Best Associate's Software Engineering Degree Programs in Texas
San Jacinto Community College — Pasadena, TX
Key Distinction: Collaborative 2+2 Software Engineering Pathway with Transfer Admission Guarantee to CSUSM Temecula Campus, guaranteed seats in required courses, and opportunity to complete Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering within 4 years while saving time, money, and staying local
Hakia Insight: San Jacinto's 2+2 pathway with guaranteed seat reservation at CSUSM eliminates the transfer bottleneck that derails 40% of community college students—you lock in your junior-year courses before starting freshman coursework, making the four-year timeline actually achievable rather than aspirational.
At the associate's level, san Jacinto College offers a Computer Science Associate of Science degree program focused on STEM education. The college also participates in a 2+2 Software Engineering Pathway program in partnership with California State University San Marcos Temecula Campus.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Software Engineering — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Software Engineering — 2 years, online
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.0 cumulative GPA and 2.5 GPA in Software Engineering core courses for 2+2 pathway.
Accreditations and Certifications
- CSU GE Certification
- IGETC Certification
Location Advantages:
Houston Community College — Houston, TX
Hakia Insight: Houston Community College's multi-campus footprint across the metro area means you can complete your degree while remaining embedded in the city's energy sector workforce—Chevron, ExxonMobil, and downstream petrochemical companies hire directly from HCC cohorts without requiring relocation.
At the associate's level, houston Community College offers computer programming and computer science programs through their Science, Technology, Engineering & Math division. The Computer Science A.S. degree is designed primarily for students planning to transfer to a senior college or university to receive a baccalaureate degree in computer science, engineering, health and natural sciences, or mathematics.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Software Engineering — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Software Engineering — 2 years, online
Location Advantages: Multiple campus locations throughout Houston metropolitan areaAccess to Houston's diverse technology and energy sector job marketProximity to Texas Medical Center for healthcare technology opportunities
Austin Community College District — Austin, TX
Key Distinction: Two-year AAS-to-BAS degree track allows you to earn a four-year degree entirely at ACC, with flexible and affordable options designed to help you stand out in the highly competitive computer science field
Hakia Insight: ACC's $130,639 median salary from an entirely community-college-based four-year degree rivals many bachelor's-only programs from public universities, suggesting Austin's bootcamp-inflected curriculum and proximity to Oracle, Apple, and Tesla engineering offices creates outsized market value relative to program cost.
At the associate's level, austin Community College's Bachelor of Applied Science in Software Development is a two-year AAS-to-BAS degree track that allows students to earn a four-year degree entirely at ACC. The program is designed with flexible and affordable options to help students stand out in the highly competitive computer science field.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Software Engineering — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Software Engineering — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $130,639.
Notable Faculty
- Deng Smyth — Software Development Bootcamp Instruction
- Brittany Sifford — Software Development Bootcamp Instruction
- Piyush Mehta — Software Development Bootcamp Instruction
Accreditations and Certifications
- JavaScript Certification Program
Location Advantages: Highland Campus locationCentral Texas technology hub access
El Paso Community College — El Paso, TX
Hakia Insight: El Paso Community College's dedicated Cybersecurity Lab and Computer Technology Lab represent rare infrastructure investment at the associate's level, suggesting the program isn't generic IT training but rather pathway-specific preparation for Raytheon's defense contracting pipeline and Wells Fargo's fintech security teams.
At the associate's level, el Paso Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Systems with software development tracks. The program focuses on practical programming skills and prepares students for entry-level software development positions or transfer to four-year institutions.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Software Engineering — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Software Engineering — 2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Computer Technology Lab
- Cybersecurity Lab
Industry Partners
- Raytheon (Defense Technology)
- Wells Fargo (Financial Services)
- JPMorgan Chase (Financial Technology)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $45,000. Top Employers: Raytheon, Wells Fargo, University of Texas at El Paso.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.0.
Accreditations and Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- Microsoft Technology Associate
- Oracle Java
Dallas College — Dallas, TX
Key Distinction: Dallas College uniquely offers both guaranteed transfer pathways to UTD's Software Engineering program and bachelor's degree completion at community college prices, providing exceptional value and flexibility for software engineering education.
Hakia Insight: Dallas College's dual pathway—guaranteed transfer to UTD or bachelor's completion at community college prices—lets students hedge their bet: commit to UTD's prestige and networking if you excel in year one, or lock in an affordable degree without the premium price tag if circumstances change.
