Software Development

Doctorate in Software Development

Elevate Your Career to New Heights in the Tech-Driven World

Discover the Future of Software Development

Advanced Education for Software Innovators:

  • Interdisciplinary Expertise: Step into a program where software development intersects with emerging tech domains. Here, you’ll gain a robust knowledge base, crucial for those ready to pioneer advancements in software development.
  • Research & Development Focused: Engage in research that disrupts and reshapes the landscape of software engineering. This is where theory meets practice, equipping you for innovative problem-solving in real-world scenarios.
  • Industry-Integrated Experience: Benefit from immersive projects and over 630 hours of collaboration with tech leaders. It’s hands-on learning designed to build your versatility and refine your expertise in software development.

Shaping the Forefront of Technology:

  • Innovative Leadership: Rise as a leader in the software industry, guiding cutting-edge advancements and ethical integration of technology. Prepare for high-impact roles and become the change-driver organizations need.
  • Technology Advocate: Leverage your DSD to influence the future of tech policy. With your deep insights, advocate for growth and guide responsible technological innovation across industries.

Advanced Software Development Degree: From Seasoned Professional to Visionary Leader

Refine Your Craft, Define the Future:

This is where you transition from industry professional to tech visionary. In our program, innovation isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the core of your development, as you apply your seasoned skills to uncharted technological territories.

 

Beyond the Books: Real Solutions, Real Impact:

Your learning extends past academic theories into the realm of tangible solutions. Tackle real-world challenges with projects designed to forge problem-solving warriors who companies can rely on in their quest for innovation.

Advance with Confidence:

With us, the journey is as significant as the destination. You’ll gain more than a degree; you’ll develop a new lens to view and shape the software world, equipped to lead and inspire as a pillar of the industry.

Benefits of our Online Software Development Program

Live Online Classes

Courses are conducted online with an instructor who will guide you through the material.

Complete in 3-5 Years

62 credit hours until you complete your Doctorate in Software Development.

8 Week Classes

Fit more learning into your busy life with shorter, yet comprehensive classes. 

 

Growing Career Demand

The job market for software developers is expected to grow by 25% between 2022 and 2032.

Program Overview

 

62 credit hours 
Most students complete this program in 3-5 years
$59,260 
Additional fees apply
  • Full Distance
  • Blended (Salem, VA or Louisville, KY) for F1 Visa holders
  • Blended (Orlando, FL) for US domestic students

A Program for Professionals, Taught by Professionals

Doctorate in Software Development Required Courses
  • DS7000 Database Management & Implementation
  • DS7100 Advanced Operating Systems
  • DS7200 Software Engineering & Development
  • DS7300 Software Architecture & Design
  • DS7400 Software Comprehension & Maintenance
  • DS7500 Problem Solving & Programming for the Research Practitioner
  • DS7600 Big Data & Analytical Research Methods for Software Developers
  • DS7700 Concurrent & Distributed Systems
  • IA8070 Design & Development of Security Architectures
  • PM8100 Information Security Project Management
  • RM8500 Research Foundations
  • RM9100 Qualitative & Quantitative Analysis
  • DS9130-CX Comprehensive Exam
  • DS8100 Advanced Quantitative Methods in Software Development/Engineering
  • DS8000 Advanced Qualitative Methods in Software Development/Engineering
  • RM9150 Feasibility Problem Driven Research
  • DS9200 Designing Solution to Software Development Problems
  • DS8110 Dissertation Proposal (Chapter 1)
  • DS8120 Dissertation Proposal (Chapter 2)
  • DS8121 Dissertation Proposal (Chapter 2 continued)
  • DS8130 Dissertation Proposal (Chapter 3 & 4)
  • DS9600X Dissertation Defense
Entry Requirements

A master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, a nationally accredited institution, or an appropriately certified foreign institution with relevant academic experience. Minimum of 3 years (and preferably 5 years) of relevant professional experience, and 3.0 GPA on a scale of 4.0 at the master’s level.  Professional experience will be evaluated by the Chief Academic Officer to ensure relevancy.

Additional requirements may apply for non-native English speaking students.

What our Students Say

“Each course gives you enough time to delve deeper…it allows you to put out your thought process, accompanied with research. It makes you a well-versed, independent researcher.”

“That’s a big yes, I will recommend students, especially international students, to UoF because I think it’s a wonderful opportunity to get a terminal degree. There’s a lot of flexibility and [they’re] very accommodating.”

“I was happy about professors were very engaging and available for any questions… That was something I appreciated a lot. Professors were very knowledgeable I’m very pleased to have been taught by such faculty. They exceeded my expectations.”

Transfer Credits

A maximum of 9 semester credits equivalent to our courses in content, credit and level may be transferred to a Doctoral program.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

We recognize that many students need some type of financial assistance in order to make this investment in their future. Our Financial Services Team will sit down with prospective students to identify sources of financial assistance. We are committed to finding solutions for those who qualify.

Please Note: Federal Financial Aid is not yet available to students of University of Fairfax.

Accredited Programs

University of Fairfax is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission. The Distance Education Accrediting Commission is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency. The Distance Education Accrediting Commission is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).