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Software Engineering Degrees

Every end-user computer program that exists within a company, on a PC, or in a video gaming system has been written by a software developer. These end products are the result of analysis, specification, design, programming, and maintenance performed by software engineers.

To ready students for this kind of work, Computer Software Engineering studies teach students to apply disciplined, quantifiable, and systematic approaches to the creation of software. Areas of study typically include discrete mathematics, computer science and project management.

Degree Options

Associate's Degree – Those who earn an associate degree in software engineering will be qualified for entry-level positions such as Database Management Support, Computer Support Technician or Assistant Software Engineer. This degree also provides a head-start for those interested in continuing on with a Bachelor’s degree.
Bachelor's Degree – This is the most common level of degree earned in software engineering as it provides all the coursework necessary to begin a technology career. This degree also provides a solid foundation for those who want to continue on to earn a Masters degree in Computer Science or other related degree. A Masters in Business Administration is also an option for those who are interested in a management career path.
Master's Degree – This level of degree is appropriate for those who either want to become an expert in one area and for those who want to move into a management position. It’s also a good choice for those who want to move into the software engineering field but have a Bachelors degree in another field.
Doctoral Degree – Although these degrees are rare, they provide an opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research into fields such as artificial intelligence, database optimization and software languages and can lead to careers in education and research.

Schools

Degrees in software engineering can be earned at almost any type of school including universities, technology-focused career schools as well as online schools. Because of the nature of the course work, this degree is well-suited to distance learning via online schools. Depending on the school, students may earn their degrees from a department of Computer Information Systems, Computer Science and Engineering or Computer Science department.

Coursework

Examples of the types of courses software engineering students take include:

Object Oriented Programming - This course teaches students the concepts of object oriented programming, using JAVA or C++ languages. It covers various algorithms and data structures used in object oriented programming. May also introduce object oriented design using Unified Modeling Language (UML).
Systems Analysis and Modeling - Students learn techniques for requirements gathering, solution definition and modeling, and systems specifications, including object-oriented methodologies.
Software Quality Assurance – Course includes instruction in the creation of test plans, test strategies and test cases including regression testing, usability and the use of automated testing tools.
Human-Computer Interactions -This course focuses on understanding how humans interact with software applications and how to best design interactive software applications to maximize efficiency, accuracy and overall usability.
Computer Graphics - Explores the concepts and technology behind interactive computer graphics including terminology, modeling, graphics input devices, graphics algorithms, projections and lighting.
Software Process and Project Management - Students learn software process skills used throughout the software development life cycle including estimating, project planning, use of standards, software maintenance and configuration management.

Aptitudes and Interests

This type of degree is suited to those who like to solve problems and design solutions to meet end-user needs. Logical thinkers with creative problem solving skills who can work within a disciplined framework will enjoy success in this type of work.

Career Options

Those with a degree in Software Engineering can go in many different directions as this degree provides a solid foundation for careers in various fields. Career options include:

After gaining experience, a software engineer has additional career options:

Software Architect
Project Manager
Engineering Manager

Related Majors

Computer Programming – These programs are typically associate degree programs with a focus on the programming aspect of software development.
Information Technology – Students take both business and technology courses including topics such as business analysis, systems design, quality assurance and introductory technology courses.
Computer Science – Curriculum includes courses in software development as well as lower level infrastructure including compilers and operating systems.
Computer Engineering - These programs combine both computer hardware and electrical engineering courses that focus on hardware design and may include courses in artificial intelligence, networking and robotics.
Computer Graphics – Programs integrate creative design and technology topics into courses that teach animation, game design, website design and other commercial applications.
Computer Forensics - Students learn technical skills and gain knowledge of criminal law in coursework that teaches students to uncover criminal evidence in computers and data storage devices.

How To Evaluate Software Engineering Programs

Careful evaluation of Software Engineering program options will ensure that the program chosen matches the student’s short-term needs and long-term career goals. The following questions should be considered:

Are the curriculum and labs kept up-to-date? – Technology changes frequently so it is important to receive an education that is as relevant to the real world as possible.
How helpful is the program in finding internships? - Practical experience in this field can make a huge difference when interviewing for a full-time job.
Can courses be taken online? - For anyone going to school while working, online course availability should be a key consideration.
Do the electives offered match the student’s interests? - For those who know what type of work they want to do, the availability of electives such as graphic design, databases and business courses should be a key consideration.

Free Online Coursework

MIT has course material available online which can help students gain real insight into what courses for a Software Engineer degree would be like.
Hear and watch computer science lectures from top universities in the country.
Download software engineering books at FreeTechBooks.com.

Resources

Association for Computing Machinery: Advancing Computing as a Science and Profession

IEEE Computer Society: The World’s Leading Membership Organization For Computing Professionals

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