Skip to Main Content Open Alternative Formats of This Page
Dallas College

GPS Map
Software Programmer/Developer Assistant Certificate

Icons including an atomic symbol, a computer chip, a gear and pi

Program Available at:

  • Brookhaven
  • El Centro
  • North Lake
  • Richland

Catalog Year 2021-2022 You may use this pathway if you entered Dallas College on or before this date.

Degree Type Level 1 Certificate

GPA Requirement Student must earn a GPA of 2.0 or higher

TSI May be Exempt

This program deactivated September 1, 2023; automatic closure September 1, 2026.​

For more information, visit the Dallas College Computer Information Technology webpage and your academic advisor at your campus.

This is an example course sequence for students interested in pursuing the Software Programmer/Developer Assistant Certificate. It does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. Following this pathway will help you earn a Software Programmer/Developer Assistant Certificate. Students must earn at least 25% of the credit hours required for graduation through instruction by Dallas College. Courses from this certificate may apply to the related A.A.S. degree. See catalog for official certificate requirements.

This certificate option is designed to provide skills and knowledge in one introductory specialization language or development tool, an operating system used with that platform, and database concepts. You are expected to complete an introductory and advanced course from the same specialization emphasis list to be considered as having met the requirement for this award. Graduates will be qualified to work as an assistant in a programming or development environment with data, coding, and/or design. Courses that complete the Software Programmer/Developer Assistant Certificate and Programmer Level I Certificate (PC) are noted below.

Students pursuing this certificate are waived from the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) standards, but must meet course prerequisites, as long as the student completes the TSI waiver form prior to enrollment.

SEMESTER-BY-SEMESTER MAP FOR FULL-TIME STUDENTS

All plans can be modified to fit the needs of part-time students. This is not an official degree plan. See catalog for official certificate requirements.

CERTIFICATE MINIMUM: 29 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS

SEMESTER 1

ITSE 1429 – Programming Logic and Design (Course also applies to PC)

IMED 1416 – Web Design I*

CHOOSE ONE:   

  • ITSE X4XX Introductory Course** OR
  • COSC X4XX Introductory Course** (Either course also applies to PC)

CHOOSE ONE:   

  • ITSC 1401 – Introduction to Computers
  • BCIS 1405 – Business Computer Applications OR
  • COSC 1301 – Introduction to Computing AND
    TECHNICAL ELECTIVE*** (one course)

* IMED 1416 is listed as it will satisfy the requirements for the A.A.S. in Software Programmer/Developer. For the Software Programmer/Developer Assistant Certificate (PDC), you can choose any 3-4 SCH ARTC, ARTV, BCIS, COSC, GAME, IMED, INEW, ITMC, ITNW, ITSC, ITSE, or ITSW course OR ITNW 1264.

** Introductory and Advanced Specialization courses can be taken from the following emphases: General Programming, Visual Basic.Net, Java, C++, and/or C#. A specific list of courses can be found in the catalog and with your advisor.

*** Technical Elective must be selected from the following: IMED 1191, ITCC 1191, ITNW 1164, ITNW 1192, ITSC 1164, ITSC 1166, ITSC 1171, ITSC 1191, ITSE 1191, or ITSY 1191

SEMESTER 1 ACTION ITEMS

  1. Meet with your advisor to confirm academic and career goals before the end of the semester.
  2. Meet with a career advisor or coach to research your career options and opportunities for job shadowing.

Total Hours: 16

SEMESTER 2

ITNW 1425 – Fundamentals of Networking Technologies

ADVANCED SPECIALIZATION COURSE* – Check with your advisor to make sure the classes you select for this specialization will count toward both the AAS degree and the Certificates. (Course also applies to PC)

CHOOSE ONE:**

  • ITSW 1407 – Introduction to Database
  • ITMT 1403 – Querying Microsoft SQL Server w/Transact-SQL OR
  • ITSE 1445 – Introduction to Oracle SQL (Either course also applies to PC)

CHOOSE ONE:    

  • ITSW 1410 – Introduction to Presentation Graphics Software
  • ITSC 1415 – Project Management Software
  • ITNW 1264 – Practicum (or Field Experience) – Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications OR

Any 3 or 4 SCH ARTC, ARTV, COSC, GAME, IMED, INEW, ITMC, ITNW, ITSC, ITSE, or ITSW

* Introductory and Advanced Specialization courses can be taken from the following emphases: General Programming, Visual Basic.Net, Java, C++, and/or C#. A specific list of courses can be found in the catalog and with your advisor.

** These courses are listed as options because choosing one will satisfy the requirements for the A.A.S. in Software Programmer/Developer. For the Software Programmer/Developer Assistant Certificate (PDC), you can choose any List A Course in the catalog.

SEMESTER 2 ACTION ITEMS

  1. Meet with a career advisor or coach for assistance in preparing for job search.
  2. Meet with your advisor to apply for the Programmer Level I Certificate and Software Programmer/Developer Assistant Certificate.

Total Hours: 13-16

PATHWAY TOTAL: 29-32 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS

Updated July 27, 2025