Software Engineering Insider
home button

 

Software Engineering Undergraduate Programs

Software engineering is an increasingly popular choice for students who want to work on large-scale software development projects. Software engineering students learn to work at all stages of the software life cycle, from analyzing requirements to deploying and maintaining software applications. As an SE major, you’ll get a broad introduction to the field while concentrating on a particular sector.

Southern New Hampshire University offers a top tier Online BS in Computer Science. Additional Online BS programs include Software Engineering, IS, Data Analysis, Information Security, Data Analytics, Cybersecurity, Game Programming and more. An Associate's in Computer Science as well as Master's programs are also offered. Click here to learn about the SNHU programs.

Find Software Engineering Programs in Your State
usa map Washington Oregon California Nevada Alaska Idaho Utah Arizona Montana Wyoming Colorado New Mexico Texas North Dakota South Dakota Nebraska Kansas Oklahoma Minnesota Iowa Missouri Arkansas Louisiana Wisconsin Illinois Hawaii Mississippi Tennessee Kentucky Indiana Michigan Ohio Alabama Florida Georgia South Carolina North Carolina Virginia Pennsylvania New York West Virginia Maryland Vermont New Hampshire Maine Massachusetts Connecticut New Jersey District of Columbia Delaware New Hampshire Vermont Massachusetts Rhode Island Delaware Maryland Connecticut New Jersey District of Columbia
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
District of Columbia
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

What to Expect from an Undergraduate Software Engineering Program

Software engineering programs overlap somewhat with computer science and baccalaureate-level software development programs. An ABET-accredited software engineering program, though, is unique in scope. It will include the following: a year of coursework in math and basic sciences, a year and a half of engineering and computer science coursework, several courses in a domain application sequence, and an applied senior design project. The senior design project may give you a chance to work with industry leaders; this in turn can lead to job offers down the road.

If you opt for software engineering, there may be less room in your schedule for classes in programming. There may also be fewer free electives. However, just because your schedule looks a lot like others’ in the department, it doesn't mean you're getting a cookie cutter education. Your experience will be shaped by the domain sequence you choose and the organization you partner with to do your senior design project. Since software is used in everything from medical technology to business, the possibilities are nearly unlimited.

Prospective Software Engineering Students

You may have somewhat more flexibility if you have some advanced placement credit when you begin college. You may be expected to have a programming foundation when you enter. Some schools will allow you to select a software engineering major, though, even if you don’t have this background. The Milwaukee School of Engineering, a top school, notes that students can bring many different skills to the table.

As a prospective software engineering student, you should have a solid GPA and test scores. You should also be ready for advanced mathematics courses like calculus and linear algebra. According to the University of Texas-Dallas, advanced placement computer science and technology classes can be an advantage.

Software Engineering Program Accreditation

You may want to give serious consideration to software engineering programs that are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.

A software engineering licensing exam is currently under development. Traditionally, licensure has only been required of engineers whose work impacts public safety and welfare. Those who are considering such careers, though, should realize that there is a strong relationship between program accreditation and eligibility for licensing exams. ABET accreditation can also be a signal of rigor and quality.

It's getting easier to find an ABET accredited software engineering program. Today's Engineer reports that the number of accredited programs hit 21 in 2010 -- quite a step up from the four that existed back in 2003.

Software Engineering Program Considerations

When requesting information, you may want to ask what industry leaders the school partners with. (Where might you have the opportunity to intern? What organizations frequently request senior teams to design projects?)

Another thing you'll want to consider, when selecting a program, is the domain elective sequence. Some schools focus on a particular application while others offer a wide range of choices. You may want to consider not only the strength of the software engineering program, but the strength of other departments.

You can expect to take about three to five courses in your application. Your options may include software gaming, embedded systems, artificial intelligence and cognitive modeling, as well as biomedical and business applications. Some schools will allow you to select a domain that is not on a pre-determined list. You may select an application in consultation with your advisor or write a proposal.

The first step now is to contact and learn about the schools offering undergraduate software engineering programs.

 

Home  |   About Us   |  Contact  |   Privacy Policy  |   Terms of Use
© 2011-2024 SoftwareEngineerInsider.com. All Rights Reserved.