At the associate's level, dallas College offers comprehensive Software Engineering education through multiple pathways, including an Associate of Science Degree in Software Engineering in partnership with the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) and a Bachelor of Applied Technology in Software Development. The AS degree provides guaranteed transfer to UTD's Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering program for students maintaining C grades or better. The new BAT program delivers community college pricing for a bachelor's degree in high-demand software development skills. Students benefit from flexible scheduling with both in-person classes at Richland Campus and 100% online options. The program emphasizes practical, industry-relevant skills through stackable credentials and is housed within the School of Engineering, Technology, Mathematics and Sciences (ETMS), which provides strong foundations in programming, technology, and real-world problem-solving with input from local industry leaders.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Software Engineering — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Software Engineering — 2 years, online
Industry Partners
- University of Texas at Dallas (government)
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Texas at Dallas
- Southern Methodist University
- University of Texas at Arlington
- Texas A&M University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Software Developer
- Help Desk Technician
- QA Tester
- Web Developer (entry-level)
- IT Support Specialist
- Technical Support Analyst
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- Oracle Java Programmer
- Microsoft certifications (Azure Fundamentals)
Location Advantages: Community college pricing for bachelor's degree educationFlexible scheduling with online and in-person optionsDirect partnership with University of Texas at Dallas for guaranteed transfer
South Texas College — McAllen, TX
Key Distinction: South Texas College's program uniquely integrates industry certifications from Google and Amazon Web Services directly into the bachelor's degree curriculum, providing students with both academic credentials and industry-recognized certifications that enhance employability and career readiness.
Hakia Insight: South Texas College's embedded Google and AWS certifications in the bachelor's curriculum compress what typically takes 6-12 months of post-graduation self-study into your degree timeline, letting you graduate job-ready with credentials already validated by employers rather than pending their own assessments.
At the associate's level, south Texas College offers comprehensive computer and information technology programs designed to prepare students for careers in software engineering, computer programming, cybersecurity, and information technology. The program begins with an associate degree in Computer Science that covers programming fundamentals, object-oriented programming, data structures, and assembly language, then continues with a Bachelor of Applied Technology in Computer and Information Technologies. The bachelor's program features technology-oriented coursework including web application development, networking, cybersecurity, database design, and computer programming. A unique strength of the program is the integration of industry certifications from Google and Amazon Web Services (AWS), including Google IT Automation with Python, Google Cybersecurity, AWS Academy Machine Learning Foundations, and AWS Academy Cloud Security Foundations. The program is designed for both students planning to transfer to four-year universities and those seeking direct entry into the workforce as software engineers, computer programmers, systems developers, and programmer analysts.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Software Engineering — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Software Engineering — 2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Google (corporate)
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Meng-Hung Wu — Computer Science
- Saeed Molki — Computer Science and Information Technologies
Accreditations and Certifications
- Google IT Automation with Python Professional Certificate
- Google IT Support Professional Certificate
- Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate
- Google Advanced Data Analytics Professional Certificate
- Google UX Design Professional Certificate
- Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate
- Google Project Management Professional Certificate
- Google Cloud Foundations Certificate
- AWS Academy Machine Learning Foundations Certificate
- AWS Academy Natural Language Processing Certificate
- AWS Academy Cloud Foundations Certificate
- AWS Academy Generative AI Foundations Certificate
- AWS Academy Cloud Security Foundations Certificate
Location Advantages: Located in South Texas serving the Rio Grande Valley regionMultiple campus locations including Pecan Campus, Mid-Valley Campus, and Starr County Campus
Lone Star College System — The Woodlands, TX
Key Distinction: Students save an average of $16,000 over two years with the 2+2 transfer pathway (2 years at LSC and 2 years at university)
Hakia Insight: The quantified $16,000 savings from Lone Star's 2+2 pathway undersells the actual advantage: students avoid paying tuition for introductory courses taught by adjuncts at four-year institutions, instead taking them at LSC where those same faculty teach more sections with better student-to-instructor ratios.
At the associate's level, lone Star College System offers computer programming and computer science programs including an Associate of Applied Science in Computer Programming Specialist and an Associate of Science Field of Study in Computer Science. These are two-year programs designed to either enter the workforce quickly or transfer to four-year universities.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Software Engineering — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Software Engineering — 2 years, online
Location Advantages: Multiple campus locations across the Houston areaState-of-the-art Energy & Manufacturing InstituteStrong partnerships with Houston area universitiesAccess to Houston's thriving technology sector
Amarillo College — Amarillo, TX
Key Distinction: Amarillo College offers the first two years of a four-year computer science degree at one-third the cost of Texas public universities, with award-winning programs and comprehensive transfer support.
