Software engineering students collaborating on code development in modern university computer lab
Updated December 2025

Best Software Engineering Degree Programs

Compare the best software engineering degree programs in the U.S. Rankings of 425+ accredited programs across bachelor's, master's, and online options. $130,000+ median salary with +25% projected job growth.

Accredited Programs425+
Median Salary$130,000+
Job Growth+25%
Annual Openings370,000+
Key Takeaways
  • 1.Hakia ranks the best software engineering degree programs in 2026 — software engineering professionals earn a median salary of $136,620/year, with 25% job growth projected through 2032—much faster than average.
  • 2.Our top-ranked software engineering programs are Carnegie Mellon University, Northeastern University, and San Jose State University—selected based on graduation rates, program size, and career outcomes.
  • 3.Best value: San Jose State University offers software engineering degrees at just $5,742/year with a 100% graduation rate.
  • 4.172 accredited software engineering programs available nationwide, with options at every degree level from associate's to doctoral.
  • 5.Entry-level positions typically require a bachelor's degree; master's degrees unlock senior roles with 20-40% higher salaries and leadership opportunities.
Yes, for most students
Quick Answer: Is a Software Engineering Degree Worth It?

Source: BLS OEWS 2024, IPEDS 2023

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Best Software Engineering Programs - Top 10

These are the best software engineering programs in the United States based on our comprehensive methodology that considers graduation rates, program size, institutional reputation, and career outcomes. Rankings are updated annually using data from IPEDS and BLS.

Best Software Engineering Programs - Top 10

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Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PAPrivateCAE-CD

Doctoral: Very High Research (R1)

CMU's MS in Software Engineering is the only program of its kind offered exclusively in Silicon Valley, placing students directly within the world's highest concentration of technology organizations with immediate access to internships and career opportunities at industry leaders.

Programs:MS in Software EngineeringIntegrated MS/BS in Software E...
92.7
Score
$62K
Tuition/yr
98%
Grad Rate
92.7
Score
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Program

Carnegie Mellon University Software Engineering Program Overview

Hakia ranks Carnegie Mellon University as the #1 in software engineering degree program.

Carnegie Mellon University's Software Engineering program graduates 205 students annually with a 98% graduation rate. Students benefit from cutting-edge research at the Software Engineering Institute (SEI). Silicon Valley's highest concentration of technology organizations Graduates find positions at Google, Facebook, Microsoft.

Hakia Insight: Carnegie Mellon University leverages partnerships with Google and Facebook to offer students real-world project experience valued by employers.

Degree Programs

MS in Software Engineering
1.5-2 yearson-campus
Part-time: Not specified
Integrated MS/BS in Software Engineering
5 years totalon-campus
Part-time: Not available

Research Labs & Institutes

Software Engineering Institute (SEI)(est. 1984)

Federally funded R&D center for software engineering, cybersecurity, and AI engineering

Location Advantages

  • Silicon Valley's highest concentration of technology organizations
  • Direct access to startup ecosystem and entrepreneurial culture
  • Proximity to Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Amazon, Tesla headquarters
  • Rich networking opportunities through meetups and hackathons

Industry Partners

GoogleFacebookMicrosoftVMWareAmazonIBMSalesforceYahooSAPPayPalLinkedInCourseraCiscoNVidiaTeslaDocker

Career Outcomes

Competitive recruitment by major tech companies placement rate
Top Employers:

Google, Facebook, Microsoft, VMWare, Amazon

Common Roles:
Software EngineerSoftware ArchitectSoftware Engineering ManagerTechnical Lead

Certifications & Designations

ABET accredited through Electrical and Computer Engineering

Admissions

GPA: 3.0 minimum for IMB pathway
Acceptance: Not specified
Cohort Size: Not specified
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Northeastern University

Boston, MAPrivateCAE-CD

Doctoral: Very High Research (R1)

Unlike traditional computer science programs, Northeastern's Software Engineering Systems program takes an explicitly engineering approach to software development, focusing on the three-way intersection of computer science, engineering, and ethics to create systems for societal impact.

Programs:BS in Computer Science (Softwa...MS in Computer Science
80.6
Score
$62K
Tuition/yr
80.6
Score
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Program

Northeastern University Software Engineering Program Overview

Hakia ranks Northeastern University as the #2 in software engineering degree program.

Northeastern University offers comprehensive Software Engineering programs at multiple degree levels, combining rigorous academics with practical experience. Research opportunities include the Network Science Institute and Cybersecurity and Privacy Institute. Boston innovation hub with 110K+ Northeastern alumni in Greater Boston

Hakia Insight: Northeastern University graduates earn $1,301,602,023, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on software engineering curriculum.

Degree Programs

BS in Computer Science (Software Engineering focus)
4 yearson-campus with required co-op
MS in Computer Science
1.5-2 yearson-campus|hybrid

Research Labs & Institutes

Network Science Institute

Discover fundamentally new ways to measure, model, predict, and visualize meaningful interactions and interconnectivity of social, physical, and technological systems

Cybersecurity and Privacy Institute

Security and privacy implications of online services, algorithmic fairness, bias, and data privacy

Location Advantages

  • Boston innovation hub with 110K+ Northeastern alumni in Greater Boston
  • Arlington VA proximity to federal contractors and tech companies
  • Toronto access to Canadian tech market

Industry Partners

GoogleMicrosoftAmazonMetaAppleUberAirbnb

Career Outcomes

Graduates have been very successful in obtaining employment during the last 10 years placement rate
Common Roles:
Software DeveloperSoftware EngineerBig Data EngineerMachine Learning Engineer

Certifications & Designations

ABET accredited

Admissions

GPA: 3.0 minimum required
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San Jose State University

San Jose, CAPublic

Masters: Larger Programs

Located in the epicenter of Silicon Valley, SJSU's Software Engineering program provides direct access to the world's largest concentration of tech companies, with class schedules designed specifically for working engineers at major technology firms.

Programs:BS in Software EngineeringMS in Software Engineering
73.4
Score
$6K
Tuition/yr
100%
Grad Rate
73.4
Score
Visit
Program

San Jose State University Software Engineering Program Overview

Hakia ranks San Jose State University as the #3 in software engineering degree program.

San Jose State University's Software Engineering program graduates 392 students annually with a 100% graduation rate. Research opportunities include the Collaborative Research Laboratory and Human-Computer Interaction Lab. Heart of Silicon Valley with direct access to major tech companies

Hakia Insight: San Jose State University graduates earn $8,500,095,000, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on software engineering curriculum.

