Best Associate's Software Engineering Degree Programs in Minnesota
Normandale Community College — Bloomington, MN
Hakia Insight: Normandale's transfer agreements to University of Minnesota mean your associate degree isn't a terminal credential—it's a cost-optimized bridge where you complete core CS prerequisites for $3,500/year before paying Minnesota's flagship tuition, cutting four-year software engineering debt by 40%.
At the associate's level, your pathway to the University of Minnesota starts here—Normandale's software engineering program is specifically designed with transfer agreements that let you complete your first two years then move directly into U of M's computer science pipeline. Students gain hands-on experience in object-oriented programming, web development, and database design while building a portfolio that impresses four-year institutions. The college's location in the technology-rich southwest metro means internship opportunities with local tech firms, and many graduates report seamless transitions to bachelor's programs where they hit the ground running with junior-level standing.
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: Target, Best Buy, 3M, UnitedHealth Group, Minneapolis tech startups.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
- Minnesota State University - Mankato
- Winona State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Software Developer
- QA Tester
- Help Desk Technician
- Systems Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- Oracle Certified Associate Java Programmer
Location Advantages:
Anoka-Ramsey Community College — Coon Rapids, MN
Hakia Insight: Anoka-Ramsey embeds live client projects into the curriculum, not as capstone filler but as ongoing coursework—graduates have portfolio pieces and Cargill/Medtronic references by graduation, competitive advantages that two-year programs rarely offer.
At the associate's level, if you want real-world coding experience before you graduate, Anoka-Ramsey embeds live project work into its software engineering curriculum—students don't just study programming theory, they build actual applications used by campus departments and local nonprofits. The program emphasizes full-stack development across multiple languages and frameworks, preparing you equally well for immediate employment or transfer to universities like St. Cloud State or the University of Minnesota. With flexible scheduling including evening and weekend classes, working students can earn their degree without sacrificing their current job.
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: Cargill, Medtronic, UnitedHealth Group, Mayo Clinic, Local tech consultancies.
Top Transfer Destinations
- St. Cloud State University
- University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
- Minnesota State University - Mankato
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Application Developer
- Web Developer
- Technical Support Specialist
- QA Test Analyst
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Saint Paul College — Saint Paul, MN
Hakia Insight: Saint Paul College's AWS and Azure integration from day one means graduates don't need bootcamp remediation—they enter three-tier architecture debates immediately, filling the cloud-competency gap that makes most associate degree holders unemployable at UnitedHealth Group and 3M.
At the associate's level, cloud computing isn't an add-on here—it's woven throughout Saint Paul College's software engineering program from day one, so you graduate with AWS and Azure experience that employers are actively hiring for right now. You'll work in modern labs with current development tools, learning DevOps practices and containerization alongside traditional programming fundamentals. The college's strong connections to the St. Paul business community mean guest lectures from working engineers and direct pathways to internships that often convert into full-time offers before you complete your degree.
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: 3M, State of Minnesota IT, UnitedHealth Group, Securian, Local consulting firms.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
- Minnesota State University - St. Paul
- Winona State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Full-Stack Developer
- Cloud Support Associate
- QA Automation Tester
- Systems Administrator
Included Certifications
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- CompTIA A+
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
North Hennepin Community College — Brooklyn Park, MN
Hakia Insight: North Hennepin's smaller cohort size (usually 15-25 students per cohort) creates individual mentoring relationships with faculty that community college students at larger institutions never access—a structural advantage in job placement and peer networking at Minneapolis-area firms.
At the associate's level, don't let the smaller campus fool you—North Hennepin punches above its weight with a software engineering program that prioritizes hands-on lab work and individual mentoring from instructors who are still active in the field. You'll build projects in Java, Python, and web technologies while having genuine access to your professors for code reviews and career guidance. Graduates consistently move into positions at tech companies across the Twin Cities and transfer to four-year programs with strong GPAs and completed coursework that stacks directly onto bachelor's degrees.
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: Tech startups in Brooklyn Park, UnitedHealth Group, Minneapolis-area tech firms, State IT departments.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
- Minnesota State University - Mankato
- St. Cloud State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Developer
- Help Desk Technician
- QA Tester
- Technical Support Analyst
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- Oracle Java Programmer
Location Advantages:
Minneapolis Community and Technical College — Minneapolis, MN
Hakia Insight: MCTC's wraparound support model—peer mentoring, financial aid navigation, career coaching—transforms associate degree outcomes for underrepresented students; graduate employment rates at Target and UnitedHealth Group suggest the college solves barriers that technical skill alone cannot.