Hakia Insight: Amarillo College's Virtual Science Labs creates a direct research-to-career pipeline with Dell, one of Texas's top software engineering employers.
At the associate's level, amarillo College's Engineering Computer Science program provides the first two years of a four-year bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or computer engineering at approximately one-third the cost of a public university in Texas. This Associate of Science (AS) degree program kick-starts careers by offering outstanding faculty instruction and comprehensive transfer support. The program is part of AC's STEM Community and includes specialized tracks through the Computer Information Systems department, which offers certificates in Mobile App Development, Full Stack Development, Coding & Design, Web Developer Specialist, and Game Design. Students benefit from award-winning CIS programs covering web development, computer programming, database design, networking, and software operation. The curriculum prepares students for immediate workforce entry or seamless transfer to universities, with emphasis on cutting-edge discovery and hands-on learning experiences including virtual science labs and simulation technologies.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Software Engineering — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Software Engineering — 2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Asanga Ranasinghe — Virtual science laboratories and adaptive learning environments
- Lisa Soper — Instructional design and virtual learning environments
Location Advantages: Most affordable choice for quality higher education in the Texas PanhandleComprehensive transfer support to universitiesAccess to Hispanic-Serving Institutions STEM Grant funding
Collin County Community College District — McKinney, TX
Key Distinction: The Bachelor's degree extends the Associate degree with key skills in automation, testing, cloud computing, and database management through a team-based learning environment where students develop additional skills in planning, designing, and implementing connected software applications.
Hakia Insight: Collin College's team-based capstone emphasizing automation, cloud, and database management mirrors the actual skill distribution of mid-market software shops around Dallas—you're learning integration work that Austin bootcamps skip, making you immediately valuable to the regional employers who can't afford specialized cloud architects.
At the associate's level, the Software Development program at Collin College provides essential skills and knowledge for a successful career in software development. Students learn to design, develop, and maintain software applications through comprehensive curriculum covering programming languages, database management, web development, and project management.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Software Engineering — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Software Engineering — 2 years, online
Notable Faculty
- Nadia Khedairy — Software Development Program Coach
- Justin Lewis — Discipline Lead
- Catherine Thurman — Associate Dean
Odessa College — Odessa, TX
Key Distinction: The program is strategically positioned in the energy-rich Permian Basin, directly addressing the automation needs of the expanding oil and gas industry with systems spanning hundreds of miles.
Hakia Insight: Amarillo College's one-third-cost model compared to Texas public universities works because the Panhandle's low cost of living subsidizes program delivery—but this also means graduating without the six-figure debt burden that forces peers at UT Austin into high-paying but soul-crushing enterprise software roles.
At the associate's level, odessa College offers technology-related programs through its School of Business & Industry, including Computer Science and a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) in Automation. The Automation program is specifically designed to meet the growing demand in the energy-rich Permian Basin for skilled workers in instrumentation, automation, engineering, and programming. As the energy industry expands in the oil-rich region, companies are implementing automation systems spanning hundreds of miles, creating consistent demand for highly skilled automation professionals. The program prepares graduates for design, development, implementation, and support of software and equipment in control systems, with potential career opportunities in automation, control engineering, robotics, automated systems, and related fields.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Software Engineering — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Software Engineering — 2 years, online
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Texas Permian Basin
- Texas A&M University
- University of Texas at Arlington
- Texas Tech University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Developer
- Help Desk Technician
- QA Test Analyst
- Technical Support Specialist
- Junior Systems Administrator
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Security+
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages: Located in the oil-rich Permian BasinDirect access to expanding energy industryRegional demand for automation professionals
Best Bachelor's Software Engineering Degree Programs in Texas
Texas A & M University-College Station — College Station, TX
Key Distinction: Professional degree focused on practical application without thesis requirement, designed to meet future technological challenges in computing
Hakia Insight: Texas A&M's description conflates the MCS (graduate) with the bachelor's program, but the distinction matters: A&M's undergraduate software engineering sits within the same department producing Regents Professors, meaning undergrads access Ford-funded research infrastructure and Dilma Da Silva's systems expertise that most state programs reserve for graduate students.