Degree Programs

BS in Software Engineering
4 yearson-campus
MS in Software Engineering
1.5–2 yearson-campus

Research Labs & Institutes

Collaborative Research Laboratory

Software systems and distributed computing

Human-Computer Interaction Lab

User-centered software design

Location Advantages

  • Heart of Silicon Valley with direct access to major tech companies
  • Close proximity to Google, Apple, Meta, and other industry leaders
  • Designed for working professionals in the tech industry

Industry Partners

GoogleAppleCisco SystemsAdobeInteleBayPayPal

Career Outcomes

92%+ placement rate

Certifications & Designations

ABET accredited

Admissions

GPA: 3.0 minimum for classified standing, will consider as low as 2.75
#4

University of California-Irvine

Irvine, CAPublic

Doctoral: Very High Research (R1)

UC Irvine is the only independent computing school in the University of California system, enabling a uniquely broad, multidisciplinary approach to software engineering that bridges computer science, engineering, mathematics, and behavioral sciences.

Programs:Master of Software Engineering...M.S. Software Engineering (MSS...
69.8
Score
$12K
Tuition/yr
96%
Grad Rate
69.8
Score
Visit
Program
#5

Iowa State University

Ames, IAPublicCAE-CD

Doctoral: Very High Research (R1)

Iowa State is among the few universities nationwide to offer a standalone, ABET-accredited Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering degree, treating software engineering as a full engineering discipline rather than a subset of computer science.

Programs:BS in Computer Science with So...MS in Computer Science with So...+1 more
69.4
Score
$9K
Tuition/yr
99%
Grad Rate
69.4
Score
Visit
Program
#6

Rochester Institute of Technology

Rochester, NYPrivateCAE-CD

Doctoral: High Research (R2)

RIT created the first undergraduate software engineering program in the United States and operates one of the world's oldest and largest cooperative education programs, providing students with nearly a year of full-time paid industry experience.

Programs:Software Engineering BSSoftware Engineering MS+1 more
68.9
Score
$56K
Tuition/yr
90%
Grad Rate
68.9
Score
Visit
Program
#7

Auburn University

Auburn, ALPublicCAE-CD

Doctoral: Very High Research (R1)

Auburn is one of only 11 institutions nationally to hold three National Center of Academic Excellence designations and houses the McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security, which recently received a $10 million Department of Energy grant to create the first regional cybersecurity center protecting the nation's electricity grid.

Programs:Bachelor of Science in Compute...Bachelor of Software Engineeri...+3 more
65.1
Score
$11K
Tuition/yr
81%
Grad Rate
65.1
Score
Visit
Program
#8

Rowan University

Glassboro, NJPublic

Doctoral: High Research (R2)

Rowan's software engineering education uniquely integrates with advanced visualization technologies including a 10-sided CAVE system and Dreamscape Learn VR environments, while maintaining active research partnerships with organizations like the FAA, Department of Defense, and NIH for real-world project experience.

Programs:BS Computer Science with Softw...MS Computer Science+1 more
63.9
Score
$11K
Tuition/yr
97%
Grad Rate
63.9
Score
Visit
Program
#9

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, CAPublic

Masters: Larger Programs

Cal Poly's Software Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET and uniquely combines computer science fundamentals with formal engineering methodologies, while graduates are recruited by major tech companies including Google, Microsoft, Apple, Disney, DreamWorks, and Electronic Arts.

Programs:BS in Software EngineeringBS Software Engineering + MS C...
63.9
Score
$6K
Tuition/yr
100%
Grad Rate
63.9
Score
Visit
Program
#10

The University of Texas at Dallas

Richardson, TXPublic

Doctoral: Very High Research (R1)

UT Dallas offers one of the few Executive Master's in Software Engineering programs in the nation, allowing working professionals to earn their degree in just 20 months through weekend-only classes, while maintaining access to the same world-class faculty and research opportunities as traditional students.

Programs:MS in Software EngineeringExecutive MS in Software Engin...+1 more
62.9
Score
$15K
Tuition/yr
77%
Grad Rate
62.9
Score
Visit
Program

Best Software Engineering Programs - Top 10 — Complete Program Data

  1. #1. Carnegie Mellon University Software Engineering Program

    Hakia ranks Carnegie Mellon University as the #1 in software engineering degree program. Location: Pittsburgh, PA | Type: Private | Tuition: $62,260/year | Graduation Rate: 98% | Score: 92.7

    What makes Carnegie Mellon University stand out: CMU's MS in Software Engineering is the only program of its kind offered exclusively in Silicon Valley, placing students directly within the world's highest concentration of technology organizations with immediate access to internships and career opportunities at industry leaders.

    Hakia Insight: Carnegie Mellon University leverages partnerships with Google and Facebook to offer students real-world project experience valued by employers.

    Program Overview: Carnegie Mellon's Master of Science in Software Engineering represents a unique blend of rigorous academic foundation and practical industry application. Offered exclusively at CMU's Silicon Valley campus, this program sits at the heart of the world's most concentrated technology ecosystem, providing unparalleled access to industry giants and innovative startups alike. Students enter with strong computer science backgrounds and emerge with deep software engineering expertise, having engaged with real-world projects and cutting-edge practices. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical foundations and hands-on experience, covering everything from software architecture and verification to emerging AI tools integration across the development lifecycle. What sets this program apart is its location advantage - students regularly interact with companies like Google, Facebook, Microsoft, and Tesla through internships, tech talks, and direct recruiting pipelines.

    Degree Programs: MS in Software Engineering (1.5-2 years); Integrated MS/BS in Software Engineering (5 years total)

    Research Labs: Software Engineering Institute (SEI) - Federally funded R&D center for software engineering, cybersecurity, and AI engineering

    Industry Partners: Google, Facebook, Microsoft, VMWare, Amazon, IBM, Salesforce, Yahoo, SAP, PayPal, LinkedIn, Coursera, Cisco, NVidia, Tesla, Docker

    Career Outcomes: Placement Rate: Competitive recruitment by major tech companies | Top Employers: Google, Facebook, Microsoft, VMWare, Amazon, IBM, Salesforce, Yahoo, SAP, PayPal, LinkedIn, Coursera, Cisco, NVidia, Tesla, Docker | Common Roles: Software Engineer, Software Architect, Software Engineering Manager, Technical Lead

    Notable Faculty: Professor Hakan Erdogmus (Software Engineering Program Lead)

    Admissions: GPA: 3.0 minimum for IMB pathway | Acceptance Rate: Not specified

    Accreditations: ABET accredited through Electrical and Computer Engineering

  2. #2. Northeastern University Software Engineering Program

    Hakia ranks Northeastern University as the #2 in software engineering degree program. Location: Boston, MA | Type: Private | Tuition: $62,000/year | Score: 80.6

    What makes Northeastern University stand out: Unlike traditional computer science programs, Northeastern's Software Engineering Systems program takes an explicitly engineering approach to software development, focusing on the three-way intersection of computer science, engineering, and ethics to create systems for societal impact.

