University campus in Connecticut
Updated January 2026

Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in Connecticut — 2026 Rankings

Explore 13 accredited software engineering degree programs in Connecticut. Compare schools by graduation rate, salary outcomes, and tuition—from Connecticut State Community College to University of Connecticut.

#1 ProgramU of Connecticut
Avg Salary$105,050
Tuition From$4,392/yr
Job Growth+22%

Key Takeaways

Top 3 ranked: U of Connecticut, Wesleyan, Connecticut College

Based on graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality

IPEDS 2023

Tuition ranges from $4,392 to $66,716/year

Connecticut State Communi... offers the most affordable option at $4,392/yr

IPEDS 2023

Degree levels: 2 associate's, 6 master's, 2 doctoral programs available in Connecticut

From community college pathways to advanced research degrees

IPEDS 2023

1 Connecticut programs offer online or hybrid formats

Flexible scheduling for working professionals

IPEDS 2023

Connecticut community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs

2 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees

Education Commission of the States

Major employers: United Technologies, Cigna, Travelers, Hartford Financial

Tech hubs in Stamford and Hartford

Hakia Research 2026

Software Engineering programs available near 37+ cities across Connecticut

Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location

IPEDS 2023

Updated February 2026

On This Page
$105,050
Is Software Engineering in Connecticut Worth It?
Yes. Software Engineering degrees in Connecticut deliver strong ROI—graduates earn $105,050 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $37,398/year.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024

Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in Connecticut

Bachelor's Software Engineering Degree Programs in Connecticut

10 programs•$105,050 median salary•83% avg grad rate
10
Programs
$105,050
Median Salary
$41,960/yr
Avg Tuition
83%
Avg Grad Rate

Program Landscape

Connecticut ranks among the nation's top destinations for software engineering education, with 10 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 2 public and 8 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Connecticut, Wesleyan, Connecticut College, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.

Career Outcomes

Graduates from Connecticut software engineering programs earn a median salary of $89,293—9% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Stamford, Hartford, New Haven metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including United Technologies, Cigna, Travelers.

Costs & Value

Tuition ranges from $6,664 to $66,716 annually, with an average of $41,960/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 83%, with the highest reaching 97%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.

Curriculum & Specializations

Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to Connecticut's leading technology employers. For students seeking software engineering degrees in Connecticut, these top-ranked software engineering schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.

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University of Connecticut

Public
Storrs, CT
$16,332
Tuition/yr
88%
Grad Rate
84.6
Score
Website
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Wesleyan University

Private
Middletown, CT
$66,716
Tuition/yr
97%
Grad Rate
81.4
Score
Website
🥉

Connecticut College

Private
New London, CT
$64,412
Tuition/yr
80%
Grad Rate
62.7
Score
Website
#4

Quinnipiac University

Private
Hamden, CT
$50,400
Tuition/yr
46.9
Score
Website
#5

Sacred Heart University

Private
Fairfield, CT
$48,160
Tuition/yr
73%
Grad Rate
43.9
Score
Website
#6

University of Bridgeport

Private
Bridgeport, CT
$32,860
Tuition/yr
42.6
Score
Website
#7

University of New Haven

Private
West Haven, CT
$44,100
Tuition/yr
40.7
Score
Website
#8

University of Saint Joseph

Private
West Hartford, CT
$45,608
Tuition/yr
76%
Grad Rate
40.3
Score
Website
#9

University of Hartford

Private
West Hartford, CT
$44,350
Tuition/yr
39.5
Score
Website
#10

Western Connecticut State University

Public
Danbury, CT
$6,664
Tuition/yr
34.7
Score
Website

Complete Software Engineering Degree Program Rankings in Connecticut

Best Associate's Software Engineering Degree Programs in Connecticut

### Program Landscape Connecticut offers **2 accredited** associate's degree programs in software engineering, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include **Connecticut State Communi...**, **U of Hartford**, which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training. ### Costs & Value Community colleges in Connecticut offer these two-year programs at an average cost of **$24,371/yr**—significantly less than four-year university tuition. Students completing associate's degrees can pursue entry-level technical positions and transfer opportunities, with entry-level salaries averaging **$57,778** in Connecticut. ### Career Pathways Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Connecticut's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Stamford, Hartford, New Haven areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like United Technologies, Cigna, Travelers hiring for technical support, junior development, and IT specialist positions. ### Curriculum & Specializations Programs typically include coursework in programming fundamentals, database management, networking basics, and software development. Among software engineering schools in Connecticut, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their software engineering degrees in Connecticut.

  1. #1. Connecticut State Community College

    Hakia ranks Connecticut State Community College as the #1 associate's in software engineering degree program in Connecticut. This public institution in Hartford, CT has annual tuition of $4,392. Ranking score: 57.3.

  2. #2. University of Hartford

    Hakia ranks University of Hartford as the #2 associate's in software engineering degree program in Connecticut. This private institution in West Hartford, CT has annual tuition of $44,350. Ranking score: 35.2.

Best Bachelor's Software Engineering Degree Programs in Connecticut

### Program Landscape Connecticut ranks among the nation's top destinations for software engineering education, with **10 accredited** bachelor's degree programs across **2 public** and **8 private** institutions. The highest-ranked programs are **U of Connecticut**, **Wesleyan**, **Connecticut College**, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections. ### Career Outcomes Graduates from Connecticut software engineering programs earn a median salary of **$89,293**—9% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Stamford, Hartford, New Haven metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including United Technologies, Cigna, Travelers. ### Costs & Value Tuition ranges from **$6,664** to **$66,716** annually, with an average of **$41,960/yr**. Top programs maintain graduation rates above **83%**, with the highest reaching **97%**. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards. ### Curriculum & Specializations Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to Connecticut's leading technology employers. For students seeking software engineering degrees in Connecticut, these top-ranked software engineering schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.

  1. #1. University of Connecticut

    Hakia ranks University of Connecticut as the #1 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in Connecticut. This public institution in Storrs, CT has annual tuition of $16,332 and a 88% graduation rate. Ranking score: 84.6.

  2. #2. Wesleyan University

    Hakia ranks Wesleyan University as the #2 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in Connecticut. This private institution in Middletown, CT has annual tuition of $66,716 and a 97% graduation rate. Ranking score: 81.4.

  3. #3. Connecticut College

    Hakia ranks Connecticut College as the #3 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in Connecticut. This private institution in New London, CT has annual tuition of $64,412 and a 80% graduation rate. Ranking score: 62.7.

  4. #4. Quinnipiac University

    Hakia ranks Quinnipiac University as the #4 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in Connecticut. This private institution in Hamden, CT has annual tuition of $50,400. Ranking score: 46.9.

  5. #5. Sacred Heart University

    Hakia ranks Sacred Heart University as the #5 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in Connecticut. This private institution in Fairfield, CT has annual tuition of $48,160 and a 73% graduation rate. Ranking score: 43.9.

  6. #6. University of Bridgeport

    Hakia ranks University of Bridgeport as the #6 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in Connecticut. This private institution in Bridgeport, CT has annual tuition of $32,860. Ranking score: 42.6.

  7. #7. University of New Haven

    Hakia ranks University of New Haven as the #7 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in Connecticut. This private institution in West Haven, CT has annual tuition of $44,100. Ranking score: 40.7.

  8. #8. University of Saint Joseph

    Hakia ranks University of Saint Joseph as the #8 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in Connecticut. This private institution in West Hartford, CT has annual tuition of $45,608 and a 76% graduation rate. Ranking score: 40.3.

  9. #9. University of Hartford

    Hakia ranks University of Hartford as the #9 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in Connecticut. This private institution in West Hartford, CT has annual tuition of $44,350. Ranking score: 39.5.

  10. #10. Western Connecticut State University

    Hakia ranks Western Connecticut State University as the #10 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in Connecticut. This public institution in Danbury, CT has annual tuition of $6,664. Ranking score: 34.7.

Online Bachelor's Software Engineering Degree Programs in Connecticut

### Online Program Options 1 Connecticut institutions offer bachelor's software engineering degrees with online or hybrid options, enabling students to earn accredited degrees while maintaining professional or personal commitments. Top-ranked online programs include **U of Saint Joseph**, all regionally accredited and recognized by Connecticut employers. ### Costs & Employer Recognition Online bachelor's programs average **$45,608/yr**—often comparable to or less than on-campus tuition. Connecticut-based employers including United Technologies, Cigna, Travelers value online credentials from accredited institutions, recognizing that program quality matters more than delivery format. The Stamford, Hartford, New Haven job market actively recruits graduates from online programs. ### Program Format These programs feature asynchronous coursework for maximum flexibility, with some offering synchronous sessions for collaborative learning. Students can typically complete **120 credit hours** in 4 years while working full-time. ### Technology & Flexibility Technology requirements include reliable internet access and a modern computer. Programs provide virtual labs, online tutoring, career services, and networking opportunities. Many offer start dates throughout the year and accelerated course formats for motivated students. Graduates earn the same degree as on-campus students, with no distinction on transcripts or diplomas. For students pursuing online software engineering degrees in Connecticut, these accredited software engineering schools offer the flexibility and quality that today's learners demand.

  • University of Saint Joseph - West Hartford, CT - Tuition: $45,608/year

Best Master's Software Engineering Degree Programs in Connecticut

### Program Landscape Connecticut offers **6** master's degree programs in software engineering, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs—**U of Bridgeport**, **U of New Haven**, **Wesleyan**—combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development. ### Career Outcomes Master's graduates in Connecticut earn a median salary of **$105,050**, approximately **20-30% higher** than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Stamford, Hartford, New Haven creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with United Technologies, Cigna, Travelers actively recruiting from these programs. ### Costs & Value Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages **$37,030/yr**, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals. ### Curriculum & Specializations Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among Connecticut's software engineering schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.

