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Program Overview
The Software Quality Fundamentals Certificate is designed to prepare professionals and current students to assess quality in developed software solutions.
This platform- and technology-agnostic certificate includes three courses that explore the use of common web technologies for interface design and cover the basics of usability and accessibility in modern user interfaces. You will then learn to verify and validate the quality of software using testing techniques, security assessment, risk analysis and the critical analysis of perspective.
Attend classes part time at our Madison Truax campus.
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Whether you want to start a career in information technology or are already in the field and need additional training or certification, we have a program for you.
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Program Courses
Here's a sample course sequence that shows how classes for full-time students are typically organized by semester.
Once you're admitted, your full curriculum and sequence—including any pre-requisites—is defined in your Degree Progress Report.
First Semester10-152-120Website Development
Introduces HTML, CSS, and essential web development techniques. Learn to create well-structured HTML documents and apply CSS styling to enhance the visual appearance of web pages. Through hands-on exercises, develop proficiency in building and styling web content, including text formatting, image integration, and form design. Emphasis is placed on debugging techniques and adherence to web accessibility standards to ensure the creation of accessible and standards-compliant websites. By the end of the course, students will have the skills to create web pages while adhering to industry best practices. Prerequisite: working knowledge of Microsoft Windows (computer literacy, proficiency with a mouse, File Explorer, and file/folder management), good reading and problem-solving skills.3 creditsSecond Semester10-152-130UIUX and Web Accessibility
This course explores the fundamentals of user experience design (UX), user interface design (UX), and web accessibility. With a focus on user-centered design, students will conduct and analyze user research, build diagrams, and develop a working desktop prototype. Topics include design principles, UI evaluation techniques, design ethics, web inclusivity, and assistive technology. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are investigated and applied with a coded website. Students will have an opportunity to earn two digital badges: Teamwork and Web Accessibility Fundamentals.3 creditsThird Semester10-152-200Foundations of Software Quality
Learn to understand, verify, and validate the quality of software systems through the analysis and application of modern quantified techniques. Students will understand the terms and concepts which describe the fundamentals of quality assurance. Verification of software quality is addressed by exploring secure software development practices and test strategies including static, exploratory, and dynamic techniques. Validation of software quality is addressed by analyzing risk, coverage, and vulnerabilities. Validation is further refined through the critical analysis of intended vs. actual results and through understanding the contexts and perspectives of end-users.3 credits -
How to Apply
Earning a certificate is a great way to expand your skill set and add professionalism to your resume. Applications are always open, so apply today!
If you are an international student and want to apply to Madison College, or transfer your F-1 student visa here, check program availability and then complete the International Admission Process.
Apply Now – Secure Your Spot!
This certificate has a limited number of seats available. We encourage early applications to secure your spot, but the certificate has not historically reached full capacity.
Application Dates
Fall 2026
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is August 31, 2026
Spring 2027
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is January 15, 2027
Fall 2027
- Application available on October 15, 2026
- Application completion deadline is August 31, 2027
Admission Requirements
All materials must be submitted by the application deadline.
1. Admission Application
The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.
2. Education Completion
Submit official transcripts from the institutions you attended that indicate one of the following:
- High school completion (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
- GED/HSED completion
- College transcript or Madison College experience showing:
- Completion of an associate degree or higher, or
- At least 30 credits completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4-point scale
- The credits must be completed at a single college and cannot be combined with other transcripts
- Any transfer credit listed on a transcript does not count toward the 30-credit minimum
- Credits completed at Madison College are evaluated and do not require a transcript
All high school and/or college transcripts are recommended to be submitted for Credit for Prior Learning evaluation.
Additional Notes
Certificate programs are not eligible for financial aid.
Individual courses may have prerequisites to enroll. Admission into a certificate does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses. See the Curriculum section for the list of courses for the certificate.
Questions?
Contact the Enrollment Center at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.

Get Started!
Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your IT-Software Quality Fundamentals career.
Up your web development game with skills to improve web functionality, stability and accessibility.
IT-Software Quality Fundamentals
Program Number: 9015215CER
Your Degree: Certificate
Estimated Time to Complete: 9 Credits | Finish in 1.5 years
Delivery Method: 100% Online, Some Online/Some In Person
Area of Study: Information Technology
Estimated Program Cost: $1,591.83
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