Are you interested in a job that will immerse you in modern technology? Software engineering graduates are currently in demand in nearly every area of the industry today. Almost all employers need workers with information technology (IT) skills. Specifically, companies are looking for the special skills that software engineers offer.
While working in IT doesn’t always require a degree, bachelor’s graduates enjoy more career opportunities and higher pay than their counterparts without degrees. Earning a top online software engineering degree can put you ahead of your competition. Consider the colleges and universities listed below if you’re interested in software engineering.
What is an Online Bachelor’s in Software Engineering?
Earning an affordable bachelor’s degree in software engineering opens a variety of career opportunities. You can choose general studies or decide to specialize. The best software engineering courses will help you create and develop software designs on time and on budget. Coursework will include a focus on math and technology. Specific work in reverse engineering strategies, coding techniques, user interface (UI) concepts, and user experience (UX) practices is required. Team assignments and semester projects are common skill-building elements of the software engineering degree.
See Also: How Hard is it to Get a Job in Computer Science?
How Much Can You Earn With an Online Bachelor’s in Software Engineering?
With a bachelor’s degree in software engineering, graduates can explore a career in:
- computer software quality engineering,
- computer programming,
- software engineer,
- software development,
- IT management
- computer science education
Most engineering degrees require a four-year bachelor’s degree. Median salaries typically range from $80,000 to $100,000 annually. According to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, software developers with a bachelor’s degree made a median income of about $107,510 in 2019 while computer and information systems managers earned about $146,360 in 2019. Computer programmers start out lower on the pay scale at about $86,500 annually but have room for advancement. With extended certification or the addition of a master’s degree, software engineers can expect to increase their earning potential significantly.
What Is Required For an Online Bachelor’s in Software Engineering?
Pursuing an online bachelor’s degree in software engineering requires a high school transcript. Typically a GPA of 3.0 or above and appropriate SAT and/or ACT submissions are also needed. Since the field of software engineering is a highly specialized, technical, science-based degree, most universities want a transcript that includes four years of rigorous mathematics and science. They’ll also expect students to finish the core English and history requirements. Taking electives in IT or doing an internship in a computer-related field will elevate your admissions application. Some software engineering degree programs will also offer specialization opportunities or concentrations in specific technical areas.
What Are the Best Online Bachelor’s in Software Engineering?
OSR uses six data points: three school-wide and three program-specific. For school-wide, OSR uses Student Satisfaction, Admission Rates, and the number of programs the school offers online. For program specific, OSR checks the Median Debt of graduates from that program, how many degrees are offered within that program’s umbrella department, and what percentage of students at that school graduated from that department.
The six statistics are displayed by each school. The sliding bar under each statistic represents how that school compares to other US institutions. “Not reported” means a school did not release that information to the US Department of Education. A more detailed description of the OSR process can be found on the methodology page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I choose a concentration in cybersecurity?
According to SecurityBoulevard.com, cybersecurity is defined as “the body of technology, process, and practice, designed to protect systems, networks, programs, and data from cyber risks like cyber-attacks, damage, or unauthorized access.” Keeping your company’s IT data secure is an obvious must. But how important is it for software engineering majors to focus on cybersecurity as part of their degree program?
Simply put, companies are reliant on technology for nearly all aspects of their business. Since that dependence is only projected to increase in the future, IT professionals need to be experts at it. Educating all employees on best practices for data security is just the first line of defense. But as a software engineer, you bring key value to any employer by being proficient and current on the latest tools and best practices of cybersecurity.
Why earn a bachelor’s degree instead of immediately looking for an IT job?
A job in tech or with computers is at the top of many job-seekers’ lists right now. And many people who love being on their computer for hours are sure it’s a job anyone can do. Potential employees envision working from home, making their own hours, and never having to do the “heavy lifting” for a paycheck. So, is a degree even necessary for an IT job?
There are jobs like database engineers, web developers, systems managers, and web page designers that don’t require a bachelor’s degree, according to Richard Wang, cofounder and CEO of “Coding Dojo. However, most tech jobs will list a bachelor’s degree as “preferred,” if not required. The key reason for earning a four-year degree is competition. Computer technology is a highly competitive field. The best paying and most sought-after roles will go to the candidate with the best skills and education. In addition, advancement in a company is frequently decided by education as well as experience. So, pursuing a top online bachelor’s degree in software engineering while you gain experience working in the field is ideal.
A bachelor’s degree in software engineering provides the foundational skills you need to have a competitive edge in the tech workforce. Use the concentration option to choose an area of specialization in one of the following fields:
- cybersecurity
- network architecture
- computer and information research
- systems analysis
- systems administration
Review the universities detailed below to find the program and specialization that fits your individual interests and aspirations. Even look for an accelerated software engineering degree program.
