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What is Software Engineering?

Software engineering is a technical discipline responsible for the writing and programming of software for use on a given system. The type of software being developed will vary based on employer, and may be made specifically for internal use, for sale, or for public distribution as needed. Individuals seeking a career as a computer software engineer will require a strong understanding of math, computer languages, various platforms, coding principles and computer hardware.

The field of software engineering continues to be a rapidly growing, ever-evolving occupation with an exceptionally high earning potential for college graduates.  From the construction of computer applications to game design managers, a large number of technology we rely upon is supported by software engineers and software developers.  Software engineering teams and software development managers invest time to understand wants and needs of users across an industry or segment before designing, creating, building, testing, debugging, launching, and managing a software application.

Software engineers leverage the theories of mathematical models, software applications, and computer science to create new products or enhance existing products.  The need to upgrade, enhance, modify, debug, and create software is an ever-increasing demand around the world, thus making the degree programs for a software engineer such a respected college degree pathway.

Both software engineers and software developers typically start their journey writing code before advancing into management or executive positions.  The technical know-how coupled with business acumen often make for a vibrant career path in the field of software development and maintenance.  Regardless of job title in the software industry, it is vital to keep up with trends, advancements, and technology applications.  It is ever-more important for engineers to continue to hone collaboration and communication skills to effectively communication with one another, senior management, cross-departmental team members, peers, vendors, and customers.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$104,300

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

64.46%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

794,000

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Software Engineering Degree

The Software Engineering Degree program at Harvard University teaches about how to apply systematic engineering principles to software applications’ construction, design and maintenance. Students here develop a deeper understanding of current technologies. They gain the skills in designing, implementing and improving software solutions. They also learned how to adapt to new and emerging technologies that we now have. 

Acceptance Rate

4.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

The Master of Science in Computer Science with an emphasis in Software Engineering is offered at USC.  The degree pathway at the University of Southern California provides not only software development skills but also customer collaboration and management skills to their graduates. Emphasis on developing systems engineering skills is also implemented. Students here will be prepared both for non-outsourceable careers and for leadership in software engineering.

Acceptance Rate

11.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

MS in Software Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University is where you can gain skills that are necessary to be a successful software developer. The curriculum that they implemented reflects the vigorous Silicon Valley software industry. They provide an outstanding setting for the MS_SE program. Carnegie Mellon is the right place for people who aspire to be the next top-notch software engineer, developer, technical project leader or software development manager. 

Acceptance Rate

15.44

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

MS in Software Engineering Systems at Northeast University is newly renovated. They took and enhanced the application of sociotechnical and engineering approaches to software. The changes they made are designed to bring a strong engineering foundation that will allow the students to accept real-world complexity as an opportunity for innovation. Northern University is dedicated to producing graduates that are proven to be an intuitive problem solver and the kind of people who will likely become a leader with great impact.

Acceptance Rate

18.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

New York University offers a BS degree in Software Engineering. One of the objectives of this program is to produce graduates that advance in their professional careers. They aim to develop in their students the desire to seek continuous professional development and life-long learning. To be able to achieve the program goals, they made sure to provide an outstanding curriculum and a cutting-edge education in computer systems. This program is also accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Acceptance Rate

16.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

MS in Software Engineering at Villanova University provides the practical knowledge and experience that is important in specifying, designing, developing and maintaining today’s software systems. Completion of this program opens the door for a career in software engineering. They can also choose to enter an advanced study of the field. They also give theoretical knowledge related to the practices of a software engineer.

Acceptance Rate

28.24

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

When you choose to enroll in the Software Engineering degree at University of California-Irvine, you will be a part of a world-class group of faculty and staff. They have an outstanding track of record which verifies their ability to train students and help them become prepared for the numerous challenges that are ahead of them. Alumni of this University studied in some of the most prestigious PhD programs and still have connections which can help the students have internships that will best compliment their studies. UC Irvine also has a great location; they are almost a hop away from Silicon Valley.

Acceptance Rate

26.54

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

An undergraduate program for Computer Science and Engineering is offered at Santa Clara University. BS in Computer Science and Engineering features a balanced core program where students study the engineering aspects of software and hardware. This program is also designed to provide the mathematical foundations of computation. The electives of this program allow the students to build on this core with different emphasis, depending on their personal interests. 

An undergraduate program for Computer Science and Software Engineering is offered at Santa Clara University. BS in Computer Science and Engineering features a balanced core program where students study the engineering aspects of software and hardware. This program is also designed to provide the mathematical foundations of computation. The electives of this program allow the students to build on this core with different emphasis, depending on their personal interests. 

