Best Bachelor's Software Engineering Degree Programs in Indiana
Purdue University-Main Campus — West Lafayette, IN
Key Distinction: A flagship program distinguished by mandatory industry co-ops, cutting-edge research access, and unparalleled employer relationships that make it a feeder to major tech companies.
Hakia Insight: Purdue's mandatory co-op requirement isn't just experience—it's a revenue stream and employer vetting system that lets Microsoft, Google, and Boeing evaluate talent before hiring, creating a documented pathway that dramatically reduces post-graduation job search friction.
At the bachelor's level, purdue's main campus software engineering program is built on decades of industrial partnership and a tradition of producing engineers who move directly into senior technical roles at major corporations and startups alike. The curriculum emphasizes both breadth—covering software architecture, security, testing, and scalable systems—and depth through electives in areas like machine learning, cybersecurity, distributed systems, and human-computer interaction. Students have access to world-class research facilities and faculty engaged in NSF-funded projects, with opportunities to contribute to real research from the sophomore year onward. The co-op program is particularly distinctive: students alternate semesters between coursework and paid internships at companies including Microsoft, Google, Apple, Boeing, and dozens of Fortune 500 firms, building a professional network and résumé before graduation. Purdue's location in Indiana's research corridor and its unmatched relationships with major technology employers create a direct pipeline to well-compensated entry-level and early-career positions.
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
- Purdue Cyber Center
- Department of Computer Science research groups
Industry Partners
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
- Apple (corporate)
- Boeing (corporate)
- Intel (corporate)
- Amazon (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Central location with proximity to Chicago, Indianapolis, and Cincinnati tech marketsDirect connections to major tech employer headquarters and innovation hubs across the Midwest and nationally
University of Notre Dame — Notre Dame, IN
Key Distinction: Integrates software engineering with explicit training in ethics and social responsibility, preparing engineers to lead with both technical and moral authority.
Hakia Insight: Notre Dame's embedded ethics curriculum directly addresses the gap between technical capability and decision-making authority; graduates can credibly lead AI and data governance projects in ways that pure CS programs don't prepare.
At the bachelor's level, notre Dame's approach to software engineering integrates rigorous computer science theory with ethical reasoning and social responsibility—a hallmark of the university's educational philosophy. The program goes beyond typical technical curricula by weaving in coursework on technology ethics, professional responsibility, and the societal impact of software systems. Students work with faculty on research spanning distributed systems, software security, and formal verification methods, often contributing to publications and conference presentations. The location in the Midwest provides recruiting pipelines to major tech hubs including Chicago and the broader region, while Notre Dame's strong alumni network in technology extends to companies nationwide. Graduates from Notre Dame tend to pursue senior engineering roles and leadership positions, reflecting both the program's depth and the university's reputation for developing well-rounded technical leaders.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Software Engineering — 4 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Chicago tech market and major Midwest corporate headquarters
Indiana University-Bloomington — Bloomington, IN
Key Distinction: Mandatory internship and research opportunities integrated into curriculum. Undergraduate Research Opportunities in Computing (URUOC) program with faculty/Ph.D. mentorship
Hakia Insight: Indiana University's URUOC program pairs every undergraduate researcher with PhD mentorship—an apprenticeship model usually reserved for graduate students—meaning top performers can publish co-authored papers before graduation, a rare credential boost.
Indiana University's B.S. in Computer Science prepares students for careers in technology through a comprehensive curriculum combining foundational computer science theory with hands-on experience. The program emphasizes internship and research opportunities, including the Undergraduate Research Opportunities in Computing (URUOC) program where students work under faculty or Ph.D. mentorship on industry-relevant projects. Students can select from eight specializations including Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Security, Game Development, Data Science, Foundations, Programming Languages, and Systems. The program culminates in challenging class projects and career-oriented coursework. Graduates achieve strong employment outcomes: 96% are employed or in graduate school within six months, with an average starting salary of $84,064. Major employers including Amazon and GM actively recruit Luddy graduates. The program also offers an Accelerated M.S. option to earn both degrees in five years, and students benefit from the Luddy Living Learning Center with dedicated makerspace facilities.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering
Industry Partners
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
- IBM (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Amazon, IBM.