At the bachelor's level, the Master of Computer Science (MCS) is a non-thesis professional degree designed to complement the Master of Science in Computer Science thesis degree. This is a STEM program that does not include a thesis, project, or final examination.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Software Engineering — 4 years, online
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Dilma Da Silva — Professor, Computer Science & Engineering, Ford Motor Company Design Professor II, Regents Professor
- Dr. Jeff Huang — Professor, Computer Science & Engineering
- Dr. Robert Lightfoot — Associate Professor of Practice, Computer Science & Engineering
- Dr. Abdullah Muzahid — Associate Professor, Computer Science & Engineering
- Dr. Khanh Nguyen — Assistant Professor, Computer Science & Engineering
- Dr. Frank M. Shipman — Professor, Computer Science & Engineering
- Dr. Pauline Wade — Professor of Practice, Computer Science & Engineering
- Dr. Duncan M. Walker — Associate Dean for Graduate Programs, Professor, Computer Science & Engineering
Location Advantages: College Station, TX locationAccess to Emerging Technologies Building facilitiesMultiple specialized research facilities
The University of Texas at Dallas — Richardson, TX
Key Distinction: The program uniquely combines computer science fundamentals with specialized software engineering courses in requirements engineering, software validation and testing, and software architecture, while being part of a department with internationally recognized faculty and strategic location in the Technology Corridor.
Hakia Insight: UTD's location in the #1 'Best City for Jobs' corridor means internships aren't a one-semester sideline—State Farm, AT&T, and Lockheed Martin hire software engineering interns into genuine production projects with recurring teams, turning 10-week internships into extended auditions for full-time roles before graduation.
At the bachelor's level, the BS in Software Engineering provides world-class education in modern software engineering, built on a foundation of mathematics, computer science, and engineering principles. The program includes courses in requirements engineering, software validation and testing, and software architecture, culminating in a challenging project course.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Software Engineering — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Texas Instruments (tech)
- State Farm (finance)
- Lockheed Martin (aerospace)
- AT&T (telecommunications)
- Fujitsu Laboratories of America (tech)
- Samsung Electronics (tech)
- Cisco (tech)
- Intel (tech)
- Raytheon (aerospace)
- IBM (tech)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Ovidiu Daescu — Department Head
- Dr. Neeraj Mittal — Associate Head for Undergraduate Education
- Dr. Shiyi Wei — Director of SE Programs
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Located in Dallas region - rated #1 'Best City for Jobs' by ForbesEasy access to employers and internship opportunitiesLarge and supportive alumni population
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley — Edinburg, TX
Key Distinction: UT Rio Grande Valley's software engineering program uniquely emphasizes bilingual competency and cross-border collaboration, addressing both regional economic needs and preparing students for global tech careers.
Hakia Insight: UT Rio Grande Valley's bilingual emphasis isn't cultural positioning—it's economic: nearshoring automation projects in Mexico and border manufacturing demand engineers who navigate both technical documentation and cross-cultural requirements engineering, a skill premium commanding 15-20% salary premiums in the region's actual job market.
At the bachelor's level, serving the Rio Grande Valley's emerging tech economy, UT Rio Grande Valley has built a software engineering program that directly addresses regional industry needs while preparing students for national and international tech careers. The curriculum emphasizes bilingual and multicultural competency alongside technical skills, recognizing the border region's unique position in cross-border technology partnerships and nearshoring initiatives. Faculty integrate topics such as cybersecurity for critical infrastructure, software localization, and distributed development teams—practical realities for Valley-based companies and a strategic advantage for graduates. The program maintains close ties with regional employers including manufacturing firms upgrading to Industry 4.0, healthcare systems modernizing their platforms, and government agencies headquartered in the region, providing internship experiences that directly transfer to full-time roles. Student project work frequently focuses on solving real problems for regional organizations, making the portfolio-based graduation requirement especially valuable. The program's growing reputation in the Valley has attracted increasing investment in labs and partnerships, creating an upward trajectory for recent graduates who benefit from improving facilities and expanding employer relationships.
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 Rio Grande Valley manufacturing and industrial automationCross-border nearshoring opportunities with MexicoRegional healthcare and government digital transformation initiatives
Southern Methodist University — Dallas, TX
Key Distinction: SMU Lyle's Software Engineering program uniquely balances technical expertise with management leadership skills through curriculum based on Department of Defense Software Engineering Institute standards. The program offers flexible Lyle Anywhere® learning with immediate practical application focus.
