Advanced knowledge in software concepts is essential for building complex information technology (IT) applications. Our graduate certificate program in Software Systems serves the continuing education role for professionals in the rapidly evolving area of software engineering. The certificate program is designed to meet the demand of large private companies and other employers for highly skilled software engineers.
The certificate in Software Systems ensures that students have sufficient knowledge and skills in advanced software systems, including in the areas of:
- parallel and distributed programming
- middleware, scalable and dependable software
- real-time pervasive computing systems
Earning the certificate will enhance your competitiveness, technical knowledge, and resulting working efficiency. The certificate also serves as a stepping stone into our professional coursework-only Master of Engineering programs.
Students can receive the certificate in as little as 9 months by taking two courses a semester. Several of the courses offer hands-on learning experience where the students will be able to perform experiments and use software systems remotely through the Internet.
Admission Requirements
Entry into the Software Systems Graduate Certificate Program requires a bachelor’s degree in science or engineering from a four-year college, with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
Admission and application procedures are on the Graduate College website. Students may take up to 9 credits as a non-degree seeking student, so it is possible to begin your studies before formal admittance into the program.
Certificate Requirements
To obtain a Software Systems Graduate Certificate, students must complete 12 total credit hours of courses, including 3-credit hours of required courses, and 9 credits of elective courses.
Required Course
- CprE 556: Scalable Software Engineering
Elective Courses
- CprE 526: Introduction to Parallel Algorithms and Programming
- CprE 545: Fault-Tolerant Systems
- CprE 550: Distributed Systems and Middleware
- CprE 558: Real-Time Systems
- CprE 586x: Pervasive Computing
Course descriptions are in the course catalog and experimental courses list
Continuing on for a Master’s Degree
If a person who receives a graduate certificate decides to continue for a graduate degree, the person needs to seek approval from that degree program. Credits earned for the graduate certificate may be used to meet Master of Engineering degree requirements if approved by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering’s Director of Graduate Education. If the student wishes to continue and get a Master of Engineering in computer engineering, the student must be admitted to the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Contact Information
Dr. Manimaran Govindarasu
515-294-9175
gmani@iastate.edu