Notable Faculty
- Katsuro Inoue — Software engineering, code clone detection, and empirical software engineering
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited (Computer Science)
Location Advantages: Access to Midwest tech corridor companiesProximity to growing software development hubs in Indiana and Ohio
Purdue University Northwest — Hammond, IN
Key Distinction: ABET-accredited program. Two-semester team-based senior capstone design project
Hakia Insight: Purdue Northwest's two-semester senior capstone and ABET accreditation position graduates as credentialed engineers in automotive and industrial automation, a distinction that matters when competing for premium roles in the Chicago-Detroit corridor.
Purdue University Northwest's Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering is an ABET-accredited program that combines innovative, relevant coursework with career-focused experiences. Students progress through foundational engineering design and calculus in Year One, computer engineering fundamentals including data structures and digital systems in Year Two, software engineering design and embedded systems in Year Three, and conclude with a two-semester team-based senior capstone project in Year Four while taking electives in machine learning, network security, and big data. The program emphasizes project management, effective communication, and technical expertise. Graduates are recruited by top regional and national companies including General Motors, Cleveland Cliffs, Capital One, and AbbVie with competitive starting salaries. Students can pursue specializations in computer architecture, embedded systems, computer networking, software engineering, virtual reality, or intelligent systems. Small class sizes, state-of-the-art labs, and Ph.D.-holding faculty enhance the learning experience. Graduates qualify for Professional Engineer (PE) licensure in Indiana and all U.S. states.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Access to regional automotive, industrial automation, and manufacturing sectorsGateway to both Chicago and Detroit tech and industrial markets
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology — Terre Haute, IN
Hakia Insight: Rose-Hulman's employer roster (AWS, BAE Systems, Bank of America) skews heavily toward infrastructure and security-critical roles, signaling that the program's hands-on labs curriculum trains for depth rather than breadth—ideal for students targeting specialized technical careers.
At the bachelor's level, rose-Hulman's Software Engineering program provides hands-on access to cutting-edge labs with expert faculty mentorship, preparing students using a process similar to other engineering disciplines that allows software to be reliable and developed within time and cost estimates. The program delivers exceptional career outcomes with $100,000+ average starting salaries and a near-100% placement rate at leading companies like Google, Tesla, and NASA.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Software Engineering — 4 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Amazon Web Services, Applied Research Lab, BAE Systems, Baker McKenzie, Bank of America, Capital One Financial Corporation, Caterpillar, CME Group, Code Integrity, Collins Aerospace, Deutsche Bank, Discover Financial Services, Doxpop, Drophouse Gen AI, EcoShot, Edgile, Epic Systems, Epirus, Fidelity Investments, First Databank, Flexware Innovation, FloQuest, Fort Wayne Community Schools, GE Appliances, Goldman Sachs, Google, GyanSys, Higher Ground, Leidos, Los Alamos National Laboratory, myhELO, National Security Agency, New Life Technologies, Northrop Grumman, Numerica, PROWARE, Rose-Hulman Ventures, Shenzhen Research Institute of Big Data, SkillStorm, Software Engineering Professionals, State Farm Insurance, Tapestry Solutions, Telecom & Data Inc., Teradyne, Tesla, Thalasso Therapeutics, UDig, United Launch Alliance.
Location Advantages:
Indiana University-Indianapolis — Indianapolis, IN
Key Distinction: Luddy Living Learning Community with exclusive events and networking. Flexible specialization options customizable to student interests
Hakia Insight: IUPUI's Center for Secure and Dependable Software Systems paired with Mathias Payer's security expertise and the Luddy Living Learning Community creates an unusual advantage: undergraduates can build résumés in systems security within a biotech hub (Eli Lilly, Roche) where that skillset commands premium compensation.