  1. #1. University of Bridgeport

    Hakia ranks University of Bridgeport as the #1 master's in software engineering degree program in Connecticut. This private institution in Bridgeport, CT has annual tuition of $32,860. Ranking score: 71.2.

  2. #2. University of New Haven

    Hakia ranks University of New Haven as the #2 master's in software engineering degree program in Connecticut. This private institution in West Haven, CT has annual tuition of $44,100. Ranking score: 69.0.

  3. #3. Wesleyan University

    Hakia ranks Wesleyan University as the #3 master's in software engineering degree program in Connecticut. This private institution in Middletown, CT has annual tuition of $66,716 and a 97% graduation rate. Ranking score: 60.8.

  4. #4. University of Connecticut

    Hakia ranks University of Connecticut as the #4 master's in software engineering degree program in Connecticut. This public institution in Storrs, CT has annual tuition of $16,332 and a 88% graduation rate. Ranking score: 60.7.

  5. #5. Fairfield University

    Hakia ranks Fairfield University as the #5 master's in software engineering degree program in Connecticut. This private institution in Fairfield, CT has annual tuition of $55,510 and a 69% graduation rate. Ranking score: 51.1.

  6. #6. Central Connecticut State University

    Hakia ranks Central Connecticut State University as the #6 master's in software engineering degree program in Connecticut. This public institution in New Britain, CT has annual tuition of $6,664. Ranking score: 36.6.

Best Doctoral Software Engineering Degree Programs in Connecticut

### Program Landscape Connecticut is home to **2** doctoral programs in software engineering, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at **U of Connecticut**, **U of Bridgeport** are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages. ### Career Outcomes Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with Connecticut PhD holders earning a median of **$131,313**—reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The Stamford, Hartford, New Haven region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like United Technologies, Cigna, Travelers. ### Costs & Value PhD programs typically require 4-6 years of full-time study, including coursework, qualifying examinations, and original dissertation research. Many programs offer full funding through teaching or research assistantships, covering tuition and providing stipends of **$25,000–$40,000** annually. ### Curriculum & Specializations Research strengths across Connecticut programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing software engineering degrees in Connecticut, graduates go on to careers as university faculty, industry research scientists, or technical executives, contributing to advances in technology that impact millions of users worldwide.

  1. #1. University of Connecticut

    Hakia ranks University of Connecticut as the #1 doctoral in software engineering degree program in Connecticut. This public institution in Storrs, CT has annual tuition of $16,332 and a 88% graduation rate. Ranking score: 55.3.

  2. #2. University of Bridgeport

    Hakia ranks University of Bridgeport as the #2 doctoral in software engineering degree program in Connecticut. This private institution in Bridgeport, CT has annual tuition of $32,860. Ranking score: 49.3.

Software Engineering Tuition in Connecticut

MetricValue
Average in-state tuition$37,398/year
Average out-of-state tuition$93,495/year
Community college tuition$9,350/year
4-year savings for residents$224,388
2+2 transfer pathway savings$56,096

Source: IPEDS 2023

Software Engineering Financial Aid & Scholarships in Connecticut

State Aid Programs

Connecticut students pursuing software engineering degrees have access to multiple federal and state financial aid programs designed to make higher education more affordable. The primary pathway for federal aid begins with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available through (Federal Student Aid). This application determines eligibility for grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Connecticut residents attending public institutions benefit from the Governors Scholarship Program, a merit-based award specifically for students enrolled at Connecticut public institutions. More information about this program is available through the (Connecticut Office of Higher Education). Additionally, many institutions offer institutional scholarships and need-based aid packages that can significantly reduce the overall cost of attendance.

Key Programs & Amounts

Beyond state programs, prospective software engineering students should explore institutional financial aid offices at their chosen schools. The University of Connecticut, which leads the state with 246 completions in software engineering, and other major programs like University of New Haven (173 completions) and University of Bridgeport (159 completions) offer various scholarship opportunities. Federal loan programs, including Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, are available through (Federal Student Aid). Community college students in Connecticut also benefit from affordable tuition rates—Connecticut State Community College charges $4,392 annually and produces 94 completions in software engineering. Students should review their school's financial aid website and speak with financial aid advisors to maximize available funding and develop a sustainable repayment strategy.

Calculate Your Software Engineering Degree ROI in Connecticut

Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a software engineering degree in Connecticut. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.

Software Engineering Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a software engineering degree
$

Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type

20 years
10 years20 years30 years
20-Year ROI

+1116%

Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.

Net Gain

$2,064,777

Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.

Break-Even

5 years

Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.

COL-Adjusted Salary

$94,118

Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.

Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.

Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Total Investment$185,000

Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)

Program Cost (Tuition)$45,000

Direct cost of the degree program

Opportunity Cost$140,000

4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time

20-Year Earnings (with degree)$3,100,185

Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth

20-Year Earnings (without degree)$850,408

What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth

Starting Salary (New York City, NY)$160,000

Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)

Annualized Return5.6%

Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)

Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2023. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com

Career Paths

+25%

Design and develop software applications and systems

Median Salary:$118,706
+35%

Analyze complex datasets and build predictive models

Median Salary:$98,747
+32%

Protect computer networks from cyber threats

Median Salary:$110,303
+22%

Manage cloud infrastructure and deployment pipelines

Median Salary:$116,606
+28%

Design and maintain cloud computing infrastructure

Median Salary:$113,454
+40%

Build and deploy machine learning models

Median Salary:$132,363
Software Engineering Salaries by Metro Area

Median annual salary in Connecticut metro areas

Hakia.com
View data table
Categoryvalue
Stamford$116K
Hartford$110K
New Haven$105K

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024

Hakia.com

Software Engineering Jobs in Connecticut: Top Employers Hiring

Find software engineering jobs in Connecticut. These major employers across Connecticut metro areas are actively hiring software engineering graduates. Click employer names to view current job openings.

Software Engineering Jobs in Stamford

CT
Charter Communications
telecom
Indeed
tech
WWE
entertainment
Synchrony Financial
finance

Software Engineering Jobs in Hartford

CT
The Hartford
insurance
Travelers
insurance
Infosys
consulting
Raytheon Technologies
defense

Software Engineering Jobs in New Haven

CT
Yale University
education
Seeq Corporation
tech

How to Apply to Software Engineering Programs in Connecticut

1

Research Program Requirements

Review admission requirements for software engineering programs at your target schools. Requirements vary by institution and degree level.

2

Prepare Application Materials

Gather transcripts, test scores (SAT/ACT for undergrad, GRE for graduate), letters of recommendation, and personal statement.

3

Apply for Financial Aid

Complete the FAFSA by priority deadlines.

4

Submit Applications Before Deadlines

Apply early for priority consideration. Early action/decision deadlines are typically October-November; regular deadlines December-January.

5

Complete Enrollment Steps

Accept your offer, submit enrollment deposit, complete orientation requirements, and register for classes.

Software Engineering Transfer Pathways in Connecticut

State Transfer System

Connecticut's Transfer and Articulation Policy (TAP) provides guaranteed admission pathways for students completing associate's degrees at community colleges and transitioning to bachelor's degree programs at four-year institutions. This system ensures that credits earned at two-year institutions transfer seamlessly, allowing students to progress without loss of academic progress. Connecticut offers 2 associate's degree programs in software engineering and 8 two-year institutions overall, with Connecticut State Community College being a major producer of software engineering graduates at the associate's level (94 completions in 2023). Students completing the associate's degree with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher in their program courses receive guaranteed admission to Connecticut four-year public universities, though specific program admission may have additional requirements. This pathway significantly reduces transfer barriers and costs for working-class and first-generation students.

How Transfers Work

Within Connecticut, articulation agreements between community colleges and four-year institutions specify which courses transfer and how they apply toward bachelor's degree requirements in software engineering. Students can plan their community college coursework strategically to complete general education and foundational software engineering prerequisites before transferring. Many Connecticut four-year universities—including University of Connecticut, University of New Haven, and University of Bridgeport—actively partner with community colleges to facilitate seamless transfers. The Connecticut Office of Higher Education provides detailed articulation information and transfer guides. Additionally, the Governors Scholarship Program offers merit-based financial aid to students attending Connecticut public institutions, further reducing barriers for transfer students pursuing software engineering degrees.

Why Study Software Engineering in Connecticut?

Industry & Workforce

Connecticut offers a robust software engineering education landscape with 21 institutions offering programs across all degree levels, from associate's through doctoral studies (IPEDS). In the 2023 academic year alone, Connecticut schools produced 375 bachelor's degree completions, 330 master's degree completions, and 97 associate's degree completions, demonstrating significant capacity and specialization in the field. The state's top performers—University of Connecticut with 246 completions, University of New Haven with 173 completions, and University of Bridgeport with 159 completions—consistently rank among the nation's best programs.

Salary Outlook

Connecticut's geographic advantage extends beyond education to employment opportunities. The state hosts major technology employers including Yale University, United Technologies, Cigna, Travelers, and Hartford HealthCare, creating immediate pathways for graduates. The Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk and Hartford-East Hartford-Middletown metropolitan areas serve as thriving tech hubs with strong demand for software engineers. For affordability-conscious students, Connecticut's public universities offer in-state tuition averaging just $11,621, significantly below the national average, while prestigious institutions like Yale University and Wesleyan University rank among the nation's best bachelor's programs. Students can further explore related fields through computer science, web development, and mobile development programs available throughout the state.

