Software Engineering

Professional Certificate

Build Your Career as a Software Engineer

Learn full-stack software development through project-based coursework and mentorship from industry experts developing applications in the age of AI.

Software Engineering
Professional Certificate


Fully Online

Career Accelerator format:
15 weeks, full-time

Professional Development format:
45 weeks, part-time

Project-based learning

Mentorship from an
industry professional

5:1 student to instructor ratio

Phase 01: Essentials
  • Introduction to Python
  • Introduction to Data Science
  • Introduction to SQL
Phase 02: Foundations 1
  • Cloud Computing, Generative AI, & Dashboards
  • Inferential Statistics
  • Regression
Phase 03: Foundations 2
  • Machine Learning with Scikit-Learn
  • Natural Language Processing, Time Series & Neural Networks
  • Advanced Neural Networks & Similar Models
  • Large Language Models
Phase 04: Capstone
  • Artificial Intelligence Capstone

What Our Students Say

Students thrive in flexible programs that blend learning, mentorship, collaboration, real-world work.

5:1
Student to Instructor Ratio

Small group instruction from professional practitioners

Students Icon Eduhub X Webflow Template | Brix Template
1:1
Industry Mentorship

Personalized guidance from industry experts

Campus Icon Eduhub X Webflow Template | Brix Template
Young man with blonde hair and blue eyes wearing a dark blue henley shirt sitting outdoors with blurred trees and tables in the background.

“I didn’t just want a degree, I wanted experience that matters.”

Clarke gave me the opportunity to work on real projects with real companies, not just case studies in a classroom.

Ethan Brooks
Greenville, SC
Young woman with long blonde braided hair wearing a white knitted sweater, sitting indoors with blurred bookshelves in the background.

“At Clarke, I’m building my career while I’m earning my degree.”

My apprenticeship lets me apply what I’m learning in class to actual client work every week, and it makes everything click.

Claire Whitman
Birmingham, AL
Young man with short hair wearing a dark hoodie and green jacket, standing outdoors with trees in the background.

“Education that finally feels connected to the real world.”

Through my mentors and apprenticeship, I’m gaining the confidence and skills to walk in and be ready to contribute from day one.

Mason Price
Augusta, GA

Questions?

We Have Answers

What credential will I earn?

You’ll earn a Professional Certificate in Software Engineering from Clarke College. This program is separate from our degree offerings. Still, if you later choose to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree at Clarke, your certificate can articulate into academic credits toward either program.

How long is the program?

The Software Engineering program is offered in two formats. The Career Accelerator is a 15-week, full-time option designed for individuals who want to transition into a new career as quickly as possible and can commit their full focus. The Professional Development format is a 45-week, part-time option built for working professionals who want to upskill or change careers while maintaining their current job. Both formats lead to the same certificate and career outcomes.

Are there any breaks in the longer part-time program?

Yes. Clarke’s professional programs are built for flexibility, allowing students to manage their own pace while staying on track. Each academic year includes about five weeks of scheduled breaks, typically aligned with major U.S. holidays. Students can also work ahead in some courses to take short breaks when needed. The schedule reflects the rhythm of a professional work environment rather than a traditional academic calendar, supporting a healthy school-life balance.

Is the program entirely online?

Yes. Clarke is fully online, but highly interactive, with mentors, peers, and project work built into every phase. You'll collaborate with mentors and peers through tools like Discord, GitHub, and live sessions, with structured mentorship and feedback every step of the way.

What are the hardware requirements?

We recommend that students have a laptop that was manufactured within the last 4 years and has 16GB+ of memory. While most of our students choose macOS, Windows and Linux are both supported as well.

How are Clarke's professional programs different from what traditional universities offer?

Clarke’s professional programs are built entirely around real-world skills. You’ll learn through hands-on projects and mentorship from industry professionals who use these tools every day. Each course focuses on the technologies, workflows, and production environments used in the field today, not abstract theory or unrelated filler topics. Every program is designed to move you closer to a career in tech.

What careers will I be prepared for post-graduation?

The Software Engineering Professional Certificate prepares graduates for entry-level roles in software development and related engineering fields. You’ll gain hands-on experience building full-stack applications using modern frameworks and tools while collaborating the way real engineering teams do. Graduates are prepared for positions such as:

Software Engineer
Application Developer
Backend Developer
Frontend Developer
Full-Stack Developer
Web Developer