    Hakia Insight: Northeastern University graduates earn $1,301,602,023, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on software engineering curriculum.

    Program Overview: Northeastern University's Master of Science in Software Engineering Systems is a distinctive program that approaches software development from the analytical and methodological perspective of an engineer, rather than traditional computer science. The 32-credit hour program uniquely positions itself at the intersection of computer science, engineering, and ethics, preparing students to engineer complex software systems for societal impact. Students can choose from coursework-only, project-based, or thesis options, with flexibility for full-time (2 years) or part-time study. The program is available on three campuses: Boston, Arlington VA, and Toronto Canada. The curriculum heavily emphasizes Big Data engineering and analytics, covering advanced topics like multi-threaded concurrent computing, Scala programming, Spark programming, and map-reduce techniques for large-scale analytics. Students learn to configure Hadoop environments, integrate data from diverse sources, and manage data through big-data platforms both in-house and in the cloud. The program's engineering foundation enables students to work with high-level mathematical operations that make algorithms execute efficiently enough to get optimal results - a capacity the program argues only software engineers possess.

    Degree Programs: BS in Computer Science (Software Engineering focus) (4 years); MS in Computer Science (1.5-2 years)

    Research Labs: Network Science Institute - Discover fundamentally new ways to measure, model, predict, and visualize meaningful interactions and interconnectivity of social, physical, and technological systems; Cybersecurity and Privacy Institute - Security and privacy implications of online services, algorithmic fairness, bias, and data privacy

    Industry Partners: Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, Apple, Uber, Airbnb

    Career Outcomes: Placement Rate: Graduates have been very successful in obtaining employment during the last 10 years | Common Roles: Software Developer, Software Engineer, Big Data Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer

    Notable Faculty: David Kauchak (Machine learning and software systems); Christo Wilson (Software security and privacy)

    Admissions: GPA: 3.0 minimum required

    Accreditations: ABET accredited

  3. #3. San Jose State University Software Engineering Program

    Hakia ranks San Jose State University as the #3 in software engineering degree program. Location: San Jose, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,742/year | Graduation Rate: 100% | Score: 73.4

    What makes San Jose State University stand out: Located in the epicenter of Silicon Valley, SJSU's Software Engineering program provides direct access to the world's largest concentration of tech companies, with class schedules designed specifically for working engineers at major technology firms.

    Hakia Insight: San Jose State University graduates earn $8,500,095,000, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on software engineering curriculum.

    Program Overview: San José State University's Master of Science in Software Engineering program offers a distinctive 33-unit graduate degree that bridges traditional computer science with practical software engineering in the heart of Silicon Valley. Housed within the Computer Engineering Department at the College of Engineering, the program serves over 1,600 undergraduate and graduate students with direct connections to tech giants like Google, Apple, and Meta. The curriculum features six specialized tracks: Enterprise Software Technologies, Data Science, Cloud Computing and Virtualization, Software Systems Engineering, Networking Software, and Cybersecurity. Classes are strategically scheduled for working professionals, utilizing state-of-the-art software engineering tools and sophisticated workstations. Students can pursue either a thesis track (Plan A) or project track (Plan B) as their culminating experience, with the program explicitly designed for the globalized software development landscape where large-scale design and component integration dominate.

    Degree Programs: BS in Software Engineering (4 years); MS in Software Engineering (1.5–2 years)

    Research Labs: Collaborative Research Laboratory - Software systems and distributed computing; Human-Computer Interaction Lab - User-centered software design

    Industry Partners: Google, Apple, Cisco Systems, Adobe, Intel, eBay, PayPal

    Career Outcomes: Placement Rate: 92%+

    Notable Faculty: null (Software engineering practices and education)

    Admissions: GPA: 3.0 minimum for classified standing, will consider as low as 2.75

    Accreditations: ABET accredited

  4. #4. University of California-Irvine Software Engineering Program

    Hakia ranks University of California-Irvine as the #4 in software engineering degree program. Location: Irvine, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 96% | Score: 69.8

    What makes University of California-Irvine stand out: UC Irvine is the only independent computing school in the University of California system, enabling a uniquely broad, multidisciplinary approach to software engineering that bridges computer science, engineering, mathematics, and behavioral sciences.

    Hakia Insight: University of California-Irvine's industry network — including Amazon and Google — provides students with internship and hiring pathways.

    Program Overview: UC Irvine's Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences offers two distinct Master of Software Engineering pathways designed for different career goals. The Master of Software Engineering (MSWE) is a professionally-oriented program offering both 15-month full-time and 24-month part-time tracks, specifically tailored for working professionals and career changers. This program emphasizes practical skills through internships and industry capstone projects, with comprehensive coverage of AI for Software Engineering (AI4SE) tools and Software Engineering for AI (SE4AI) systems. For those seeking research-focused training, the M.S. Software Engineering (MSSE) program provides a heavily research-oriented experience requiring thesis completion and designed as preparation for doctoral studies or research careers in corporate and government laboratories. The school's faculty lead cutting-edge research through specialized labs including the Software Engineering and Analysis Lab (SEAL), the Software Engineering & Testing Using Artificial Intelligence for Reliable Software (STAIRS) lab, and collaborations with the California Institute for Telecommunications and Information Technology (Calit2).