Indiana University Indianapolis's Bachelor of Science in Computer Science equips students with skills to design and build human-centered computing systems. The program offers flexible learning options available on-campus or online with Fall, Spring, or Summer start dates. Students begin with core concepts in programming and algorithms, then customize their degree through specialization tracks including cognitive automation, data science, full-stack development, game development, human-computer interaction, information science, and legal informatics. The B.S. requires calculus and computing-related courses to prepare students for advanced coursework and graduate programs. Graduates qualify for positions as software engineers, AI engineers, computer programmers, information security analysts, and software developers. The program is part of the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering, which offers an accelerated 5-year bachelor's-to-master's pathway. Students benefit from the Luddy Living Learning Community, student organizations focused on entrepreneurship and tech ethics, and employer-relevant curriculum designed around current market demands.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Secure and Dependable Software Systems
Industry Partners
- Roche Diagnostics (corporate)
- Eli Lilly and Company (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Notable Faculty
- Mathias Payer — Systems security and software vulnerability
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Indianapolis biotech and pharmaceutical hub (Eli Lilly headquarters, Roche, etc.)Growing tech startup ecosystemUrban setting with healthcare and enterprise software opportunities
University of Evansville — Evansville, IN
Key Distinction: University of Evansville's software engineering program delivers exceptional individualized mentorship in an intimate setting where faculty investment directly shapes graduate readiness.
Hakia Insight: University of Evansville's 90-minute proximity to Indianapolis—where Eli Lilly, Roche, and emerging startups cluster—combined with faculty-driven mentorship in a 600-person cohort, means students build genuine relationships with hiring managers rather than competing anonymously in larger programs.
At the bachelor's level, university of Evansville's software engineering program attracts students seeking a smaller, mentorship-driven environment where faculty know you by name and tailor guidance to individual career aspirations. The curriculum covers software design fundamentals, database systems, web development, and systems architecture, but the real value emerges through close advising relationships that help students navigate specialization choices—whether toward web technologies, embedded systems, or enterprise software. The university's location in southern Indiana, combined with a lean but engaged faculty, creates an intimacy that larger programs cannot replicate: students find themselves collaborating directly with professors on small research projects, getting detailed code reviews, and receiving personalized job search coaching. UE emphasizes practical skills alongside theory, with senior projects offering choices in real-world application domains. While the program doesn't boast extensive research labs, its strength lies in undergraduate mentorship and a tight-knit alumni network in technology careers who actively recruit and advise current students. Graduates report high satisfaction with their preparation for entry-level software engineering roles and cite faculty relationships as instrumental in their career transitions.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Software Engineering — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Gateway to Indianapolis tech community (90 minutes north)Regional internship access through alumni network
Taylor University — Upland, IN
Key Distinction: A faith-integrated software engineering program that combines technical excellence with ethical leadership and social responsibility, distinctive among Indiana regional universities.
Hakia Insight: Taylor's dual B.S./B.A. track in software engineering is rare among regional Indiana programs—the B.A. option allows students to substitute ethics and philosophy coursework for some technical electives, creating graduates equipped to lead engineering teams through moral complexity, not just technical problem-solving.
At the bachelor's level, taylor University's software engineering program emphasizes the integration of faith-based values with rigorous technical training, creating graduates who approach problem-solving with both analytical precision and ethical mindfulness. The curriculum balances theoretical foundations in algorithms, data structures, and software design with practical experience through capstone projects that often address real-world problems for nonprofit organizations and social enterprises. Students benefit from close faculty mentorship in a residential liberal arts setting, where small class sizes enable personalized guidance through advanced coursework in systems design, web development, and mobile applications. The program's distinctive strength lies in its integration of professional ethics and leadership development alongside technical skills—preparing engineers who can lead teams and make principled decisions in complex business environments. Taylor's partnerships with regional tech companies provide internship opportunities that often lead to full-time positions, while the university's strong alumni network in Indiana's growing tech corridor offers ongoing career support and networking. Graduates consistently report that the combination of technical rigor and humanistic education prepared them not just to code, but to contribute meaningfully to their organizations' strategic direction.
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 Indianapolis tech sector and startup ecosystem
DePauw University — Greencastle, IN
Key Distinction: DePauw University offers comprehensive Software Engineering programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: DePauw's location in Greencastle positions it as a feeder to Indianapolis's growing tech sector without the name-brand overhead of larger state schools, making it an underrated option for students seeking strong technical training with genuine faculty mentorship at a liberal arts scale.
DePauw University offers Software Engineering programs in Greencastle, IN. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Trine University — Angola, IN
Key Distinction: Trine's software engineering program stands out for its industry-sponsored capstone projects that give students genuine client work experience before graduation.
Hakia Insight: Trine's partnership with Lincoln Electric and ITW doesn't just mean internships—capstone projects are sponsored by real clients who need actual solutions, meaning students ship production code before graduation, a credential most peers can't match.