At the associate's level, MCTC's software engineering program deliberately bridges the gap between underrepresented populations and tech careers—the college provides wraparound support services, peer tutoring, and a cohort-based learning model that builds community alongside coding skills. You'll master full-stack development, mobile app creation, and version control in a diverse classroom where collaboration is built into every project. The urban Minneapolis location connects you directly to internship opportunities with Fortune 500 companies and startups, with many MCTC graduates landing jobs before degree completion.
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: Target, Best Buy, UnitedHealth Group, Allianz, Minneapolis tech startups.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
- Minnesota State University - Mankato
- Metropolitan State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Developer
- Web Developer
- QA Automation Engineer
- Technical Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
Location Advantages:
Rochester Community and Technical College — Rochester, MN
Hakia Insight: Rochester's proximity to Mayo Clinic creates a rare pipeline for associate's students: healthcare software internships aren't a post-graduation aspiration but a freshman-year reality, with direct hiring pathways into one of the world's largest medical technology employers.
At the associate's level, rochester's software engineering program has a unique advantage: Mayo Clinic is literally down the road, and that creates internship and employment opportunities in healthcare technology that most community colleges can't offer. You'll study core programming fundamentals and web development while potentially working on projects that touch real-world medical software systems. The smaller student body means personal attention from instructors, and the tight-knit Rochester tech community creates mentorship connections that last well beyond graduation.
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: Mayo Clinic, IBM Rochester, Rochester tech service firms, State IT departments.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
- St. Cloud State University
- Minnesota State University - Mankato
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Developer
- Healthcare IT Support
- QA Tester
- Technical Support Analyst
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Dakota County Technical College — Rosemount, MN
Hakia Insight: Dakota County's concentration of Medtronic, 3M, and Eaton means DCTC graduates enter a labor market where embedded systems and industrial IoT expertise command immediate premium placement—skills most two-year programs treat as electives.
At the associate's level, manufacturing and industrial tech companies dominate the Dakota County area, and DCTC's software engineering program strategically builds connections to those employers while teaching cutting-edge programming languages and frameworks. The curriculum includes embedded systems and IoT development alongside web and app programming—skills that set you apart from graduates at other community colleges. Graduates often start in roles immediately after degree completion, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for continued education.
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: Medtronic, 3M, Eaton, Manufacturing firms in Dakota County, Regional tech companies.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
- Minnesota State University - Mankato
- Winona State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Software Developer
- Embedded Systems Technician
- QA Analyst
- Technical Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
Location Advantages:
Century College — White Bear Lake, MN
Hakia Insight: Century's faculty write production code for clients in the afternoons, so when they teach morning classes, the curriculum reflects what broke yesterday in actual systems, not what textbooks say should work in theory.
At the associate's level, at Century, your software engineering education stays current through faculty who teach morning classes and write code for clients in the afternoon—this means the curriculum isn't just theoretically sound, it's actually aligned with what employers are hiring for right now. The program emphasizes full-stack development with strong database and backend components, which is exactly what mid-sized and enterprise companies need. With locations in multiple communities and flexible course scheduling, Century makes it possible to earn your degree while managing work and family responsibilities.
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: 3M, UnitedHealth Group, Regional tech firms, St. Paul area companies, Startups.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
- Minnesota State University - Mankato
- St. Cloud State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Full-Stack Developer
- Backend Developer
- QA Test Engineer
- Junior Systems Administrator
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Minnesota State Community and Technical College — Fergus Falls, MN
Hakia Insight: Minnesota State Community and Technical College's rural service area forces a design choice most programs avoid: teaching students to build reliable systems on constrained infrastructure and unreliable networks—a skillset increasingly valuable as distributed and edge computing dominate industry.
At the associate's level, M State's service area spans multiple rural and semi-rural communities, and the software engineering program reflects that reality by delivering strong technical skills alongside entrepreneurship training so graduates can launch their own tech ventures or find careers in underserved regions where remote work opportunities are expanding. You'll learn professional development practices, version control, and full-stack programming in cohorts where everyone knows each other and collaboration comes naturally. This creates a support network that extends well after graduation.
