Certificate in Full Stack Web Development - Graduate Level
Hours: 15 On-Campus Online
About
The Certificate in Full-Stack Web Development – Graduate Level at Fort Hays State University equips students with the skills to design, develop, and manage complete web applications, from front-end interfaces to back-end systems.
This certificate extends beyond basic programming by covering essential topics, including databases, server-side scripting, and mobile development. It is offered on-campus and online, providing flexibility for individuals pursuing a comprehensive foundation in modern web development.
The curriculum emphasizes hands-on experience with current frameworks and technologies, preparing students to meet the demands of today's dynamic digital environment.
Why pursue a Certificate in Full Stack Web Development - Graduate Level at Fort Hays State University?
The Certificate in Full-Stack Web Development – Graduate Level offers a combination of affordability, flexibility, and hands-on coding experience. Designed for students seeking advanced technical skills, the certificate develops proficiency in front-end and back-end web development, mobile application development, and database systems.
Instruction is regularly updated to align with current industry standards, ensuring that students gain experience with the tools and frameworks most in demand by employers.
As a continuation of the Certificate in Front-End Web Development, this graduate-level certificate follows a structured, sequential learning pathway. Students build on foundational knowledge to develop advanced coding skills, progressing with clarity and purpose.
Who is this program for?
This certificate prepares individuals to develop advanced coding skills for technical roles in web development. Whether pursuing a career in computer science, transitioning into the tech industry from another field, or building a freelance career, students gain the practical tools and confidence needed to succeed in today’s competitive digital landscape.
- Career changers seeking a tech industry entry point
- Computer science majors supplementing their coursework
- Designers or front-end developers expanding to full stack
- Entrepreneurs developing their own applications
- Freelancers looking to expand services to backend and mobile
- Individuals aiming for job-ready web development skills
- Undergraduate or graduate students with an interest in coding
- Working professionals looking to shift into development roles
Real-World Applications
The certificate places a strong emphasis on applied learning, with students engaging in projects that reflect the real-world challenges faced by full-stack developers. The skills developed prepare students to contribute immediately in professional settings, from integrating front-end interfaces with databases and APIs to optimizing mobile responsiveness.
Many assignments are designed to be included in a professional portfolio, showcasing the range of technical expertise to potential employers. Each course focuses on problem-solving, debugging, and delivering practical projects. As a result, students complete the certificate fully prepared to transform business requirements into effective web solutions and confidently step into developer roles.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
Fort Hays State University is committed to keeping the certificate curriculum up to date. Faculty regularly integrate the latest frameworks, programming languages, and methodologies, updating courses each semester to reflect new tools and software releases. This ensures that students gain hands-on experience with modern technology stacks that align with employer expectations.
Additionally, the curriculum exposes students to a wide range of development environments, helping them build the adaptability needed to adopt emerging tools and respond to evolving industry trends quickly.
Hands-on Activities
Hands-on learning is a defining feature of the Certificate in Full-Stack Web Development – Graduate Level. Each course includes intensive, applied coding assignments that reflect real-world development challenges. Students build responsive web applications, integrate APIs, and create mobile-friendly features using industry-standard development tools and version control systems.
Beyond mastering syntax and frameworks, the certificate emphasizes skill-building through repetition, experimentation, and peer collaboration. Upon completion, students have a professional portfolio showcasing their code, the applications they have built, and their demonstrated technical capabilities.
What You’ll Learn:
- Backend development and database design
- Full deployment pipelines
- Mobile application integration
- Problem-solving and debugging
- REST APIs and advanced topics
- Scalable and maintainable coding techniques
How You’ll Learn:
- Collaboration in virtual teams
- Hands-on web development projects
- Real-world inspired assignments
- Server-side scripting practice
- Use of current industry tools and updated software
The certificate consists of five core courses that provide a comprehensive foundation in full-stack development. These courses are taken after completing the Certificate in Front-End Web Development, ensuring a seamless progression into advanced topics in backend and mobile development. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills and current industry tools and technologies.
Coursework encompasses database design, server-side logic, and mobile web development, presented in a structured, two-level sequence that gradually increases in complexity. Students will have developed multiple web and mobile applications, integrated REST APIs, and demonstrated proficiency across a wide range of full-stack development skills. Each course strengthens technical expertise and enhances students’ professional portfolios.
INF 652G: Database Design and Programming
This course teaches students to analyze complex business scenarios, design data models, and create databases using SQL. Hands-on activities with Oracle SQL Developer Data Modeler and Application Express (APEX) reinforce learning. Through project-based assignments, students design, implement, and present database solutions for real-world business challenges.
INF 654G: Mobile Web Development
This course introduces platform-independent mobile web development through building progressive web applications. Students learn to create offline-first experiences, optimize performance, and debug asynchronous functions. The course focuses on developing practical skills essential for modern mobile web developers.
INF 656G: Back-End Web Development II
This course covers advanced server-side programming using the MEAN stack (MongoDB, ExpressJS, AngularJS, Node.js), highlighting best practices in design, security, integration, and scalability. Students learn to make strategic decisions and develop versatile full-stack web applications.
Discover the full Certificate in Full Stack Web Development – Graduate Level course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.
Students who complete the Certificate in Full-Stack Web Development – Graduate Level enter the job market equipped with one of the most sought-after skill sets in the tech industry. Full-stack developers can manage multiple facets of web and mobile application development, making them valuable contributors in startups, corporations, and freelance settings. This certificate prepares students for a variety of roles across the web development field, rather than a single job title.
