Software Development

The Master of Science in Software Development enhances software development skills with a focus on understanding and applying principles of Web Development, Mobile Application Development, Database Management, Software Design, Operating Systems, and Programming Languages. This program is a good fit for students seeking to advance their careers and/or pursue doctoral-level education.

Whether you're an IT professional looking for a promotion, or you'd like to build on your software development skills for future jobs, ANU's Master of Science in Software Development program allows students to gain an advanced knowledge of how to evaluate a business or technical problem and effectively design software solutions that are secure and reliable. Students will study real-world problems and opportunities with software-intensive systems, and learn methods to evaluate, adopt, and exploit emerging technologies.

Program outcomes. Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Evaluate a business or technical problem and understand the requirements of developing a solution.
• Work and communicate effectively in a software development team environment.
• Effectively design software solutions that are secure and reliable.
• Gather requirements from customers and create a variety of diagrams and models that programmers could use to write the software code.
• Document aspects of software application as a reference for future maintenance upgrades.

Your learning experience.

• Analyze problems and design solutions.
• Work proficiently within software development teams, communicate ideas clearly, and document key aspects of software applications to support maintenance and upgrades.
• Master technical and development skills to enter the software development career field.
• Apply knowledge through practical projects, including a comprehensive capstone project.

All-inclusive tuition. ANU tuition includes all fees (application, course, technology, graduation, etc.), textbooks, and lab equipment (where applicable).

Refresher privilege. As part of our commitment to keeping graduates' skills and training up to date, the University allows its graduates to return at any time to retake courses in their respective fields, subject to availability. No tuition fees will be charged for this benefit; graduates will be responsible for any additional costs associated with books, equipment, or third-party testing fees.

To be admitted to a master's degree program at the University, applicants must have completed a baccalaureate degree (or another graduate-level degree) from a regionally or nationally accredited institution based in the United States or an appropriately recognized foreign institution. The applicant's academic performance must meet one of the following minimum standards: a 2.5 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale at the bachelor's level, a 3.0 GPA or higher for the most recent 12 quarter credit hours of graduate coursework, or at least three years of relevant professional experience.

Applicants to graduate programs under the Dean of Technology must hold a bachelor's degree in information technology (or a related field) or a bachelor's degree in another discipline plus at least three years of professional experience in a technology field (as verified by a resume).

For the convenience of its students, the University operates on a quarter-based schedule with year-round classes. Students may begin their programs at any of the starting dates during the year.

Full-time graduate students enroll in at least 8 credit hours per 10-week term, which typically means two 4-credit courses offered across 5-week or 10-week sessions.

The University courses use both synchronous (live) and asynchronous (on-demand) interactions. Courses are delivered online (delivered through Canvas with scheduled Global Learn™ sessions) and through hybrid instruction (combining online coursework with required in-person residencies).

Not every course requires a residency; however, when a student is scheduled in a class that includes residency, the student is required to attend all residency sessions on campus. For example, if a student is scheduled for a weekend residency session, the student must attend all three (3) days of the session.

International Students (SEVP Participants) on F-1 visas must maintain compliance with SEVP requirements: only one fully online (4-credit) course per term is permitted, and additional courses must be taken in a residential format.

All graduate F-1 students will be required to attend ONE 3-day residency weekend in-person at the campus site every term; all undergraduate F-1 students will be required to attend TWO 3-day residency weekends in-person at the campus site every term (International Students page).

Upcoming start dates: January 3, 2027; March 21, 2027; June 6, 2027; August 22, 2027; November 7, 2027.

Tuition. Tuition is $440 per quarter credit hour; for the 49 credit hours this program requires, total program tuition is $21,560. Tuition is charged on a per-credit-hour basis and billed each academic term. All textbooks are included in the student's tuition.

All-inclusive pricing. ANU tuition includes all fees (application, course, technology, graduation, etc.), textbooks, and lab equipment (where applicable). The University's all-inclusive pricing provides the equipment needed to complete all coursework; some items are loaned and must be returned within 15 days after graduation or withdrawal.

Fees applicable to all students. Transcript fee $10 (first copy free); returned check/declined credit card fee $25; transaction chargeback 10% + $15; diploma reprint $50; duplicate ID $10; experiential learning evaluation $50 per course; challenge exams $50 per exam. Fees are non-refundable after 5 calendar days from enrollment.

Estimated annual cost of attendance (three terms). Tuition: review program cost. Food and Housing $5,720 (living with parent/guardian) or $9,728 (not living with parent/guardian); Transportation $2,864; Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment $936; Personal Expenses $2,752 or $4,816.

Payment. All students must pay tuition in full before the term begins, unless they are enrolled in a program with limited seats. Students using federal aid or loans must have all forms completed and payment schedules finalized before the term starts; students using employer, Veterans Education Benefits, or other third-party tuition assistance must have an approved contract on file for delayed payment.

Federal aid. Students seeking to participate in federal and/or most state financial aid programs must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); ANU's school code is 010489. Federally funded aid available to eligible students includes the Federal Pell Grant, the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), William D. Ford Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, and Federal Work-Study.

Military and veterans. American National University is approved by the State Approving Agency for the education and training of eligible veterans and their dependents. Military education benefits include the Montgomery GI Bill®, the Post-9/11 GI Bill®, the Yellow Ribbon Program and Military Tuition Assistance; ANU's Blue Ribbon Grant provides up to 35% of the total amount paid toward direct educational costs (up to $18,000) after military education benefits are exhausted.

Institutional grants. ANU institutional aid includes the Business Partnership Grant, President's Grant, Private Loan Supplemental Grant, Refer a Friend Grant ($750), Workforce Development Grant, University Transfer Grant and ANU Legacy Merit Scholarship, each subject to its eligibility terms and available funding.

Kentucky residents. Residents of the Commonwealth of Kentucky may also qualify for the College Access Program (CAP) grant (maximum $5,300 for 2026-27), the Go Higher Grant (up to $1,000) and the Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES).

Where could your degree take you?

• Senior software engineer
• Research software developer
• DevOps engineer
• Software validation engineer
• Lead software designer
• Mobile software engineer

Student outcomes.

• Master of Science in Software Development (Louisville, 2024-2025 ABHES annual report): 100% retention and 100% placement. Graduates found employment as Software/Hardware Technicians, and Software Developer/Business Analysts.

For international students, we offer Intensive Alternate Programs (hybrid programs) that meet all SEVP requirements for students on F-1 visa, with on-campus residencies and the remainder of the program online. Students may attend their residency at ANU campuses in Salem, Virginia; Louisville, Kentucky; or Nashville, Tennessee.

• Acceptance of transfer credits (up to 50% for Graduate level students)
• 10 Week Terms
• Curriculum Practical Training starts day 1 plus students can work up to 40 hours a week for 1 year without affecting OPT (Optional Practical Training).
• Part-time CPT is also an option for entire academic program.
• On-campus classes 9AM - 5PM EST
• Assistance with affordable/temporary housing
• No health insurance required
• Books included in tuition.