At the bachelor's level, trine's software engineering program emphasizes a hands-on, project-based curriculum that bridges theory and real-world application from day one. The degree is built around sequential software engineering courses that progress from foundational design patterns and object-oriented principles to advanced topics like cloud computing, cybersecurity, and mobile development. What sets Trine apart is its required capstone experience, where students work in teams on industry-sponsored projects—creating genuine portfolio pieces while solving actual business problems. The program leverages its location in northeast Indiana's growing tech corridor and maintains active partnerships with regional employers, ensuring curriculum alignment with current market demands. Faculty bring both academic rigor and practical experience, many with backgrounds in software development and enterprise architecture. Graduates consistently report strong job placement in roles spanning full-stack development, quality assurance engineering, and DevOps, with many staying in the Midwest but others branching to major tech hubs. Trine's smaller class sizes mean personalized mentorship and collaborative learning environments where peer review and code collaboration mirror professional team dynamics.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Software Engineering — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Lincoln Electric (corporate)
- ITW (Illinois Tool Works) (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Lincoln Electric, ITW, Cummins.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to northeast Indiana manufacturing and tech sectorAccess to regional Fortune 500 internship opportunities
Best Master's Software Engineering Degree Programs in Indiana
Indiana University-Bloomington — Bloomington, IN
Key Distinction: Creativity Requirement ensures practical experience: complete paid or unpaid internships locally or on coasts while earning course credit, or conduct faculty-mentored research. Internship credit allows students to build skills and resume while making employer connections
Hakia Insight: IU-Bloomington's creativity requirement is quietly radical: you can earn course credit while working paid internships at Amazon or Google on the coasts, turning your resume-building into degree progress rather than treating work and study as competing demands.
Indiana University's M.S. in Computer Science is a technical, highly marketable degree combining computing fundamentals with cutting-edge applications including artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data, and security. Students complete the program in 1.5 to 2 years. The program emphasizes practical experience through the Creativity Requirement, allowing students to complete paid or unpaid internships while earning course credit, or conduct faculty-mentored research via independent study. With a 100% employment/continued education rate within six months of graduation and an average starting salary of $126,067 (plus $25,719 average signing bonus), graduates secure roles as software engineers, technical consultants, security experts, and analysts at major employers including IBM, Amazon, Yahoo!, Expedia, and Cerner. The program supports international students extensively and offers the INGEN4CS research training program for eligible U.S. citizens/permanent residents.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering
Industry Partners
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
- IBM (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: IBM, Amazon, Expedia.
Notable Faculty
- Katsuro Inoue — Software engineering, code clone detection, and empirical software engineering
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited (Computer Science)
Location Advantages: Access to Midwest tech corridor companiesProximity to growing software development hubs in Indiana and Ohio
Purdue University-Main Campus — West Lafayette, IN
Key Distinction: 100% online format designed for working professionals. Flexible curriculum with customizable focus areas (Systems Software, Cybersecurity, Embedded Software/Robotics/Controls, Machine Learning/Data Science)
Hakia Insight: Purdue's online master's lets you customize your focus across four distinct tracks (Systems, Cybersecurity, Embedded/Robotics, ML/Data Science) mid-program based on employer needs—most online programs lock you into one path before day one.
Purdue's online Master of Science in Software Engineering is designed for working professionals seeking flexible, advanced education while maintaining their careers. The fully online program offers 30 credits completed in 24 months, with customizable focus areas in Systems Software, Cybersecurity, Embedded Software/Robotics/Controls, and Machine Learning/Data Science. The curriculum combines software engineering principles, computing systems, and cybersecurity, taught by faculty from the Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Department of Computer Science. Research indicates master's degree holders in software engineering experience salary increases of 25-75% over bachelor's holders. The program emphasizes both technical expertise and entrepreneurial innovation, preparing graduates for leadership roles. Current median advertised salaries for software engineers are $131.2k, with 286.6k unique job postings and 14.5% projected growth (2019-2029). The flexible curriculum allows professionals to specialize or build interdisciplinary plans aligned with career goals.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Software Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Purdue Cyber Center
- Department of Computer Science research groups
Industry Partners
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
- Apple (corporate)
- Boeing (corporate)
- Intel (corporate)
- Amazon (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Central location with proximity to Chicago, Indianapolis, and Cincinnati tech marketsDirect connections to major tech employer headquarters and innovation hubs across the Midwest and nationally
University of Notre Dame — Notre Dame, IN
Key Distinction: Thesis vs. project track options (both equivalent). Accelerated completion: 11 months for well-prepared students (2 semesters + summer)
Hakia Insight: Notre Dame's 11-month completion path for well-prepared students isn't just speed; it's designed for career-switchers and industry veterans who can compress a 2-year program by stacking two heavy semesters plus summer, getting back to work or into senior roles faster.