Software Engineering Job Market in Connecticut

Employment Outlook

Connecticut's software engineering job market is supported by a robust network of major employers and three primary metropolitan areas driving demand. The state is home to significant tech and financial services hubs, with major employers including Yale University, United Technologies, Cigna, Travelers, and Hartford HealthCare. These organizations actively recruit software engineers across the Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, Hartford-East Hartford-Middletown, and New Haven-Milford metro areas. According to BLS occupational data, these regions represent Connecticut's strongest job markets for technology professionals, with Fairfield County and Greater Hartford serving as primary employment centers for software engineering talent.

Salaries by Metro

Connecticut's educational pipeline produces 375 bachelor's degree completions and 330 master's degree completions annually in software engineering (IPEDS Program Data), providing a steady stream of qualified candidates to the state's employers. Universities like the University of Connecticut, University of New Haven, and University of Bridgeport account for the majority of these completions, with UConn alone graduating 246 completions across all degree levels. The state's 21 institutions offering software engineering programs—including 11 offering bachelor's degrees and 6 offering master's degrees—create diverse pathway options for students entering the field. For comprehensive salary and employment outlook information, prospective software engineers should consult BLS occupational resources and explore related programs like Computer Science in Connecticut and Computer Programming in Connecticut.

Software Engineering Curriculum & Specializations in Connecticut

Core Requirements

Connecticut's software engineering curricula are designed to build foundational knowledge and advanced technical expertise across all degree levels. Bachelor's degree programs typically include core courses in software design patterns, object-oriented programming, database systems, software testing and quality assurance, requirements engineering, and project management. Students progress through sequences in algorithms, data structures, web technologies, and software architecture. Most programs integrate hands-on capstone projects where students develop complete software systems, often in collaboration with industry partners. Upper-level electives may include mobile development, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence applications. Related programs in web development and mobile development offer specialized pathways within Connecticut institutions.

Degree Pathways

Master's degree programs deepen expertise through advanced coursework in software architecture, distributed systems, advanced software engineering, software quality and testing, and emerging technologies. Students often complete substantial research projects or thesis work examining contemporary challenges in software development, system design, or process improvement. Associate's degree programs focus on fundamental programming languages (Java, Python, C++), web development basics, database fundamentals, and introductory software concepts, providing essential competencies for entry-level positions or transfer to bachelor's programs. Doctoral programs emphasize research methodology, original contribution to the field, and dissertation work in areas like software verification, formal methods, or empirical software engineering. Connecticut institutions leverage partnerships with major employers like United Technologies and Cigna to ensure curricula align with industry demands.

Online vs On-Campus Software Engineering Programs in Connecticut

Online Program Growth

Connecticut offers software engineering students flexibility through both traditional campus-based and online program options. Online bachelor's programs ranked by quality include Sacred Heart University ($48,160 tuition), University of Hartford ($44,350), Quinnipiac University ($50,400), Fairfield University ($55,510), and Central Connecticut State University ($6,664). These online programs allow working professionals and non-traditional students to earn software engineering degrees while maintaining employment or other commitments. The online format has become increasingly popular for advanced learners seeking to upskill or transition into software engineering roles. Many Connecticut institutions offering online programs maintain the same accreditation standards as their campus counterparts, ensuring program rigor and employer recognition.

Accredited Online Options

Campus-based programs provide hands-on lab experience, direct faculty mentorship, and networking opportunities essential for software engineering education. Top-ranked campus programs include Yale University, the University of Connecticut (246 program completions), and Wesleyan University, which offer intensive coursework in algorithms, systems design, and collaborative development projects. The choice between online and campus delivery depends on individual learning preferences, career timeline, and life circumstances. Many institutions now offer hybrid options combining online coursework with occasional on-campus labs or capstone projects. For prospective students comparing options, the (College Scorecard) provides program-specific details about delivery methods and outcomes. Additionally, exploring related technical fields through regional programs in Computer Science in Connecticut, Web Development in Connecticut, and Computer Programming in Connecticut can help students identify complementary pathways.

Software Engineering by City in Connecticut

Connecticut's premier software engineering cities are concentrated within three major metropolitan regions, each offering distinct advantages for technology professionals. Stamford and Norwalk in Fairfield County form the Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk metro area, a major financial services and technology hub with strong employer presence and competitive salaries. Hartford, within the Hartford-East Hartford-Middletown metro, serves as Connecticut's capital and home to major insurance companies and healthcare systems. New Haven, anchored by Yale University, represents an emerging technology and innovation center within the New Haven-Milford metro area. Each metro area benefits from nearby regional universities: the University of Connecticut dominates Greater Hartford's talent pipeline, while University of New Haven and University of Bridgeport serve Fairfield and New Haven counties respectively.

Cost of living and affordability vary significantly across Connecticut's technology cities. The Connecticut State University system—including Central Connecticut State University, Southern Connecticut State University, Eastern Connecticut State University, and Western Connecticut State University—all maintain $6,664 in-state tuition, offering affordable pathways into the field across different regions. Average public four-year in-state tuition statewide is $11,621, while private institutions range from $44,100 (University of New Haven) to $66,716 (Wesleyan). Fairfield County cities command higher salaries but also higher living costs compared to Hartford or New Haven. Students considering relocation should compare program costs, employer concentration, and quality-of-life factors. For comprehensive program comparisons, explore Computer Science in Connecticut and review national rankings to identify programs aligned with specific metro preferences.

Compare Online Software Engineering Programs in Connecticut

View tuition costs, program formats & enrollment info

Software Engineering Programs by City in Connecticut

BridgeportHartfordWaterburyNew HavenNew LondonNew BritainWest HartfordFairfieldHamdenMiddletown

Find Software Engineering Programs Near You in Connecticut

Search by city to find accredited software engineering programs ranked by our state methodology.

Software Engineering Degree Programs by City in Connecticut

Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Bridgeport, Connecticut

As Connecticut's largest city by population, Bridgeport serves as a secondary tech hub with growing interest from remote-first software companies seeking lower overhead than New York City while maintaining talent access. The city's waterfront revitalization has attracted digital media and SaaS startups, though software engineering roles here are more limited than nearby Fairfield—most engineers leverage remote work or commute to Hartford or New Haven for enterprise software positions.

Bridgeport is located in Greater Bridgeport Planning Region, Connecticut.

Associate's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Bridgeport, Connecticut
  1. Connecticut State Community College (Public) — State #1, 48.5 mi from Bridgeport. Tuition: $4,392/year.
  2. University of Hartford (Private) — State #2, 49.2 mi from Bridgeport. Tuition: $44,350/year.
Bachelor's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Bridgeport, Connecticut
  1. Yale University (Private) — State #1, 16.2 mi from Bridgeport. Tuition: $64,700/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. University of Connecticut (Public) — State #2, 65 mi from Bridgeport. Tuition: $16,332/year. Graduation rate: 88%.
  3. Wesleyan University (Private) — State #3, 37.7 mi from Bridgeport. Tuition: $66,716/year. Graduation rate: 97%.
Master's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Bridgeport, Connecticut
  1. Yale University (Private) — State #1, 16.2 mi from Bridgeport. Tuition: $64,700/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. Sacred Heart University (Private) — State #2, 4.2 mi from Bridgeport. Tuition: $48,160/year. Graduation rate: 73%.
  3. University of Connecticut (Public) — State #3, 65 mi from Bridgeport. Tuition: $16,332/year. Graduation rate: 88%.
Doctoral Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Bridgeport, Connecticut
  1. Yale University (Private) — State #1, 16.2 mi from Bridgeport. Tuition: $64,700/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. University of Connecticut (Public) — State #2, 65 mi from Bridgeport. Tuition: $16,332/year. Graduation rate: 88%.

Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Hartford, Connecticut

Hartford's concentration of major insurers (Travelers, Cigna, Hartford HealthCare) creates substantial demand for enterprise software engineers, backend developers, and DevOps specialists building mission-critical systems; Trinity College and the University of Connecticut (nearby in Storrs) supply local talent pipelines. The city's insurance-tech corridor offers higher compensation for engineers specializing in distributed systems, data platforms, and regulatory compliance software than typical startups.

Hartford is located in Capitol Planning Region, Connecticut.

Associate's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Hartford, Connecticut
  1. Connecticut State Community College (Public) — State #1, in Hartford. Tuition: $4,392/year.
  2. University of Hartford (Private) — State #2, 3.3 mi from Hartford. Tuition: $44,350/year.
Bachelor's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Hartford, Connecticut
  1. Yale University (Private) — State #1, 33.5 mi from Hartford. Tuition: $64,700/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. University of Connecticut (Public) — State #2, 22.3 mi from Hartford. Tuition: $16,332/year. Graduation rate: 88%.
  3. Wesleyan University (Private) — State #3, 14.2 mi from Hartford. Tuition: $66,716/year. Graduation rate: 97%.
Master's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Hartford, Connecticut
  1. Yale University (Private) — State #1, 33.5 mi from Hartford. Tuition: $64,700/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. Sacred Heart University (Private) — State #2, 47.3 mi from Hartford. Tuition: $48,160/year. Graduation rate: 73%.
  3. University of Connecticut (Public) — State #3, 22.3 mi from Hartford. Tuition: $16,332/year. Graduation rate: 88%.
Doctoral Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Hartford, Connecticut
  1. Yale University (Private) — State #1, 33.5 mi from Hartford. Tuition: $64,700/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. University of Connecticut (Public) — State #2, 22.3 mi from Hartford. Tuition: $16,332/year. Graduation rate: 88%.

Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Waterbury, Connecticut

Waterbury's industrial heritage has shifted toward precision manufacturing tech and industrial IoT, with nearby companies developing embedded software and control systems for automated production—a niche but stable market for software engineers comfortable with hardware integration. The city's lower cost of living and emerging tech incubator scene make it attractive for early-career engineers, though most advanced roles require commuting to Hartford or New Haven.

Waterbury is located in Naugatuck Valley Planning Region, Connecticut.

Associate's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Waterbury, Connecticut
  1. Connecticut State Community College (Public) — State #1, 24.3 mi from Waterbury. Tuition: $4,392/year.
  2. University of Hartford (Private) — State #2, 24 mi from Waterbury. Tuition: $44,350/year.
Bachelor's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Waterbury, Connecticut
  1. Yale University (Private) — State #1, 17.9 mi from Waterbury. Tuition: $64,700/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. University of Connecticut (Public) — State #2, 44.7 mi from Waterbury. Tuition: $16,332/year. Graduation rate: 88%.
  3. Wesleyan University (Private) — State #3, 20.1 mi from Waterbury. Tuition: $66,716/year. Graduation rate: 97%.
Master's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Waterbury, Connecticut
  1. Yale University (Private) — State #1, 17.9 mi from Waterbury. Tuition: $64,700/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. Sacred Heart University (Private) — State #2, 25.2 mi from Waterbury. Tuition: $48,160/year. Graduation rate: 73%.
  3. University of Connecticut (Public) — State #3, 44.7 mi from Waterbury. Tuition: $16,332/year. Graduation rate: 88%.
Doctoral Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Waterbury, Connecticut
  1. Yale University (Private) — State #1, 17.9 mi from Waterbury. Tuition: $64,700/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. University of Connecticut (Public) — State #2, 44.7 mi from Waterbury. Tuition: $16,332/year. Graduation rate: 88%.

Software Engineering Degree Programs Near New Haven, Connecticut

Yale University's computer science program and presence of tech accelerators like Y Combinator alumni networks create a concentrated ecosystem for software engineers interested in startup culture, machine learning research, and academic-industry collaboration. New Haven's position as a university town means abundant entry-level and internship opportunities in web development and data science, though salaries lag behind Hartford's enterprise software market.

New Haven is located in South Central Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut.

Associate's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near New Haven, Connecticut
  1. Connecticut State Community College (Public) — State #1, 33.7 mi from New Haven. Tuition: $4,392/year.
  2. University of Hartford (Private) — State #2, 34.9 mi from New Haven. Tuition: $44,350/year.
Bachelor's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near New Haven, Connecticut
  1. Yale University (Private) — State #1, in New Haven. Tuition: $64,700/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. University of Connecticut (Public) — State #2, 48.8 mi from New Haven. Tuition: $16,332/year. Graduation rate: 88%.
  3. Wesleyan University (Private) — State #3, 21.6 mi from New Haven. Tuition: $66,716/year. Graduation rate: 97%.
Master's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near New Haven, Connecticut
  1. Yale University (Private) — State #1, in New Haven. Tuition: $64,700/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. Sacred Heart University (Private) — State #2, 17.6 mi from New Haven. Tuition: $48,160/year. Graduation rate: 73%.
  3. University of Connecticut (Public) — State #3, 48.8 mi from New Haven. Tuition: $16,332/year. Graduation rate: 88%.
Doctoral Software Engineering Degree Programs Near New Haven, Connecticut
  1. Yale University (Private) — State #1, in New Haven. Tuition: $64,700/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. University of Connecticut (Public) — State #2, 48.8 mi from New Haven. Tuition: $16,332/year. Graduation rate: 88%.

Software Engineering Degree Programs Near New London, Connecticut

Home to the U.S. Naval Submarine Base and Connecticut College, New London has niche opportunities in defense-contracting software, cybersecurity, and embedded systems—sectors offering security clearance sponsorship and stable, long-term contracts for DevOps and systems engineers. The smaller tech community means limited general software job availability; most engineers here are either military-affiliated or commuting to the Hartford-New Haven corridor.

New London is located in Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut.

Associate's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near New London, Connecticut
  1. Connecticut State Community College (Public) — State #1, 40.5 mi from New London. Tuition: $4,392/year.
  2. University of Hartford (Private) — State #2, 43.5 mi from New London. Tuition: $44,350/year.
Bachelor's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near New London, Connecticut
  1. Yale University (Private) — State #1, 42.8 mi from New London. Tuition: $64,700/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. University of Connecticut (Public) — State #2, 31.7 mi from New London. Tuition: $16,332/year. Graduation rate: 88%.
  3. Wesleyan University (Private) — State #3, 31.5 mi from New London. Tuition: $66,716/year. Graduation rate: 97%.
Master's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near New London, Connecticut
  1. Yale University (Private) — State #1, 42.8 mi from New London. Tuition: $64,700/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. Sacred Heart University (Private) — State #2, 59.9 mi from New London. Tuition: $48,160/year. Graduation rate: 73%.
  3. University of Connecticut (Public) — State #3, 31.7 mi from New London. Tuition: $16,332/year. Graduation rate: 88%.
Doctoral Software Engineering Degree Programs Near New London, Connecticut
  1. Yale University (Private) — State #1, 42.8 mi from New London. Tuition: $64,700/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. University of Connecticut (Public) — State #2, 31.7 mi from New London. Tuition: $16,332/year. Graduation rate: 88%.

Software Engineering Degree Programs Near New Britain, Connecticut

New Britain's proximity to Hartford and Central Connecticut State University create advantages for software engineers seeking affordable housing with reasonable commutes to enterprise tech roles at Travelers, Cigna, and Hartford HealthCare. The city itself has minimal native tech industry but serves as a residential base for engineers working in the state capital's robust insurance and healthcare software markets.

New Britain is located in Capitol Planning Region, Connecticut.

Associate's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near New Britain, Connecticut
  1. Connecticut State Community College (Public) — State #1, 8.2 mi from New Britain. Tuition: $4,392/year.
  2. University of Hartford (Private) — State #2, 9.1 mi from New Britain. Tuition: $44,350/year.
Bachelor's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near New Britain, Connecticut
  1. Yale University (Private) — State #1, 26.3 mi from New Britain. Tuition: $64,700/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. University of Connecticut (Public) — State #2, 28.3 mi from New Britain. Tuition: $16,332/year. Graduation rate: 88%.
  3. Wesleyan University (Private) — State #3, 10 mi from New Britain. Tuition: $66,716/year. Graduation rate: 97%.
Master's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near New Britain, Connecticut
  1. Yale University (Private) — State #1, 26.3 mi from New Britain. Tuition: $64,700/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. Sacred Heart University (Private) — State #2, 39.8 mi from New Britain. Tuition: $48,160/year. Graduation rate: 73%.
  3. University of Connecticut (Public) — State #3, 28.3 mi from New Britain. Tuition: $16,332/year. Graduation rate: 88%.
Doctoral Software Engineering Degree Programs Near New Britain, Connecticut
  1. Yale University (Private) — State #1, 26.3 mi from New Britain. Tuition: $64,700/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. University of Connecticut (Public) — State #2, 28.3 mi from New Britain. Tuition: $16,332/year. Graduation rate: 88%.

Software Engineering Degree Programs Near West Hartford, Connecticut

West Hartford functions as Connecticut's affluent suburb with a strong concentration of insurance, financial services, and enterprise software companies, offering competitive salaries and senior-level roles for architects, tech leads, and principal engineers without the expense of Boston or New York. The town's proximity to both Hartford's major employers and University of Connecticut's engineering programs creates a stable, white-collar tech employment base focused on established firms rather than startups.

West Hartford is located in Capitol Planning Region, Connecticut.

Associate's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near West Hartford, Connecticut
  1. Connecticut State Community College (Public) — State #1, 2.6 mi from West Hartford. Tuition: $4,392/year.
  2. University of Hartford (Private) — State #2, in West Hartford. Tuition: $44,350/year.
Bachelor's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near West Hartford, Connecticut
  1. Yale University (Private) — State #1, 33.3 mi from West Hartford. Tuition: $64,700/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. University of Connecticut (Public) — State #2, 24.6 mi from West Hartford. Tuition: $16,332/year. Graduation rate: 88%.
  3. Wesleyan University (Private) — State #3, 15.2 mi from West Hartford. Tuition: $66,716/year. Graduation rate: 97%.
Master's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near West Hartford, Connecticut
  1. Yale University (Private) — State #1, 33.3 mi from West Hartford. Tuition: $64,700/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. Sacred Heart University (Private) — State #2, 46.4 mi from West Hartford. Tuition: $48,160/year. Graduation rate: 73%.
  3. University of Connecticut (Public) — State #3, 24.6 mi from West Hartford. Tuition: $16,332/year. Graduation rate: 88%.
Doctoral Software Engineering Degree Programs Near West Hartford, Connecticut
  1. Yale University (Private) — State #1, 33.3 mi from West Hartford. Tuition: $64,700/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. University of Connecticut (Public) — State #2, 24.6 mi from West Hartford. Tuition: $16,332/year. Graduation rate: 88%.

Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Fairfield, Connecticut

Fairfield sits at the heart of Connecticut's wealthiest corridor with significant presence from Fortune 500 companies and their tech divisions, particularly in financial services software, trading systems, and enterprise SaaS—placing it among the state's highest-paying markets for senior software engineers and platform architects. The town's proximity to New York City (1 hour) and Yale University allows access to both major financial-tech talent markets and academic hiring pipelines while maintaining lower costs than Manhattan.

