California Institute of Applied Technology
Associate of Applied Science Degree in Software Development

National City, USA

DEGREE TYPE

Associate Degree

DURATION

24 months

LANGUAGES

English

PACE

Full time

APPLICATION DEADLINE

EARLIEST START DATE

Sep 2026

STUDY FORMAT

Distance Learning

Key Summary

About : The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Software Development offers students a foundational understanding of programming languages, software engineering principles, and application development processes. The program emphasizes hands-on experience through projects and coursework, ensuring students gain practical skills in creating software solutions.

Career Outcomes : Graduates can pursue various career opportunities, including software developer, web developer, systems analyst, and application programmer. The program prepares students to enter the tech industry and tackle challenges related to software creation and maintenance.

Explore Our Associate of Applied Science Degree In Software Development

Our Software Development Associate’s Degree program provides a comprehensive coding training path to software, web, and mobile app development. Gain confidence and start your new career in a variety of exciting roles in the world of programming. With practical hands-on training and personalized instruction, you’ll master new coding skills including HTML / CSS, JavaScript, Python, C#, PHP, MySQL, Linux, and more. Prepare yourself for a range of career opportunities from freelancer to frontend or backend developer across a range of growing industries.

2022 Best Computer Programming Degrees
CIAT has been awarded top-ranking status in Intelligent.com’s Best Computer Programming Degrees review, highlighted as “Best in the West”. Evaluated based on curriculum quality, graduation rate, reputation, and post-graduate employment.

A Learning Path Designed for Career-Minded Students

Take advantage of the flexibility of participating in immersive live online classes, or watching class recordings on your own time – with small class sizes, industry expert instructors, hands-on training, virtual labs and computer kits, and tutoring sessions to support student success.

Don’t put your career on hold. Join hundreds of CIAT students thriving in online IT and coding courses. Take advantage of this unique time to pursue a stable, profitable, and exciting career in tech.

Live classes are scheduled two nights per week, from 6pm to 10:30pm PST Mondays & Tuesdays, or Wednesdays & Thursdays.

Live Online Classes* Accelerated 5-week live immersive classes keep you on track towards your goals and focused on learning one topic at a time.	Built-In Flexibility Live class sessions are recorded so that you can stay on track if you miss the live sessions or re-review concepts where you need extra support.
Small class sizes At CIAT, you’re more than a number. Class sizes average 15-20 students* to provide personalized support.	Hands-on training through virtual labs Classes are designed to boost your technical confidence and ensure you graduate career-ready.
Extra tutoring One-on-one and small group tutoring workshops are available as needed to ensure you are progressing successfully through your course.	Career Services Career coaching services that focus on your educational, professional and personal development to help prepare you for your technology career.

*Live class offering is subject to availability. Most classes at CIAT offer live class sessions. When live class sessions are not available, students will be placed in asynchronous class sessions with live tutoring and instructor office hour sessions.

Curriculum

Technical Courses

Python Fundamentals, Part 1
Python Fundamentals, Part 2
Web Dev with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Part 1
Web Dev with JavaScript and jQuery Part 2
Object-Oriented Data Structures using Python, Part 1
Object-Oriented Data Structures using Python, Part 2
Web Application Development with PHP and MySQL Part 1
Web Application Development with PHP and MySQL Part 2
Linux Operating System Administration and Shell Scripting
Windows PowerShell
Foundations of Software Engineering, Part 1
Foundations of Software Engineering, Part 2

General Education Courses

English Courses
Math Courses
Psychology, Sociology or Economics
Chemistry, Biology, or Physics

Tips for Success

What does it take to be successful at CIAT? Success doesn’t happen by chance. Making a career change takes hard work, perseverance when times get tough, and consistency in effort.

Plan to spend 20-30 hours per week towards your coursework.
You get out what you put in. Plan ahead to make sure you are making your education a priority in your personal schedule.
Be an active participant in your education.
Ask questions, engage with your classmates, and stay connected to our CIAT Student Services Team.
Attend the live classes.
Whenever possible, build your personal schedule around the schedule of your live classes (or be diligent about watching the live class recordings).
Ask for help.
Speak up when you feel overwhelmed, or have difficulty with a concept.
Embrace failure.
Take advantage of our unique unlimited certification policy. If you're putting in the work, we are here to support you every step of the way. The only way to fail is to give up.