Associate of Specialized Technology (AST) Degree in Software Development and Programming
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Associate of Specialized Technology (AST) Degree in Software Development and Programming
software development at our Altoona, Pennsylvania and State College, Pennsylvania, campuses
Accredited by ACCSC Licensed by the PA Department of Education,
Department of Private Licensed Schools
What You Need to Know About Our Information Technology AST Degree
Software on our laptops, applications on our phones, websites for every business — all of this is such second nature to us now that many of us don’t even think much about these tools on a day-to-day basis. But the software development and programming field is critical to the modern world, and it’s a career that’s very much in-demand as employers are in need of skilled professionals who can develop applications, create databases, build websites, and more. With the Associate of Specialized Technology Degree in Software Development & Programming from South Hills School of Business & Technology, you can train for this dynamic, fast-growing career.
At South Hills, we update our programming curriculum regularly and give you hands-on training so you know you’ll learn the programming languages and technologies employers are using right now. Our experienced instructors cover topics like:
- Managing the process of developing designing, testing, and delivering a software application to meet user needs
- Creating, retrieving, updating, and deleting information from modern database systems
- Writing programming scripts and applications using modern languages and software tools
- Revising software for corrections, enhancements, or environment changes
- Performing quality checks to ensure software functions bug-free
- Identifying the operating system platform, components, inputs, interface requirements, and dependencies which ensure that a software project will achieve its objectives
- Utilizing a version control system
- Developing a thorough understanding of data structures and algorithms
- Providing oral and written reports in both technical and non-technical environments
- Applying object-oriented programming principles when developing projects
- Designing web pages using HTML and content management systems
We include a 12-week internship with one of our partner employers as part of your program, so you’ll have the opportunity to put what you’ve learned to work. Previous IT internship locations have included:
Students have the flexibility to customize their class choices based on their desired career choice. For those focusing on programming, strong math comprehension skills are an asset.
South Hills SDP grads are working in careers including: Web Design/Development, Database Administration, Software Engineering, Mobile Applications Development, and Software Quality Assurance/Development.
Successful students in this program will be fast learners, willing to explore and try new things with the computer, and not easily distracted by online temptations such as games and social media. For those focusing on programming, strong math comprehension skills are an asset.
Talking Tech with Guido Santella
Guido has been an Information Technology instructor at the South Hills Altoona campus since 2005. In the following videos, he shares advice for those interested in a career in technology.
Want more insight from Guido? Check out the full collection of Talking Tech with Guido Santella videos here.
Why You Should Choose South Hills
South Hills School of Business & Technology has been in the business of helping our students gain the specialized career skills they need for over 50 years. We know that we can help you, too, as you prepare for your future career. Here are just a few reasons why:
Knowledge for current needs.
Small class sizes.
Experienced instructors.
Real-world job insights.
A Comprehensive Curriculum
With an educational training program including attention to theory, practice and application, students in the Software Development and Programming program will develop the knowledge, skills and competencies to succeed in this consistently evolving field. Software Design & Programming at South Hills prepares students to:
- Identify ways to solve problems or complete tasks
- Manage the process of developing designing, testing, and delivering a software application to meet user needs
- Create, retrieve, update, and delete information from modern database systems
- Write programming scripts and applications using modern languages and software tools
- Revise software for corrections, enhancements, or environment changes
- Perform quality checks to ensure software functions bug-free
- Collaborate effectively with others to achieve a common objective
- Identify the operating system platform, components, inputs, interface requirements, and dependencies which ensure that a software project will achieve its objectives
- Utilize a version control system
- Develop a thorough understanding of data structures and algorithms
- Provide oral and written reports in both technical and non-technical environments
- Apply object-oriented programming principles when developing projects
- Design web pages using HTML and content management systems
The Outlook for Programming Jobs and Careers
The Software Development and Programming program at South Hills is designed to prepare you for entry-level jobs like:
- Application Developer
- Database Administrator
- Programmer
- Mobile Application Developer
- .NET Developer
- Software Developer
- Web Developer
- Webmaster
Even within the field of computers and IT, the job outlook for software developers is bright, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics that jobs for software and web developers, programmers, and testers are projected to grow 19% through 2030. That’s much faster than the national average and is likely to result in the addition of hundreds of thousands of new jobs over the next several years.
With a specialized associate degree in software development, you also lay the foundation to increase your opportunities for success. A specialized associate degree is also a potential jumping off point to getting your bachelor’s degree or even master’s degree later on as you advance in your career.
Hear From Our Alumni
Explore the impact of our programs through the experiences and accomplishments of our esteemed alumni. Check out our Alumni Testimonials page for more.
Nathanael Allison
Coming to South Hills affected my life positively; from making new friends, connecting with the teachers and staff, and most importantly, learning the skills needed to prepare myself for life in the workforce. I really liked how South Hills made it a point to connect with other students and staff. Being able to make connections with students and staff and the commitment that South Hills has to prepare your future in the workforce are just a couple of the many reasons anyone should consider South Hills for their education.
Andrew Ladrido
Through South Hills, I learned extensive skills in programming languages that are prominent in the software development field currently. With the help of my professors pushing me to do my best day in and day out to give my best quality of work, I was able to land a full time position at the internship I acquired through the school, here I am using said skill set that I learned through South Hills to produce Production level applications for there hardware using HTML, CSS, and Javascript languages. South Hills put me in a position to succeed, giving me all necessary information and giving me opportunities to excel in the software development field.