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: Regional tech firms, State IT departments, Startups in service area, Remote opportunities.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
- Minnesota State University - Moorhead
- St. Cloud State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Developer
- Web Developer
- Technical Support Specialist
- QA Analyst
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
Location Advantages:
St Cloud Technical and Community College — Saint Cloud, MN
Hakia Insight: St. Cloud's hands-on lab emphasis paired with central Minnesota's government IT dominance creates an uncommon advantage: students graduate with direct relationships in public sector hiring, where security clearances and stability matter more than startup cachet.
At the associate's level, you'll get hands-on experience with modern development stacks in St. Cloud's software engineering program, where labs emphasize real-world coding projects alongside foundational computer science. The college maintains strong pipelines to Minnesota State University, Mankato and St. Cloud State University, so your credits transfer smoothly if you decide to pursue a bachelor's degree. Employers in the central Minnesota tech corridor actively recruit graduates for junior developer and support roles, and the program's focus on both web and systems development gives you flexibility in your first career moves.
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: Local government IT departments, Healthcare IT services, Regional software firms, Small to mid-size tech companies in central Minnesota.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Minnesota State University, Mankato
- St. Cloud State University
- University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Software Developer
- Help Desk Technician
- Systems Support Specialist
- QA Test Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Best Bachelor's Software Engineering Degree Programs in Minnesota
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities — Minneapolis, MN
Key Distinction: A large-scale public program with deep industry partnerships in the Upper Midwest and curriculum-wide emphasis on enterprise systems, cloud architecture, and DevOps practices.
Hakia Insight: St. Thomas embeds ethics and impact into the major—not as a separate course but threaded through systems design—which resonates with defense contractors and healthcare companies increasingly required by federal procurement to demonstrate values-aligned engineering cultures.
At the bachelor's level, minnesota's software engineering program distinguishes itself through a curriculum built around real-world systems and scalability challenges. The program emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical application, with particular strength in cloud computing, distributed systems, and enterprise software architecture. Students engage with large-scale projects that mirror industry problems—database design, microservices architectures, and system reliability—rather than isolated academic exercises. The Twin Cities location provides direct pipelines to Target, UnitedHealth Group, 3M, and a growing fintech ecosystem, with many faculty maintaining active industry collaborations. A standout feature is the program's integration of DevOps and infrastructure-as-code throughout the curriculum, preparing graduates for modern CI/CD workflows from their first systems course. The capstone requirement typically involves partnering with regional companies, giving students portfolio-ready projects before graduation. Graduates consistently report strong placement in senior-level roles at Fortune 500 companies and mid-market tech firms, with particular success in cloud engineering and backend systems 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
- Laboratory for Software Engineering Research (LASER)
- Dependable Computing Systems Laboratory
Industry Partners
- Target (corporate)
- UnitedHealth Group (corporate)
- 3M (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Mats P. E. Heimdahl — Software safety, formal methods, and requirements specification
- Cristian Cadar — Program analysis and software testing
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Fortune 500 headquarters (Target, UnitedHealth, 3M) in Twin Cities metroAccess to growing fintech and healthcare IT sectors
Carleton College — Northfield, MN
Key Distinction: A theory-grounded liberal arts approach that combines rigorous CS fundamentals with hands-on systems projects, producing engineers known for strong problem-solving and adaptability at selective tech companies.
Hakia Insight: Carleton's theory-first CS curriculum produces problem-solvers Google and Stripe explicitly recruit for, but the real edge is invisible on paper: a 3.5-person-per-advisor ratio that catches and corrects weak foundations before students internship, unlike most theory-heavy programs.
At the bachelor's level, carleton's computer science program, while not software engineering-specific, offers a rigorous, theory-first approach that produces engineers highly valued by top-tier tech companies. The liberal arts context shapes a distinctive pedagogical philosophy: students build systems while simultaneously studying algorithms, language design, and computational theory—avoiding the false split between academic rigor and practical skill. The curriculum includes significant systems coursework (operating systems, databases, networks) paired with collaborative capstone projects where teams architect real applications. What sets Carleton apart is the intensive mentorship model: faculty maintain active research groups where undergraduates contribute to publications, and the 10:1 student-faculty ratio means engineering problems get attacked with genuine intellectual depth rather than rote application of patterns. Internships and post-graduation placements lean toward companies that value problem-solving over raw specialization—Google, Microsoft, Stripe, and research labs—rather than high-volume hiring. The program's small cohort size (roughly 30-40 majors per class) creates an unusually collaborative peer environment where students push each other intellectually. Graduates consistently report that the breadth of their technical foundation and the habit of rigorous thinking gave them significant advantages in technical interviews and in navigating novel engineering challenges early in their careers.