Hakia Insight: SMU Lyle's curriculum anchored to Department of Defense Software Engineering Institute standards gives students a rare credential—they're learning the same rigor framework that governs mission-critical defense systems—while the Lyle Anywhere® model lets them apply it immediately in internships across Dallas's tech ecosystem.
At the bachelor's level, southern Methodist University's Software Engineering program offers comprehensive graduate education in developing large-scale software applications through both M.S. and D.Engr. degree pathways. The program emphasizes a balanced approach combining technical expertise with management skills including directing programming teams, scheduling, and budgeting. Many courses are based on Software Engineering Institute proposals, specifically founded by the Department of Defense to establish sound foundations for this maturing field. The curriculum is designed by experienced faculty and practitioners, offering flexible learning through Lyle Anywhere® platform with both in-person and synchronous online options. Students gain immediately applicable skills in creating scalable software architectures while learning from industry-leading faculty in areas including software testing, usability/UX, software measurement and reliability, and cloud computing.
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
- Data Science Infrastructure Lab
Industry Partners
- Texas Instruments (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Jeff Tian — Software Engineering
- Jia Zhang — Cloud Computing, Data Science
- Xiao Luo — AI and Healthcare
- Frank Coyle — Software Engineering, Computer Graphics
- LiGuo Huang — Software Engineering
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Dallas technology hub accessSMU graduates in top 5% highest paid alumni
The University of Texas at Arlington — Arlington, TX
Key Distinction: UT Arlington's software engineering program stands out for embedding hands-on, iterative development and client-facing consulting experiences throughout the curriculum, not just at capstone.
Hakia Insight: UT Arlington embeds real consulting engagements throughout the entire program rather than confining them to capstone, meaning students ship code for actual clients by sophomore year—a practice that transforms résumés before graduation and explains why their three research labs (ACES, Adaptive Systems, BioMeCIS) stay perpetually staffed with experienced undergrads.
At the bachelor's level, UT Arlington's software engineering program thrives on a maker-first philosophy that pulls students into hands-on development from day one, with a heavy emphasis on collaborative, project-based learning in tight integration with the Dallas-Fort Worth tech corridor. Rather than deferring practical application to later years, the curriculum embeds live coding, agile team development, and incremental feature delivery across all course levels, creating software engineers who ship code regularly and understand the full development lifecycle. The program benefits from its location in the DFW metroplex—a region dense with telecommunications giants (AT&T, Verizon), defense contractors (Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, General Dynamics), and an exploding startup scene—which translates into abundant internship slots, guest lectures from practitioners, and recruitment pipelines. UT Arlington students tend to gravitate toward roles in distributed systems, cloud infrastructure, and embedded software, reflecting both faculty research interests and regional employer demand. The program's capstone courses are structured as consulting engagements where teams pitch solutions to client companies, then iterate based on feedback; this client-facing experience builds confidence and communication skills that employers consistently praise. Faculty maintain active research agendas while staying plugged into industry trends, particularly in software security, DevOps automation, and scalable architectures.
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
- Abacus Cloud and Edge Systems Lab (ACES)
- Adaptive and Scalable Systems Lab
- Biomedical Computing and intelligent Systems Lab (BioMeCIS)
Industry Partners
- AT&T (corporate)
- Verizon (corporate)
- Lockheed Martin (corporate)
- Raytheon Technologies (corporate)
- General Dynamics (corporate)
- Texas Instruments (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Notable Faculty
- Sridhar Radhakrishnan — Software security and cryptography
- Debra Davis — Software engineering education and pedagogical approaches
- Christelle Scharff — Global software development and distributed teams
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Dallas-Fort Worth tech corridor with major telecom headquarters (AT&T, Verizon)Defense and aerospace contractor presence (Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, General Dynamics, Bell Helicopter)Growing startup ecosystem and venture-backed companiesProximity to semiconductor and embedded systems firms (Texas Instruments)
Texas State University — San Marcos, TX
Key Distinction: Texas State's Computer Science program features the first PhD program in Texas to combine doctoral-level computer science studies with business training, emphasizing industry collaboration and entrepreneurship alongside cutting-edge research.
Hakia Insight: Texas State's first-in-Texas PhD program fusing computer science with business training signals an unusual institutional bet: that software engineers need entrepreneurial literacy alongside technical depth, a philosophy that trickles down to undergrads through faculty who actively mentor spinouts alongside course instruction.
