Computing and Software Development
Located just outside of Seattle, Washington, Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech) now offers an associate degree and applied bachelor's degree in computing and software development. These high-demand degrees prepare individuals to work as software developers or software engineers for large and small companies in surrounding tech hub cities like Seattle, Redmond and Bellevue. Students gain beginning and advanced skills in front-end and back-end programing knowledge including designing, coding, implementing and maintaining applications, websites, and database systems.
Many of our part-time faculty are currently working in local tech companies as a software engineer, program manager, or senior manager and they bring their industry experiences from companies like Microsoft, Tableau, and Amazon into our classroom.
Bachelor of Applied Science in Information Technology: Computing and Software Development
Students will be able to transfer to the applied bachelor's degree with an associate degree in LWTech's Computing and Software Development, or a comparable degree from a community or technical college, or with the Computer Science DTA/MRP. Classes include Big Data, cloud computing, algorithm & data structure, database modeling & design, mobile application development, and more. 88% of our first cohort has a job placement before graduating. Learn more about applied bachelor's degree in Computing and Software Development curriculum.
Associate Degree in Computing and Software Development
The associate transfer degree in Computing and Software Development prepares students for entry-level work in application or web development, computer system engineering, software QA engineering, and for LWTech's applied bachelor's degree. Students may earn an Applied Associate in Science Transfer degree at LWTech.
Our alumni work in dozens of local tech companies like Microsoft, T-Mobile, and Stockcharts.com as software professionals and hold positions like software engineer, QA engineer, project manager across Puget Sound and Northwest regions. Our students come from very diverse backgrounds domestically and internationally. We also have many students come to our program for career advancement or professional development while working full-time in tech companies.
We encourage our students to start thinking about their career early and our curriculum is designed with that in mind. We also routinely hold Tech Talks to get students exposed to industry people. Please see more details below.
Additional Copmuting and Software Development Program Information
- Computing and Software Development AAS-T Program Admission Dates
- Summer Quarter
- Fall Quarter
- Winter Quarter
- Spring Quarter
- Computing and Software Development BAS Program Admission Dates
- Fall Quarter
- Computing and Software Development AAS-T & BAS Program Class Format
- Hybrid (part of class time on-campus, part online)
At LWTech, we welcome all students as an open enrollment college and we are committed to your inclusion at the college. The Computing and Software Development program of study leads to an industry or specific employers that may require a full or partial background check as well as a drug test before you start the job.
Entry into Computing Software Development program requires completion of the general online application.
- Admission to the associate degree is open to all students
- Admission to the applied bachelor's degree is competitive
- Please know LWTech is committed to your inclusion at the college and you can talk with an advisor about alternative options that may be similar to this program.
Please read the following sections on admissions requirements for applied bachelors and associate degrees in Computing and Software Development for detailed information.
BAS Prerequisites
Students applying for the Applied Bachelor's Degree must meet prerequisite requirements.
- If you have not already taken classes at Lake Washington Institute of Technology,
you must fill out the LWTech online application to receive a Student ID number and an LWTech issued email address.
- You will not be able to fill out the BAS application without completing this step.
- Completion of requirements for an earned Applied Associate Degree, Direct Transfer Associate Degree, or equivalent from a regionally accredited institution in an appropriate computer science, software, or programming area of concentration.
- Minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA across all college course work in the associate degree.
- Completion of at least 25 credits of General Education courses from the list below
with a minimum of a 2.0 GPA in each class.
- ENGL& 101 English Composition I 5 credits (or equivalent)
- College-level Social Science course 5 credits
- College-level Humanities course 5 credits
- MATH& 142 Pre-Calculus II 5 credits
- CS 143 Computer Science II Java 5 credits
Students who have not completed the required Associate Degree or General Education requirements must submit a written plan for completion of the requirements.
Students who have not met these requirements can be granted conditional admission to the program. Priority for acceptance will be given to applicants with all requirements completed.
BAS Application
Admission Deadline
Fall 2024 Priority
May 20, 2024
Rolling Admission
September 1, 2024
Financial Aid Priority Deadline
March 15, 2024
Entry Date
Fall 2024
Additional Application Information
- 2023 CSD Admissions Application Information Session
- Application Preview: to apply for the BAS degree, you must create a Self Service Center account. You may preview the BAS application by downloading a PDF of the first page.
Associate Degree Prerequisites
Entry into Computing Software Development AAS-T program requires completion of the general online application.
Certificates Prerequisites
Entry into Computing Software Development program requires completion of the general online application.
For more information about the certificates, please visit the Degrees & Curriculum page.
Additional Admission Considerations
- International Students Apply via Office of International Programs & Global Education
- Adult Education: Basic Education for Adults (BEdA)
- New to Washington State: Learn more about determining residency status
- Justice Involved: Re-Entry Support for Students Who Have Been Justice Involved
- Undocumented citizens: See the residency affidavit and visit the undocumented students page for more information.
Not Sure Where to Start?
All are invited to come learn about LWTech’s newest applied bachelors degree, in Computer Software Development. College faculty and staff will share information about the degree and the jobs it prepares graduates for. We will explain the application process and answer questions. No RSVP required to attend. All information sessions are virtual via Microsoft Teams.
Program Information Session Dates
June 25, 2024 CANCELLED
5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Please contact Marcelo Guerrahahn for more information Marcelo.Guerrahahn@LWTech.edu
July 30, 2024
5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Meeting ID: 222 811 971 072
Passcode: WmYpf3
Microsoft Teams Help
- Teams can be used on a computer, tablet, or smartphone or you can call in.
- Teams does not require registering for an account.
- Visit Teams Support for more information and help videos.
LWTech Information Sessions
Not sure what program you want to apply to? Check out LWTech's general information sessions and weekly tours by going to LWTech.edu/Visit.
Lake Washington Institute of Technology does not offer every course each quarter. It is the student's responsibility to consult the Class Schedule and work out an individual schedule with an advisor or counselor. Any developmental coursework a student might be required to complete may increase the program length.
The LWTech Foundation offers scholarships, with application periods twice a year. Eligible BAS students may apply for Stockcharts.com Emerging Software Leader Scholarship, awarding five students $5,000/per person each year.
Tech Talk Series
Computing and Software Development presents Tech Talk Series. Keynote and guest lecturers from experts in tech companies, like Microsoft, Tableau, Stockcharts.com are invited to present on topics that provide invaluable real-world insight and industry practices into critical topics like machine learning, UX research, resume writing etc.
Explore Careers and Paths in Computing and Software Development
Applied Bachelor's and Associate Degrees
To learn more about transferring to another college or university, please visit our Transferring from LWTech page.