Acceptance Rate

48.82

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

BS in Computer Engineering at the University of Miami is offering a degree pathway in Software Engineering. This Option is proven effective in preparing students for careers in software engineering. Students will be aware about how systems software of today has been increasingly complex. This Option will train students how to face the complexity of the new emerging technologies.

Acceptance Rate

27.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

MS in Software Engineering degree program at Stevens Institute of Technology focuses on creating reliable, safe, secure and responsive software systems. They teach their students how to build software systems that can move industry and society forward in this increasingly interconnected and changing world. The software engineering program that they established is designed to give emphasis to the lifecycle process and in building sustainable products. This will also be an effective way to help students develop skills in designing, building and maintaining software systems. 

Acceptance Rate

39.96

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The Bachelor of Science degree in Software Engineering at California Polytechnic State College-San Luis Obispo motivates their students to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed. They use appropriate learning strategies that are effective to different types of students. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively to a range of audiences will also be acquired by the students. They will learn how to identify and solve complicated engineering problems through applying principles of engineering, mathematics and science.

Acceptance Rate

28.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

MS in Software Engineering degree program at Southern Methodist University focuses on developing large applications. They teach their students not just technical aspects of building software systems but also the proper way of handling management issues. Students will be guided in developing technical expertise that is needed to succeed in this critically crucial field. Majority of the courses offered are based on what a software engineering institute proposed. 

Acceptance Rate

47.29

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

The MS in Software Engineering at Fairfield University focuses on the skills needed in developing sophisticated and successful software projects. This program is structured intended for working professionals, that’s why the coursework is directly applicable to workplace tasks. Moreover, the professional experiences and perspectives of the students that are brought to the classroom adds to the enrichment of the course’ content. As a result, everyone involved will receive an effective learning environment.

Acceptance Rate

57.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

In the Software Engineering degree program at Chapman University, you will learn how to build user applications, design web apps and develop computer=systems software. They are dedicated in passing knowledge to their students about how math, computer science and engineering are combined just to create useful apps. Their students can follow their passions and interests after completing this program. Upon graduation they will be skilled in creating applications, services and tools that enhance people’s lives.

Acceptance Rate

55.65

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Aside from being among the oldest members of the California State University system, SDSU is also the first and largest college in San Diego, California. It is now a highly-regarded research university, having come a long way from starting as an institute for teacher training under the name San Diego Normal College in 1897. There are currently almost 200 fields of study being taken up by students throughout all undergraduate and graduate levels in all of its seven colleges, namely: Arts and Letters, Sciences, Engineering, Professional Studies and Fine Arts, Health and Human Services, Business Administration, and Education.

Enrollees at both the main and the Imperial Valley campuses are entitled to apply for opportunities to be part in any of over 300 educational programs in more than 50 countries all over the world. Possessing at least $1 billion worth of study grants, SDSU students are directed by its Division of Research Affairs in pursuing research activities in numerous fields such as public health, transportation safety, and computational science.

Recreation and athletics also play a great part of college life at SDSU. The San Diego State Aztecs have teams representing the school in basketball, baseball, football, soccer, among others. Celebrations on campus grounds are highlighted by Homecoming Week during the fall term. Spring term is marked by Green Fest, another week-long event that promotes environmental sustainability.

San Diego State maintains a huge role in emphasizing the importance of higher education among younger students in the surrounding communities. As a partner in the Compact for Success program, it assists the Sweetwater Union High School District in implementing courses that will prepare qualified students for admission to the university after graduation.

Acceptance Rate

34.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

27:1

University of Denver provides a variety of degree programs for students to assist them in their growth and development. The school is located in Denver, Colorado and operated as a private institution. Enrollment at DU exceeds twelve thousand per year.

Here is a list of some of the popular programs University of Denver offers:

  • Business And Marketing Studies
  • Legal Professions And Studies
  • Public Administration And Social Services
  • Social Sciences

Students applying for admission are generally asked to submit an application, transcripts, records, test scores and any requested letters of recommendations, which will then be reviewed by admissions officials. Very common scores among applicants accepted to DU are between 25 to 30 on the ACT, or 1650 to 1970 for the SAT exam. University of Denver admits about 70% of students applying. Of those applicants admitted, nearly 17% enrolled.

Tuition is approximately $42,000 for the year, though it may vary based on different types of circumstances. Students should visit the school's net price calculator to determine a more personalized cost estimate. Housing is available on-campus for students. The yearly cost of housing is around $7,100. Some students at this school may qualify for financial aid, which is generally offered as scholarships, grants, and loans.