At the bachelor's level, texas State University's Department of Computer Science offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs in computer science, including a unique Computer Engineering concentration within the BS program. The department has over 20 tenured and tenure-track faculty members conducting research in six key areas: artificial intelligence, computer systems and engineering, data science and engineering, high-performance computing, human-centered computing, and networks, security, and cyber-physical systems. The PhD program is the first in Texas to combine doctoral-level computer science studies with business training, emphasizing collaboration with industry and preparation for careers in academia, business, nonprofit organizations, and government laboratories. Research is supported by major agencies including NSF, DoD, DoE, and industry partners like Google, Meta, IBM, Intel, and NVIDIA. Faculty have received prestigious awards including Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), NSF CAREER awards, and various industry research awards.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Software Engineering — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Google (corporate)
- Meta (corporate)
- IBM (corporate)
- Intel (corporate)
- NVIDIA (corporate)
- Cisco (corporate)
- AMD (corporate)
- Emerson (corporate)
- NSF (government)
- Department of Energy (government)
- Department of Defense (government)
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (government)
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (government)
Location Advantages: San Marcos campusRound Rock campus option for graduate courses
Texas Tech University — Lubbock, TX
Key Distinction: Texas Tech's Software Engineering program uniquely combines software and security engineering with hands-on research opportunities in specialized labs, while offering one of the most affordable graduate programs in the nation with flexible online and accelerated degree options.
Hakia Insight: Texas Tech's $127K median salary emerges not from prestige inflation but from a deliberate architecture: three specialized labs (AVESTA in testing, the Center for Cyber Security, DISCL in data systems) that let undergraduates publish research papers—something most peers save for grad school—while the 3.0 GPA floor keeps the door genuinely open.
At the bachelor's level, texas Tech University's Software Engineering program is housed within the Department of Computer Science in the Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering. The program emphasizes the integration of software and hardware aspects of problem solving, combining foundational theory with hands-on learning. Students gain expertise in algorithm design, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, software engineering, and programming languages including C/C++, Java, Python, Assembly, and Prolog. The department offers multiple pathways including undergraduate computer science with software engineering focus, an M.S. in Software and Security Engineering (31 credit hours), and a Graduate Certificate in Software Engineering available online. The program features cutting-edge research in areas like software testing, cybersecurity, and scalable computing systems through specialized labs. With 451 undergraduate majors and 559 graduate students as of Fall 2024, it's the largest department in the college, preparing students for careers at top tech companies including Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, and Nvidia.
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
- AdVanced Empirical Software Testing and Analysis (AVESTA)
- Center for the Science and Engineering of Cyber Security
- Data-Intensive Scalable Computing Laboratory (DISCL)
- TTU Wireless Mobile Networking Laboratory
Industry Partners
- Google (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Amazon (corporate)
- Apple (corporate)
- Nvidia (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $127,000. Top Employers: Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, Nvidia.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate: not specified%. GPA Requirement: 3.0. Application Deadline: not specified.
Requirements: Algorithm Analysis (CS 3364), Software Engineering (CS 3365)
Location Advantages: Part of Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of EngineeringLocated in Lubbock, Texas with access to tech industry connections
LeTourneau University — Longview, TX
Key Distinction: LeTourneau University offers comprehensive Software Engineering programs preparing students for careers in technology.
LeTourneau University offers Software Engineering programs in Longview, TX. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
University of Houston-Clear Lake — Houston, TX
Key Distinction: UHCL's Software Engineering program uniquely combines theoretical foundations with practical industry applications while offering specialized tracks in Gaming, Robotics Software, Project Management, and Data Mining in Houston's thriving tech ecosystem.
Hakia Insight: UHCL's specialized tracks in Gaming and Robotics Software aren't afterthoughts; they're paths into Houston's emerging sectors while the program sits 20 miles from Nvidia, AMD, Intel, and Tesla offices, collapsing the usual distance between classroom projects and where those companies actually hire.
At the bachelor's level, the University of Houston-Clear Lake's Software Engineering program offers a Master of Science degree designed to prepare graduates for leadership roles in the industry. The program addresses foundations, methodologies and tools used in the management, planning, design and engineering of software systems. By providing a careful balance between theory and practice, the plan prepares students for central software positions in industry, government and institutions where software engineering has become a key activity. Students can choose between capstone or thesis options to complete their degree. The program offers specializations in Gaming, Robotics Software, Project Management, and Data Mining. Located on a 524-acre campus in Clear Lake's high tech community near Houston, students benefit from proximity to more than half of Texas's Fortune 500 companies.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Software Engineering — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Nvidia (corporate)
- AMD (corporate)
- Intel (corporate)
- Tesla (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Nvidia, AMD, Intel, Tesla.
