Certificate in Full Stack Web Development
Hours: 15 On-Campus Online
About
The Certificate in Full Stack Web Development at Fort Hays State University is designed for individuals with front-end development experience who want to expand their skills into server-side scripting and database management. It covers the core components needed to build, deploy, and maintain modern web applications, including mobile and native app development.
Students gain a broad understanding of web development while tailoring their learning to align with specific career goals. The curriculum prepares participants to master front-end and back-end development, equipping them to handle a wide range of web development challenges.
Why pursue a Certificate in Full Stack Web Development at Fort Hays State University?
The Certificate in Full Stack Web Development combines theoretical instruction with practical application, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.
Offered online and on campus, the flexible format accommodates working professionals and traditional students. The curriculum is regularly updated to reflect the latest tools and technologies, ensuring students who complete the certificate are equipped with the skills needed to succeed in today’s web development landscape.
Who is this program for?
This certificate has been developed for individuals eager to deepen their knowledge and skills in web development. It is particularly well-suited for:
- Aspiring full-stack developers seeking to master front-end and back-end technologies
- Current web developers who want to expand their skill set to include server-side and database management
- IT professionals want to transition into web development roles or enhance their expertise
- Graduate students interested in specializing in web development at an advanced level
- Entrepreneurs and small business owners who need the skills to create and maintain their web applications
- Individuals with front-end development experience seeking a comprehensive understanding of full stack development
Real-World Applications
Students learn to manage front-end and back-end development, including database management, server-side scripting, and mobile app development. These workplace-ready skills prepare them to handle real-world challenges.
The curriculum is designed to build confidence and practical experience, enabling students to contribute effectively as independent developers or team members in a variety of professional settings.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
Fort Hays State University keeps students ahead in the fast-changing world of web development by continually updating its curriculum with the latest frameworks, tools, and best practices. This approach ensures graduates are ready to meet industry expectations and adapt to ongoing technological advancements.
Hands-on Activities
The Certificate in Full Stack Web Development features extensive project-based coursework that allows students to apply their learning to practical, real-world scenarios. Projects range from developing fully functional web applications to managing back-end systems and optimizing performance for mobile devices. These hands-on experiences enable students to build a strong professional portfolio that demonstrates their ability to effectively solve real-world development challenges.
What You’ll Learn:
- Advanced back-end integration techniques
- Database design and management
- Mobile web development
- Web application deployment strategies
- Responsive and adaptable interface creation
How You’ll Learn:
- Hands-on, project-based coursework
- Practical application of theoretical concepts
- Collaboration with peers on real-world projects
- Utilization of up-to-date tools and technologies
- Instructor-led workshops on complex web development topics
The core curriculum includes courses in database design, back-end web development, and mobile web development, each building upon the previous to provide a thorough understanding of full-stack development. Students begin by mastering database management and server-side programming, which are essential for back-end work.
As they advance, students explore mobile web development and back-end service integration, preparing them to create scalable, robust applications. Hands-on projects simulate real-world challenges, ensuring practical application of concepts.
INF 652: Database Design and Programming
This course teaches students to analyze complex business scenarios, design and create data models, and create databases using SQL. Oracle SQL Developer Data Modeler and Application Express (APEX) are utilized to provide practical, hands-on, engaging activities. By leveraging project-based learning techniques, students will create and work on projects that challenge them to design, implement, and demonstrate a database solution for a business or organization.
INF 653: Back-End Web Development I
This course focuses on the design and implementation of dynamic web applications and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) using server-side programming languages and databases included in the LAMPP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP) stack. At the end of the course, students will be able to analyze requirements, define specifications, and develop comprehensive Content Management Systems for various sectors and purposes.
INF 654: Mobile Web Development I
This course introduces the concepts and practices of platform-independent mobile web development. While building progressive web applications, students will learn to create offline-first experiences, audit an app's performance, debug asynchronous functions, and more. The skills to develop and optimize progressive web applications are highly sought after and essential for mobile web developers. This class is designed to help students learn and practice their programming skills.
Discover the full Certificate in Full Stack Web Development course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.
Students pursuing the Certificate in Full Stack Web Development gain a strong foundation in both front-end and back-end development. This preparation equips them to enter a dynamic and growing job market, ready to fill a variety of in-demand roles within the tech industry.
Full Stack Developer
Full stack developers design, build, and maintain complete web applications, managing both client- and server-side technologies, databases, and APIs to ensure responsive and efficient performance across platforms.
Web Developer
Web developers create and maintain websites, integrating databases, optimizing performance, and ensuring cross-browser compatibility.
Mobile Application Developer
Mobile application developers create apps optimized for performance and usability on smaller screens.
Database Administrator
Database administrators manage and maintain databases that support web applications, using skills gained in database design and programming.
IT Consultant
IT consultants leverage full stack development expertise to advise organizations on web application best practices, guiding the planning, design, and implementation of tailored web solutions.
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 $3,055.95* (on-campus) or $3,975.75* (online) per semester.
*Estimated cost based on 15 credit hours at the Undergrad resident/regional tuition rate ($203.73/credit hour) for on-campus courses, or the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate (265.05/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
For those interested in furthering their education or seeking complementary skills, the following related programs at Fort Hays State University may be of interest:
- Certificate in Front-End Web Development
- B.A./B.S. in Information Networking and Telecommunications (Computer Networking and Telecommunications)
- Master of Professional Studies (Web and Mobile Applications)
- Certificate in Internetworking
- B.A./B.S. in Information Networking and Telecommunications (Cybersecurity)
Applicants should have a background in front-end development, which can be acquired through previous coursework, professional experience, or another certificate.
Yes, the Certificate in Full Stack Web Development is available online and on campus, offering flexibility to accommodate the diverse needs of students.
The certificate typically requires 15 credit hours; depending on their course load, most students can finish it within one year.
Specific front-end development courses are prerequisites for advanced courses in the certificate. Students with extensive experience may request permission to bypass these prerequisites on a case-by-case basis.
Students who complete the certificate can pursue careers as full stack developers, web developers, or mobile application developers, among other roles, with excellent employment prospects in the tech industry.
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
