Software as a service course curriculum

A software as a service tutorial usually falls under the larger domain of cloud computing courses, as it is rooted in a fundamental understanding of the cloud and how it works. Software engineering courses may also touch on SaaS solutions.

A SaaS curriculum may include basics of cloud computing such as: 

• Cloud computing services like IaaS, SaaS, and PaaS

• Different types of deployment models like public, private, or hybrid cloud

• Components of cloud environments and cloud infrastructure

• Emerging cloud technologies

• Cloud architecture and cloud storage

• Cloud security

You can also learn software as a service from the perspective of an end user. Many popular software as a service companies, such as Salesforce, ServiceNow, and HubSpot, offer SaaS solutions that are taught in a broad range of courses. In these specialized software as a service courses, your goal is to learn the features and different use cases of the SaaS application to be able to help enterprises that use that application on a large scale.

Start your learning journey today with edX. From accelerated boot camps on topics like coding, product management, and digital marketing, to comprehensive programs that allow you to earn a bachelor’s degree or (for more advanced learners) a master’s program, there are many different learning formats available to fit your needs. Busy professionals can even take advantage of executive education courses tailored to those in leadership and management positions. Find the right course for you.

Explore software as a service jobs

Software as a service has revolutionized many areas of modern business. You can find cloud applications across multiple domains, such as sales, marketing, human resources, software development, content management, cybersecurity, data science, writing, accounts management, finance, customer service, and more.

Jobs that may rely on SaaS include:

• Sales consultant: These professionals develop and implement sales strategies for an organization to achieve revenue targets. They work with the sales teams to set the right processes and help them close leads.^{Footnote 3}

• Software development manager: These professionals manage the software development cycle and lead a team of developers to ensure they meet project deadlines.^{Footnote 4} 

• Product manager: These professionals oversee the development of a product from the concept stage to the launch and maintenance stage. 

• Digital marketer: These professionals develop and execute online marketing campaigns to generate interest and sell a product or service.^{Footnote 5}

• UI/UX designer: These professionals design user interfaces and user experiences for digital products. 

• Cybersecurity analyst: These professionals identify and mitigate security risks in an organization's IT systems.^{Footnote 6}

Each of these roles will have different education and skills requirements. If you are creating the software, you may be better served by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer science to begin building your knowledge base. However, other roles require specialized skills that could be obtained in more focused learning formats. For example, boot camps on product management may help you develop skills needed for a position as a SaaS product manager, while cybersecurity boot camps are likely more useful for jobs that require security testing of SaaS products. Research the roles you hope to pursue and align your coursework with your professional aspirations.  

If you have a design background or are interested in building skills in that niche, you can pursue UI/UX boot camps. 

How to use software as a service in your career

Many companies use project management SaaS such as Asana or communication SaaS like Slack to collaborate as teams. Within specific job roles, you can use other types of cloud software as a service solutions to accomplish different goals. For example:

• Sales consultants commonly use CRM (Customer Relationship Management) SaaS such as Salesforce or HubSpot to manage customer relationships, communication, sales forecasting, or conduct lead generation activities.

• Product managers can use the software as a service platform to analyze user feedback, plan a product roadmap, or manage a project from start to finish using project management tools.

• Digital marketers use different software as a service platforms for email marketing, social media, and search engine optimization (SEO) activities.

• UI/UX designers can use SaaS platforms like Miro or Figma to design, collaborate, and test prototypes.

• Cybersecurity analysts use a combination of SaaS products for threat detection, vulnerability assessment, and monitoring the security of an information system.

Begin working toward your next career with edX. Whether you want to pursue a  master’s in data science or take advantage of a UI/UX boot camp to upskill quickly, there are learning opportunities for professionals at every level and stage in their career. Invest in your professional development.