Programs

The Graduate Certificate in Software Development and Design is currently under review in connection with possible expansion of online offerings. New students will not be admitted to the program during this review, but interested applicants will be contacted when the review is complete. For updated information, continue to access this page, or inquire at the link below.

This Graduate Certificate is for individuals with experience in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or related academic discipline. It has been designed for individuals that would like to increase their knowledge and skill level in the field of computer networks and distributed systems in a short time frame.

Upon completion of this certificate program, participants will have gained:

• Knowledge of tools, techniques, and theory associated with software development
• Understanding and breadth of knowledge of software engineering
• Understanding of fundamental issues associated with software engineering of parallel and distributed software systems
• A route into the MS programs in either Computer Engineering or in Computer Science at UMD

Courses in Software Development and Design

• CIS 525 Software Development of Parallel and Distributed Systems
• CIS 531 Software System Specification
• CIS 532 Software System Design
• CIS 552 Database Systems
• CIS 580 Paradigmatic Software Development

Program Highlights:

• First - Rate Faculty
• Certificate students receive the same benefits as do degree students as regards access to the full range of university services and facilities and may register along with graduate degree students
• The five courses that students take for this certificate are compatible with MS degree requirements for Computer Science, enabling certificate recipients to transition to the degree program without loss of credit

Learn more about this program:
To receive more information and connect with the program manager, please click on inquire now to the right.

Sample a Course

Click here for more information on the Software Development and Design Program.

Registration is administered through Professional and Continuing Education at UMass Dartmouth. Payment is due upon registration. Please see Fee Schedule below.

Type of Fee	Amount
Fee per credit	$410
Registration Fee per semester	$30
Total for course***	$1260(410x3crds. = 1000 + 30 reg. fee&edu. fee per sem.)

Click here to browse our course listings.

* Courses can vary from one to six credits; this total represents a standard 3 credit course

The University of Massachusetts is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

Did you know?

University of Massachusetts has earned several awards for its distance learning programs, faculty and technology including:

• University of Massachusetts Ranked Among Top 28 Best Value in Online Education for Human Services & Psychology Professionals, 2009 by Get Educated
  
• Ranked Top 10 Online Degrees Colleges- September 2009 (Online Degree Reviews.com)
  
• UMassOnline Awarded Public Sector of the Year by Mass Technology Leadership Council , 2008
  
• Most Outstanding Online Teaching and Learning Program, UMass Lowell’s Online Graduate Behavioral Intervention in Autism Program, Sloan Consortium Excellence Awards, 2008
  
• ‘Excellence in Online Teaching’ Award, Dr. Jeannette E. Riley, Sloan Consortium Excellence Awards, 2008
  
• 21st Century Best Practices Award, United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
  
• Program of Excellence, University Continuing Education Association (UCEA)-Journalism Certificate
  
• Excellence in Faculty Development, Sloan-C Excellence Awards
  
• Excellence in Online Programming, Sloan-C Excellence Awards
  
• Excellence in Online Teaching, Sloan-C Excellence Awards
  
• UMass Amherst Isenberg MBA, Top 10 national rankings, #4 Best Professors (2005, 2006, 2007 Princeton Review: Best Business Schools rankings)
  
• 4th in Primary Care Education, U.S. World Reports
  
• Ranked 45th Best University System in the World - London Times
  
• Excellence in Distance Teaching Education - United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) 

At UMass Dartmouth, applicants apply for acceptance to a graduate certificate program through the Office of Graduate Studies. Applicants for acceptance to this certificate are required to hold an appropriate undergraduate degree such as a BS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or BS in other closely related disciplines. Applicants to this certificate also follow the general procedures for graduate degree acceptance into the MS in Computer Science, but in a curtailed form. Thus, they fill out a certificate application form and supply an essay and official transcripts of all post-secondary work, as instructed therein. However, they are not required to submit GRE scores or recommendation letters.

 

Prospective students can take up to two courses for the certificate before completing their official acceptance to the certificate program, with permission of the instructor.

A computer science faculty committee will review applications for acceptance to this certificate program. One element in the review will be to assess whether a student has met the stated prerequisites and in general has the appropriate combination of background and experience to succeed in the program. It is possible for acceptance to be offered with a contingency that the student must also take one or more undergraduate prerequisite courses.

Admissions Contact:

Office of Graduate Studies
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
285 Old Westport Road
North Dartmouth, Massachusetts 02747-2300
graduate@umassd.edu
Phone: 508-999-8604
Fax: 508-999-8183
Web: www.umassd.edu/graduate

Availability of financial aid varies depending on matriculation and course status. Please check with your program manager or advisor to determine your eligibility. Generally, if you are matriculated in a degree program and are enrolled in a minimum of 6 credits each semester, you may qualify for financial aid. Please review our Financial Aid Checklist below.

1. Fill out the FAFSA form at www.fafsa.ed.gov. It is important to list the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth school code number 002210.
2. For more information or if you have further questions, please contact Umass Dartmouth Financial Aid Office at (508) 999-8632 or at financialaid@umassd.edu.

   Tips:

   • Please renew your FAFSA form every year.
   • When you register for classes, please contact the Professional and Continuing Education at UMass Dartmouth at (508) 990-1160 to let them know you that you have applied/are applying for financial aid. Also, it is in your best interest to register for your classes either by phone or fax ((508)990-1160ph; (617) 287-7902). You can download the registration form here. If you do not intend to apply for financial aid, you can register online.

   Contact:

   For more information or if you have further questions, please contact Financial Aid Services at (508) 999-8632 or at financialaid@umassd.edu.