Software Development Diploma

Program Information

The Anoka Technical College Software Development diploma is a 45 credit program is designed to prepare graduates to successfully compete for high-paying, rewarding careers in the high-demand field of IT software development.

The Software Development diploma provides students with the knowledge to become part of a software application team that builds applications to solve industry needs. Collaboration and communication are emphasized as a part of the software development coursework.

This unique diploma program allows technical specialization in Software Development while the common core courses and required electives from other specializations build the broad IT foundation needed to understand the terminology and methodologies of other IT specialties in the workplace.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate the ability to write code applying basic programming concepts such as variables, loops, conditionals, methods and objects.
2. Gain foundational knowledge of data structures and basic algorithms to manage data.
3. Develop the ability to identify and fix errors in code.
4. Be familiar with basic project management methodologies and learn how to participate in a software development project.
5. Illustrate how to store, retrieve, and update data from a data source.
6. Use current frontend technologies to build a web application

Program Essentials

To support modern IT coursework, development tools, virtualization, and future‑focused software, students are strongly recommended to use a Windows‑based PC laptop that meets or exceeds the following specifications:

• Operating System: Windows 11 (Windows 10 acceptable if fully updated)

• Processor (CPU): Intel Core i7 (10th Generation or newer) or equivalent (e.g., AMD Ryzen 7) 

• CPU Cores: Quad‑core or higher (6-8 cores recommended for virtualization and development work) 

• Memory (RAM): 16 GB RAM (32 GB recommended for running virtual machines and advanced tools)

• Storage: 512 GB SSD minimum (1 TB SSD recommended) Architecture: 64‑bit system with virtualization support enabled

Program Start Dates

Fall Semester: August
Spring Semester: January

Faculty Contact

Tracy Hoffman: 763-576-4198
Julie Myers: 763-576-4072