DU participates in sports through the NCAA's Sun Belt Conference in Basketball.

For a complete list of programs offered, enrollment information, financial aid details, and more, please visit the school's website at http://www.du.edu.

Acceptance Rate

58.71

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

An Online degree in Software Engineering is offered as a Master’s degree at California State University-Fullerton. In this program, you’ll get the opportunity to network with like minded individuals and work with them to expand your own skill set. This program is for professionals in computer science who wish to further their skills. This MSE curriculum reflects international standard models in software process, assessment and improvement.

Acceptance Rate

52.69

Student to Faculty Ratio

25:1

Allegheny College offers a major and minor in Computer Science that are both structured to provide a solid basis in the principles of the discipline combined with practical experience in software systems design, implementation and analysis. These programs start with a breadth-first introduction to computing. Programming and data structures, accompanied by topics from various programming languages, analysis of algorithms, and operating systems are included. The introductory courses provided will be followed by a set of courses specifically designed to capture the fundamentals of the discipline. 

Acceptance Rate

62.15

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

The degree in Software Engineering at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology trains their students to develop skills that are beyond entry-level positions. They will acquire abilities to play more responsible roles. Students will progress towards completion of an advanced higher degree. Graduates of this program will contribute to the body of computing services and knowledge.

Acceptance Rate

74.21

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The top ranked degree in Software Engineering is offered at SUNY College at Oswego. It is held by highly credentialed faculty that is dedicated to undergraduate education. They provide a project-based curriculum where faculty and students collaborate in solving real-world problems. They also have state-of-the-art facilities in the Shineman Center with workspaces designed for class-based, small-group and individual activities.

Acceptance Rate

54.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Both the Master of Software Engineering and the Software Development Programming Certificate are available at the University of Utah. MSD is a comprehensive and rigorous 16-month program that produces big data analysts, capable coders, and security experts. Taking this program can be the perfect step for those who want to enhance their careers. The programming Certificate in an 8-month program that provides a way for prospective students to get a foot in the door toward a career in programming.

Acceptance Rate

62.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

The Master of Science degree in Software Engineering at the University of South Carolina-Columbia is a good place for acquiring the ability to develop and implement plans for software systems. Students who completed this program are now able to elicit precise functional specs of software systems. They can incorporate techniques to make sure of the quality attributes of software systems. They also became effective in working on teams, developing high quality software systems. 

Acceptance Rate

68.65

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

The BS degree in Software Engineering at Quinnipiac University teaches how to manage projects and how to think creatively in preparing for a career as a programmer or a software developer. Students here get to master skills in system design, coding, quality assurance and testing. They also offer state-of-the-art facilities that promote a highly experiential and collaborative educational environment. They prove to have an ideal setting for active learning.

Acceptance Rate

70.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Loyola University Chicago offers BS and MS programs in Software Engineering. In the BS in Software Engineering degree, students learn how to build their knowledge in diverse areas like distributed/cloud computing, and app development for mobile and embedded devices. MS in Software Engineering is designed for students that are interested in software engineering and also in other contemporary topics of long-term value to the industry. This degree gives more emphasis on software development.

Acceptance Rate

67.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Software Engineering degree is offered at Butler University. This degree program is designed for people who can see themselves collaborating with others on an aim to build large software systems. Students in this program will be exploring the design, development, testing and quality assurance of a system software. All of the skills that are wanted by companies will be developed here.

Acceptance Rate

73.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

How to Become a Software Engineer or Software Developer

Below, you will find a series of six steps to help you start your vocational path towards becoming a software engineer or software developer. By taking great care to understand each step, you will better manage each step and the ensuing steps of the process in your quest to become a professional software engineer. The steps you will need to following include the following:

