Earn Your University of Fairfax
Doctorate of Software Development
The Doctorate of Software Development program is designed for working professionals in the computer science arena interested in pursuing their doctorate in the field of software development. There are rapid advances in technology and engineering and their contribution to national development and prosperity in the last few decades have resulted in fundamental changes in global economy. Success lies with organizations that exploit technology and innovate in a timely and cost-effective manner. There is a critical need for researchers and doctoral practitioners with an emphasis on intensive research and subject matter expertise in Software Development. This program puts equal emphasis on advanced doctoral coursework and relevant research, in which candidates would be grounded in the broad fundamentals of their fields and gain expertise in a variety of subfields.
Software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs. Some develop the applications that allow people to do specific tasks on a computer or another device, and others develop the underlying systems that run the devices or that control networks.
This preeminent developer’s curriculum at the University of Fairfax has been specifically designed for the IT professional looking to advance and leverage their career as a Chief Software Engineer or Developer. Students will acquire an advanced understanding and expertise in big data, security, architecture, design, and programming expertise required by the software developers of the next generation.
A Program for Professionals, Taught by Professionals
The Doctorate of Software Development program will prepare students to identify high-level functional and technical requirements that encompass the interactions within an enterprise architecture environment. Specific studies will delve into the core and future areas that are expected of senior and chief software developers and offer an advanced understanding of software engineering, architecture and design, comprehension and maintenance, and programming problem solving techniques that are needed to acquire senior level positions in the software development field.
Doctorate of Software Development Program Format
The program is offered in both 100% online, and a blended format with one 4-day on-campus residency every 16 weeks. The blended delivery model is approved for international students on an F-1 visa. Both synchronous and asynchronous online delivery are utilized in the program.
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of this degree program, graduates will be able to:
- Evaluate organizational issues and recommend database solutions.
- Evaluate appropriate design choices when solving real-world problems.
- Develop software engineering process models and management approaches for design and architecture of large software systems.
- Design technical documentations to include the technical aspects of architecture, design, and quality assurance.
- Develop Business Intelligence (BI) using a wide range of applications, practices, and technologies for the extraction, transformation, integration, visualization, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of data to support improved decision making.

University of Fairfax incorporates
into the Doctorate of Software Development curriculum.
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Doctorate of Software Development Required Courses
Course Courses
DS7000: Database Management & Implementation
DS7100: Advanced Operating Systems
DS7200: Software Engineering & Development
DS7300: Software Architecture & Design
DS7400: Software Comprehension & Maintenance
DS7500: Problem Solving & Programming for the Research Practitioner
DS8000: Advanced Qualitative Methods in Software Development/Engineering
DS8100 Advanced Quantitative Methods in Software Development/Engineering
RM8500: Research Foundations
RM9100: Qualitative & Quantitative Analysis
Program Electives (Select 3)
DC7450: Advanced Research Methods in Communication Networks
DC7550: Advanced Research Methods in Parallel and Distributed Database Systems
DC7650: Advanced Research Methods in Very Large-Scale Integration Design
DS7600: Big Data & Analytical Research Methods for Software Developers
DS7700: Concurrent & Distributed Systems
IA7401: Ethical Hacking (CEH)
IA8021: Cloud Cybersecurity
IA8030: Design, Development, and Evaluation of Security Controls
IA8060: Intrusion Detection, Attacks, and Countermeasures
IA8070: Design & Development of Security Architectures
IA8110: Certification and Accreditation
IA8190: Forensic Evaluation and Incident Response Management
IA9200: Research Topics in Information Security
PM8100: Information Security Project Management
RM9150: Feasibility Problem-Driven Research
RM9200: Designing Solutions to Information Security Problems
Free Electives (Select 3)
7000-Level Elective
8000-Level Elective
9000-Level Elective
Comprehensive Examination
DST9500: Comprehensive and Qualifying Exam
Dissertation Courses
RES8110: Dissertation Initiation
RES8120: Dissertation Literature Review I
RES8121: Dissertation Literature Review II
RES8130: Dissertation Research, IRB, and Analysis
DST8110: Dissertation Results and Findings
DST8130X: Dissertation Manuscript Certification
Minimum credits required for Doctorate of Software Development: 621
1Credit hours may exceed the minimum stated if dissertation deliverables are not completed within the expected timeframes.