    Degree Programs: Master of Software Engineering (MSWE) (15 months full-time, 24 months part-time); M.S. Software Engineering (MSSE) (2 years)

    Research Labs: Software Engineering and Analysis Lab (SEAL) - Software engineering research and analysis; Software Engineering & Testing Using Artificial Intelligence for Reliable Software (STAIRS) - AI-enhanced software testing and reliability; California Institute for Telecommunications and Information Technology (Calit2) - Telecommunications and information technology research

    Industry Partners: Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Meta

    Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Amazon, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Capital One, Google, Microsoft, Meta, Costar Group, Veeva Systems, Northrop Grumman

    Notable Faculty: Marios C. Papaefthymiou (Dean of Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences)

    Admissions:

  5. #5. Iowa State University Software Engineering Program

    Hakia ranks Iowa State University as the #5 in software engineering degree program. Location: Ames, IA | Type: Public | Tuition: $8,982/year | Graduation Rate: 99% | Score: 69.4

    What makes Iowa State University stand out: Iowa State is among the few universities nationwide to offer a standalone, ABET-accredited Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering degree, treating software engineering as a full engineering discipline rather than a subset of computer science.

    Hakia Insight: Iowa State University leverages partnerships with Microsoft and Google to offer students real-world project experience valued by employers.

    Program Overview: Iowa State University's Software Engineering program stands uniquely as a dedicated undergraduate major that bridges the College of Engineering and College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering requires 125 credits and follows a rigorous four-year curriculum that combines engineering fundamentals with advanced software development practices. Unlike many universities that only offer software engineering as a concentration within computer science, Iowa State treats it as a full engineering discipline with ABET accreditation under the Engineering Accreditation Commission's criteria for Software and Similarly Named Engineering Programs. Students progress through a comprehensive curriculum covering everything from digital logic and computer architecture to software testing, user interface construction, and software architecture design, culminating in a two-semester senior design capstone project.

    Degree Programs: BS in Computer Science with Software Engineering specialization (4 years); MS in Computer Science with Software Engineering focus (2 years); PhD in Computer Science with Software Engineering focus (5–6 years)

    Research Labs: Laboratory for Software Analytics and Pervasive Parallelism - Software engineering research and analytics; Laboratory for Software Safety - Software verification and safety-critical systems; Software Engineering Research Laboratory - Advanced software engineering methodologies; Scalable Software Engineering Research Laboratory - Large-scale software systems and scalability

    Industry Partners: Microsoft, Google, Rockwell Automation, John Deere

    Career Outcomes: | Common Roles: Software Engineer, Software Developer, Software Architect, Systems Engineer

    Notable Faculty: Robyn Lutz (Software safety, requirements engineering, and high-assurance systems)

    Admissions: GPA: 2.00 minimum for Engineering Basic Program and Software Engineering Core

    Accreditations: ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission

  6. #6. Rochester Institute of Technology Software Engineering Program

    Hakia ranks Rochester Institute of Technology as the #6 in software engineering degree program. Location: Rochester, NY | Type: Private | Tuition: $55,784/year | Graduation Rate: 90% | Score: 68.9

    What makes Rochester Institute of Technology stand out: RIT created the first undergraduate software engineering program in the United States and operates one of the world's oldest and largest cooperative education programs, providing students with nearly a year of full-time paid industry experience.

    Hakia Insight: Through ties with Microsoft and Tesla, Rochester Institute of Technology bridges the gap between academic training and industry practice.

    Program Overview: Rochester Institute of Technology's Software Engineering program stands as a comprehensive educational powerhouse, offering both Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees that emphasize hands-on, team-based learning in real-world environments. The MS program accepts students from diverse educational backgrounds and provides flexible learning paths with specializations in data science, full-stack development, AI/machine learning, and DevOps. What sets RIT apart is its integration of cooperative education—one of the oldest and largest co-op programs in the world—requiring 40 weeks of full-time, paid industry experience for undergraduates. The program operates out of state-of-the-art facilities including studio labs, project labs, team rooms, a collaboration lab, and a specialized real-time and embedded systems lab, all designed to simulate industry environments where students work in teams of 20-25 different configurations throughout their studies.

    Degree Programs: Software Engineering BS (4 years); Software Engineering MS (2 years); Software Engineering BS/MS Accelerated (5 years)

    Research Labs: Artificial Intelligence Research Lab - Computer vision, robotics, virtual theatre, sensor networks, data mining; Computer Graphics and Visualization Lab - Advanced graphics programming, image synthesis, computer animation, virtual reality; Security Research Lab - Networking security, cryptography, secure databases

    Industry Partners: Microsoft, Tesla, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, IBM, JPMorgan Chase & Co., U.S. Department of Defense, Alion Science and Technology, Bose, Collins Aerospace

    Career Outcomes: Placement Rate: 85% for BS, 82% for MS within 6 months | Top Employers: Microsoft, Intuit, Amazon, Google, Tesla, L3Harris Technologies, Epic Systems, IBM, Lockheed Martin | Common Roles: Software Engineer, Full Stack Developer, DevOps Engineer, Software Architect, Machine Learning Engineer, Cloud Solutions Architect

    Notable Faculty: undefined (Software architecture and security research)

    Admissions: GPA: 3.0 minimum recommended for MS program | Acceptance Rate: Not specified

    Accreditations: STEM-OPT eligible for international students, ABET accreditation likely but not explicitly stated

  7. #7. Auburn University Software Engineering Program

    Hakia ranks Auburn University as the #7 in software engineering degree program. Location: Auburn, AL | Type: Public | Tuition: $10,704/year | Graduation Rate: 81% | Score: 65.1

    What makes Auburn University stand out: Auburn is one of only 11 institutions nationally to hold three National Center of Academic Excellence designations and houses the McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security, which recently received a $10 million Department of Energy grant to create the first regional cybersecurity center protecting the nation's electricity grid.

    Hakia Insight: Through ties with Los Alamos National Laboratory and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Auburn University bridges the gap between academic training and industry practice.

    Program Overview: Auburn University's Computer Science and Software Engineering Department operates within the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, offering both Bachelor of Science degrees in Computer Science and Software Engineering, plus a fully online Bachelor of Computer Science completion program. The department has positioned itself as a leader in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity education, with specialized Master's degrees in Artificial Intelligence Engineering, Cybersecurity Engineering, and Data Science & Engineering available in hybrid format. Faculty emphasize that graduates are 'not programmers, but designers and architects with the skills to apply advanced technology and tools of AI and Cybersecurity to design and build smart and secure software.' The program features strong industry connections through the Auburn Cyber Research Center and Auburn University Transportation Research Institute (AUTRI), where students work on real-world projects like transportation safety dashboards combining traffic and crash data across Alabama.