Full-Stack Web Developer
Full-stack web developers manage the entire web application development lifecycle, from designing user interfaces to implementing server-side logic and integrating databases. Their expertise in client-side and server-side technologies enables them to oversee projects from initial design through deployment and ongoing maintenance.
Mobile Web Developer
Mobile web developers specialize in creating mobile-responsive and native-like applications that deliver seamless user experiences across smartphones and tablets. Leveraging skills gained in mobile web development courses, they design and build practical solutions optimized for various devices, meeting the growing demand for mobile-friendly platforms.
Backend Developer
Backend developers focus on server-side logic, database design, and API development. They write the code that powers web applications, ensure data security and integrity, and work closely with front-end developers to create seamless and efficient user experiences.
Software Engineer
Software engineers develop, design, and optimize software systems, often specializing in web-based applications. Building on strong coding foundations, they contribute to system architecture, feature development, performance enhancement, and the integration of emerging technologies.
Freelance Web Developer
Freelance web developers leverage their portfolio and the flexibility of the certificate to offer web solutions independently. They design and build websites, develop complete applications, and create custom software for small businesses and startups, while managing client relationships and project contracts using their full-stack expertise.
Applicants for the Certificate in Full-Stack Web Development - Graduate Level at Fort Hays State University must complete the Certificate in Front-End Web Development. This prerequisite ensures all students enter with foundational knowledge in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and design skills essential for success in more advanced full-stack topics.
Minimum Grade Requirement
Students must earn a grade of “C” or higher in all certificate courses to demonstrate content mastery and qualify for certificate completion.
Enrollment Status Flexibility
The certificate is open to undergraduate and graduate students. Depending on their academic status, students may apply the courses toward a degree plan or complete them independently to earn a standalone credential.
Course Credit Space
Students must have at least 15 credit hours of elective space available to incorporate the certificate into an undergraduate or graduate degree plan. This ensures the full certificate can be completed without exceeding the total credit hour limits of the degree.
The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere
Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $2,559.42* (on-campus) or $3,139.02* (online) per semester.
*Estimated cost based on 9 credit hours at the Graduate resident/regional tuition rate ($284.38/credit hour) for on-campus courses, or the FHSU Online Graduate tuition rate (348.78/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.
Ready for the next step?
Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.
Related Programs
Fort Hays State University offers several programs that align well with the Certificate in Full-Stack Web Development – Graduate Level. Whether students wish to specialize further, pursue a full degree, or expand their technical skill set, related options are available within the department and across other academic areas.
- B.S. in Computer Science
- B.A./B.S. in Information Networking and Telecommunications (Web and Mobile Application Development)
- Master of Professional Studies (Cybersecurity)
- Master of Professional Studies (Information Assurance Management)
- Master of Professional Studies (Web and Mobile Applications)
- Minor in Computer Science
- Minor in Web Development
No. Students must complete the Certificate in Front-End Web Development as part of this certificate.
It is available in both modalities: fully online and on-campus.
Yes. You can add the certificate as long as you have at least 15 elective credit hours available in your program.
Yes. If you have already completed some of the required courses as part of your major, you only need to complete the remaining courses to earn the certificate.
Yes. You add projects from each course to your professional portfolio to demonstrate your skills to employers.
Information about the Department of Informatics
The Department of Informatics at FHSU offers a flexible and forward-thinking education tailored to students' interests in data, analytics, and digital media. This dynamic program empowers students to customize their curriculum and develop cutting-edge skills essential for leadership in today’s technology-driven world. Whether studying on campus or online, students learn to leverage data and technology to solve real-world challenges and shape their own career paths.
As one of the fastest-growing and most in-demand fields, informatics opens the door to a wide range of high-impact, high-paying careers—from data analytics and cybersecurity to digital media and information management. FHSU equips students with expert instruction, hands-on learning opportunities, and strong industry connections to help them succeed in a profession that has quickly become vital across nearly every sector.
While earning a degree remains the primary focus, college life offers much more than classroom learning. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities that foster leadership skills, deepen their understanding of their chosen careers, and provide opportunities to make a positive impact in their communities.
- Cybersecurity Club: The Cybersecurity Club is dedicated to promoting awareness and understanding of evolving cybersecurity principles and techniques. Open to all students, regardless of experience or skill level, the club welcomes anyone with an interest in topics such as network security, digital forensics, penetration testing, secure coding, cryptography, reverse engineering, and more. Through hands-on activities and collaborative learning, the club provides a supportive environment for exploring the many facets of cybersecurity.
- Tiger Media Network: TMN is the student-run news outlet at FHSU, offering hands-on experience in various aspects of media production. Open to students with interests in videography, photography, news writing, journalism, and related fields, TMN provides valuable opportunities to develop practical skills while contributing to campus news and storytelling.
- Advanced Technology Student Organization: The Advanced Technology Student Organization (ATSO) offers a collaborative learning environment for students interested in exploring the ever-evolving world of technology. The organization brings together members to support one another’s educational growth while promoting innovation and technological advancement. ATSO’s primary goal is to foster knowledge-sharing and unite students in driving both the organization and FHSU's continued progress in the tech field.
- Certificate
- On-Campus
- Online