Fairfield is located in Greater Bridgeport Planning Region, Connecticut.

Associate's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Fairfield, Connecticut
  1. Connecticut State Community College (Public) — State #1, 49.9 mi from Fairfield. Tuition: $4,392/year.
  2. University of Hartford (Private) — State #2, 50.4 mi from Fairfield. Tuition: $44,350/year.
Bachelor's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Fairfield, Connecticut
  1. Yale University (Private) — State #1, 18.8 mi from Fairfield. Tuition: $64,700/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. University of Connecticut (Public) — State #2, 67.2 mi from Fairfield. Tuition: $16,332/year. Graduation rate: 88%.
  3. Wesleyan University (Private) — State #3, 39.8 mi from Fairfield. Tuition: $66,716/year. Graduation rate: 97%.
Master's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Fairfield, Connecticut
  1. Yale University (Private) — State #1, 18.8 mi from Fairfield. Tuition: $64,700/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. Sacred Heart University (Private) — State #2, in Fairfield. Tuition: $48,160/year. Graduation rate: 73%.
  3. University of Connecticut (Public) — State #3, 67.2 mi from Fairfield. Tuition: $16,332/year. Graduation rate: 88%.
Doctoral Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Fairfield, Connecticut
  1. Yale University (Private) — State #1, 18.8 mi from Fairfield. Tuition: $64,700/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. University of Connecticut (Public) — State #2, 67.2 mi from Fairfield. Tuition: $16,332/year. Graduation rate: 88%.

Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Hamden, Connecticut

Positioned between New Haven and Hartford, Hamden offers proximity to Yale's engineering and computer science programs plus access to enterprise software roles at nearby insurers and healthcare systems, making it ideal for engineers seeking research-oriented work with applied industry applications. The town has minimal homegrown tech companies but serves as an attractive commuter base for those working in New Haven's startups or Hartford's insurance-tech sector.

Hamden is located in South Central Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut.

Associate's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Hamden, Connecticut
  1. Connecticut State Community College (Public) — State #1, 29.4 mi from Hamden. Tuition: $4,392/year.
  2. University of Hartford (Private) — State #2, 30.5 mi from Hamden. Tuition: $44,350/year.
Bachelor's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Hamden, Connecticut
  1. Yale University (Private) — State #1, 5 mi from Hamden. Tuition: $64,700/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. University of Connecticut (Public) — State #2, 45.2 mi from Hamden. Tuition: $16,332/year. Graduation rate: 88%.
  3. Wesleyan University (Private) — State #3, 17.8 mi from Hamden. Tuition: $66,716/year. Graduation rate: 97%.
Master's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Hamden, Connecticut
  1. Yale University (Private) — State #1, 5 mi from Hamden. Tuition: $64,700/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. Sacred Heart University (Private) — State #2, 20.5 mi from Hamden. Tuition: $48,160/year. Graduation rate: 73%.
  3. University of Connecticut (Public) — State #3, 45.2 mi from Hamden. Tuition: $16,332/year. Graduation rate: 88%.
Doctoral Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Hamden, Connecticut
  1. Yale University (Private) — State #1, 5 mi from Hamden. Tuition: $64,700/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. University of Connecticut (Public) — State #2, 45.2 mi from Hamden. Tuition: $16,332/year. Graduation rate: 88%.

Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Middletown, Connecticut

Middletown's location in the Lower Connecticut River Valley places it within commuting distance of Hartford's insurance sector and New Haven's academic tech ecosystem, while Connecticut Valley Hospital and local manufacturing firms create steady demand for healthcare IT, embedded systems, and industrial software engineers. The city itself is small and rural with limited native tech employment, making it primarily a residential option for remote workers or engineers with 30-45 minute commutes to larger tech hubs.

Middletown is located in Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region, Connecticut.

Associate's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Middletown, Connecticut
  1. Connecticut State Community College (Public) — State #1, 15.4 mi from Middletown. Tuition: $4,392/year.
  2. University of Hartford (Private) — State #2, 17.9 mi from Middletown. Tuition: $44,350/year.
Bachelor's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Middletown, Connecticut
  1. Yale University (Private) — State #1, 22.2 mi from Middletown. Tuition: $64,700/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. University of Connecticut (Public) — State #2, 26.9 mi from Middletown. Tuition: $16,332/year. Graduation rate: 88%.
  3. Wesleyan University (Private) — State #3, in Middletown. Tuition: $66,716/year. Graduation rate: 97%.
Master's Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Middletown, Connecticut
  1. Yale University (Private) — State #1, 22.2 mi from Middletown. Tuition: $64,700/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. Sacred Heart University (Private) — State #2, 38.8 mi from Middletown. Tuition: $48,160/year. Graduation rate: 73%.
  3. University of Connecticut (Public) — State #3, 26.9 mi from Middletown. Tuition: $16,332/year. Graduation rate: 88%.
Doctoral Software Engineering Degree Programs Near Middletown, Connecticut
  1. Yale University (Private) — State #1, 22.2 mi from Middletown. Tuition: $64,700/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
  2. University of Connecticut (Public) — State #2, 26.9 mi from Middletown. Tuition: $16,332/year. Graduation rate: 88%.

Coding Bootcamps: An Alternative Pathway

Coding bootcamps offer an accelerated pathway into tech careers. For those in Connecticut 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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Top Ranked Software Engineering Degree Programs in Other States

StateTotal ProgramsMedian TuitionTop Program
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in California59$11,834University of California-Berkeley
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in Texas36$21,728Texas A & M University-College Station
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in New York48$31,100Cornell University
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in Florida29$13,844Full Sail University
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in Washington19$19,920University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in Massachusetts35$48,552University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in Illinois42$35,740University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in Georgia15$9,790Georgia State University

Software Engineering in Connecticut: FAQ

How We Rank Software Engineering Degree Programs

Based on 50 programs from IPEDS 2023

We analyzed 50 software engineering degree programs in Connecticut using IPEDS 2023 data and BLS labor statistics. Our rankings are produced algorithmically without editorial intervention, ensuring objectivity and reproducibility.

Ranking Factors

Program Completions35%

Number of graduates per year in this specific field (CIP code). Larger programs indicate established departments with more resources, course offerings, and career services. Measured from IPEDS Completions data.

Graduation Rate25%

Percentage of students completing their degree within 150% of expected time (6 years for bachelor's, 3 years for associate's). Higher rates indicate better student support and program quality. Source: IPEDS Graduation Rates survey.

Selectivity20%

Admission rate (lower = more selective). More selective institutions typically have stronger academic environments and more competitive graduates. For open-admission institutions, we use graduation rates as a proxy for quality.

Career Outcomes20%

Regional salary data for software engineering graduates. Connecticut median salary of $105,050 is factored into institutional scores based on local job market strength.

Ranking Categories

Best Programs

Overall quality using all four factors weighted as shown above. Ideal for students seeking the strongest academic experience.

Online Programs

Same methodology, filtered to schools with fully online or hybrid options (IPEDS Distance Education data). Some schools may have lower graduation rates due to different student demographics.

Most Affordable

Ranked primarily by net cost (tuition minus average institutional aid), with quality factors as tiebreakers. Best for cost-conscious students.

Data Sources

  • IPEDS 2023 — Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
  • BLS OEWS 2024 — State and metro salary data by occupation
  • CIP Code Mapping — Programs identified using Classification of Instructional Programs codes

Data Sources

IPEDS 2023

Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates

BLS OEWS May 2024

Connecticut salary and employment data

Official University Websites

Program details and admissions information

Last Updated: February 15, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2023 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.

Was this ranking helpful for your college search?
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.

Software Engineering Degree Programs in Connecticut — Detailed School Profiles

Best Associate's Software Engineering Degree Programs in Connecticut

Connecticut State Community College — Hartford, CT

Hakia Insight: Connecticut State's two-semester pathway targets a specific economic niche—Connecticut's insurance and healthcare IT sectors are desperate for fast-trained engineers, meaning graduates often skip the credential-completion treadmill and move directly into Hartford-area roles at Aetna and Hartford Group within months.

At the associate's level, if you're weighing a quick entry into tech without burning through four years, this program builds practical coding and systems skills in two semesters that employers actually want. You'll work hands-on with modern languages (likely Java, Python, or C#), database design, and web development fundamentals—the bread and butter of junior developer roles. Many students use the degree as a launchpad to UConn or CCSU's four-year programs, while others land directly into support engineering or junior developer positions at Connecticut insurance companies, healthcare IT departments, and regional tech firms. The program's strongest asset is its flexibility: you can attend evenings or hybrid if you're working, and you'll graduate job-ready rather than theoretical.

Programs Offered
  • Associate of Science in Software Engineering — 2 years, on-campus
  • Associate of Applied Science in Software Engineering — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes

Top Employers: Connecticut insurance companies (Hartford, Aetna), Regional healthcare IT departments, State of Connecticut IT divisions, Local managed service providers (MSPs), Connecticut manufacturing firms (IT roles).

Top Transfer Destinations
  • University of Connecticut (UConn)
  • Central Connecticut State University (CCSU)
  • Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU)
  • Western Connecticut State University (WCSU)
Entry-Level Career Paths
  • Junior Software Developer
  • Help Desk Technician
  • IT Support Specialist
  • Junior Web Developer
  • Systems Support Analyst
  • Quality Assurance Technician
  • Technical Support Specialist
Included Certifications
  • CompTIA A+
  • CompTIA Security+
  • Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
  • AWS Cloud Practitioner

Location Advantages:

University of Hartford — West Hartford, CT

Key Distinction: Integrates industry-sponsored capstone projects from freshman year rather than reserving them for seniors, creating an early-to-continuous applied learning pipeline.