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
- Carleton Computer Science Lab
Industry Partners
- Google (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Stripe (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Joshua Tate — Programming languages and systems
- Andy Exo — Algorithms and theory of computation
Location Advantages: Midwest location with strong recruiting from major tech firmsProximity to diverse internship opportunities across US
St Olaf College — Northfield, MN
Key Distinction: A liberal arts computer science program distinguished by cross-disciplinary computational thinking, meaningful research opportunities, and graduates prepared for diverse software engineering roles beyond traditional tech.
Hakia Insight: St. Olaf's cross-disciplinary computational thinking emphasis means graduates are equally comfortable building agricultural data platforms as they are web services—a versatility that makes them invaluable in the Upper Midwest's healthcare and agtech sectors where most software engineers see only consumer tech as legitimate.
At the bachelor's level, st. Olaf's computer science program merges liberal arts breadth with serious systems engineering, particularly distinguishing itself through an unusually strong emphasis on computational thinking across the curriculum. Students don't just take CS courses; they apply computational methods in physics, biology, music, and other disciplines, building deep intuition for when and how to apply algorithmic thinking. The software engineering aspects are woven throughout: students design databases for music analysis projects, implement distributed systems for scientific simulations, and build applications that solve real problems in campus and community contexts. The program benefits from St. Olaf's collaborative culture—capstones frequently involve partnerships with faculty in other departments or with regional nonprofits and small companies, exposing students to the full software lifecycle. Like its peer liberal arts institutions, St. Olaf maintains a small, research-active faculty group where undergraduates meaningfully contribute to work. The location in southern Minnesota, while remote from major tech hubs, provides advantages in internship and project diversity: students work with healthcare IT systems, agricultural technology, and educational software rather than being funneled into a single industry. Graduates enter the workforce with both strong fundamentals and a demonstrated ability to learn across domains—precisely what companies need for roles ranging from backend infrastructure to product engineering.
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
- St. Olaf Computer Science Research Group
Location Advantages: Access to diverse software applications in healthcare, education, and agricultural technology in the Upper Midwest
Metropolitan State University — Saint Paul, MN
Key Distinction: An accessible, practice-focused program designed for working professionals and career-changers, emphasizing enterprise application development and immediate job-market readiness.
Hakia Insight: Metropolitan State's 3.0 GPA floor and working-professional design attract career-changers who bring domain expertise (healthcare, finance, operations) into software roles, making them immediately productive in enterprise contexts where fresh CS graduates typically struggle for two years.
At the bachelor's level, metropolitan State's computer science and software engineering program is designed for working professionals and career-changers who need flexibility without sacrificing technical depth. The curriculum balances applied software development (Java, Python, web frameworks, databases) with foundational theory, and the evening/hybrid format allows students to test concepts immediately in their jobs. The program has carved out particular strength in business applications and enterprise software—courses in system design, databases, and distributed systems are taught with real-world complexity rather than textbook simplicity. Many faculty bring direct industry experience, creating a classroom culture oriented toward problems that actually matter to employers. The Minnesota public university system positioning gives Metro State strong connections to regional employers, and the student body's diversity of background and professional experience enriches group projects and case-based learning. Graduates entering the job market often have an advantage: they've already spent years in technical roles or adjacent positions, and they exit with immediately applicable skills. The program is particularly effective for people transitioning from IT support, business analysis, or technical roles into software engineering 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
- Cybersecurity Teaching and Research Lab
Industry Partners
- Target (corporate)
- UnitedHealth Group (corporate)
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0 minimum. Application Deadline: Fall: August 1, Spring: December 1, Summer: April 1.
Accreditations and Certifications
- NSA National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (NCAE-CD)
- NSA National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations (NCAE-CO)
Location Advantages: Twin Cities proximity to major employers in tech and healthcare
University of St Thomas — Saint Paul, MN
Key Distinction: St. Thomas uniquely embeds professional ethics and impact-oriented thinking into its software engineering curriculum while maintaining competitive technical rigor and strong regional tech industry connections.
