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
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
Just the Facts
IT - Software Developer
60 Credit Associate Degree
Program Length
Two Years
Delivery Method
Face-to-Face, Online
Career Cluster
Information Technology
Program Location
Eau Claire, Online
Start Months
August, January
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
What are estimated program costs? Estimated Total: $11,475
Career Opportunities
Associate Software Engineer
Business Process Analyst
IT Programmer
Reporting Developer
Systems & Software Developer
Technical Support
Graduate Employers
Documation
Group Health Coop
Jamf
JB Systems, LLC
MenuMetric
Pomps Tire
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.
$54K Yearly Salary
Our recent IT - Software Developer graduates reported an average starting salary of $53,799.
57% Employed
57% of our recent IT - Software Developer graduates got a job in the industry.
76 Regional Jobs
There are 76 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.
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.
Request More Information
Please provide your contact information and an Admissions Advisor will get back to you ASAP with more information about this program.
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Earn Credentials Along the Way
Career Pathways What is a career pathway?
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.
Technical Diploma
Associate Degree
Your future is waiting…Are you ready to get started?
Apply NowStudent 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.
Related Programs & Certificates
Whether you're looking to continue your learning to another program or to gain continuing education credit, CVTC offers a variety of learning opportunities for students.
Degrees & Diplomas
IT - Data Analyst, Associate Degree
IT - Network Specialist, Associate Degree
IT - Software Development Specialist, Technical Diploma
Apprenticeships
Certificates
Continue Your Learning
CVTC can help you achieve your learning goals whether you are looking to advance your career or enrich your personal life.
// Explore Continuing Ed OpportunitiesUnsure of which program you'd like to go into? Learn more about our Career Assessment to help narrow down your options.
A Program You Can Trust
Program Accreditation
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
Program Success Data
IT - Software Developer 10-152-1
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 |
2020-21 | 2021-22 | 2022-23 | 2023-24 | 2024-25 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Graduation within 4-Years | 30% | 33% | 30% | 29% | 31% |
2020-21 | 2021-22 | 2022-23 | 2023-24 | 2024-25 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Graduate Count | 33 | 41 | 45 | 47 | 43 |
2021-22 | 2022-23 | 2023-24 | 2024-25 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Employed in a Related Field | 81% | 44% | 57% | Available April 2026 |
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.
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We have compiled helpful tips and general information for students in this program.
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