    Degree Programs: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (4 years); Bachelor of Software Engineering (4 years); Bachelor of Computer Science (Online Completion) (2 years); MS in Artificial Intelligence Engineering (2 years); MS in Cybersecurity Engineering (2 years)

    Research Labs: Auburn Cyber Research Center - Cybersecurity research and education with national lab partnerships; Gavin Engineering Research Lab - Transportation safety research through Auburn University Transportation Research Institute; Auburn University Center for Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity Engineering - AI-driven cybersecurity solutions and digital age challenges

    Industry Partners: Los Alamos National Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Microsoft, Lockheed Martin, U.S. Air Force

    Career Outcomes: Placement Rate: High placement in major tech companies and government agencies | Top Employers: Microsoft, Lockheed Martin, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, Amazon, Google, IBM, Raytheon Technologies

    Notable Faculty: Dr. Daniel Tauritz (Strategic computing for national security); Dr. Mark Yampolskiy (3D printing security and intellectual property protection); Dr. Yazhou Tu (AI security vulnerabilities); Dr. Daniela Marghitu (Inclusive computing education)

    Admissions:

    Accreditations: NSA National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Research (through 2030), NSA National Center of Academic Excellence designations (3 total), ABET Accredited Engineering Programs

  8. #8. Rowan University Software Engineering Program

    Hakia ranks Rowan University as the #8 in software engineering degree program. Location: Glassboro, NJ | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,250/year | Graduation Rate: 97% | Score: 63.9

    What makes Rowan University stand out: Rowan's software engineering education uniquely integrates with advanced visualization technologies including a 10-sided CAVE system and Dreamscape Learn VR environments, while maintaining active research partnerships with organizations like the FAA, Department of Defense, and NIH for real-world project experience.

    Hakia Insight: Students at Rowan University benefit from active collaborations with Federal Aviation Administration and Civil Air Patrol, connecting classroom learning to the workforce.

    Program Overview: Rowan University offers software engineering education through multiple pathways within its robust computer science ecosystem. The flagship Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program includes a specialized Software Engineering concentration (C707), allowing students to select from advanced courses like Object Oriented Design, Database Systems, Human-Computer Interaction, and Software Engineering II. For graduate students, Rowan provides a comprehensive Master of Science in Computer Science program with a dedicated Software Design core area, featuring courses in Agile Software Engineering, Advanced Software Engineering, and Parallel Programming. The program operates from the College of Science & Mathematics on Rowan's Glassboro campus and maintains strong connections to the South Jersey Technology Park, providing students access to both academic rigor and industry partnerships. What sets Rowan's approach apart is its integration with cutting-edge research facilities and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Students can engage with the Digital Engineering Hub (DEHub), the Machine & Virtual Reality Center (MAVRC) featuring 10-sided and 4-sided CAVE systems, and the VIVID Lab for interactive media development. The program emphasizes hands-on experience through project-intensive courses and research opportunities, with faculty actively involving students in applied research projects ranging from Federal Aviation Administration applications to pharmaceutical data analysis using machine learning algorithms.

    Degree Programs: BS Computer Science with Software Engineering Concentration (4 years); MS Computer Science (2 years); 4+1 Accelerated Dual Degree Program (5 years total)

    Research Labs: Digital Engineering Hub (DEHub) - Digital engineering methods, AI, and machine learning for cyberphysical systems; Machine & Virtual Reality Center (MAVRC) - Immersive systems including 10-sided and 4-sided CAVE environments for VR experiences and AI model training; VIVID Lab - Visualization, Immersive, Virtual, Interactive Design for interactive media and simulation projects

    Industry Partners: Federal Aviation Administration, Civil Air Patrol, Rowan School of Medicine, South Jersey Technology Park

    Career Outcomes: | Common Roles: Systems Programmer, Application Programmer, Systems Analyst, Programmer Analyst, Network Specialist, Computer System Designer

    Notable Faculty: undefined (Compiler design, algorithms and data structures, software engineering); undefined (Artificial intelligence, pattern recognition, computer graphics); undefined (Database theory, software engineering, computer science education)

    Admissions: GPA: 3.0 minimum for MS program

    Accreditations: ABET Accredited BS Computer Science program, Computing Accreditation Commission certified

  9. #9. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo Software Engineering Program

    Hakia ranks California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo as the #9 in software engineering degree program. Location: San Luis Obispo, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,742/year | Graduation Rate: 100% | Score: 63.9

    What makes California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo stand out: Cal Poly's Software Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET and uniquely combines computer science fundamentals with formal engineering methodologies, while graduates are recruited by major tech companies including Google, Microsoft, Apple, Disney, DreamWorks, and Electronic Arts.

    Hakia Insight: California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates earn $7,500,090,000, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on software engineering curriculum.

    Program Overview: California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's Software Engineering program embodies the institution's century-old "Learn by Doing" philosophy through hands-on curriculum that prepares students to design, build, and maintain software for everything from autonomous vehicles to entertainment systems. The Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering provides an in-depth study of computer science fundamentals combined with engineering methods in software design, emphasizing team-based development approaches and real-world problem solving. Students gain experience developing websites and mobile applications, writing operating system code for devices like autonomous vehicles, and working collaboratively across departments on practical projects. The program requires a mandatory internship and includes extensive lab experiences to ensure graduates possess both theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to deliver quality software products on time and within budget.

    Degree Programs: BS in Software Engineering (4 years); BS Software Engineering + MS Computer Science (Blended) (5 years)

    Research Labs: Software Engineering Lab - Software quality, testing, and development practices

    Industry Partners: Google, Microsoft, Apple, Disney, DreamWorks, Electronic Arts, Intel, Adobe, Salesforce, JPL, Lawrence Livermore National Labs

    Career Outcomes: Placement Rate: 93%+ | Top Employers: Google, Microsoft, Apple, Yahoo, IBM, SUN, Intel, Intuit, Amgen, Adobe, Salesforce, DreamWorks, Disney, Electronic Arts, Raytheon, Boeing, Cisco, HP, JPL, Saint Jude Medical, Lawrence Livermore National Labs

    Notable Faculty: null (Software engineering practices, capstone project mentorship, and industry collaboration)

    Admissions: GPA: 3.0 minimum for blended program participation

    Accreditations: ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission accredited

  10. #10. The University of Texas at Dallas Software Engineering Program

    Hakia ranks The University of Texas at Dallas as the #10 in software engineering degree program. Location: Richardson, TX | Type: Public | Tuition: $14,564/year | Graduation Rate: 77% | Score: 62.9

    What makes The University of Texas at Dallas stand out: UT Dallas offers one of the few Executive Master's in Software Engineering programs in the nation, allowing working professionals to earn their degree in just 20 months through weekend-only classes, while maintaining access to the same world-class faculty and research opportunities as traditional students.

