Software Architecture Online Graduate Certificate Program

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Software Architecture

Drexel University’s online Graduate Certificate in Software Architecture equips you with state-of-the-art practices for designing, analyzing, documenting, and implementing software architectures. Designed for those with programming skills and experience, you’ll take courses in areas like software design, software architecture, requirement engineering and management, and software project management to prepare you for roles in this field.

What Does A Software Architect Do?

A software architect is the technical expert who is responsible for defining the overall solution for the software system to be developed. As a software architect, you'll make critical decisions on architectural styles, quality attributes, key interfaces, and technologies that will best serve the project, act as a liaison between business partners and the development team, maintain the overall framework, and ensure product quality.

Software architects must showcase a range of technical skills throughout their daily tasks. You’ll need to know:

• software engineering and design
• programming
• the ins-and-outs of various platforms

You’ll also need to act as a project manager, utilizing soft skills such as:

• communication
• organization
• leadership techniques

Online Software Architecture Certificate Program Features

• Five-course, 15-credit program
• 100% online for distance-learning
• Graduates of the certificate program who meet certain grade requirements may transfer those credits into the Master of Science in Software Engineering

Online Software Architect Program Requirements

To be eligible for this certificate, you should have a four-year bachelor's degree or master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related STEM field, plus work experience equal to Drexel's Graduate Certificate in Computer Science. If your previous education experience is not in Computer Science or Software Engineering, you must complete the Graduate Certificate in Computer Science. For more information, including requirements for international students, please see the Admissions Criteria page.

What Is the Salary for a Software Architect?

Salaries can vary based on location, job title, and years of experience. However, some job titles and salaries that this certificate can prepare you for include:

• Computer and Information Research Scientist - $126,830
• Computer Network Architect - $116,780
• Computer Programmer - $89,190
• Software Developers - $110,140

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020

Online Certificate in Software Architecture Program FAQs

What are the differences between software design and programming?
Software programmers are responsible for writing code for software, operating systems, and other computer programs. Often, programmers take on additional work, though coding is typically at the heart of the position.

Software designers, on the other hand, make decisions on various aspects of the software projects. They consider how to create code to satisfy user requirements, fit the computer hardware and systems it will be interacting with, interact with other software systems, ensure performance or security, etc. This also tends to be more of a front-facing position, with designers responsible for communicating with both clients and the development team.

Is experience required for this program?
Drexel recommends that you have a few years of work experience in the software development field before entering this program.

Do I have to come to campus for this program?
This program can be completed 100% remotely. A face-to-face version of the program is also available. Learn more about the on-campus program.

Related Programs

• MS in Computer Science
• MS in Software Engineering
• Graduate Certificate in Computer Security & Privacy
• Graduate Certificate in Software Management

State restrictions may apply to some programs.