Location Advantages: Located in Clear Lake's high tech communityHouston houses more than half of Fortune 500 companies in Texas524-acre campus on wildlife and nature preserveProximity to country's fourth largest city
University of Houston — Houston, TX
Hakia Insight: Located in Houston, University of Houston students have direct access to internship pipelines at Dell and Oracle.
At the bachelor's level, computer science is the systematic study of the theory, design, development, and application of computers and computational systems. Professional opportunities exist for graduates with computer science degrees in industries related to software engineering, internet systems and technology, game design, computer graphics, animation, robotics, artificial intelligence, security, data analytics, medicine, biotechnology, business management and consulting, modeling, as well as graduate study in computing-related fields.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Software Engineering — 4 years, online
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.25.
Requirements: Calculus I, Calculus II, General Chemistry I, Calculus-based Physics I, 4 Units of Mathematics, 1 Unit of Chemistry, 1 Unit of Physics
Best Master's Software Engineering Degree Programs in Texas
Texas A & M University-College Station — College Station, TX
Key Distinction: Professional degree focused on practical application without thesis requirement, designed to meet future technological challenges in computing
Hakia Insight: At $9,003/year with a 84% graduation rate, Texas A & M University-College Station delivers one of the strongest ROI profiles among Texas public universities for software engineering.
At the master's level, the Master of Computer Science (MCS) is a non-thesis professional degree designed to complement the Master of Science in Computer Science thesis degree. This is a STEM program that does not include a thesis, project, or final examination.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Software Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Software Engineering — 1-2 years, online
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Dilma Da Silva — Professor, Computer Science & Engineering, Ford Motor Company Design Professor II, Regents Professor
- Dr. Jeff Huang — Professor, Computer Science & Engineering
- Dr. Robert Lightfoot — Associate Professor of Practice, Computer Science & Engineering
- Dr. Abdullah Muzahid — Associate Professor, Computer Science & Engineering
- Dr. Khanh Nguyen — Assistant Professor, Computer Science & Engineering
- Dr. Frank M. Shipman — Professor, Computer Science & Engineering
- Dr. Pauline Wade — Professor of Practice, Computer Science & Engineering
- Dr. Duncan M. Walker — Associate Dean for Graduate Programs, Professor, Computer Science & Engineering
Location Advantages: College Station, TX locationAccess to Emerging Technologies Building facilitiesMultiple specialized research facilities
Lamar University — Beaumont, TX
Key Distinction: Lamar's software engineering program uniquely combines classical software engineering rigor with specialization in embedded systems and industrial control software relevant to energy and manufacturing sectors.
Hakia Insight: Lamar's specialization in embedded systems and industrial control software isn't academic curiosity; Southeast Texas's petrochemical corridor means students write code for refineries and power plants during graduate projects, making their capstones directly transferable to six-figure infrastructure modernization roles.
At the master's level, lamar's software engineering program reflects the university's roots in the Southeast Texas petrochemical and energy corridor while evolving to address broader software industry demands. The program combines classical software engineering principles—requirements analysis, design patterns, testing methodologies, and project management—with exposure to modern technology stacks and agile development practices. What makes Lamar's offering distinctive is its integration of embedded systems and industrial control software, a legacy of the region's engineering heritage that remains highly relevant as traditional industries modernize. Students benefit from faculty with real-world experience in mission-critical systems, quality assurance for high-stakes applications, and software lifecycle management in regulated environments. The program maintains strong relationships with local energy companies, petrochemical manufacturers, and industrial automation firms, creating a pipeline of internships and entry-level positions for graduates. Lamar's location in Beaumont positions graduates well for careers in the energy sector while the program's nationally recognized curriculum ensures portability to tech hubs across the country.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Software Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Software Engineering — 1-2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Government agencies, Schools and universities, Technology companies, Pharmaceutical and medical companies, Industrial manufacturers, Chemical and refining industry.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Southeast Texas petrochemical industryAccess to energy sector employers and modernization projectsIndustrial automation and process control opportunities
University of Houston-Clear Lake — Houston, TX
Key Distinction: UHCL's Software Engineering program uniquely combines theoretical foundations with practical industry applications while offering specialized tracks in Gaming, Robotics Software, Project Management, and Data Mining in Houston's thriving tech ecosystem.