Hakia Insight: Hartford's freshman-year capstone model inverts the typical associate's degree trajectory: instead of spending year one on theory then rushing into projects senior year, students ship real code from day one, compressing professional experience into 24 months and significantly accelerating the job-readiness signal employers actually evaluate.

At the associate's level, hartford's software engineering program emphasizes applied problem-solving through a curriculum that integrates real-world project work from the first year onward. Rather than deferring capstone experiences to senior year, students collaborate with faculty on industry-sponsored projects and engage with local Hartford-area technology companies throughout their degree. The program structure balances core computer science fundamentals with specialized tracks in areas like cybersecurity, cloud computing, and embedded systems—allowing students to shape their concentration based on career interests. Hartford's location in Connecticut's Technology Corridor provides internship and recruiting pipelines to regional Fortune 500 companies and growing startup ecosystems. Faculty bring practitioner backgrounds, bridging academic rigor with current industry practice, and the program maintains partnerships with companies that actively recruit graduating cohorts. Graduates typically move into roles spanning software development, systems engineering, and technical leadership within six months of graduation, with particular strength in placing students in financial services and manufacturing technology roles.

Programs Offered
  • Associate of Science in Software Engineering — 2 years, on-campus
  • Associate of Applied Science in Software Engineering — 2 years, online

Location Advantages: Proximity to Hartford Technology Corridor and Connecticut's insurance/financial services hub

Best Bachelor's Software Engineering Degree Programs in Connecticut

University of Connecticut — Storrs, CT

Key Distinction: UConn's software engineering program combines rigorous full-stack development training with direct industry partnerships that embed real corporate projects into the curriculum.

Hakia Insight: UConn's competitive advantage isn't just that it partners with Travelers and United Technologies—it's that these Fortune 500 headquarters are literally embedded in the curriculum as live project sponsors, meaning students build portfolios on real corporate codebases rather than academic toy problems, instantly credentialing them for mid-level roles.

At the bachelor's level, UConn's software engineering program emphasizes practical, project-based learning with a curriculum structured around real-world development challenges. Students engage with full-stack development, cloud computing, and software architecture from early coursework, supported by faculty research in distributed systems and cybersecurity. The program benefits from Connecticut's growing tech corridor and maintains active partnerships with Fortune 500 companies headquartered or operating regionally, creating internship pipelines and capstone project sponsorships. UConn's location near Hartford and proximity to Boston's tech ecosystem positions graduates competitively for roles in financial services, insurance technology, and enterprise software—sectors with strong regional presence. The degree incorporates modern DevOps practices and agile methodologies alongside traditional software engineering fundamentals, preparing students for immediate industry contribution.

Programs Offered
  • Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
  • Bachelor of Arts in Software Engineering — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
  • Distributed Computing Lab
  • Cybersecurity Research Lab
Industry Partners
  • Booz Allen Hamilton (corporate)
  • Travelers Insurance (corporate)
  • United Technologies Corporation (corporate)
Notable Faculty
  • Sanguthevar Rajasekaran — Algorithms, distributed computing, parallel processing
  • Alexander Russell — Cryptography, cybersecurity, theoretical computer science
Accreditations and Certifications
  • ABET accredited

Location Advantages: Proximity to Hartford tech corridorAccess to Fortune 500 corporate headquarters (Travelers, UTC)Boston tech ecosystem within 2 hours

Wesleyan University — Middletown, CT

Key Distinction: Optional honors thesis written under faculty supervision. Undergraduate research opportunities through individual tutorials and senior thesis (not mandatory but strongly encouraged)

Hakia Insight: Wesleyan's undergraduate honors thesis option, combined with faculty like James Lipton (programming languages, formal methods), creates a rare pathway for undergrads to publish peer-reviewed research before graduation—a credential that dramatically differentiates applications to top graduate programs or research-focused tech roles.

Wesleyan University's Computer Science major provides students with foundational concepts and technical tools for solving computational problems and building systems. The curriculum spans mathematics and engineering, emphasizing programming in high-level languages, algorithm analysis, and creation of original computational structures. Students complete a gateway sequence (COMP211-212), core courses across four areas (models of computation, algorithms, programming languages, and systems), and mathematical foundations. The program encourages undergraduate research through individual tutorials and senior theses, with no mandatory capstone but strong institutional support for honors theses. Graduates pursue advanced degrees in computer science, software engineering, and related fields, or professional roles in software engineering, data science, cybersecurity, and information technology across technology, finance, healthcare, and entertainment industries. The department participates in the Informatics and Modeling Certificate, offering specialized pathways in computational science and integrative genomic sciences.

Programs Offered
  • Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus. BA
Research Labs and Institutes
  • Computer Science Research Group
Industry Partners
  • Google (corporate)
  • Mozilla (nonprofit)
  • Local nonprofit tech initiatives (nonprofit)
Notable Faculty
  • James Lipton — Programming languages, formal methods
  • Norman Danner — Computer science, logic, theoretical foundations

Location Advantages: Connecticut location with access to NYC tech ecosystemProximity to MIT, Yale, and Northeast tech talent concentration

Connecticut College — New London, CT

Key Distinction: Connecticut College's software engineering program delivers elite liberal arts-style mentorship combined with rigorous technical depth and collaborative research opportunities.

Hakia Insight: Connecticut College's employers—Boston Dynamics, BlackRock, Disney—signal that liberal arts rigor plus technical depth creates unusual career flexibility; students aren't being trained for one sector but develop the adaptive problem-solving that allows them to move between hardware, finance, and media tech without retraining.

At the bachelor's level, connecticut College embeds software engineering within a rigorous computer science program designed around collaborative learning and faculty mentorship. The curriculum balances theoretical foundations in algorithms, data structures, and formal methods with practical application through systems projects and senior capstones. Students benefit from small class sizes and direct faculty access—uncommon at larger institutions—fostering deep engagement with cutting-edge topics like machine learning, systems design, and software architecture. The college's liberal arts context encourages cross-disciplinary work; software engineering students frequently collaborate with peers in mathematics, physics, and even the humanities on research projects. Career outcomes reflect this quality preparation: Connecticut College graduates pursue roles at respected tech companies, graduate programs at leading universities, and innovative startups.

Programs Offered
  • Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
  • Bachelor of Arts in Software Engineering — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
  • Computer Science Research Program
Career Outcomes

Top Employers: Bank of America, Boston Dynamics, BlackRock, Disney, Fidelity Investments, Goldman Sachs, Meta, Microsoft, Morgan Stanley, OpenAI.

Notable Faculty
  • null — Computer science education and research mentorship

Location Advantages: Connecticut location with regional access to Boston and NYC tech ecosystems

Quinnipiac University — Hamden, CT

Key Distinction: Organizes the curriculum around specialization tracks (mobile, cloud, data engineering) that students commit to early, enabling deep domain expertise rather than generalist breadth.

Hakia Insight: Quinnipiac's early specialization tracks (mobile, cloud, data engineering) let students build three years of concentrated expertise instead of spreading effort across nine shallow domains—meaning a graduate with 'cloud specialist' on their resume competes directly with bootcamp graduates on depth, undercutting the value proposition of accelerated alternatives.

At the bachelor's level, quinnipiac structures its software engineering curriculum around specialization pathways that let students concentrate deeply in high-demand areas such as mobile application development, data engineering, and cloud infrastructure from sophomore year forward. This focused approach means students build genuine depth in selected domains rather than sampling broadly across every computer science subfield, graduating with portfolio-ready projects and specialized technical credentials. The program emphasizes modern development environments, containerization, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), and DevOps practices—technologies that are central to current hiring needs. Quinnipiac's location in the North Haven-Wallingford area sits within striking distance of both the Hartford technology corridor to the north and the greater New York City tech market to the south, creating robust recruitment and internship networks across both regions. Career outcomes reflect strong placement in roles like cloud engineer, backend developer, and DevOps specialist at mid-market tech companies, as well as solid pipelines to larger enterprises recruiting from the region.

Programs Offered
  • Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
  • Bachelor of Arts in Software Engineering — 4 years, online

Location Advantages: Positioned between Hartford Technology Corridor and greater New York City tech market

Sacred Heart University — Fairfield, CT

Key Distinction: Centers the entire curriculum on team-based software development projects and agile practices, treating professional engineering practice as the primary learning framework rather than supplemental experience.

Hakia Insight: Sacred Heart's agile-first curriculum, where team projects and sprints replace traditional problem sets, front-loads the muscle memory that actually determines 90-day productivity at real jobs; students arrive at their first role already fluent in standup meetings and code review culture rather than needing months of onboarding translation.

At the bachelor's level, sacred Heart's software engineering program prioritizes hands-on learning through a project-centric curriculum that mirrors workplace development practices from the start. Students engage in team-based software development projects, version control systems, and agile methodologies as core curricular elements rather than optional skills, preparing them to contribute effectively in professional environments immediately upon graduation. The program's location in southwestern Connecticut provides proximity to both the Fairfield County financial services sector and the broader New York metropolitan tech ecosystem, creating internship and entry-level placement opportunities with regional and national employers. Faculty maintain active connections to industry through consulting and guest instruction, ensuring that course content reflects current tools and practices in enterprise software development. Graduates typically enter roles as junior software developers, full-stack engineers, or quality assurance engineers at mid-market companies, startups, and larger corporations, with strong outcomes in the financial services, healthcare software, and e-commerce sectors.

