Software Engineering Degrees
Saying that software engineers design computer programs is like saying airplanes fly: it is true, but gives little justice to the ingenuity that drives the process. Computers are a vital part of our lives and economy, but they're nothing without software. This is why the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that software engineering will be among the fastest growing careers in the country between 2008 and 2018. With the right combination of software engineering training and experience, future engineers can look forward to a stable and lucrative career.
Who is the ideal software engineering student?
Anyone with a passion for computers and programming can enjoy a career in software engineering, but certain personalities will excel in the field. Software engineering is a very math-oriented major, so possessing strong analytical and problem-solving skills is a must. Projects students work on are often collaborative, so one must be able to work well as part of a team. This is also a global field, so an ability to work and effectively communicate with those from other countries helps. Finally, most software engineers must feel comfortable with the prospect of working long days and staring at code for hours on end.
What to expect from a software engineering degree program
According to the non-profit organization The College Board, software engineering majors study the scientific and mathematical basis of computer software. They must master a number of programming languages, but also learn how to design, analyze and maintain software. The BLS notes that most employers prefer entry-level candidates with software engineering degrees at the baccalaureate level or beyond; those who hope to work in research or academia should consider PhDs.
Common software engineering courses
While software engineering training courses are not exactly standardized, many schools adopt the curriculum established by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) in a publication called the Software Engineering Body of Knowledge (SWEBOK). Not all institutions have adopted the SWEBOK guidelines, however, so software engineering degree requirements and courses can vary from one school to the next.
The College Board notes that the department in which programs are based also impacts curriculum: software engineering program based in engineering departments emphasize hardware issues that affect software while those in computer science departments focus more on theory and math. Still, most programs include instruction in the following subjects:
- Discrete math
- Software development fundamentals
- Introduction to computer science
- Operating systems
- Programming languages
- Software architecture and design
- Systems analysis
- Web design
It is important to note that for most professionals, software engineering training continues throughout the career through professional certification, typically offered through vendors or professional organizations. The IEEE's Certified Software Development Associate (CSDA), geared toward recent college grads, and the Computer Society's Certified Software Development Professional (CSDP), for more experienced engineers, are just two of the more common certifications.
Popular careers for software engineering graduates
Only software engineers are really required to have software engineering degrees, but according to data from the BLS and The College Board, the following professionals may also benefit from software engineering training:
- Computer programmers
- Computer scientists
- Computer software engineers
- Computer systems analysts
- Database administrators
- Mathematicians
Employers of all types appreciate software engineering grads who adhere to certain professional standards and best practices, such as the Software Engineering Code of Ethics and Professional Practices put forth by the Association for Computing Machinery.
Online software engineering training programs
Software engineering is an ideal fit for online learning. Online software engineering degrees and certificates provide students with a tremendous amount of flexibility, but potential students should never confuse convenience with ease. Online education can be every bit as difficult and demanding as classroom-based education, requiring an immense amount of organization, independence and dedication.
Choosing a software engineering degree program
There is a great deal of variation among both traditional and online software engineering training programs. Future students should research a number of schools before selecting one to ensure the chosen program fits both their professional goals and learning styles.
Software Engineering Degrees Schools
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NetCom Learning
- Los Angeles, CA
- 65 miles
California College San Diego
- San Diego, CA
- 4 miles
- Other Locations:
- San Marcos, CA
- National City, CA
Heald College
- Fresno, CA
- 3 miles
- Other Locations:
- Hayward, CA
- Concord, CA
- San Francisco, CA
- More...
- Programs:
- Software Technologies
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ABCO Technology
- Los Angeles, CA
- 16 miles
- Programs:
- Programming
- Computer Science
- JSP
- More...
DeVry University
- Online
- Other Locations:
- Pomona, CA
- Palmdale, CA
- Fremont, CA
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The Art Institutes
- San Diego, CA
- 99 miles
- Other Locations:
- San Francisco, CA
- Santa Ana, CA
- Santa Monica, CA
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Ashworth College
- Online
- Other Locations:
- Norcross, GA
Additional Software Engineering Degrees Training Schools & Courses
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, SCwww.sc.edu/
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TXwww.ttu.edu
University of Denver
Denver, COwww.du.edu
Iowa State University
Ames, IAwww.iastate.edu
Andrews University
Berrien Springs, MIwww.andrews.edu
Oakland University
Rochester Hills, MIwww.oakland.edu
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Omaha, NEwww.unomaha.edu
East Carolina University
Greenville, NCwww.ecu.edu
West Virginia University
Morgantown, WVwww.wvu.edu/
Pace University-New York
New York, NYwww.pace.edu