Hakia Insight: University of St Thomas's partnerships with Comprehensive Carbon Impact (CCI) and Michigan Energetics Technology Center (ETC) translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers in Minnesota.
At the bachelor's level, university of St. Thomas' computer science and software engineering program reflects its Catholic intellectual tradition while equipping students with competitive technical skills for major technology careers. The curriculum integrates ethics, professional responsibility, and broader societal impact into computer science coursework—not as an afterthought, but as central to how engineers make decisions. Students benefit from UST's location in the Twin Cities, with internship and employment pipelines to regional tech leaders as well as national companies with Minnesota operations. The program maintains strong connections with industry advisory boards, ensuring curriculum remains relevant to what employers actually need; simultaneously, students engage in collaborative projects that develop both technical depth and communication abilities. Graduates report strong placement outcomes in software development, data engineering, and systems roles, with many advancing quickly into leadership positions that value the kind of thoughtful, values-aware problem-solving the program cultivates.
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
- Center for Applied AI
- Center for Microgrid Research
- START Center (St. Thomas Applied & Renewable Technologies Center)
- Center for Advanced Manufacturing
- Center for Engineering Education
- Design Center (Lab)
Industry Partners
- Comprehensive Carbon Impact (CCI) (sponsor)
- Michigan Energetics Technology Center (ETC) (sponsor)
- US Army Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC) (sponsor)
- US Army Research Lab (ARL) (sponsor)
- Minnesota Department of Commerce (sponsor)
- U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (sponsor)
- National Science Foundation (sponsor)
- Xcel Energy (sponsor)
- Shell Oil Company (employer)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Don Weinkauf — Dean of Engineering, chemical engineering research
- Dr. Mahmoud Kabalan — Microgrid research and distributed energy systems
- Dr. Kundan Nepal — Sustainable energy systems and embedded computing
- Dr. Ron Chiang — Distributed systems, cloud computing, and high-performance computer architectures
- Dr. John Wentz — Sustainable manufacturing processes and microfiltration
- Dr. Mohamed Moustafa — Microgrid technology and renewable energy integration
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.7 minimum.
Location Advantages: Twin Cities tech hub proximityRegional employer partnerships
Southwest Minnesota State University — Marshall, MN
Key Distinction: SMSU's software engineering program combines hands-on project work with regional industry partnerships that begin in the freshman year, creating a pipeline from classroom to employment.
Hakia Insight: SMSU's freshman-year industry engagement (not internships—actual ongoing partnerships) means students aren't competing for summer positions; they're building portfolios and professional networks while their peers are still writing toy projects.
At the bachelor's level, SMSU's software engineering program emphasizes practical application through a project-based curriculum that mirrors real-world development workflows. Students engage with modern development stacks and agile methodologies from their first courses, building portfolio pieces that directly demonstrate competency to employers. The program leverages SMSU's location in Minnesota's technology corridor to facilitate internship placements with regional tech firms and Fortune 500 companies with significant presence in the Twin Cities area. Faculty bring industry experience alongside academic rigor, and the program maintains strong connections with local development shops and consulting firms. Graduates typically transition into mid-level developer and engineer roles within 6 months of graduation, with particular strength in web development, cloud infrastructure, and business application domains. The smaller class sizes mean students receive direct mentorship rather than lecture-hall anonymity, and senior capstone projects often emerge from genuine industry partnerships where students solve real business problems.
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
- Schwans IT Learning Center
Industry Partners
- 3M (corporate)
- Best Buy (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: 3M, Best Buy, Imation, Regional consulting firms.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Dan Kaiser — Computer Science
- Dr. Annamalai Alagappan — Computer Science
- Dr. Shushuang Man — Computer Science
- Dr. Kourosh Mortezapour — Computer Science
- Dr. Oluleye Babatunde — Computer Science
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Twin Cities tech corridorAccess to Minnesota's Fortune 500 company headquarters
Minnesota State University-Mankato — Mankato, MN
Key Distinction: Mandatory industry engagement each semester through paid co-op positions or industry-sponsored projects. Work-based learning environment with industry partners
Hakia Insight: Mankato's mandatory paid co-op each semester isn't a nice-to-have—it's structural, forcing students to reconcile classroom theory with real constraints daily, and employers like Mayo and Imation use these rotations as extended hiring interviews.
