IT – Software Developer | Gateway Technical College

Get hands-on software experience with individual and team projects developing desktop, enterprise and mobile applications, databases and websites in core classes, as well as through game programming, programmer/analyst and Apple app development certificate offerings.
Gain real-world experience with many of the latest computer technologies , IBMi, Windows and open-source platforms, as well as object-oriented and procedure-oriented programming languages.
Enjoy flexible learning schedules with virtual and face-to-face classes and labs outfitted with the latest hardware and software.
Network with industry professionals at the Wisconsin Midrange Computer Professional Association (WMCPA) annual conference as well as through the national COMMON professional organization. Connect with other students through clubs like dig.IT, Red Hawks Esports and the WMCPA student chapter.
Earn competitive wages through this in-demand field as a programmer/analyst, software developer or application developer.

Program Credits

63

LOCATION

Racine Campus, Online

Financial Aid Eligible

Yes

ESTIMATED PROGRAM COST

Tuition & Fees: $10,715
Books and Supplies: $4,953

Start Dates

Fall

Salary Outlook

$94,078

Career Opportunities:

Application Developer, Software Developer, Programmer, Computer Programmer, Developer, Software Engineer

IT – Software Developer Career Pathway

Career Pathways are designed to help you reach your educational goals and explore college and career options. Pathways are made up of related certificates, diplomas and degrees that build on common skills and knowledge. You can begin at any point on the Career Pathway and customize your pathway to fit your goals. View the pathway for your area of interest.

There are many opportunities, both in high school and through previous college, work, and/or military experience, to earn credit for prior learning at Gateway.

Associate degrees are typically completed in two years by full-time students and combine hands-on technical skills with general education. Associate degree opportunities in this pathway include:

IT – Software Developer

Prepare to enter your exciting new career, or choose to continue your education with another Gateway program or by transferring your credits to a four-year college or university.

Curriculum Sheet:

10-152-1 IT-Software Developer Full-Time 2025-26 Curriculum Sheet.pdf

Part Time Curriculum:

10-152-1 IT-Software Developer Part-Time 2025-26 Curriculum Sheet.pdf

Course Number: 890-155Credits: 1.00

In this course, students explore the Gateway Technical College community. They examine college resources and services, investigate skills that lead to academic success, and identify strategies for achieving educational and personal goals.

Course Number: 152-105Credits: 2.00

System i Concepts will provide an overview of the i5 Operating System functions and capabilities. Emphasis will be placed upon utilities intrinsic to the operating system and provide a prelude to the programming environment. Some of the features discussed are file structures, library organization, application development tools, control language commands, and structured query. The course will demonstrate business applications without the use of formal programming languages. The labs will focus on data collection, processing, and reporting. At the end of the course, the learner should be able to access the user support facilities, command prompting, online help, and various commands to organize and manipulate the system. It is the intent of the course to make the learner knowledgeable and comfortable enough with theplatform and operating system to focus on the programming languages supported by i5/OS Operating System.

Course Number: 107-011Credits: 3.00

This course is a basic introduction to Information Technology (IT) and how it impacts our lives. It will focus on how IT professionals implement industry tools and applications throughout businesses. Students will learn proper terminology as well as industry trends and concepts.

Course Number: OPTION-MATH.9ACredits: 3.00

Please complete 804-134 Mathematical Reasoning or 804-115 College Technical Math 1. This is for informational purposes only. Once you register for your course, you can delete this block from your timeline.

Course Number: 152-126Credits: 4.00

This class will introduce students to the structures, logic, and controls of programming techniques and database applications. Students will be able to develop a program that will utilize a database.

Course Number: 801-136Credits: 3.00

This course is designed for learners to develop knowledge and skills in all aspects of the writing process. Planning, organizing, writing, editing and revising are applied through a variety of activities. Students will analyze audience and purpose, use elements of research, and format documents using standard guidelines. Individuals will develop critical reading skills through analysis of various written documents.

Course Number: 152-133Credits: 2.00

AS/400 Control Language (CL) commands, functions, and applications are used in a hands-on environment.

Course Number: 152-145Credits: 3.00

This introduction to web programming will explore a variety of tools used for web page creation. An introduction to client side internet website programming, this course covers HTML, CSS, DHTML, and JavaScript.