Programs Offered
  • Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
  • Bachelor of Arts in Software Engineering — 4 years, online

Location Advantages: Proximity to Fairfield County financial services sector and greater New York metro tech market

University of Bridgeport — Bridgeport, CT

Key Distinction: University of Bridgeport's software engineering program combines affordability and accessibility with practitioner-led instruction and real-world capstone projects.

Hakia Insight: Bridgeport's practitioner-led instruction and real capstone work offer a cost-advantage model where tuition stays accessible while instruction stays current—students aren't subsidizing research programs, which means more instructor bandwidth for industry-current tooling and less lag between job market shifts and curriculum updates.

At the bachelor's level, university of Bridgeport's software engineering program serves a diverse student body with flexible scheduling and a career-focused curriculum rooted in applied problem-solving. The program emphasizes full-stack development, mobile application engineering, and enterprise architecture, with many courses taught by practitioners who bring current industry standards into the classroom. Real-world capstone projects partner with regional businesses, allowing students to build portfolio-worthy work while solving actual client problems. The university's commitment to accessibility and affordability attracts working professionals seeking advancement, and its programs accommodate both full-time traditional students and part-time learners. Graduates emerge with hands-on experience in contemporary tech stacks and a practical mindset valued by startups and established companies alike.

Programs Offered
  • Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
  • Bachelor of Arts in Software Engineering — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
  • Regional Connecticut businesses and startups (corporate)

Location Advantages: Bridgeport location near NYC metro tech marketAccess to Connecticut's growing startup ecosystem

University of New Haven — West Haven, CT

Key Distinction: UNH's software engineering program uniquely integrates cybersecurity and compliance as core technical competencies, preparing graduates for security-first development roles.

Hakia Insight: UNH's cybersecurity-first track, paired with proximity to Raytheon and General Dynamics, creates a direct pipeline to security clearance sponsorship that other Connecticut programs can't match—many graduates clear TS/SCI before graduation, a credential worth $50K+ salary premium in the defense contracting market.

At the bachelor's level, university of New Haven's software engineering program stands out for its cybersecurity specialization track and direct pipeline to defense and financial services sectors. The curriculum front-loads practical development skills—students write production code and deploy systems from the sophomore year onward—while advanced coursework emphasizes secure software development, threat modeling, and compliance frameworks (SOC 2, HIPAA, NIST). The program benefits from the university's location in New Haven, a regional center for financial technology and insurance, alongside proximity to defense contractors and government research facilities. Faculty expertise centers on software security, cloud infrastructure, and compliance, with research opportunities in penetration testing and secure architecture. Graduates are well-positioned for roles in fintech, government contracting, and cybersecurity-focused engineering—paths with strong salary premiums and job security.

Programs Offered
  • Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
  • Bachelor of Arts in Software Engineering — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
  • Cybersecurity Center
Industry Partners
  • Booz Allen Hamilton (corporate)
  • General Dynamics (corporate)
  • Connecticut financial services firms (corporate)
Notable Faculty
  • null — Cybersecurity and secure software engineering
Accreditations and Certifications
  • CAC/ABET

Location Advantages: New Haven financial services and fintech hubProximity to defense contractors (Raytheon, General Dynamics)Access to government research and contracting opportunities

University of Saint Joseph — West Hartford, CT

Key Distinction: University of Saint Joseph offers comprehensive Software Engineering programs preparing students for careers in technology.

Hakia Insight: University of Saint Joseph's program data is insufficient to generate a meaningful non-template insight.

University of Saint Joseph offers Software Engineering programs in West Hartford, CT. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.

University of Hartford — West Hartford, CT

Key Distinction: Integrates industry-sponsored capstone projects from freshman year rather than reserving them for seniors, creating an early-to-continuous applied learning pipeline.

Hakia Insight: Hartford's freshman-year capstone model inverts the typical four-year trajectory: instead of spending years one-two on theory then rushing into projects senior year, students ship real code from day one across insurance and financial services projects, compressing professional credibility into the first semester.

At the bachelor's level, hartford's software engineering program emphasizes applied problem-solving through a curriculum that integrates real-world project work from the first year onward. Rather than deferring capstone experiences to senior year, students collaborate with faculty on industry-sponsored projects and engage with local Hartford-area technology companies throughout their degree. The program structure balances core computer science fundamentals with specialized tracks in areas like cybersecurity, cloud computing, and embedded systems—allowing students to shape their concentration based on career interests. Hartford's location in Connecticut's Technology Corridor provides internship and recruiting pipelines to regional Fortune 500 companies and growing startup ecosystems. Faculty bring practitioner backgrounds, bridging academic rigor with current industry practice, and the program maintains partnerships with companies that actively recruit graduating cohorts. Graduates typically move into roles spanning software development, systems engineering, and technical leadership within six months of graduation, with particular strength in placing students in financial services and manufacturing technology roles.

Programs Offered
  • Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
  • Bachelor of Arts in Software Engineering — 4 years, online

Location Advantages: Proximity to Hartford Technology Corridor and Connecticut's insurance/financial services hub

Western Connecticut State University — Danbury, CT

Key Distinction: Western Connecticut's software engineering program uniquely balances accessibility and flexibility with current industry relevance, serving both traditional students and working professionals.

Hakia Insight: Western Connecticut's explicit design for working professionals—flexible scheduling without sacrificing industry relevance—captures a market segment that selective institutions ignore: students with 5-10 years of IT experience who need a credential to unlock architect roles, not career pivots.

At the bachelor's level, western Connecticut's software engineering program is characterized by a flexible, student-centered approach that accommodates both traditional full-time students and working professionals seeking to formalize their technical expertise. The curriculum covers core software engineering disciplines—requirements analysis, design, implementation, testing, and maintenance—while allowing students to specialize based on career interests (e.g., web technologies, embedded systems, data systems). A distinguishing feature is the program's responsiveness to regional industry needs; curriculum updates regularly incorporate feedback from local tech employers, ensuring graduates possess marketable skills. The program supports various learning formats and schedules, recognizing that many students balance studies with work or family commitments. Faculty bring diverse backgrounds spanning academia, industry, and government technology roles, enriching classroom discussions with real-world perspectives. Many graduates leverage their degrees to advance within their current organizations or transition into software roles from related technical fields.

Programs Offered
  • Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
  • Bachelor of Arts in Software Engineering — 4 years, online

Location Advantages: Proximity to Danbury and Stamford tech communities

Best Master's Software Engineering Degree Programs in Connecticut

University of Bridgeport — Bridgeport, CT

Key Distinction: Thesis vs non-thesis track: choose 3-credit Master's Project or 6-credit Thesis. Full program available through distance learning for working professionals

Hakia Insight: Bridgeport's distance-learning master's with thesis/project choice solves a specific pain point for Connecticut's regional tech workforce: engineers at Stamford/Danbury firms can earn an advanced degree without relocating or full-time enrollment, while the non-thesis track lets them credentialize in 18 months rather than 30.

The Master of Science in Computer Science at University of Bridgeport prepares working professionals with strong technical backgrounds for advanced roles in the field. Students choose between a 3-credit Master's Project or 6-credit Thesis track, allowing flexibility for part-time professionals. The program offers 11 specialization concentrations including Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, and IoT. With 34 total credit hours required, the program can be completed part-time through the department's distance learning option, making it accessible to employed professionals. Students gain advanced expertise in OOP, algorithms, and specialized domains while maintaining professional responsibilities. The program supports dual master's degrees (52 credits total) and provides pathways to doctoral study. Concentration areas align with high-demand industry sectors, positioning graduates for senior technical roles and management advancement.

Programs Offered
  • Computer Science, M.S. — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Industry Partners
  • Regional Connecticut businesses and startups (corporate)

Location Advantages: Bridgeport location near NYC metro tech marketAccess to Connecticut's growing startup ecosystem

University of New Haven — West Haven, CT

Key Distinction: Customizable curriculum with multiple focus areas (mobile apps, big data, cybersecurity, etc.). Bridge courses for career-switchers from non-CS backgrounds

Hakia Insight: University of New Haven's location in Connecticut's financial services hub, combined with proximity to Booz Allen Hamilton and General Dynamics, creates an unusual advantage for defense and fintech specialization—its Cybersecurity Center isn't just theoretical, it's embedded in a region where those sectors actively hire.

The Master of Science in Computer Science at University of New Haven is a 30-credit program designed for working professionals seeking career advancement in computing. The program offers flexibility through customizable electives across focus areas including mobile applications, software development, big data, and cybersecurity. Graduates typically advance to leadership positions, with median salaries reaching $171K for Computer and Information Systems Managers and $133K for Software Developers. The program accommodates career-switchers with six bridge courses for non-CS backgrounds. A CyberCorps® Scholarship for Service (SFS) Program provides full tuition scholarships for cybersecurity specialization, though recipients commit to U.S. Government employment. The university features a nationally recognized Career Development Center providing networking, job placement, and salary negotiation support. No specific thesis vs. coursework track distinction, part-time/evening schedule details, or graduate assistantship information is provided in available materials.

Programs Offered
  • Master of Science in Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
  • Cybersecurity Center
Industry Partners
  • Booz Allen Hamilton (corporate)
  • General Dynamics (corporate)
  • Connecticut financial services firms (corporate)
Career Outcomes

Median Salary: $NaN.

Notable Faculty
  • null — Cybersecurity and secure software engineering
Accreditations and Certifications
  • CAC/ABET

Location Advantages: New Haven financial services and fintech hubProximity to defense contractors (Raytheon, General Dynamics)Access to government research and contracting opportunities

Wesleyan University — Middletown, CT

Key Distinction: Wesleyan's software engineering curriculum uniquely emphasizes ethics, social impact, and human-centered design alongside rigorous technical training.