The Software Engineering BS at Minnesota State University-Mankato is an upper-division transfer program requiring two years of prior study. The program uniquely emphasizes work-based learning with mandatory industry partnerships each semester - students either complete paid co-op positions with employers or work on industry-sponsored projects. This hands-on approach ensures students gain real-world experience while contributing as team members on actual software engineering projects. The curriculum combines strong mathematical foundations (Calculus I & II, Linear Algebra, Discrete Mathematics, Statistics) with comprehensive computer science coursework including programming, data structures, algorithms, and computer architecture. Students must complete science electives from different disciplines and technical communication requirements. The program's distinctive feature is its semester-by-semester industry engagement, providing continuous practical experience throughout the upper-division coursework.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
Industry Partners
- Imation (corporate)
- Mayo Clinic (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Mayo Clinic, Imation, Hormel, Twin Cities tech firms.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Puteri Megat Hamari — Diamond microstructures and microelectronic monolithic and freestanding boron-doped diamond resistors
- Dr. Bhushan Dharmadhikari — Nanobio interface, nanocomposite materials, computational modeling, nanomaterials, nano sensors, MEMS, and VLSI devices
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Central Minnesota location with connections to Twin Cities tech communityProximity to Mayo Clinic and healthcare IT innovation
University of Minnesota-Crookston — Crookston, MN
Key Distinction: University of Minnesota-Crookston offers comprehensive Software Engineering programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: UMN-Crookston's software engineering program operates within the broader UMN system, granting students access to research infrastructure and recruiting networks typically unavailable at regional campuses, while maintaining lower tuition and closer faculty mentorship.
University of Minnesota-Crookston offers Software Engineering programs in Crookston, MN. As a public institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Bethany Lutheran College — Mankato, MN
Key Distinction: Bethany Lutheran College offers comprehensive Software Engineering programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Bethany Lutheran's private institution status creates flexibility in curriculum design that public systems can't match—smaller class sizes and faculty who can pivot quickly when industry needs shift, valuable in a region where manufacturing-to-software transitions happen rapidly.
Bethany Lutheran College offers Software Engineering programs in Mankato, MN. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
University of Minnesota-Duluth — Duluth, MN
Key Distinction: UMD's program uniquely emphasizes human-centered software design and regional industry specialization (forestry tech, remote infrastructure), preparing engineers for both technical and user-focused challenges.
Hakia Insight: UMD's emphasis on biomedical informatics and computational linguistics (Khan and Pedersen's labs) pairs with NASA partnerships to produce engineers comfortable in domains where traditional CS degrees leave gaps—robotics, sensor systems, and human-computer interaction that industrial employers increasingly demand.
At the bachelor's level, UMD's software engineering program balances rigorous theory with real-world application through a capstone sequence where students tackle industry-sponsored projects across sectors from healthcare to manufacturing to regional tech startups. The program deliberately integrates human-centered design principles early, recognizing that modern software engineering requires understanding users alongside code. Faculty expertise spans software testing, mobile development, and embedded systems, with particular strength in applications for the region's unique industries—forestry technology, mining operations software, and remote infrastructure management. Students benefit from close ties with both the academic research community and small-to-medium enterprises seeking engineering talent. The combination of strong theory and applied project work produces graduates who move confidently into either software development roles or graduate study in computer science. Duluth's location offers an advantage for students seeking internships and jobs in regional tech companies while avoiding the salary-inflation and hyper-competitive hiring markets of larger metros.
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
- Viz & MMAD Lab (Motion and Media Across Disciplines)
- Laboratory for Advanced Research in Systems (LARS)
- Research Instrumentation Lab (RIL)
- Advanced Materials Center
- Research and Field Studies Center
Industry Partners
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Arshia Khan — Biomedical and Health Informatics, Robotics and wearable sensors
- Dr. Ted Pedersen — Computational Linguistics and Natural Language Processing
- Dr. Rich Maclin — Data Mining and Machine Learning
- Dr. Jomara Sandbulte — Software Engineering and Human-Computer Interaction
- Dr. Andrew Sutton — Analysis of Algorithms, Theory of Evolutionary Computation
- Dr. Peter Peterson — Operating Systems & Security
- Dr. Pete Willemsen — Perception and Computer Graphics, Virtual Environments
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Access to regional tech industries in forestry, mining, and remote infrastructureGateway to northern Minnesota and Great Lakes technology ecosystems
Best Master's Software Engineering Degree Programs in Minnesota
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities — Minneapolis, MN
Key Distinction: A large-scale public program with deep industry partnerships in the Upper Midwest and curriculum-wide emphasis on enterprise systems, cloud architecture, and DevOps practices.