The Master of Science in Computer Science and Engineering at Notre Dame offers advanced technical training with specializations in AI, machine learning, software engineering, security, cloud computing, and more. Students choose between a thesis or project-based track, both equivalent in rigor. The program is designed for full-time, on-campus study and can be completed in as few as 11 months (two semesters plus summer) for well-prepared students. With a bachelor's degree, graduates advance into leadership roles in tech startups, major industry firms, and government agencies. The M.S. prepares professionals for significant salary advancement and positions them for roles requiring advanced technical expertise and specialization.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science and Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Chicago tech market and major Midwest corporate headquarters
Purdue University Northwest — Hammond, IN
Key Distinction: A Purdue-accredited program tailored to industrial and embedded systems development, serving a region transitioning toward Industry 4.0 technologies.
Hakia Insight: Purdue Northwest's explicit focus on Industry 4.0 and embedded systems development gives students direct pipeline into the automotive and industrial automation explosion happening in Michigan and northwest Indiana, a niche where most tier-1 programs aren't actively recruiting.
At the master's level, purdue Northwest brings the Purdue engineering tradition to northwest Indiana and southern Lake Michigan, serving students from a region with strong manufacturing and industrial roots. The software engineering program balances classical computer science fundamentals with applications relevant to the local economy—including embedded systems, automation, and industrial IoT. Students engage with faculty research in real-time systems and control software, areas critical to the region's legacy industries and emerging smart manufacturing initiatives. The program maintains smaller cohorts compared to the main Purdue campus, enabling closer faculty-student interaction and mentorship. Graduates often secure positions with regional automotive suppliers, industrial automation firms, and emerging tech companies in the broader Midwest, though many also pursue opportunities nationally.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Software Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Software Engineering — 1-2 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Access to regional automotive, industrial automation, and manufacturing sectorsGateway to both Chicago and Detroit tech and industrial markets
Purdue University Fort Wayne — Fort Wayne, IN
Key Distinction: A cooperative education model integrated into the curriculum ensures every graduate has internship experience before graduation, differentiating it from most peer programs where internships are optional.
Hakia Insight: Purdue Fort Wayne mandates co-op rotations into the curriculum itself—not optional enrichment—meaning every graduate has internship experience stamped on their degree, eliminating the credential gap between students who networked heavily and those who didn't.
At the master's level, purdue Fort Wayne's software engineering program emphasizes applied learning through its cooperative education model, where students alternate semesters between classroom instruction and paid internships with regional and national employers. This hands-on cadence—integrated into the curriculum rather than optional—means graduates enter the workforce with substantial real-world experience alongside theoretical foundations. The program maintains strong connections to Northeast Indiana's manufacturing and logistics sectors while building bridges to larger tech employers, giving students exposure to both embedded systems engineering (critical in the region's industrial base) and modern cloud and enterprise software development. Faculty bring industry experience into the classroom, and the program's size allows for mentorship that larger engineering schools struggle to provide. Students benefit from Purdue's broader system resources while remaining in a campus environment where software engineering majors aren't competing for attention in a sea of thousands.
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
- Vera Bradley (corporate)
- Lincoln Electric (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Regional proximity to manufacturing and logistics companies in Northeast IndianaAccess to Purdue system resources and partnerships
Indiana University-Indianapolis — Indianapolis, IN
Key Distinction: Online format for working professionals. Flexible schedule with fall or spring start dates
Hakia Insight: IU-Indianapolis's partnership with Eli Lilly and Roche Diagnostics means your software engineering curriculum is shaped by domain experts in biotech and pharma, producing graduates who can command premium salaries in healthcare IT without requiring years of domain immersion.
