November 5 · 3:30 – 7 PM

Explore CVTC at the Fall Open House!

Learn More

  November 5 • 3:30 – 7 PM  //  Explore CVTC at the Fall Open House! Learn More

What can we help you find?

Can't Find What You Need?

Chat with an Admissions Advisor by closing the search window and then clicking the chat icon at the bottom.

Give us a call at 715-833-6300.

Or send us an email at therightchoice@cvtc.edu

Associate Degree

IT - Software Developer

Just the Facts

IT - Software Developer

60 Credit Associate Degree

Program Length

Two Years

Delivery Method

Face-to-Face, Online

Career Cluster

Information & Digital Technology

Program Location

Eau Claire, Online

Start Months

August, January

Estimated Program Cost

Learn more about the cost of attendance.

Term 1
$ 2,690
Term 2
$ 2,690
Term 3
$ 2,690
Term 4
$ 2,690
Books
$ 715
Estimated Total
$11,475

IT - Software Developer Overview

Launch your career with the power of AI-driven software development. The software industry is evolving rapidly, and employers are looking for developers who can leverage AI tools to work smarter, faster, and more creatively. In the IT - Software Developer program, you'll learn to use AI agents, large language models (LLMs), and modern development tools to design, build, and enhance real-world applications.

Gain the skills to create dynamic web applications, support business systems, and generate data-driven insights. As a software developer, you'll do more than write code. You'll build the digital tools and experiences people rely on every day while helping organizations innovate and compete in a global marketplace.

Learn by Doing

This hands-on program emphasizes real-world experience through individual and team-based projects that mirror the collaborative environment of today's technology workplaces.

What You'll Learn

  • Use industry-standard, AI-enhanced development tools, including Visual Studio Code and IntelliJ.
  • Build modern web applications using:
    • HTML/CSS
    • JavaScript
    • ASP.NET
    • JSP
    • Python
  • Work with databases and SQL, including:
    • SQLite
    • SQL Server
    • MySQL
  • Design and develop applications using Java and C# (.NET).

Build Skills Employers Value

Along with technical expertise, you'll strengthen the professional skills employers seek most:

  • Communication
  • Collaboration and teamwork
  • Time management
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving
  • Environmental and social awareness

Start building your future in tech, where AI, creativity, and innovation come together.

Part of a career pathway, you will already have credits toward the IT - Software Developer program if you completed the IT - Software Development Specialist technical diploma at CVTC. Call us at 715-833-6300 to learn more.

Check It Out

Join Us for the Fall Open House!

Thursday, November 5, 20263:30 – 7 p.m.View Event Details

Earn credit for prior learning!

Do you have previous educational or work experience in the field? You could be eligible to receive credit for prior learning

Explore This Program

Career Opportunities

  • Software Consultant
  • Platform MES Developer
  • Developer
  • Associate Software Engineer
  • IT Programmer

Graduate Employers

  • Jamf
  • MenuMetric
  • Kwik Trip
  • Fleet Farm
  • Documation
  • HOOPS Inc.

Graduate Outcomes

CVTC graduates are ready for the workforce. Each year, we send our graduates the Graduate Follow-Up Survey asking several questions related to employment. Here are the program outcomes and job data.

$56K yearly salary

Our recent IT - Software Developer graduates reported an average starting salary of $56,066.

59 regional jobs

There are 59 job openings in the CVTC district for the IT - Software Developer industry.

Transfer Credits to Other Institutions

Should you choose to continue your education after you leave CVTC, we have agreements in place with several institutions to ensure an easy transfer.

View Transfer Options

Program Courses

These are a few of the courses you will take in this program. Courses and the recommended sequence change from year to year; once you are enrolled in a program at CVTC you will be given a recommended course sequence that outlines what courses you should take and the order in which to take them.

You may search for available courses. If you are ever unsure of what courses to take, talk to your academic advisor. If you are looking for course information for previous years, check out our past catalogs.

Here are a few of the courses you can take in the IT - Software Developer program.

Sample Courses

.NET Application Development

In this course you will learn the Visual Basic or C# language using ADO.NET for database interaction, develop subs and functions, and develop objects and classes.

Java Web Programming

Students will write programs using the latest Sun Java release. The class focuses on the use of advanced Java features necessary for real world business applications.

Database-Driven Web Design/Development

Students will explore topics in server-side web development using PHP. Students will get hands-on experience in the PHP environment with database applications using PHP and MySQL, sessions, cookies, string-handling, and other related topics.

Earn Credentials Along the Way

Career Pathways

Career Pathways are a clear, manageable way to access education that provides employer-recognized, stackable credentials tied to specific jobs, education, and career progression. Career Pathways are beneficial to high school students and teachers, parents, adult students, and employers.

Associate Degree

IT - Software Developer

Your future is waiting…

Are you ready to get started?

Apply Now

Student Testimonial

CVTC graduates have practical training and possess a wide variety of skills due to exposure to core IT coursework and the focused learning experience that the CVTC IT programs provide. CVTC graduates have been exposed to real industry experiences, are confident in their career choices and have a real passion for their field. Graduates from CVTC programs have experience on current systems as well as the foresight to know when a new technological advancement may benefit our organization.

Nicole

NBI, Inc.

A Program You Can Trust

Program Accreditation

ACBSP Accreditation Logo

The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) is a leading specialized accreditation body for business education supporting, celebrating, and rewarding teaching excellence. The association embraces the virtues of teaching excellence and emphasizes to students that it is essential to learn. Visit accreditation website.

Student Learning Outcomes

A Student Learning Outcome refers to the specific skills, knowledge, or abilities that students are expected to demonstrate upon successful completion of an academic program or degree.

Students will:

  • Design software systems
  • Implement a team-based software development methodology
  • Navigate in a software development environment
  • Integrate data technologies
  • Develop software applications
  • Develop technical documentation

Program Success Data

IT - Software Developer 10-152-1

Retention Rates
 

2021-22

2022-23

2023-24

2024-25

2025-26

Fall-to-Spring Retention

74%

72%

79%

76%

74%

Year-to-Year Retention

56%

57%

64%

68%

N/A

Graduation Rates
 

2020-21

2021-22

2022-23

2023-24

2024-25

Graduation within 4-Years

30%

33%

30%

29%

31%

Program Graduates
 

2020-21

2021-22

2022-23

2023-24

2024-25

Graduate Count

33

41

45

47

43

Graduate Placement
 

2021-22

2022-23

2023-24

2024-25

Employed in a Related Field

81%

44%

57%

50%

Program Assessment (Technical Skills Attainment)
 

2022-23

2023-24

2024-25

Met

87%

97%

92%

Not Met

13%

3%

8%

Additional Admissions Resources

Admission Requirements

Each program requires specific requirements a student must meet to be considered for admissions to this program.

View Admission Requirements

Advising Tips

We have compiled helpful tips and general information for students in this program.

Join us to

Experience CVTC for Yourself

Explore Campus Attend an Event Schedule a Visit