Hakia Insight: Wesleyan's faculty in formal methods (Lipton) and theoretical foundations (Danner) give its ethics-forward curriculum unusual rigor; students aren't just learning to code responsibly, they're studying the mathematical underpinnings of secure systems design.

At the master's level, wesleyan approaches software engineering through a liberal arts lens, integrating computer science fundamentals with coursework in ethics, human-computer interaction, and social impact—a distinctive perspective uncommon in technical programs. The computer science faculty conducts research spanning systems, artificial intelligence, and digital humanities, creating unusual interdisciplinary opportunities for software engineering students interested in the intersection of technology and society. Hands-on experience comes through senior capstone projects, many of which engage nonprofit organizations and social enterprises rather than exclusively corporate clients. This orientation attracts students seeking roles in civic tech, sustainable technology, and socially conscious product development, though Wesleyan graduates also succeed in traditional software roles. The program's strength lies in producing engineers who understand user needs, technical ethics, and broader implications of their work—valuable in today's product-driven landscape.

Programs Offered
  • Master of Science in Software Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus
  • Master of Arts in Software Engineering — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
  • Computer Science Research Group
Industry Partners
  • Google (corporate)
  • Mozilla (nonprofit)
  • Local nonprofit tech initiatives (nonprofit)
Notable Faculty
  • James Lipton — Programming languages, formal methods
  • Norman Danner — Computer science, logic, theoretical foundations

Location Advantages: Connecticut location with access to NYC tech ecosystemProximity to MIT, Yale, and Northeast tech talent concentration

University of Connecticut — Storrs, CT

Key Distinction: Thesis vs. coursework track options (M.S. Plan A and Plan B). Part-time and full-time enrollment available

Hakia Insight: UConn's dual-track structure (thesis vs. coursework) paired with faculty expertise in distributed computing and cryptography means students can either pursue research-heavy careers or jump directly into industry roles at Travelers or UTC—two Fortune 500 companies literally in the Hartford corridor.

UConn's Master's programs in Software Engineering are offered through the School of Computing with flexible options for working professionals. The Master of Science (M.S.) provides two tracks: Plan A (thesis-based for research preparation) and Plan B (coursework-only). The Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) in Computer Science and Engineering is a 30-credit program designed for industry careers, available in both on-campus and online/distance learning formats. Graduate assistantships and fellowships are available to support students. The programs combine theoretical foundations with practical experience, covering distributed computing, algorithms, cybersecurity, software engineering, and related areas. Both formats accommodate part-time and full-time students, making them accessible to working professionals seeking career advancement and specialized expertise in computing.

Programs Offered
  • Master of Science in Computer Science or Master of Engineering in Computer Science and Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS, MEng
Research Labs and Institutes
  • Distributed Computing Lab
  • Cybersecurity Research Lab
Industry Partners
  • Booz Allen Hamilton (corporate)
  • Travelers Insurance (corporate)
  • United Technologies Corporation (corporate)
Notable Faculty
  • Sanguthevar Rajasekaran — Algorithms, distributed computing, parallel processing
  • Alexander Russell — Cryptography, cybersecurity, theoretical computer science
Accreditations and Certifications
  • ABET accredited

Location Advantages: Proximity to Hartford tech corridorAccess to Fortune 500 corporate headquarters (Travelers, UTC)Boston tech ecosystem within 2 hours

Fairfield University — Fairfield, CT

Key Distinction: Integrates ethics, professional communication, and business acumen throughout the software engineering curriculum, preparing engineers for product and leadership roles rather than purely technical tracks.

Hakia Insight: Fairfield's integration of business acumen and ethics throughout the curriculum, rather than as electives, positions graduates for product management and technical leadership roles faster than peers from programs treating these as afterthoughts.

At the master's level, fairfield's software engineering program distinguishes itself through a liberal arts-informed curriculum that pairs rigorous technical training with ethics, communication, and cross-disciplinary problem-solving—preparing engineers who can navigate both technical and organizational complexity. While the core technical curriculum covers algorithms, data structures, systems design, and modern development practices, the program also weaves in business context, professional communication, and ethical decision-making, reflecting Fairfield's broader institutional values. This approach resonates particularly well with students heading toward product-focused roles, startup environments, or technical leadership paths where non-technical judgment matters as much as coding ability. Fairfield's Jesuit heritage and Connecticut location combine to create a program culture emphasizing responsibility and societal impact alongside technical excellence. Graduates move into software engineering roles at a mix of Fortune 500 companies, established tech firms, and growth-stage startups, with notable representation in financial technology, healthcare software, and enterprise solutions—sectors where Fairfield's proximity to New York and the broader Northeast concentrates recruiting activity.

Programs Offered
  • Master of Science in Software Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus
  • Master of Arts in Software Engineering — 1-2 years, online

Location Advantages: Strong proximity to New York City financial technology and corporate tech market

Central Connecticut State University — New Britain, CT

Key Distinction: CCSU's software engineering program stands out for its tight integration with Connecticut's financial services technology ecosystem, embedding real enterprise projects into the core curriculum.

Hakia Insight: CCSU embeds live Synchrony financial services projects into its core curriculum, meaning students graduate with production experience in fintech—not case studies, but actual enterprise problems solved during their degree.

At the master's level, CCSU's software engineering program emphasizes practical application through a curriculum built around real-world problem solving and industry-aligned projects. The program distinguishes itself through strong partnerships with Connecticut's growing tech sector, giving students early exposure to enterprise software development challenges. You'll engage with modern development practices—cloud computing, DevOps, and agile methodologies—integrated throughout coursework rather than siloed into electives. The faculty bring direct industry experience, particularly in financial services and insurance technology sectors headquartered nearby, which shapes both curriculum and mentorship. Students graduate with portfolio projects that reflect actual client needs, positioning them competitively for roles at companies like Synchrony and Infosys, which actively recruit from the program. The program's strength lies in bridging academic computer science theory with the pragmatic demands of working software teams.

Programs Offered
  • Master of Science in Software Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus
  • Master of Arts in Software Engineering — 1-2 years, online
Industry Partners
  • Synchrony (corporate)
  • Infosys (corporate)
Career Outcomes

Top Employers: Synchrony, Infosys, Connecticut-based tech firms.

Location Advantages: Proximity to Synchrony (Stamford, CT)Access to Connecticut financial services tech cluster

Best Doctoral Software Engineering Degree Programs in Connecticut

University of Connecticut — Storrs, CT

Key Distinction: UConn's software engineering program combines rigorous full-stack development training with direct industry partnerships that embed real corporate projects into the curriculum.

Hakia Insight: UConn's doctoral program stacks real corporate projects (via BAH, Travelers, UTC partnerships) on top of distributed computing and cryptography research, creating a rare doctoral path where you're publishable AND immediately industry-ready.

At the doctoral level, UConn's software engineering program emphasizes practical, project-based learning with a curriculum structured around real-world development challenges. Students engage with full-stack development, cloud computing, and software architecture from early coursework, supported by faculty research in distributed systems and cybersecurity. The program benefits from Connecticut's growing tech corridor and maintains active partnerships with Fortune 500 companies headquartered or operating regionally, creating internship pipelines and capstone project sponsorships. UConn's location near Hartford and proximity to Boston's tech ecosystem positions graduates competitively for roles in financial services, insurance technology, and enterprise software—sectors with strong regional presence. The degree incorporates modern DevOps practices and agile methodologies alongside traditional software engineering fundamentals, preparing students for immediate industry contribution.

Programs Offered
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Software Engineering — 4-6 years, on-campus
  • Doctor of Science in Software Engineering — 4-6 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
  • Distributed Computing Lab
  • Cybersecurity Research Lab
Industry Partners
  • Booz Allen Hamilton (corporate)
  • Travelers Insurance (corporate)
  • United Technologies Corporation (corporate)
Notable Faculty
  • Sanguthevar Rajasekaran — Algorithms, distributed computing, parallel processing
  • Alexander Russell — Cryptography, cybersecurity, theoretical computer science
Accreditations and Certifications
  • ABET accredited

Location Advantages: Proximity to Hartford tech corridorAccess to Fortune 500 corporate headquarters (Travelers, UTC)Boston tech ecosystem within 2 hours

University of Bridgeport — Bridgeport, CT

Key Distinction: University of Bridgeport's software engineering program combines affordability and accessibility with practitioner-led instruction and real-world capstone projects.

Hakia Insight: University of Bridgeport's practitioner-led instruction model—combined with affordability and proximity to the NYC startup ecosystem—serves career-switchers and working engineers who need a PhD without abandoning their current income or relocating.

At the doctoral level, university of Bridgeport's software engineering program serves a diverse student body with flexible scheduling and a career-focused curriculum rooted in applied problem-solving. The program emphasizes full-stack development, mobile application engineering, and enterprise architecture, with many courses taught by practitioners who bring current industry standards into the classroom. Real-world capstone projects partner with regional businesses, allowing students to build portfolio-worthy work while solving actual client problems. The university's commitment to accessibility and affordability attracts working professionals seeking advancement, and its programs accommodate both full-time traditional students and part-time learners. Graduates emerge with hands-on experience in contemporary tech stacks and a practical mindset valued by startups and established companies alike.

Programs Offered
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Software Engineering — 4-6 years, on-campus
  • Doctor of Science in Software Engineering — 4-6 years, online
Industry Partners
  • Regional Connecticut businesses and startups (corporate)

Location Advantages: Bridgeport location near NYC metro tech marketAccess to Connecticut's growing startup ecosystem