Software engineers are in high demand. Nearly every company today is a tech company, with needs for skilled developers. Having software engineering skills will allow you to choose your own career path and maybe even go independent. With the assistance of our professional development center and staff, we'll help to make sure you are SET for Success.
Build on your basic computer programming knowledge to learn the best practices of software development and design while learning to implement these practices as software engineers. Over the course of a year, students learn the core concepts of computer science, spanning from fundamental data structures and algorithms, to software engineering, to object-oriented and systems programming through lectures and hands-on labs. Guest speakers from industry share experience and real-world perspective. The program concludes with a project-based capstone course emphasizing team-oriented full stack development.
Learning Format
All courses are offered online on Saturdays (and available for review after class sessions). Students, classmates, and instructors interact online at set times for office hours, mentoring, and relationship/team-building.
Course List and Descriptions
For a complete list of courses offered in the GC-SDE, as well as detailed descriptions and prerequisite courses, please visit the GC-SDE Course List and Descriptions page.
Who Should Apply
The ideal SDE certificate candidate:
- has a bachelor’s degree, not in computer science
- has basic computer programming knowledge
- is looking to further extend their programming and software development skills
Career and networking resources
In addition to a rigorous curriculum in programming and software development, this certificate program provides career and networking resources.
- Career counseling
- Resume review sessions
- Job postings
- Networking opportunities
- Panel discussions
- Access to exclusive SET recruiting and networking events such as brown bags and presentations
How to Apply
Visit the UW Grad School Application and select "Create a Profile" to begin the application process:
- Complete the corresponding applicant profile form, and continue to the Graduate School Application.
- In “Step 1” of the Application, choose "Graduate Non-Matriculated."
- In “Step 2” of the Application, choose "Computer Science & Systems - Tacoma (MS in Computer Science & Systems)" as the program.
Information Sessions
Upcoming Information Session Dates:
| Date/Time | Location |
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June 20, 2023 (Tuesday) 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. PDT |
Previous Information Session Recording - May 16, 2023
FREE 2-day Python essentials bootcamp for admitted students in September 2023.This program accepts Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) benefits!
Quick info
Contact usTo learn more about the certificate, including prerequisites and how to apply, please email us, and someone will get back to you as soon as possible!
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Andrew Froberg
(2022-23)
"My background is in marketing. I don't have a computer science degree, but I have always been interested in software development, which is why the GC-SDE program was a perfect fit for me.
The program covers many core concepts in computer science and software engineering: object-oriented programming, algorithms, design patterns, systems programming, and much more. It has really been a lot of fun to learn.
I also learned quite a bit about how to apply these concepts in real-world projects. During the capstone project, our team built a full-stack web application, which helped reinforce all that we had learned previously.
All the instructors are amazing. They make themselves available whenever you need them and they are truly invested in your success as a student.
The GC-SDE program helped me build the skills and confidence to pursue a career in software development."
Dee Turco
(2020-21)
"I chose the GC-SDE program and have never been so happy with that decision. I not only learned about software development engineering but also new tools such as GitHub for code repository, Agile - Scrum project management methodology and Cloud programming and deployment.
Literally two days after graduation, I received a call for an interview. Not long after that interview, I was offered the Senior IT position.
The knowledge I gained and the skills I obtained definitely set me apart from other candidates. I am convinced my decision to obtain my Certification in Software Development Engineering put me at the top and is what got me selected so quickly and started on my new career path."
Darence Thong
(2021-22)
"The GC-SDE program not only helped me get into a master's program, but also a SDE job that I'm starting in a few weeks. The program has helped me become competitive in the job market."
Rick Morrow
(2020-21)
Rick leveraged his SDE graduate certificate in a new full-time position with an e-commerce provider.
“The program is structured around assignments, group projects and tests. The group projects really stood out for me. We were using all the tools that you would use in the workplace, and having to collaborate with people who might think a little bit differently than me about how to build something.”
~ Rick Morrow (2020-21)
See full story in this article From dabbler to a new career and Master’s degree
