The Application Development Bachelor of Applied Science (AD B.A.S.) degree focuses on four major concepts: web application development, cloud computing, mobile application development, and data science.

Each major topic includes a practicum, where students apply the concepts learned in class to build larger group-based projects. These include an MVC-based web application, a native mobile application and a cloud-hosted service.

All students are required to complete either an internship or capstone project to provide more real-world professional experience as part of the AD B.A.S. degree requirement.

Additional courses include software lifecycle, discrete math for computer science, and project management. All classes are five (5) credits.

Non-matriculated students can take AD courses upon faculty and program manager approval. Contact program manager if interested. Please note that AD courses are non-transferable courses and follow the upper division tuition chart.

AD 311 Intermediate Development 1

Intermediate Development 1 builds upon foundational programming and software development concepts. Students will gain proficiency in building robust and functional applications, prepare for industry-recognized certifications, practice for technical interviews, and build a portfolio of real-world projects. The course emphasizes hands-on learning, collaborative discussions, and continuous
application of concepts to solidify understanding.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Application Development BAS.

AD 312 Intermediate Development 2
Intermediate Development 2 extends the skills and knowledge acquired in Intermediate Development 1. Students will be challenged to tackle more complex application development scenarios, prepare for industry-recognized certifications, practice for technical interviews, and build a portfolio of real-world projects. The course emphasizes hands-on learning, collaborative discussions, and continuous
application of concepts to solidify understanding.
Prerequisite: AD311 Intermediate Development 1 (minimum grade 2.0)

AD 323 Data Engineering
Students will learn to design, build, and maintain robust data pipelines and infrastructure. A key focus is placed on core data engineering concepts, preparing students not only for technical interviews but also for pursuing industry-recognized certifications from AWS, Azure, and GCP. The curriculum emphasizes cloud-agnostic tools and services such as Docker, Apache Spark, and SQL, while also introducing
platform-specific services within the context of their underlying principles.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Application Development BAS.

AD 331 Artificial Intelligence
Comprehensive introduction to AI with a focus on practical implementation, industry-relevant skills, and preparation for professional AI roles and certifications. Students will gain hands-on experience with various AI techniques, including machine learning, deep learning, generative AI, and natural language processing, through lectures, assignments, discussions, and a significant real-world project. The course also emphasizes responsible AI development, security, and ethical considerations.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Application Development BAS.

AD 341 Data Analysis
Comprehensive foundation in data analysis techniques, equipping students with the skills to collect, process, analyze, and interpret data to inform business decisions. The course covers data management, SQL, data visualization, statistical analysis, and process modeling. Students will gain practical experience through hands-on assignments and real-world projects, and will be prepared for relevant industry certifications and technical interviews.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Application Development BAS. 

AD 350 Relational Database Technology 
This course covers intermediate programming in a relational database. The course provides an introduction to non-relational databases as used in Cloud Computing and Big Data. The RDMS topics include stored procedures, triggers, indexing and abstraction techniques, query construct efficiency. Compare and contrast RDMS to noSQL databases: uses, terminology, indexing, storage, compute consumption, ROI, reliability.

Prerequisite: Program entry.

AD 351 Application Design & Prototyping
Comprehensive introduction to the principles and practices of user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design, with a strong emphasis on practical application and prototyping. Students will learn to design and prototype user-centered applications, preparing them for industry roles. The course balances theory, hands-on projects, technical interview preparation, and discussion to foster a well-rounded skillset.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Application Development BAS.

AD 361 Application Testing
Comprehensive introduction to software testing principles, methodologies, and techniques. Students will learn how to design, execute, and manage tests for various types of applications, preparing them for entry-level software testing roles and industry certifications. The course emphasizes hands-on learning, real-world project application, and preparation for technical interviews.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Application Development BAS.

AD 371 Application Architecture
A comprehensive overview of application architecture principles, patterns, and practices. Students will learn to design, implement, and evaluate robust, scalable, secure, and cost-effective applications. The course emphasizes hands-on learning through projects and prepares students for technical interviews and industry certifications.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Application Development BAS.

AD 381 Application Security
Comprehensive introduction to enterprise security principles and practices, focusing on hands-on skills, threat mitigation, and preparation for technical interviews and industry certifications. Students will learn to identify vulnerabilities, respond to incidents, design secure systems, and implement security controls across various platforms.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Application Development BAS.

AD391 Application Operations
Comprehensive introduction to the principles and practices of Application and System Operations. Students will learn how to monitor, manage, automate, and secure cloud-based applications and infrastructure. The course emphasizes hands-on learning, real-world project work, and preparation for technical interviews and industry-recognized certifications.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Application Development BAS.

AD 400 Project Management in Software Development
This course provides a comprehensive overview of current processes, practices and tools used to manage software development projects. Using a combination of case studies and projects, students apply best practices for planning, organizing, scheduling, and controlling software projects. Emphasizes legal and ethical issues that relate to project management.
Prerequisite: Program entry.

AD 450 Data Science Development
Fundamentals of data science course with topics that include data wrangling, visualization, exploratory data analysis, and machine learning. Students will gain hands-on data science experience with Python or R. AD450 is the first of a two-course sequence.
Prerequisite: AD325 Data Structures and Algorithms

AD 490 Internship – or – Capstone
Provides practical work experience and employment contacts by integrating academic studies with actual on-the-job training situations. Orientation to internships required prior to registration. Students produce a major project that responds to a client problem or request. Students can work in teams or carry out an individual project as an intern/extern. Select and work closely with industry mentors. Emphasis on research, accuracy, technology skills, timeliness, teamwork, professional ethics, quality, client/customer satisfaction and usability.
Prerequisite: Faculty permission.