Program Overview

Bachelor of Science in Software Design Degree Program

Program Overview

The Software Design program offers a specialist degree in the art and science of computer software design, architecture, analysis, and evolution. Graduates of the Software Design program will be well-versed in a range of programming languages, data structures and algorithms, operating systems, real-time software design, databases, compilers, software requirements analysis, formal methods in software engineering, and techniques for human-computer interaction.

Why Should I Take It?

The Software Design program is for those destined to carry the capabilities of computer systems beyond the current limits and into the future. They are the software architects, designers, and entrepreneurs that will drive the software revolution forward at an ever-increasing speed. Experts in software design are needed in several emerging fields, such as the development and maintenance of Mobile Apps, the development of successful Smart City applications, Health Telematics, and the multi-billion dollar gaming industry.

How Can I Use It?

Graduates of this program will have a wealth of industries to choose from and often go on to become:

• Computer and Information Systems Managers
• Information Security Analysts
• Computer Programmers
• Software Developers of Mobile Applications
• Software Developers of Systems Software
• Web Developers

Program Structure

Program Requirements

The program requires a total of 128 credit hours, with the following breakdown:

• University Requirements (GE Courses): 27 credit hours
  • Compulsory Courses: 21 credit hours
  • Elective Courses: 6 credit hours
• Program Core Requirements: 64 credit hours
• Program Major Requirements: 37 credit hours
  • Compulsory Courses: 34 credit hours
  • Elective Courses: 3 credit hours

University Requirements [General Education Courses - 27 Credits]

The following courses are required:

• Compulsory Courses (21 Credits):
  • English I for Engineering and Computing
  • English II for Engineering and Computing
  • Communication Skills in Arabic 1
  • Islamic Culture
  • UAE Society
  • Fundamentals of Innovation and Entrepreneurship 1
  • Fundamentals of Innovation and Entrepreneurship 2
  • Entrepreneurship 1
  • Entrepreneurship 2
• Elective Courses (06 Credits): Students are required to select two courses from the following:
  • Biology I
  • Chemistry
  • Modern Physics

Program Core Requirements [Core Courses - 64 Credits]

The following courses are required:

• Elements of Computing
• Introduction to Computing Science I
• Calculus I
• Calculus II
• Linear Algebra
• Discrete Mathematics
• Probability and Statistics
• Discrete Mathematics for Computing Science
• Logic for Computing Science
• Introduction to Computing Science II
• Software Specifications
• Information Structures
• Programming Paradigms
• Computer Architecture
• Software Architecture
• Database Management Systems
• Algorithms I
• Scientific Computing
• System-Level Programming
• Ethics for Computing Professionals
• Internship

Program Major Requirements [37 Credits]

The following courses are required:

• Compulsory Courses (34 Credits):
  • Operating Systems
  • Game Design
  • Human Computer Interaction
  • Software Quality
  • Advanced User Interface Design
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Formal Methods
  • Software Requirements
  • Algorithms II
  • Software Design Project
• Elective Courses (03 Credits): Students are required to select one course from the following:
  • Web Development
  • Data Mining
  • Network Operating Systems
  • Computability and Complexity
  • Advanced Database Systems
  • Computer Graphics

Internship

The internship is a mandatory course of an undergraduate program with the purpose of providing students with an opportunity to have professional work experience in a setting related to the student's major. The duration of an internship is based on the program of study. However, all undergraduate students from Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Architecture, and Interior Design are expected to spend at least sixteen (16) weeks at an organization providing internship experience.