Career Guide
Software developer
If you are tech-savvy, have an analytical mind, like to problem solve and enjoy being creative, you could have a career as a software developer or software engineer in your future.
If you are tech-savvy, have an analytical mind, like to problem solve and enjoy being creative, you could have a career as a software developer or engineer in your future.
Career overview
A software developer is a tech professional who designs the software for computer applications and systems you might use in daily life. Games, social media apps and even your phone’s operating system are made by software developers and engineers. Some software developers also specialize in web development and spend considerable time debugging code to ensure that applications run smoothly and efficiently.
As a software developer, you can explore different work environments with employment opportunities existing across many industries in both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. About 1.7 million software developers were employed nationally in 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Companies in computer systems design and related services were the largest employers of software developers, BLS reports.
Take your next step
According to O*NET, software developer job titles may include application developer, software architect, software engineer, systems engineer, network engineer and infrastructure engineer. While these roles require similar technical skills and foundational knowledge, there are slight differences in the tasks they perform, according to BLS. For example, application software developers create computer applications. Systems software developers build the operating systems that help digital devices run in a way that meets the users’ needs.
Software developers may work under software engineers, who are involved in the larger planning and execution of developing, testing and managing software creation, according to BLS. As a software developer, you could also advance into managerial roles as a project management specialist or computer and information system specialist.
Career-relevant skills
For the software developer career path, you may use the following skills in your day-to-day experience:
- Information technology
- Computer science
- Software development
- Software architecture
- Application development
- Applied mathematics
- Python
- Java
- JavaScript
- Casading Style Sheets (CSS)
- Algorithms
- Troubleshooting
- Web applications
- SQL
- Code review
- Programming
- Scripting
- Object-oriented programming (OOP)
- Data security
- Data structures
- Big data
- Relational databases
- Legal and ethical principles
- Operations
- Information privacy
- Network security
- Computer networks
- Wide-area networks
- Computational reasoning
- Operating systems
- Information systems
- Software design
- Software testing
- Program development
- Unit testing
- Algorithmic structures
- Information management
- Automation
- Artificial intelligence
Regularly used on the job
Strong communication, attention to detail, complex problem solving and collaboration are important soft skills you may use in this role, BLS states.
Salary range $101 - 167K
25th to 75th percentile
Software developers within the 25th and 75th percentiles earned an annual salary between $101,200 and $167,540 in 2023, according to BLS nationwide statistics.[1]
303,700 jobs
Projected growth (2023-2033)
Employment in this field is projected to grow by 18% nationally between 2023 and 2033, BLS reports. This is much faster than the average projected growth rate for all occupations.[1]
[1] The salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of University of Phoenix. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location, and other factors specific to the individual. University of Phoenix does not guarantee employment, salary level, or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website. The BLS Projected Growth for 2023-2033 is published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects the BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to University of Phoenix students or graduates.
Education and experience
A bachelor’s degree is usually required for job opportunities as a software developer or software engineer, according to BLS. However, having a graduate degree may be preferable to some employers. If you are strongly considering the software developer career path, you may want to choose an academic program in a related field, such as computer science or information technology.
Completing an undergraduate certificate program can also give you an advantage as an aspiring software developer or software engineer. If you have already earned a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study, certificate programs can help you work towards a specialization.
University of Phoenix offers undergraduate programs that lead to the software developer career outcome. Our programs allow you to focus on one course at a time in 5-week intervals. Explore our programs designed to teach the skills and knowledge you may need as a software developer.
Phoenixes in the workplace
Meet Dustin G., an alum and application developer, whose passion for problem-solving drives innovative software solutions. His journey in IT and data science illustrates the transformative power of higher education in turning aspirations into reality.
Dustin G. | BSIT 2023
Phoenixes in the workplace
Meet Dustin G., an alum and application developer, whose passion for problem-solving drives innovative software solutions. His journey in IT and data science illustrates the transformative power of higher education in turning aspirations into reality.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
This bachelor’s degree program can help students build a well-rounded foundation in concepts and skills needed to become a software developer.
In this program, you'll learn how to:
- Analyze a complex computing problem to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions
- Evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline
- Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles
- Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions
The length of our bachelor’s programs is four years. To earn this degree, you will need to complete 120 credits through courses in general, core and elective topics.
Advanced Software Developer Certificate
This undergraduate certificate program can help prepare you for a career in information technology, providing an entry-level understanding of concepts related to software development and engineering.
In this certificate program, you'll learn how to:
- Design and implement software solutions in relation to project scope and stakeholder needs
- Work in multiple programming languages and apply software architecture principles
This program is 10 months long, and you will be required to complete all 24 credits to earn your certificate.
Additional pathways
While our Bachelor of Science in Information Technology doesn’t independently prepare you for a career as a software developer, you can add the Advanced Software Developer Certificate onto this degree. Students may find this path worthwhile as it will open them up not only to job opportunities related to the Advanced Software Developer Certificate outcomes, but also careers aligned to our Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degree.
How can University of Phoenix support me in pursuing my career goals?
Students and graduates can access our Career Navigator tools, which can help you evaluate career options, track career-relevant skills and discover job postings suited to your needs. From resumé building and interview preparation to networking and mentorship, University of Phoenix offers career services for life to all students and graduates. Dive deeper into our career services, resources and tools to find out how we can help you reach your goals.
