What You'll Learn
Through the Back-End Web Development Certificate, you’ll:
- Learn to evolve simple, static websites into dynamic, database-driven web applications.
- Master fundamental scripting languages like JavaScript, HTTP, Grails, AngularJS, and Groovy.
- Learn about vital technologies, processes, and platforms, such as object-oriented PHP, Laravel, basic server setup and management, version control with Git, dependency management, and Drupal 8.
- Develop an understanding of the fundamentals of rapid application and plugin development; internationalization; testing, building, and deploying; security; performance tuning; and dynamic and static typing.
Courses
The Back End Web Development Graduate Certificate requires four courses.
Required Course (Choose 1)
Example course options include:
- CSCI E-59 Designing and Developing Relational and NoSQL Databases
- CSCI E-66 Database Systems
- CSCI E-88C Programming in Scala for Big Data Systems
Elective Courses (Choose 3)
Example course options include:
- CSCI E-33A Web Programming with Python and JavaScript
- CSCI E-66 Database Systems
- DGMD E-14 Wearable Devices and Computer Vision
- DGMD E-11 Digital Media: From Prototypes to Products and Services
Searching and Registering for Courses
Available courses vary by term. You can browse options for fall, spring, or summer in the certificate course search within the DCE Course Search & Registration platform.
Our Community at a Glance
Join a community of tech faculty and peers and gain the skills to advance in or transition to a web development role.
-
37
Average Age
-
86%
Working Full Time
-
14%
Students Outside the U.S.
-
1.5 years
Average Time to Complete
Earning Your Certificate
To meet the requirements for the certificate, you must:
- Complete the four certificate courses for graduate credit.
- Earn at least a B grade in each course.
- Complete the courses within three years.
Learn more about pursuing a certificate and the process of requesting your certificate.
Prerequisites
This certificate assumes prior programming experience and familiarity with the content covered in CSCI 12 and CSCI 3. Students without this knowledge may wish to first pursue the Front End Web Development Certificate.
Build a Stackable Credential Pathway
Stackable credential pathways allow you to earn multiple credentials by completing courses that meet overlapping requirements. In the short term, you can earn a micro or graduate certificate. Once completed, those courses may count toward a master’s degree.
You can:
- Stack the Database Management Microcertificate into the Back End Web Development Graduate Certificate.
- Stack the Back End Web Development Graduate Certificate into a master’s degree in digital media design.
Stackable pathways offer an efficient, cost-effective way to earn short-term credentials to help fill immediate skill gaps and acquire specialized knowledge while building a foundation for long-term success that showcases your expertise in the field.
Learn how to plan a stackable credential pathway.
Cost
Affordability is core to our mission. When compared to our continuing education peers, it’s a fraction of the cost.
| Our Tuition (2025–26 rate) | $3,440 per course |
|---|---|
| Average Tuition of Peer Institutions | $5,476 per course |
| Average Total Cost | $13,760 |
