Track: Software Development
Focus: Full Stack (Frontend + Backend), Web Engineering
Est. Cost: $265
Time to Complete: ~9 Months
Target Degree: B.A. in Liberal Arts
Why: Like the AI track, this is a pure technical play. The high volume of coding credits (28 credits from Coursera) fits best in the flexible General Liberal Arts program, avoiding the need for “Business Core” credits that would slow you down.
Specialty Core (31 Credits)
Strategy: 28 Credits from Coursera alone. High velocity track.
| Course / Certification | Provider | Est. Cost | Credits | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meta Front-End Developer | Meta (Coursera) | ~$98 | 10 | Cert #1: React, UI/UX, JS |
| IBM Full Stack Developer | IBM (Coursera) | ~$147 | 18 | Cert #2: Cloud Native, Node.js, Python |
| CS302: Software Engineering | Saylor | $5 | 3 | SDLC & Architecture |
Recommended Electives (15 Credits)
| Course Name | Provider | Cost | Credits | Relevance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calculus | Modern States | $0 | 3 | Algorithms |
| Information Systems | Modern States | $0 | 3 | Tech Stack context |
| BUS402: Project Management | Saylor | $5 | 3 | Agile/Scrum |
| BUS300: Operations Mgmt | Saylor | $5 | 3 | CI/CD Ops |
| PHIL102: Logic | Saylor | $5 | 3 | Boolean logic |
Capstone Certifications by Track
Note: Capstone certifications are not ACE credit eligible and do not transfer as college credit. They are included as career-focused credentials that build your “Shield”—backing up your academic credentials with industry-recognized proof of technical competence that employers trust.
Recommended Capstone: PCEP (Python Certified Entry-Level Programmer)
| Provider | Python Institute |
| Cost | $59 |
| ACE Credit | ❌ Not Eligible |
Why this certification?
PCEP is a vendor-neutral, globally recognized certification that validates Python fundamentals. It’s the best value capstone at just $59. Your IBM Full Stack Developer coursework uses Python throughout, giving you solid preparation. This cert proves to employers you have verified programming skills—not just course completions. This is your Shield—verified coding ability at the lowest cost.
Recommended Association
| Organization | Python Software Foundation (PSF) |
| Cost | FREE (Basic membership) or $99/year (Supporting membership with voting rights) |
| Website | python.org/psf/membership |
Why join? Basic membership is free and shows commitment to the Python ecosystem. Supporting membership ($99) grants voting rights and directly funds Python development. Either way, it’s a credibility signal on your resume.
Go Further. Pursue a Masters Degree at a fraction of the cost of traditional school. Save more money and time if you can speak spanish
Software Dev Track
| School | Program | Target Cost | High End Cost | Accreditation | NACES Eval? | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UNED (Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia) | Master in Computer Engineering | €1,200 | €2,500 | Spanish Public University - Official Master | Yes - WES or ECE | 90 ECTS; Spanish language; proctored exams required |
| Western Governors University | MS in Domain Driven Design, Software Engineering | $4,085 | $8,170 | NWCCU (US Regional) | No - US Regionally Accredited | Java or C# tracks; AWS & ITIL certs included |
| Western Governors University | MS in Computer Science | $3,985 | $7,970 | NWCCU (US Regional) | No - US Regionally Accredited | AI, algorithms, systems focus |
| UNED | Master in Software Engineering & IT Systems Research | €1,200 | €2,500 | Spanish Public University - Official Master | Yes - WES or ECE | Spanish language |
| UNISA | Master of Science in Computing (98961) | ~$2,500 | ~$2,500 | South African Public University - Research/Dissertation | Yes - WES or ECE | Online distance learning; research focus areas include software engineering |
Notes
Spanish Programs (UNED): UNED programs require Spanish language proficiency and are taught entirely in Spanish. Degrees may require NACES member evaluation (WES or ECE) for U.S. government jobs and some employers. Application process can be challenging due to language barriers and documentation requirements. Proctored exams may be required.
WGU: U.S. regionally accredited with competency-based education (CBE) model for faster completion. Multiple specializations and programming language tracks available (Java, C#). Includes industry certifications (AWS, ITIL) in curriculum.
UNISA: South African institution offering research-focused master’s programs at low cost. Online distance learning format with dissertation requirement. Software engineering specialization available within the Computing program.