I just got admitted to the Certificate Program in Advanced Web Application Development through the University of Washington Extension program! I will be able to learn a ton about building web applications and will be able to use the knowledge both at work and on my own projects. The Certificate Program in Advanced Web Application Development looks like it will be pretty tough and it lasts almost a year, but I think I will be a much better technology professional because of it.
Recently, I have been working at my company to build an internal application called the TVI for measuring how we are performing on our clients in the TruView division and it is just about complete. I want to expand the simple application I have made to something that will grow to be an industry leading tool set used by everyone in the online reputation management field.
The Certificate Program in Advanced Web Application Development includes three classes in which I will learn basic technical concepts, the standards in use, tools & methodologies for app development as well as build programming & development skills in C#, SQL Server, ADO.NET & XML web services.
The three courses that I will be taking are:
High Performance Data Integration with SQL Server
Designing and Developing Web-Based Solutions with ASP.NET
Web Services and Security Implementation
Each class is going to be 10 sessions long, meeting every Thursday from 6 pm to 9 pm. I am going to be expected to do a ton of work outside of class as well to practice my skills and learn the intricate programming details and the little tricks that make everything work well together.
The cost of the entire program is going to be $2,037, which excludes program & registration fees and textbook costs (probably another $1,000).
I think that this series is going to be pretty tough and I have to pass each course to go the next class in the Certificate Program in Advanced Web Application Development, but I think that I will be able to handle it.
Also, I am not only thinking of taking this course, but maybe doing the Certificate program in Project Management, which meets twice as often. If I did that, I would basically be carrying a full University-level course load while working full-time. Eek! I would have absolutely no social life for a year. I am not sure if I am ready for a crazy challenge like that.