The Master of Science in Software Engineering at Indiana University-Indianapolis is designed for working professionals seeking to advance their careers in software development. The program offers flexible, online format with fall or spring start dates, enabling part-time completion alongside professional responsibilities. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning in software architecture, AI/ML, cloud computing, DevOps, and cybersecurity. Graduates typically earn $90,000–$100,000+ annually, with projected demand for software engineers increasing 18–20% nationally and in Indiana through 2033. The program includes career support tailored for professionals, including one-on-one coaching, networking with recruiters, and guidance for leadership transitions. Admission-based scholarships ($500–$2,250 per semester) are available for full-time students, with per-credit tuition at $423 (in-state) to $1,178 (out-of-state).
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Software Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Secure and Dependable Software Systems
Industry Partners
- Roche Diagnostics (corporate)
- Eli Lilly and Company (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Notable Faculty
- Mathias Payer — Systems security and software vulnerability
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Indianapolis biotech and pharmaceutical hub (Eli Lilly headquarters, Roche, etc.)Growing tech startup ecosystemUrban setting with healthcare and enterprise software opportunities
Indiana State University — Terre Haute, IN
Key Distinction: The program integrates data systems, testing, and lifecycle practices throughout the core curriculum rather than treating them as optional specializations, producing well-rounded engineers.
Hakia Insight: Indiana State integrates data systems and testing into core courses rather than relegating them to electives—this structural choice produces engineers comfortable with the full lifecycle from day one, not specialists who've never built production systems end-to-end.
At the master's level, indiana State's computer science program has developed strength in data-intensive applications and systems, with faculty research and course design increasingly centered on how modern software systems handle, analyze, and learn from data. The program scaffolds students from foundational programming and discrete mathematics through software design and systems courses, culminating in capstone projects where teams tackle real problems using contemporary tools and frameworks. What makes ISU's approach distinctive is its attention to the full software development lifecycle—not just coding—with courses in software testing, quality assurance, and configuration management integrated throughout rather than siloed as electives. The university's investment in computing infrastructure and faculty expertise in areas like database systems, distributed computing, and machine learning creates a program where students encounter these topics not as specialized tracks but as core competencies. This integration-focused design appeals to students who want deep technical foundations across the discipline rather than early specialization. The Terre Haute location, while away from major tech hubs, fosters close faculty-student relationships and a collaborative peer environment rare at larger institutions.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Software Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Software Engineering — 1-2 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages:
Best Doctoral Software Engineering Degree Programs in Indiana
Purdue University-Main Campus — West Lafayette, IN
Key Distinction: A flagship program distinguished by mandatory industry co-ops, cutting-edge research access, and unparalleled employer relationships that make it a feeder to major tech companies.
Hakia Insight: Purdue's doctoral program pairs mandatory industry co-ops with research labs—a combination most peers skip—creating PhDs who've shipped code at scale before defending theses, making them immediately credible in senior engineering leadership roles.
At the doctoral level, purdue's main campus software engineering program is built on decades of industrial partnership and a tradition of producing engineers who move directly into senior technical roles at major corporations and startups alike. The curriculum emphasizes both breadth—covering software architecture, security, testing, and scalable systems—and depth through electives in areas like machine learning, cybersecurity, distributed systems, and human-computer interaction. Students have access to world-class research facilities and faculty engaged in NSF-funded projects, with opportunities to contribute to real research from the sophomore year onward. The co-op program is particularly distinctive: students alternate semesters between coursework and paid internships at companies including Microsoft, Google, Apple, Boeing, and dozens of Fortune 500 firms, building a professional network and résumé before graduation. Purdue's location in Indiana's research corridor and its unmatched relationships with major technology employers create a direct pipeline to well-compensated entry-level and early-career positions.
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
- Purdue Cyber Center
- Department of Computer Science research groups
Industry Partners
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
- Apple (corporate)
- Boeing (corporate)
- Intel (corporate)
- Amazon (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Central location with proximity to Chicago, Indianapolis, and Cincinnati tech marketsDirect connections to major tech employer headquarters and innovation hubs across the Midwest and nationally
University of Notre Dame — Notre Dame, IN
Key Distinction: generally supported as research or teaching assistants. accepts students with either B.S. or M.S. degrees
Hakia Insight: Notre Dame accepts both B.S. and M.S. entrants into its doctoral program without penalty, compressing the timeline for master's holders and creating cohorts where students are doing cutting-edge research 1–2 years earlier than programs that require everyone to start from B.S.
