Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an online option?
Yes! We are happy to announce the launch of our online program.
What’s required for admission?
To enter the Master’s in Software Development, you need to:
- Be a US Citizen, permanent resident, or have a different status permitting work and study in the United States
- Have a bachelor’s degree (in any subject and from any country)
- Have a grade point average from your bachelor’s (or master’s) degree of 3.0 or higher
- Testing Requirment: take the GRE (and score higher than 153 on the quantitative reasoning section) Or, take our online math placement test (and demonstrate precalculus competency) Or, pass a technical interview.
How long is the program?
Both the Online and On-Campus programs are 18 months in length (including 1.5 months of vacation). Note: If you are accepted into the On-Campus Program and have a strong coding background, then you will have the option to apply for our 12-Month Accelerated On-Campus Program Track.
What is the Accelerated Track?
The accelerated track is designed for students that already have a strong background in coding. If you are accepted into the program and feel you have a strong coding background, then you will have the option to apply for our 12 month accelerated program track. You will have to pass our technical interview.
Our standard program gives a semester of foundations courses and then begins the same curriculum as the accelerated track.
What if my bachelor’s degree is from another country? Does it transfer?
Yes! Once you apply, our admissions team will review your transcripts. If for some reason your degree doesn’t qualify as a US-equivalent bachelor’s degree, you may request a refund on your application fee.
What are the next steps to becoming accepted?
- Fill out the online application.
- Submit your transcripts, resume, references, and statement of purpose.
- Begin preparing for your technical interview and/or GRE quantitative reasoning test (depending on which track you are seeking to join).
Why is there an entrance exam if the program is for people with no prior experience?
No prior experience means that you don’t need to have previously studied or worked in the software field. Students can take a GRE or Math Placement Assessment for joining the program.
However, beginners will need 20-50 hours of study to learn the basics of JavaScript in order to pass the entrance exam (technical interview) if they wish to join the Accelerated Track.
Does this program qualify for federal student loans?
Yes! Once you apply to the program and submit your FAFSA, our financial aid office will determine if you qualify for federal student loans. Most of our applicants qualify for federal student loans.
What if I don’t qualify for federal student loans?
After you submit your FAFSA application, our financial aid office will review your application and determine if you qualify for federal student loans or not (the large majority of our applicants do qualify). If you don’t qualify for federal student loans, we have a special arrangement available to help you pay for tuition, although it does not cover any housing, meals, or personal expense costs you have.
Where is the program?
On-campus programs: Fairfield, Iowa, United States
Online program: Anywhere you can find internet
What is the daily schedule?
Class is weekdays from 10:00 – 3:30 and Saturdays from 10:00 – 12:00. Plan on 3-6 hours of homework every day in addition to time spent in class. This schedule is the same for on-campus and online programs.
How many entries are there into the program?
There is 1 entry per year to the Master’s in Software Development, which is in August of each year.
What are the steps to becoming enrolled?
To see the sequence of steps for becoming enrolled in our program, please see our Admissions Checklist.
Have more questions?
Feel free to contact us with any additional questions you have!