    Hakia Insight: The University of Texas at Dallas's direct partnerships with Texas Instruments and State Farm give students a competitive edge through industry-embedded projects and recruiting pipelines.

    Program Overview: The University of Texas at Dallas offers a comprehensive Software Engineering graduate program through its Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, featuring both Master's and Doctoral pathways. The MS in Software Engineering requires 33 semester credit hours and can be completed through traditional full-time study or the innovative Executive Master's in Software Engineering (EMSE) format, designed specifically for working professionals with classes meeting Friday evenings and Saturday mornings for just three weekends per month, enabling degree completion in 20 months. The program emphasizes real-world application with core courses in Object-Oriented Software Engineering, Advanced Requirements Engineering, Software Architecture and Design, and Software Testing and Verification, culminating in an Advanced Software Engineering Project. UT Dallas maintains specialized research laboratories for software engineering, high-performance computing, and distributed systems, with faculty conducting cutting-edge research in areas including AI and machine learning techniques for software engineering, software quality and reliability, and knowledge mining-based approaches. The program benefits from the university's location in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, recently rated by Forbes as the #1 'Best City for Jobs,' providing exceptional access to industry partnerships and internship opportunities with major technology employers.

    Degree Programs: MS in Software Engineering (2 years); Executive MS in Software Engineering (EMSE) (20 months); PhD in Software Engineering (4-6 years)

    Research Labs: Software Engineering Research Lab - Requirements engineering, architecture design, testing and verification, software maintenance; Center for Software Testing - Advanced cutting-edge testing technologies and user-friendly tool support; Applied Logic, Programming-Languages and Systems Lab - Programming language security and software systems research

    Industry Partners: Texas Instruments, State Farm, Lockheed Martin, AT&T, Fujitsu Laboratories of America, Samsung Electronics, Cisco, Intel, Raytheon, IBM

    Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Technology companies, Fortune 500 corporations, Government contractors, Consulting firms | Common Roles: Software Engineer, Software Developer, Cybersecurity Engineer, Data Scientist, Program Analyst, Systems Analyst

    Notable Faculty: Dr. W. Eric Wong (Software testing and verification); Dr. Farokh B. Bastani (Software reliability and fault-tolerant computing); Dr. Andrian Marcus (Software maintenance and evolution); Dr. Shiyi Wei (Software engineering and program analysis)

    Admissions: GPA: 3.0 minimum overall, 3.3 in quantitative courses

    Accreditations: NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education (CAEIAE), NSA/DHS CAE in Research

Our rankings methodology weighs program strength (25%), graduation rate (20%), career outcomes (15%), institutional quality (12%), industry recognition (10%), selectivity (10%), and data transparency (8%). Learn more about our methodology →

Who Should Study Software Engineering?

Software engineering is ideal for students who enjoy building things, working in teams, and solving practical problems. You should be comfortable with logical thinking and willing to learn multiple programming languages, but prior experience isn't required.

  • Problem solvers who enjoy building software products and applications
  • Team-oriented students who want to collaborate on large projects
  • Practically-minded individuals interested in real-world development over theory
  • Career-focused students seeking high-demand, well-paying technology roles
  • Detail-oriented thinkers who care about code quality, testing, and maintainability

Software Engineering Degree Levels Compared

Software engineering degrees are available at multiple levels, each suited to different career goals and experience levels.

Software Engineering Programs by Degree Level

Best Software Engineering Programs - Bachelor's

A bachelor's degree in software engineering is the standard credential for entry-level positions. These 4-year programs provide comprehensive training and hands-on experience.

Best Software Engineering Programs - Top 3 Bachelor's

🥇 #1

University of California-Irvine

Irvine, CAPublic

52 graduates, 96% grad rate, Score: 69.7

$12K
Tuition/yr
96%
Grad Rate
69.7
Score
Visit
Program
🥈 #2

Iowa State University

Ames, IAPublic

158 graduates, 99% grad rate, Score: 69.4

$9K
Tuition/yr
99%
Grad Rate
69.4
Score
Visit
Program
🥉 #3

Rochester Institute of Technology

Rochester, NYPrivate

113 graduates, 90% grad rate, Score: 68.9

$56K
Tuition/yr
90%
Grad Rate
68.9
Score
Visit
Program

4. San Jose State University (San Jose, CA) - Score: 65.9, Tuition: $5,742

5. Auburn University (Auburn, AL) - Score: 65.1, Tuition: $10,704

6. Rowan University (Glassboro, NJ) - Score: 63.9, Tuition: $11,250

7. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo (San Luis Obispo, CA) - Score: 63.9, Tuition: $5,742

8. The University of Texas at Dallas (Richardson, TX) - Score: 62.9, Tuition: $14,564

9. Western Governors University (Salt Lake City, UT) - Score: 62.8, Tuition: $7,710

10. Stevens Institute of Technology (Hoboken, NJ) - Score: 62.8, Tuition: $58,680

Best Software Engineering Programs - Master's

A master's degree in software engineering prepares students for senior and specialized roles. These 1-2 year programs offer advanced expertise and leadership training.

Best Software Engineering Programs - Top 3 Master's

🥇 #1

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PAPrivate

205 graduates, 98% grad rate, Score: 92.7

$62K
Tuition/yr
98%
Grad Rate
92.7
Score
Visit
Program
🥈 #2

Northeastern University

Boston, MAPrivate

767 graduates, N/A% grad rate, Score: 80.6

$62K
Tuition/yr
80.6
Score
Visit
Program
🥉 #3

San Jose State University

San Jose, CAPublic

392 graduates, 100% grad rate, Score: 73.4

$6K
Tuition/yr
100%
Grad Rate
73.4
Score
Visit
Program

4. University of California-Irvine (Irvine, CA) - Score: 69.8, Tuition: $11,834

5. Arizona State University Campus Immersion (Tempe, AZ) - Score: 62.5, Tuition: $11,308

6. Stevens Institute of Technology (Hoboken, NJ) - Score: 62.2, Tuition: $58,680

7. Rochester Institute of Technology (Rochester, NY) - Score: 62.2, Tuition: $55,784

8. George Mason University (Fairfax, VA) - Score: 62.0, Tuition: $10,095

9. Tufts University (Medford, MA) - Score: 61.8, Tuition: $66,358

10. DePaul University (Chicago, IL) - Score: 61.6, Tuition: $43,379

Best Software Engineering Programs - Online

Online software engineering programs offer flexibility for working professionals. Top accredited programs provide the same curriculum quality as on-campus alternatives.

