Program Overview

Program Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Software Architecture and Design is an online program that provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to analyze, architect, design, implement, and manage the technical aspects of large-scale software system development.

Program Details

• The program is 100% online and can be completed at the student's own pace.
• The application deadline is April 20 to start on May 18.
• The program consists of 9 credits, with a cost of $1,037 per credit.
• The program is embedded within the Master of Software Engineering credential.

Program Objectives

• Design, document, and evaluate robust software architecture.
• Design a software system using Unified Modeling Language.
• Leverage patterns to build scalable and maintainable software systems.
• Apply current technologies and best practices to software construction.
• Create a system using an iterative, incremental development process.

Course List

• SWENG 837: Software System Design (3 credits)
• SWENG 861: Software Construction (3 credits)
• SWENG 887: Software Systems Architecture (3 credits)

Stackable Credentials

• The program is part of a stackable credentials pathway, allowing students to apply credits towards a Master of Software Engineering degree.
• Up to 15 credits earned in the certificate program may be transferred to the master's degree program.

Career Opportunities

• The program prepares students for careers as software architects, solutions architects, lead designers, software-development team leaders, and other related roles.
• Students can use the knowledge gained from the program to pursue careers in a variety of fields, depending on their goals.

Admission Requirements

• A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or a tertiary degree deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree.
• An undergraduate degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, computer science, or information science.
• A junior/senior grade-point average of 3.0 or higher.

Faculty

• The program is taught by experienced faculty with expertise in software engineering, including:
  • Dr. Adrian S. Barb
  • Dr. Mohamad Darayi
  • Dr. Joanna F. DeFranco
  • Everton Tavares Guimaraes
  • Dr. Phillip A. Laplante
  • Dr. Colin Neill
  • Dr. Robin G. Qiu
  • Dr. Dusan Ramljak
  • Sally Sue Richmond
  • Dr. Raghvinder S. Sangwan
  • Dr. Satish Srinivasan

Tuition and Financial Aid

• Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which the student registers.
• Tuition rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.
• Students pursuing a certificate are considered "nondegree" and are not eligible for federal student aid.
• Private alternative loans may be an option for students pursuing a certificate.
• Penn State offers many ways to pay for education, including an installment plan and third-party payments.