will use most often. Learn more about MyIvy
Before you can register for classes you will need to submit documentation or complete an assessment test. Your test scores can help us determine the best English and math starting classes for you. See the Test Score Course Placement Chart
If you submitted assessment documentation during the application process, your advisor will likely be able to work with those documents to determine course placement and you won't need to take any further steps. If you don't have any of those documents or the scores don't meet minimum thresholds, don’t worry! Your advisor will direct you to complete our freeKnowledge Assessment to help develop your customized learning path to better prepare you for courses.
(6) Register for Classes
Once you have completed the steps above, you may register for classes. Ivy Tech students register for courses using the Schedule Builder tool which can be accessed withinMyIvy. If you are a new, first-time Ivy Tech student, we recommend that you meet withyour advisor who will help you develop your Academic Completion Plan and help you sign up for courses that are the best fit for you.
For a complete list of registration steps, including detailed registration steps, deadlines, and information about holds, withdrawals, waitlists, and refunds, visit our Registration 101 page.
(7) Pay Your Tuition
After registering for your courses, your bill can be viewed in yourMyIvy account > Student Dashboard- > View/Pay Balance. Payments can also be made in your MyIvy account. For complete information about payments, including payment options, payment plans, how to make immediate payments, due dates, information about refunds, and more, visit our Payments page.
Dr. Funmi Olorunda Department Chair and Professor of Information Technology Ivy Tech Community College 345 S. High Street Muncie, IN 47305 463-260-1824 oolorunda@ivytech.edu
Alf Sanford III Faculty Advisor & Professor Cyber Security, Data Analytics, Network Infrastructure, Cloud Technologies asanford3@ivytech.edu (463)308-2583
William (Bill) Ruben Program Chair & Professor Computer Science, Informatics, Information Technology Support, Software Development wruben@ivytech.edu (463)308-1602
Kevin O'Neill Department Chair & Professor School of Information Technology & Visual Communications koneill16@ivytech.edu (463)308-2608
Advising Team Ginny Leonard, Senior Director for Academic Advising and Student Success Advisor for: Exploratory/Undecided students vleonard5@ivytech.edu
Dee Denton Advisor for: Nursing Interest and Health Science ddenton@ivytech.edu
Jake Brunsman Advisor for: General Studies, Liberal Arts and Education programs jbrunsman2@ivytech.edu
Will Parshley Advisor for: School of Public and Social Services, School of Information Technology and Psychology-AS TSAP wparshley@ivytech.edu
Zech Saenz Advisor for: School of Business, Logistic and Supply Chain Management, School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering and Applied Science zsaenz@ivytech.edu
Madison Advising Center
590 Ivy Tech Drive
Madison, IN 47250
Fax 812-803-1953
Zoom Video Calls Call 812-803-1953 to make an appointment for a meeting via Zoom or join virtual drop-in hours as shown below.
Advising Team Tricia Miracle 463-207-5972 tmiracle2@ivytech.edu Text during business hours 812-510-3844 Virtual Drop-In Advising Hours: Wednesdays 9:00am-1:00pm & Thursdays 2:00pm-5:00pm Zoom Link
Olivia Bruce 463-231-5073 obruce1@ivytech.edu Virtual Drop-In Advising Hours: Mondays 1:30pm-4:30pm & Tuesdays 8:30am-11:30am Zoom Link
Monday Virtual Office Hours Mondays 5:00pm-6:00pm Zoom Link
1 Source: US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Indiana. (2025). Lightcast™, lightcast.io. Occupational Overview for Indiana, 2024-2025
2 Associate degree cost is determined by tuition for an in-state, full-time student. Certificate and technical certificate costs are determined by tuition for an in-state, part-time student. Additional fees may be applied. Visit the Tuition & Fees page to learn more.