Best Software Engineering Programs - Top 3 Online

🥇 #1

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PAPrivate

205 graduates, 98% grad rate, Score: 92.7

$62K
Tuition/yr
98%
Grad Rate
92.7
Score
Visit
Program
🥈 #2

Northeastern University

Boston, MAPrivate

767 graduates, N/A% grad rate, Score: 80.6

$62K
Tuition/yr
80.6
Score
Visit
Program
🥉 #3

University of California-Irvine

Irvine, CAPublic

52 graduates, 96% grad rate, Score: 69.7

$12K
Tuition/yr
96%
Grad Rate
69.7
Score
Visit
Program

4. Iowa State University (Ames, IA) - Score: 69.4, Tuition: $8,982

5. Rochester Institute of Technology (Rochester, NY) - Score: 68.9, Tuition: $55,784

6. Western Governors University (Salt Lake City, UT) - Score: 67.8, Tuition: $7,710

7. San Jose State University (San Jose, CA) - Score: 65.9, Tuition: $5,742

8. Auburn University (Auburn, AL) - Score: 65.1, Tuition: $10,704

9. Rowan University (Glassboro, NJ) - Score: 63.9, Tuition: $11,250

10. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo (San Luis Obispo, CA) - Score: 63.9, Tuition: $5,742

Best Software Engineering Programs - Associate's

An associate's degree in software engineering provides a 2-year pathway into the field. These programs are ideal for career starters or those planning to transfer to a 4-year program.

Best Software Engineering Programs - Top 3 Associate's

🥇 #1

Santa Monica College

Santa Monica, CAPublic

38 graduates, 95% grad rate, Score: 58.5

$1K
Tuition/yr
95%
Grad Rate
58.5
Score
Visit
Program
🥈 #2

Green River College

Auburn, WAPublic

21 graduates, 99% grad rate, Score: 56.0

$4K
Tuition/yr
99%
Grad Rate
56.0
Score
Visit
Program
🥉 #3

Valencia College

Orlando, FLPublic

60 graduates, 86% grad rate, Score: 54.9

$2K
Tuition/yr
86%
Grad Rate
54.9
Score
Visit
Program

4. Columbia Basin College (Pasco, WA) - Score: 54.2, Tuition: $5,514

5. Bellevue College (Bellevue, WA) - Score: 53.7, Tuition: $4,074

6. Dallas College (Dallas, TX) - Score: 53.2, Tuition: $4,050

7. MiraCosta College (Oceanside, CA) - Score: 52.3, Tuition: $1,104

8. Palm Beach State College (Lake Worth, FL) - Score: 51.8, Tuition: $3,030

9. Pasco-Hernando State College (New Port Richey, FL) - Score: 51.0, Tuition: $2,297

10. State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota (Bradenton, FL) - Score: 49.7, Tuition: $2,365

Best Software Engineering Programs - Graduate

Graduate programs in software engineering (PhD and doctoral degrees) prepare students for research, academic, and senior leadership positions.

Best Software Engineering Programs - Top 3 Graduate

🥇 #1

University of California-Berkeley

Berkeley, CAPublic

46 graduates, 96% grad rate, Score: 95.5

$12K
Tuition/yr
96%
Grad Rate
95.5
Score
Visit
Program
🥈 #2

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PAPrivate

27 graduates, 98% grad rate, Score: 89.7

$62K
Tuition/yr
98%
Grad Rate
89.7
Score
Visit
Program
🥉 #3

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, MAPrivate

68 graduates, N/A% grad rate, Score: 88.4

$60K
Tuition/yr
88.4
Score
Visit
Program

4. University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA) - Score: 86.2, Tuition: $66,640

5. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Champaign, IL) - Score: 83.8, Tuition: $14,768

6. Stanford University (Stanford, CA) - Score: 82.8, Tuition: $61,731

7. Princeton University (Princeton, NJ) - Score: 82.6, Tuition: $59,710

8. Cornell University (Ithaca, NY) - Score: 81.8, Tuition: $65,204

9. University of California-San Diego (La Jolla, CA) - Score: 80.0, Tuition: $11,834

10. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor, MI) - Score: 79.5, Tuition: $17,977

Most Affordable Software Engineering Programs

Looking for quality software engineering education without the hefty price tag? These programs offer the best value—balancing tuition costs with strong academic outcomes and career prospects. Our Value Score factors in graduation rates, program strength, and institutional quality relative to cost.

Top 5 Most Affordable Software Engineering Programs

RankInstitutionLocationTuitionValue ScoreGrad Rate
1San Jose State UniversitySan Jose, CA$5,742114.8100%
2California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo, CA$5,742111.3100%
3Kennesaw State UniversityKennesaw, GA$4,450109.266%
4Florida Gulf Coast UniversityFort Myers, FL$4,191108.495%
5Green River CollegeAuburn, WA$4,074107.099%

Software Engineering Career Outcomes

Software engineering graduates enjoy excellent career prospects with high starting salaries, strong job growth, and opportunities across every industry. The BLS projects 25% job growth for software developers through 2032—much faster than average. For detailed compensation analysis, see our software engineer salary guide.

$78,000
Starting Salary
$130,160
Mid-Career
+25%
Job Growth
370,000
Annual Openings

Career Paths

+25%

Design, develop, and maintain software applications using various programming languages and frameworks.

Median Salary:$130,160

DevOps Engineer

SOC 15-1252
+23%

Build and maintain development and deployment infrastructure, automating software delivery processes.

Median Salary:$125,000

Full Stack Developer

SOC 15-1254
+23%

Develop both frontend user interfaces and backend systems for web and mobile applications.

Median Salary:$120,000

Software Architect

SOC 15-1252
+20%

Design high-level software system architecture and make key technical decisions for development teams.

Median Salary:$155,000

Technical Lead

SOC 15-1252
+22%

Lead software development teams, mentor junior developers, and guide technical project decisions.

Median Salary:$145,000

Software Engineering Curriculum Overview

Software engineering programs combine computer science fundamentals with practical development skills and engineering methodology. Core courses cover programming, data structures, software design, and project management, with hands-on team projects throughout.

