Upon successful completion of the foundations of system development certificate, you will have a mastery of foundational skills in the areas of composition, programming, network, database technologies, operating systems, and cybersecurity to build a career in the field of software development.
Learning Outcomes
The Undergraduate Certificate in the Foundations of Systems Development will prepare students to:
- Integrate a foundational knowledge of all areas of system development
- Apply fundamental principles and practices of system development
- Apply critical and ethical thinking to solve problems in system development
- Evaluate data to inform decisions and solve problems in system development
- Create the ability to develop and express ideas, while applying a variety of delivery models, genres, and styles
- Collaborate effectively on diverse teams to accomplish a common goal
For full course descriptions, please refer to the current catalog.
Program Requirements
Total Required Courses (30 Credits)
- CS 132 Computer Science I (5)
- IS 201 Fundamentals of Computing (5)
- CS 330 Network Communications (5)
- IS 360 Database Technologies (5)
- CS 340 Operating Systems (5)
- IS 345 Cybersecurity (5)
This certificate is designed to give you the skills required to practice as a professional. Upon completion of the program, you will be able to seek a variety of career opportunities, including:
- System development engineer
- Software developer
- Systems manager
- Network engineer
- Systems developer
- Business intelligence analyst
- System architect
- Computer and information systems manager
- Systems analyst
Networking Opportunities
At CityU, you’ll have the opportunity to expand your professional network by connecting with faculty working in your field, students from around the globe, and alumni employed at Seattle’s top companies. Plus, you’ll be part of a supportive community that’s dedicated to helping you reach your career goals.
Tuition Cost
Learn more about tuition and fees for our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.
2026-27 Cost of Attendance (per quarter)
|
Living with Parent |
Not Living with Parent |
| Tuition & Fees |
See Tuition Calculator |
See Tuition Calculator |
| Supplies** |
$176 |
$176 |
| Housing |
$1,278 |
$4,216 |
| Food |
$1,870 |
$1,870 |
| Transportation |
$860 |
$932 |
| Misc./Personal |
$656 |
$656 |
| Total |
$4,840 |
$7,850 |
**Supplies include books, course materials, course supplies, and equipment.
Student budget values are established using student surveys, CPI index, and actual institutional expenses. Books, Course Materials, Supplies, & Equipment component will be prorated based on enrollment intensity. Students in a high-cost region may appeal and request a 10% increase to their housing and food budget component. Students living in a rural area may appeal and request a 10% increase to their transportation budget component.
Financial Aid Opportunities
This program is not eligible for federal financial aid. At CityU, we are committed to helping students achieve their academic goals no matter their economic situations. Our financial aid counselors are here to find the resources you need to pay for your education, including grants, loans, work study, and scholarships. Learn more about financial aid opportunities at CityU, or contact our Financial Aid Team at 800.426.5596, 206.239.4540, or [email protected].
Military Tuition Benefits
As a Yellow Ribbon school, CityU is proud to serve those who have served in the military. We offer military tuition discounts for active-duty servicemembers and their spouses and accept military benefits such as the Post 9/11 GI Bill® and Tuition Assistance. Learn more about military tuition benefits, VA benefits, and military partnership programs designed to help you reach your military and career goals.
Student Login