The Computer Science and Engineering doctoral program at Notre Dame emphasizes high-quality research that improves quality of life. Students are generally supported as research or teaching assistants, taking classes part-time while focusing on research under faculty supervision. The program accepts students with either B.S. or M.S. degrees and can be completed in 3-5 years. Research areas span AI and machine learning, algorithms, assistive technology, computer architecture, software engineering, security, and more. The program has a 2-year minimum residency requirement and prepares graduates for research careers in academia, industry, or government. Application requires three letters of recommendation, statement of intent, CV, and transcripts, with GRE optional.
Programs Offered
- Computer Science and Engineering: PhD — 4-6 years, on-campus. PhD
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Chicago tech market and major Midwest corporate headquarters
Indiana University-Bloomington — Bloomington, IN
Key Distinction: Financial support provided to all Ph.D. students during academic careers. Access to IU extensive supercomputer resources
Hakia Insight: IU-Bloomington guarantees funding for all PhD students and pairs that with access to a supercomputer cluster—this removes the randomness of grant hunting and means you can pursue computationally expensive research ideas that cash-strapped peers can't afford to explore.
The Ph.D. in Computer Science at Indiana University-Bloomington provides comprehensive doctoral training with research opportunities across AI, machine learning, bioinformatics, databases, programming languages, theory, and security. The department strives to provide financial support to all Ph.D. students throughout their academic careers, though specific stipend amounts aren't disclosed. Students complete rigorous coursework, qualifying exams, and a dissertation while having access to IU's extensive supercomputer resources. Most Ph.D. students complete summer or semester internships with companies like Google, Facebook, and Microsoft. The program offers flexibility through minor options and interdisciplinary opportunities including a joint Ph.D. with cognitive science. Graduates find strong placement in both industry and academia, with 2022 average starting salaries of $137,090. Industry placements include Facebook/Meta, Microsoft, Apple, Google, Intel, while academic placements span institutions from Carnegie Mellon to Yale University, with some graduates also joining research labs like Sandia National Laboratories.
Programs Offered
- Ph.D. in Computer Science — 4-6 years, on-campus. PhD
Research Labs and Institutes
- Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering
Industry Partners
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
- IBM (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Meta, Microsoft, Apple, Google, Intel.
Notable Faculty
- Katsuro Inoue — Software engineering, code clone detection, and empirical software engineering
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited (Computer Science)
Location Advantages: Access to Midwest tech corridor companiesProximity to growing software development hubs in Indiana and Ohio
Indiana University-Indianapolis — Indianapolis, IN
Key Distinction: Embedded within an urban research university with healthcare and life sciences partnerships, the program uniquely positions software engineers to apply their skills to domain-driven problems from day one.
Hakia Insight: IU-Indianapolis's doctoral program is embedded in an urban research ecosystem where software engineering intersects with healthcare, life sciences, and biotech from day one—your dissertation could directly influence Eli Lilly's next drug platform, not just sit in a university library.
At the doctoral level, IU-Indianapolis positions its computer science and software engineering education within an urban research environment where students can engage with applied projects spanning healthcare informatics, cybersecurity, and data systems—fields where the university has invested heavily. The program benefits from the campus's location in a growing tech corridor and its partnerships with Indianapolis-based healthcare and life sciences companies, creating internship and capstone project opportunities that blend software engineering with domain expertise. Unlike purely theoretical programs, IU-Indy emphasizes software architecture, systems thinking, and real-world constraints through projects that often address actual industry or research challenges. The faculty includes researchers active in areas like secure software development and data analytics, bringing current research questions into the curriculum. For students drawn to the intersection of software engineering and domain applications—particularly in healthcare or business systems—the program offers a distinctive pathway that combines rigorous CS fundamentals with applied context.
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
- Center for Secure and Dependable Software Systems
Industry Partners
- Roche Diagnostics (corporate)
- Eli Lilly and Company (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Eli Lilly and Company, Roche Diagnostics, Salesforce.
Notable Faculty
- Mathias Payer — Systems security and software vulnerability
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Indianapolis biotech and pharmaceutical hub (Eli Lilly headquarters, Roche, etc.)Growing tech startup ecosystemUrban setting with healthcare and enterprise software opportunities