  • Programming Foundations: Multiple languages (Java, Python, C++, JavaScript), object-oriented design
  • Software Development Lifecycle: Requirements analysis, design patterns, testing, deployment
  • Team Development: Version control (Git), agile methodologies, code reviews, collaboration tools
  • System Design: Database design, web development, API design, distributed systems
  • Quality Assurance: Unit testing, integration testing, debugging, performance optimization
  • Project Management: Software project planning, risk management, client communication

Most programs require capstone projects where students work in teams to build complete software systems for real clients. For detailed curriculum breakdown, see our software engineering curriculum guide.

Software Engineering Programs by State

StateTotal ProgramsMedian TuitionTop Program
Best Software Engineering Programs in Arizona14$10,100ASU, UA
Best Software Engineering Programs in California52$14,800Stanford, UC Berkeley
Best Software Engineering Programs in Colorado15$11,200CU Boulder
Best Software Engineering Programs in Connecticut28$16,800Yale, UConn
Best Software Engineering Programs in Florida28$6,500UF, FSU
Best Software Engineering Programs in Georgia18$9,800Georgia Tech
Best Software Engineering Programs in Illinois24$15,200UIUC
Best Software Engineering Programs in Indiana35$10,200Purdue, IU Bloomington
Best Software Engineering Programs in Maryland35$10,900UMD, Johns Hopkins
Best Software Engineering Programs in Massachusetts28$16,500MIT, Harvard
Best Software Engineering Programs in Michigan18$15,800University of Michigan
Best Software Engineering Programs in Minnesota32$14,600U of Minnesota
Best Software Engineering Programs in Missouri32$11,300Wash U, Mizzou
Best Software Engineering Programs in New Jersey42$15,200Rutgers, Princeton
Best Software Engineering Programs in New York35$8,600Columbia, Cornell
Best Software Engineering Programs in North Carolina20$7,300Duke, UNC, NC State
Best Software Engineering Programs in Ohio22$11,600Ohio State
Best Software Engineering Programs in Oregon25$12,400Oregon State, U of Oregon
Best Software Engineering Programs in Pennsylvania25$19,400CMU, Penn State
Best Software Engineering Programs in Tennessee30$9,800Vanderbilt, UT Knoxville
Best Software Engineering Programs in Texas38$11,900UT Austin, Texas A&M
Best Software Engineering Programs in Utah22$8,900U of Utah, BYU
Best Software Engineering Programs in Virginia19$8,900UVA, Virginia Tech
Best Software Engineering Programs in Washington22$12,200UW Seattle
Best Software Engineering Programs in Wisconsin28$10,700UW-Madison

Software Engineering vs Related Fields

Software engineering emphasizes the engineering discipline of building software—methodology, teamwork, testing, project management, and delivering working products. While CS asks 'how does computation work?', software engineering asks 'how do we build reliable software efficiently?'

SE programs typically include more team projects, industry collaboration, and practical development experience. You'll spend less time on theoretical algorithms and more time on software architecture, agile methodologies, version control, CI/CD pipelines, and working in development teams.

Choose software engineering if you're confident you want to build software products and prefer practical application over theory. The tradeoff is less flexibility—SE provides narrower preparation than CS, which matters if you later want to pivot to research, data science, or other theoretical roles.

Choose Software Engineering if...
  • You want to focus specifically on building software products and systems
  • You prefer practical development skills over theoretical computer science
  • You're interested in team-based development and project management
  • Your primary goal is becoming a professional software developer
Choose Computer Science if...
  • You want broad foundations in computing theory and algorithms
  • You're interested in research, AI, or advanced theoretical concepts
  • You prefer maximum career flexibility across all tech roles
  • You enjoy mathematics and abstract problem-solving
Choose Data Science if...
  • You're specifically interested in data analysis and machine learning
  • You want to work with data insights rather than build software systems
  • You have strong statistics and mathematics background
  • You prefer analytics over application development
Choose Information Technology if...
  • You prefer managing and supporting technology systems
  • You're interested in networking, cybersecurity, or IT operations
  • You want less programming and more systems administration
  • You're targeting IT management career paths

Is a Software Engineering Degree Worth It?

For most students, yes. The combination of high starting salaries (typically $75,000-$95,000), excellent job growth (25% through 2032), and 370,000+ annual job openings makes software engineering one of the most reliable paths to a well-paying tech career.

When it's worth it: You're interested in building software products, enjoy problem-solving and teamwork, and want structured learning with internship opportunities. The degree provides comprehensive technical skills plus the professional development and networking opportunities that bootcamps typically lack.

When to consider alternatives: You're certain you only want basic web development (bootcamps may be faster), you have significant financial constraints (consider starting at community college), or you're already working as a developer and need specific advanced skills (targeted certifications might suffice).

Alternative Paths to Software Engineering Careers

While a software engineering degree is the most comprehensive path, alternatives exist for those with different timelines, budgets, or specific goals

Many successful engineers combine approaches—starting with a bootcamp or self-study for immediate employment, then adding a degree later for career advancement. For step-by-step guidance, see our software engineer career ladder guide.

Coding Bootcamps: An Alternative Pathway

Coding bootcamps offer an accelerated pathway into software engineering careers. For those considering alternatives to traditional degrees, here's what you need to know about this intensive learning format.

What is a Coding Bootcamp?

A coding bootcamp is an intensive, short-term training program (typically 12-24 weeks) that teaches practical programming skills through hands-on projects. Unlike traditional degrees, bootcamps focus exclusively on job-ready skills and often include career services to help graduates land their first tech role.

Who Bootcamps Are Best For

  • Career changers looking to enter tech quickly
  • Professionals wanting to upskill or transition roles
  • Self-taught developers seeking structured training
  • Those unable to commit to a 4-year degree timeline

What People Love

Based on discussions from r/codingbootcamp, r/cscareerquestions, and r/learnprogramming

  • Focus on practical skills that matter day-to-day on the job
  • Learn full-stack development, not just theory
  • Career changers often succeed—bootcamps welcome non-CS backgrounds
  • Many programs offer job guarantees or money-back options
  • Graduate with production-quality projects to show employers

Common Concerns

Honest feedback from bootcamp graduates and industry professionals

  • Fast pace means less time to deeply understand concepts
  • Self-taught developers question if bootcamp is worth the cost
  • Success depends heavily on your effort outside class hours
  • May need additional prep for technical interviews
  • Not all bootcamps teach best practices for enterprise code
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Programs for Software Engineering careers:

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Software Engineering Degree FAQ

Related Resources

Taylor Rupe

Taylor Rupe

Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)

Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.