  1. Research: The first step in the process to become a software developer starts with researching accredited colleges and universities. Finding the right program for you consists of several factors including: cost, convenience, quality, scheduling, resources, alumni network, technology access, financial aid, online learning options, and many other factors. Start your research today by first reading our Complete Guide to the College Admission Process and establishing a priority list. Then, simply request information from one of nearly 8,000 schools found via MatchCollege.
  2. Apply: Once you have a short list of schools you would like to attend along with specific information about their programs, you will need to apply for admission to the school. Make sure to fill out the applications completely and accurately in order to make the most of your opportunity with the school. Many students utilize our highly-acclaimed resource guide Crush the Odds of Getting into Your Top College Choice during this phase of the process. Since most software companies require a bachelors degree or greater, make sure to select your degree path carefully.
  3. Study: After you have been accepted to college programs on your list, you will need to make a decision of where to attend and begin studying. Whether you elect to learn in a classroom setting or online, learning more about general education courses (math, English, philosophy, psychology) and core software engineering curriculum will be part of your degree program. It is recommended you place an inordinate weight to studying computational and discrete math as many algorithms are based on mathematic models. Also, take the time to build software on your own either with a group or by yourself. These self-directed skills will pay dividends in spades later in your career.
  4. Graduate: At the completion of your degree program, you will earn a college degree and graduate from school. Majoring in software engineering or computer science will equip you for the requisite skills in the workplace to learn how to design, construct, modify, and build software applications of all types.
  5. Work: You will need to get into a position to begin designing and coding immediately following school. This will mean finding a job in the workplace or creating a job for yourself through entrepreneurial Many jobs will require you to learn company-specific procedures and applications on the job so adopting a mentality of a lifelong learner will suit you best throughout your career. The most popular programming language you will encounter across all industries include: Java, C, C++, C#, Python, PHP, JavaScript, Visual Basic .NET, Delphi, Perl, Ruby, Swift, Assembly Language, Visual Basic, MATLAB, SQL, Objective-C, and Scratch.
  6. Plan: Map out your career goals and objectives early in your work career. As the industry changes and flexes, you will need to be adaptive and establish short-term and long-term goals. These goals may be position-based (moving from software developer to senior software developer), academic (earning a graduate degree in software development), upskilling (finding professional certifications to help you be more effective at your job and increase pay & responsibilities), and networking (joining an association or professional organization for software developers).

Top Software Engineering Degrees

The number of pathways to a software engineering career continue to grow as the higher education system evolves.  Below, we will discuss the many ways students and working professionals can take advantage of learning modalities to upskill or begin a career in software engineering.  The different degree pathways for a software engineer include:

Online Degrees in Software Engineering

As the fastest growing segment in higher education, online learning continues to outpace other learning modalities.  Online degrees in software engineering is no exception to this trend.  Students can enroll in a number of degree programs online or online certificate programs in software engineering.  Accredited colleges and universities across the country continue to add robust and rigorous curriculum for online learners.

It is important to understand the two different types of online learning modalities prior to matriculation to ensure it will meet your needs and fit your schedule.  The two primary types of online learning methods are synchronous learning and asynchronous learning.  The asynchronous model is the type of online learning that can be done independently and not driven by group requirements nor assembly at a particular time or place.  Synchronous learning, on the other hand, is when all students are required to be online at a given time working on the same material at the same time. The synchronous learning modality is akin to the requirements of a traditional classroom setting without being bound to a physical location.

Associate Degrees in Software Engineering

The associate degree in software engineering is a two-year program designed to provide students with the essentials in software.  Associate degree programs include general education courses like English, psychology, and sociology plus core curriculum items to prepare students for entry-level positions in the software industry.  It is important to understand that most employers prefer to hire college graduates with a bachelor’s degree or graduate degree in software engineering; however, it is not uncommon for working professionals with ample work experience begin to add degrees and certificates to their resume over time.

Bachelor Degrees in Software Engineering

A bachelor degree in software engineering is typically a 4-year degree-granting program that is often seen as the minimum requirement to work in the field.  The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Software Engineering will often include a number of liberal arts classes plus core curriculum towards degree completion.  Students will have access to cutting-edge technology and academic lectures bringing the academic and practical learning models together.

Students will learn about embedded systems that power everything from cellphones to robots along with coding applications requisite to build the applications of tomorrow.  Some colleges allow for dual degree programs in related fields such as biomedical engineering, computer engineering, mechanical engineering, and similar trades.

Master Degrees in Software Engineering

A master’s degree in software engineering is a graduate program that typically lasts 1-2 years after the completion of undergraduate requirements found in a bachelor’s degree program.  With the burgeoning number of online master’s degree programs, there are 15-18 month programs for qualified master’s degree candidates.

Upper level courses in the master’s degree track may include advanced studies in: research methods, database modeling, project management, ethics in practice, software modeling, object oriented design, software quality assurance, software security, enterprise software, mobile software, human-computer interaction, and software architecture.

Doctorate Degrees in Software Engineering

Doctorate degrees in software engineering may come as a PhD or Doctor of Philosophy with an emphasis in Computer Engineering or Computer Science.  Graduate programs in software engineering can be 3-6 year programs depending on the number of credits taken and the curricular design of the program.  Some doctorate-level programs require students to complete a dissertation while others may not, thus affecting the length of time to achievement of this terminal degree in software engineering.

