What you will learn in Software Design and Architecture Specialization
Apply design principles, patterns, and architectures to create reusable and flexible software applications and systems.
Express and document the design and architecture of a software system using visual notation.
Evaluate and develop a Java-based Android application through a comprehensive Capstone Project.
Understand and implement object-oriented design principles, design patterns, and software architecture concepts.
Program Overview
Object-Oriented Design
⏳ 17 hours
- Learn object-oriented analysis and design, creating modular, flexible, and reusable software by applying object-oriented design principles and guidelines. Communicate designs using Unified Modeling Language (UML).
Design Patterns
⏳ 15 hours
- Incorporate design patterns to create interactive applications. Gain a foundation for more complex software applications and identify problematic software designs by referencing a catalog of code smells.
Software Architecture
⏳ 9 hours
- Study the ways software architectures are represented, both in UML and other visual tools. Learn about common architectures, their qualities, tradeoffs, and how architectures are evaluated and improved.
Service-Oriented Architecture
⏳ 8 hours
- Understand the principles and practices of service-oriented architecture (SOA), including how to design and implement services that are scalable, reusable, and maintainable.
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Job Outlook
Completing this specialization prepares you for roles such as Software Architect, Software Engineer, or Systems Designer.
The skills acquired are applicable across various industries that utilize software development and architecture practices.
Enhance your employability by gaining practical experience in designing and architecting software systems.
Specification: Software Design and Architecture Specialization
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FAQs
- You should have basic Java knowledge.
- Advanced coding experience isn’t required since the focus is on design and architecture.
- The specialization is beginner-friendly but assumes some comfort with coding concepts.
- It emphasizes design principles, patterns, and architectural thinking.
- Focuses on scalability, maintainability, and flexibility of software systems.
- Goes beyond “how to code” and teaches “how to design software systems.”
- While Java is the main language used in examples, principles apply to any language.
- Design patterns, UML, and architecture concepts are language-independent.
- You can adapt the same frameworks to C#, Python, or C++.
- Most assignments are individual, but the capstone encourages practical project work.
- Collaboration tools or teamwork aren’t heavily emphasized.
- However, the design documentation skills prepare you to communicate with teams effectively.
- Prepares you for roles like Software Architect, Systems Designer, or Software Engineer.
- Strengthens employability in industries that demand scalable applications.
- The certificate adds credibility for moving from coding to design-focused roles.