Course Number: 152-141Credits: 3.00

This course introduces the new learner to the Java programming language, specifically as it relates to the IBM iSeries platform. Specific iSeries subjects covered will include using WebSphere Development Studio, accessing AS/400 objects from Java, working with AS/400 databases, and building AS/400 graphical applications.

Course Number: 152-151Credits: 3.00

A class in advanced microcomputer programming techniques. This class will examine trends in microcomputer program development including: use of objects, database access, receiving user input, displaying output, error handling, application controls, and online assistance.

Course Number: 809-198Credits: 3.00

This course introduces students to some of the major theories and topics of psychology, including the physiological basis of behavior, personality and learning theories, memory, states of consciousness, stress, research methods, intelligence, human development, psychopathology, and social behavior.

Course Number: 801-197Credits: 3.00

The student will prepare and present oral and written technical reports. Types of reports may include lab and field reports, proposals, technical letters and memos, technical research reports, and case studies. This course is designed as an advanced communication course for students who have completed at least the prerequisite introductory writing course.

Course Number: 152-122Credits: 3.00

Business oriented programming language. Topics include: specification forms, logic cycle, RPG structure commands, physical and logical file structures, externally described printer files, table and array processing, joined logical files, multiple physical files, extensive programming and documentation of business related applications.

Course Number: 152-093Credits: 3.00

This course will introduce dynamic web application development using Java Servlets and JSP technologies. Moreover databases in web applications and the Java Database Connectivity (JDBC) API will also be covered. Students will also be learning to program Java Applications using XML (Extensible Markup Language), multithreading, I/O, and network programming. Students will be learning to develop N-Tier e-Business applications.

Course Number: 152-168Credits: 3.00

Topics covered include advanced .NET tools for creating front end applications for the IBM i. Additional topics include database access using ADO.NET and ASP.Net, XML, Multithreaded and Parallel Programming. The course will also examine advanced .NET topics like WPF and LINQ.

Course Number: 152-164Credits: 3.00

This course teaches students to develop applications for mobile platforms. Students will utilize a Software Development Kit (SDK) to develop working applications.

Course Number: OPTION-E152.1Credits: 3.00

Complete three elective credits. The suggested electives are: 152-124 Computer Programming C++ 102-138 Biz Internship 809-112 Prinicples of Sustainability 801-196 Oral/Interpersonal Communications 801-198 Speech 809-172 Intro to Diversity Studies 809-196 Intro to Sociology This is for informational purposes only. Once you register for your course, you can delete this block from your timeline.

Course Number: 152-125Credits: 3.00

Describe and define syntax for constructing online business applications using IBM's High Level Language RPG/400. Competencies learned in RPG/400 are enhanced with additional focus on the following topics: creating sub-file structures, interactive programming techniques, use of arrays and matrixes, creating and using Help screens, introduction to group update techniques and to DB2 relational database.

Course Number: 152-158Credits: 3.00

Exploring the powerful programming features of RDBMS is required in developing enterprise wide applications. This course provides a comprehensive review of DB2 programming using Java, embedded SQL, and stored procedures. This course also discusses advanced RDBMS concepts. This course may only be offered by authorized e-business application advanced career education program providers with IBM authorized instructors, software, and hardware.

Course Number: OPTION-ECON.4ACredits: 3.00

Please complete 809-143 Microeconomics or 809-195 Economics. This is for informational purposes only. Once you register for your course, you can delete this block from your timeline.

Course Number: 152-131Credits: 3.00

Introduction to systems development and design concepts. Survey of business applications and their relationship to computers. Students will develop a business system and its associated documentation.

Course Number: 152-167Credits: 3.00

Topics covered include techniques for modernizing traditional applications using i5 Toolkit Utilizing DB2 Storage Engine for mySQL. Development techniques necessary for the full PHP application lifecycle using a comprehensive set of editing, debugging, analysis, optimization, database tools and testing. Zend Studio for Eclipse i5 Edition.

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Application for Admission & Application Fee
Students must meet one of the following multiple measures: earned a technical diploma or higher,* earned a minimum high school GPA of 2.6, earned a minimum college GPA of 2.0 or submit ACT or Accuplacer test scores. Submit any needed transcripts or test scores. *Please note short term technical diplomas do not fulfill Multiple Measures. These programs include Nursing Assistant, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Advanced EMT, and Truck Driving.