Graduate students, both doctorate and master’s level, will likely be involved in cutting edge technology and research.  Areas of emphasis will ultimately be up to the school but may include the following areas of technology: cybersecurity, organic electronics, speech recognition, materials characterization, biosensors, carbon nanotubes, electromechanical systems, semiconductor manufacturing, cochlear implanting, and wireless networking.

Educational Requirements for Software Engineers

Individuals working in this field typically pursue a bachelors degree in programming, software engineering, computer science, or mathematics. Individuals will study a variety of areas, such as computer languages, hardware platforms, new technologies and other such fields. Though some may be able to find employment based solely on skill, rapid advances in technology and programming, and the increased complexity of the hardware being written for has resulted in an overall demand for educated individuals when considering positions in the field.

A curriculum may include:

  • Programming Languages
  • Hardware and Software
  • Calculus
  • Physics
  • Platform Development Tools
Schools Other Students Requested Information From:

Employment Opportunities in Software Engineering

The term software is broad and covers a variety of areas that include recreation, business, tool development, application writing and more. Individuals will seek employment in the area of software development that best speaks to their interests and skills. It is normal for individuals pursuing software engineering positions in a given field to be familiar with the needs of that field, for instance an individual developing tools and systems for the purposes of three dimensional modeling should understand the needs and uses of such systems by those who will actually do the modeling in order to better serve those individuals.

Most Popular Software Developer Jobs

As you prepare for a career in software engineering and software development, you will be best served to recognize job titles in the industry.  Coupled with the job title, make sure to ask job responsibilities and scope of duties to fully understand the roles within the company you are researching.  The most commonly used job titles for a software developer or software engineer include:

  • Developer
  • Software Engineer
  • Systems Coordinator
  • Senior Software Engineer
  • Software Architect
  • Computer Application Programmer
  • Computer Game Developer
  • Infrastructure Engineer
  • Network Engineer
  • Interactive Media Programmer
  • Mainframe Systems Programmer
  • Systems Programmer
  • Animation Programmer
  • Publishing Systems Analyst
  • Software Developer
  • Graphical User Interface (GUI) Developer
  • Interactive Media Developer
  • Systems Engineer
  • Programmer
  • Coder
  • Architect
  • Special Effects Programmer
  • Operating Systems Programmer
  • Scientific Programmer
  • Application Programmer
  • Graphical User Interface (GUI) Designer
  • Multimedia Developer
  • Software Development Programmer
  • Web Development Programmer
Top Job Responsibilities of a Software Developer

In a recent survey completed by the U.S. Department of Labor, professional software engineers provided insight into their primary job duties.  The most popular job responsibilities of a software developer are included in the top 10 list below to help you best understand what a typical day may look like for developers across several industries.

  1. Manage information technology projects or system activities
  2. Develop testing routines or software procedures
  3. Modify existing software to correct errors, integrate it with existing hardware, upgrade interfaces, and improve current performance
  4. Consult with peers, customers, management on issues, concerns, project status, and business proposals
  5. Monitor computer system performance to ensure proper operation
  6. Analyze programmatic and disparate information to determine, recommend, and plan work
  7. Modify software programs to improve performance
  8. Develop or direct software system testing or validation procedures
  9. Direct software programming and development of documentation
  10. Provide technical support for software maintenance or use

Job Growth, Salary and Related Engineering Fields

Job growth is expected to increase over the next decade as more platforms become available and the need for software engineers to be able to produce applications for those systems grows. The increased dependency on computers and their software they run creates a competitive market that allows for a large variety of software to be developed internally or externally, requiring qualified engineers in order to compete. The average salary for a computer software engineer is approximately $102,280 annually, though this sum varies based on type of software, employer, experience, and education.

Largest Employers of Software Developers and Software Engineers

  • Computer Design Corporations 131,680
  • Software Publishers 23,400
  • Computer & Periphery Manufacturers 23,020
  • Architectural & Engineering Firms 17,720
  • Management Consulting Companies 17,580

States with the Highest Employment of Software Developers

  • California 90,290
  • Texas 30,850
  • Massachusetts 27,630
  • Virginia 24,950
  • New York 19,020

Top Paying States for Software Developers

  1. California $128,800
  2. Colorado $120,860
  3. Maryland $118,090
  4. Virginia $117,330
  5. Delaware $116,750

Individuals interested in computer software engineering may also be interested in computer engineering, computer networking, computer programming, computer hardware engineering or computer science. The IEEE and IACSIT are associations that provide technical insights and professional networking outside academia. Trade associations may prove beneficial for those looking to take their careers to the next level.

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