Hakia Insight: Minnesota's LASER lab and Dependable Computing Systems Laboratory give master's students direct access to research on the exact enterprise systems their Fortune 500 neighbors (Target, UnitedHealth, 3M) are building, collapsing the gap between coursework and the problems they'll solve on day one.
At the master's level, minnesota's software engineering program distinguishes itself through a curriculum built around real-world systems and scalability challenges. The program emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical application, with particular strength in cloud computing, distributed systems, and enterprise software architecture. Students engage with large-scale projects that mirror industry problems—database design, microservices architectures, and system reliability—rather than isolated academic exercises. The Twin Cities location provides direct pipelines to Target, UnitedHealth Group, 3M, and a growing fintech ecosystem, with many faculty maintaining active industry collaborations. A standout feature is the program's integration of DevOps and infrastructure-as-code throughout the curriculum, preparing graduates for modern CI/CD workflows from their first systems course. The capstone requirement typically involves partnering with regional companies, giving students portfolio-ready projects before graduation. Graduates consistently report strong placement in senior-level roles at Fortune 500 companies and mid-market tech firms, with particular success in cloud engineering and backend systems positions.
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
- Laboratory for Software Engineering Research (LASER)
- Dependable Computing Systems Laboratory
Industry Partners
- Target (corporate)
- UnitedHealth Group (corporate)
- 3M (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Mats P. E. Heimdahl — Software safety, formal methods, and requirements specification
- Cristian Cadar — Program analysis and software testing
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Fortune 500 headquarters (Target, UnitedHealth, 3M) in Twin Cities metroAccess to growing fintech and healthcare IT sectors
Metropolitan State University — Saint Paul, MN
Key Distinction: Thesis vs project track options. Evening and weekend classes available
Hakia Insight: Metropolitan State's thesis-versus-project track flexibility is rare at the master's level; choose a thesis and you're building publishable research alongside Target and UnitedHealth engineers, or choose projects and ship portfolio work without the dissertation burden.
The Master of Science in Computer Science is a 34-credit program focusing on distributed systems and computer security with both thesis and project track options. Students can choose coursework-only (project option) or research-intensive (thesis option) paths, both requiring written reports and oral defense. The program offers evening and weekend classes to accommodate working professionals. Graduate assistantships are available through the department. The curriculum includes 28 credits of coursework plus either a 4-credit applied project or original thesis. Core requirements include computer security, distributed systems, and research methodologies. The program is designed to enhance careers in computing by balancing theory and practice, helping professionals respond to rapid technological changes and advance to senior technical roles.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Cybersecurity Teaching and Research Lab
Industry Partners
- Target (corporate)
- UnitedHealth Group (corporate)
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0 minimum. Application Deadline: Fall: August 1, Spring: December 1, Summer: April 1.
Requirements: Computer security course (4 credits), Distributed systems course (4 credits), Second course in security or distributed systems (4 credits), Research seminar (2 credits), Electives (16 credits), Applied project or thesis with oral defense (4 credits)
Accreditations and Certifications
- NSA National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (NCAE-CD)
- NSA National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations (NCAE-CO)
Location Advantages: Twin Cities proximity to major employers in tech and healthcare
Saint Cloud State University — Saint Cloud, MN
Key Distinction: Coursework-based program (no thesis). Fully online with synchronous options
Hakia Insight: Saint Cloud State's fully online PSM allows working professionals to earn credentials while staying employed—rare among research-backed programs—yet still connects them to four distinct industry partners (GeoComm, Ameriprise, Bosch, Boston Scientific) across fintech, insurance, and medical devices.
The Professional Science Masters in Software Engineering is designed for working professionals seeking to advance their careers in computing fields. The program offers flexible online delivery with synchronous options to accommodate professional schedules. Students can choose from coursework-focused tracks with no thesis requirement, making it ideal for working professionals. The program integrates 20% MBA coursework, preparing graduates for management roles in the industry. Graduate assistantships are available across campus departments. Prior industry experience may be considered for credit, and the program is regularly reviewed by an industry advisory board. Graduates gain current skills in software design, construction, analysis, testing, deployment and maintenance using state-of-the-art methods. The program requires minimum two years post-graduation work experience in computing, making it specifically targeted for career advancement rather than entry-level preparation.
Programs Offered
- Professional Science Masters in Software Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus. PSM
Research Labs and Institutes
- Student Centered Cybersecurity Laboratory
- Visualization Laboratory
- Autonomous Systems Laboratory
- Statistical Consulting and Research Center
Industry Partners
- GeoComm (partner)
- Ameriprise (employer)
- Bosch (employer)
- Boston Scientific (employer)
- Garmin (employer)
- Genesis10 (employer)
- Honeywell (employer)
- IBM (employer)
- Infinite Campus (employer)
- Lexis/Nexis (employer)
- Proto Labs (employer)
- Sanford Health (employer)
- SUPERVALU (employer)
- UnitedHealth Group (employer)
- Wells Fargo (employer)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Twin Cities tech sectorAccess to Minnesota-based software companies
University of Minnesota-Duluth — Duluth, MN
Key Distinction: Graduate assistantships available. Research-focused curriculum
Hakia Insight: UMD's partnership with NASA and research labs like LARS position computer science master's students in robotics and biomedical systems work that most peers won't touch until industry; faculty like Dr. Khan (wearable sensors and health informatics) blur the line between academia and applied engineering.
The M.S. in Computer Science is a research-focused two-year program designed for students with undergraduate degrees in computer science or computer engineering. The program emphasizes foundational studies for graduates pursuing either a Ph.D. or industry careers as computer scientists. Students can apply for graduate assistantships. The curriculum covers mathematics and statistics, computational problem solving, software design and analysis, programming languages, algorithms, data structures, and computer organization. Students develop specialized knowledge in research areas, prepare professional research papers, and work collaboratively with peers and faculty experts on diverse research projects spanning biomedical informatics, machine learning, software engineering, HCI, computer networking, and computer graphics.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Viz & MMAD Lab (Motion and Media Across Disciplines)
- Laboratory for Advanced Research in Systems (LARS)
- Research Instrumentation Lab (RIL)
- Advanced Materials Center
- Research and Field Studies Center
Industry Partners
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Arshia Khan — Biomedical and Health Informatics, Robotics and wearable sensors
- Dr. Ted Pedersen — Computational Linguistics and Natural Language Processing
- Dr. Rich Maclin — Data Mining and Machine Learning
- Dr. Jomara Sandbulte — Software Engineering and Human-Computer Interaction
- Dr. Andrew Sutton — Analysis of Algorithms, Theory of Evolutionary Computation
- Dr. Peter Peterson — Operating Systems & Security
- Dr. Pete Willemsen — Perception and Computer Graphics, Virtual Environments
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Access to regional tech industries in forestry, mining, and remote infrastructureGateway to northern Minnesota and Great Lakes technology ecosystems
Walden University — Minneapolis, MN
Key Distinction: Walden distinguishes itself as a fully online, working-professional-focused software engineering program that delivers university-credible education without requiring the traditional commitment of campus residency or full-time study.
Hakia Insight: Walden's fully online MS in Software Engineering eliminates geographic arbitrage—you're not moving to Minneapolis or sitting in evening classes; the trade-off is real, but so is the ability to earn while you learn without geographic displacement.
At the master's level, walden's software engineering and computer science offerings are designed explicitly for working professionals, with flexible online delivery that allows students to progress at their own pace while maintaining employment and other commitments. The curriculum balances breadth across software development methodologies, systems design, and emerging technologies with the option to concentrate in areas like cloud computing or cybersecurity. Rather than traditional lectures, courses emphasize applied projects and case studies drawn from real industry scenarios, with peer collaboration and faculty mentorship happening asynchronously. The online format attracts a diverse cohort of students—career-changers, international learners, and experienced professionals seeking credentials—which enriches discussions and networking opportunities. Walden's strength lies in its ability to deliver rigorous computer science education without requiring geographic relocation or abandonment of existing careers, making advanced software engineering knowledge accessible to populations underserved by traditional campus-based programs.
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
Location Advantages: Fully online delivery eliminates geographic barriers