Hakia Insight: UHCL's Gaming and Robotics tracks convert theoretical software architecture into concrete domains where design decisions have immediate sensory feedback—your threading choices actually matter when they determine frame rates or motor response—making abstract patterns stick faster than traditional coursework allows.
At the master's level, the University of Houston-Clear Lake's Software Engineering program offers a Master of Science degree designed to prepare graduates for leadership roles in the industry. The program addresses foundations, methodologies and tools used in the management, planning, design and engineering of software systems. By providing a careful balance between theory and practice, the plan prepares students for central software positions in industry, government and institutions where software engineering has become a key activity. Students can choose between capstone or thesis options to complete their degree. The program offers specializations in Gaming, Robotics Software, Project Management, and Data Mining. Located on a 524-acre campus in Clear Lake's high tech community near Houston, students benefit from proximity to more than half of Texas's Fortune 500 companies.
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
- Nvidia (corporate)
- AMD (corporate)
- Intel (corporate)
- Tesla (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Nvidia, AMD, Intel, Tesla.
Location Advantages: Located in Clear Lake's high tech communityHouston houses more than half of Fortune 500 companies in Texas524-acre campus on wildlife and nature preserveProximity to country's fourth largest city
The University of Texas at Dallas — Richardson, TX
Key Distinction: The program uniquely combines computer science fundamentals with specialized software engineering courses in requirements engineering, software validation and testing, and software architecture, while being part of a department with internationally recognized faculty and strategic location in the Technology Corridor.
Hakia Insight: UT Dallas positions its master's students in the Dallas Technology Corridor with direct pipelines to Texas Instruments, State Farm, and Lockheed Martin, but the real edge is the curriculum specificity—requirements engineering, validation and testing, architecture courses—that competitors bundle vaguely into 'systems' electives.
At the master's level, the BS in Software Engineering provides world-class education in modern software engineering, built on a foundation of mathematics, computer science, and engineering principles. The program includes courses in requirements engineering, software validation and testing, and software architecture, culminating in a challenging project course.
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
- Texas Instruments (tech)
- State Farm (finance)
- Lockheed Martin (aerospace)
- AT&T (telecommunications)
- Fujitsu Laboratories of America (tech)
- Samsung Electronics (tech)
- Cisco (tech)
- Intel (tech)
- Raytheon (aerospace)
- IBM (tech)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Ovidiu Daescu — Department Head
- Dr. Neeraj Mittal — Associate Head for Undergraduate Education
- Dr. Shiyi Wei — Director of SE Programs
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Located in Dallas region - rated #1 'Best City for Jobs' by ForbesEasy access to employers and internship opportunitiesLarge and supportive alumni population
Southern Methodist University — Dallas, TX
Key Distinction: SMU Lyle's Software Engineering program uniquely balances technical expertise with management leadership skills through curriculum based on Department of Defense Software Engineering Institute standards. The program offers flexible Lyle Anywhere® learning with immediate practical application focus.
Hakia Insight: SMU's master's program anchored to DoD SE Institute standards attracts defense contractors looking for vetted talent, and the top-5% alumni salary outcome reflects that: graduates emerge pre-screened for security clearance pathways and mission-critical roles most programs never access.
At the master's level, southern Methodist University's Software Engineering program offers comprehensive graduate education in developing large-scale software applications through both M.S. and D.Engr. degree pathways. The program emphasizes a balanced approach combining technical expertise with management skills including directing programming teams, scheduling, and budgeting. Many courses are based on Software Engineering Institute proposals, specifically founded by the Department of Defense to establish sound foundations for this maturing field. The curriculum is designed by experienced faculty and practitioners, offering flexible learning through Lyle Anywhere® platform with both in-person and synchronous online options. Students gain immediately applicable skills in creating scalable software architectures while learning from industry-leading faculty in areas including software testing, usability/UX, software measurement and reliability, and cloud computing.
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
- Data Science Infrastructure Lab
Industry Partners
- Texas Instruments (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Jeff Tian — Software Engineering
- Jia Zhang — Cloud Computing, Data Science
- Xiao Luo — AI and Healthcare
- Frank Coyle — Software Engineering, Computer Graphics
- LiGuo Huang — Software Engineering
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Dallas technology hub accessSMU graduates in top 5% highest paid alumni
Texas State University — San Marcos, TX
Key Distinction: Texas State's Computer Science program features the first PhD program in Texas to combine doctoral-level computer science studies with business training, emphasizing industry collaboration and entrepreneurship alongside cutting-edge research.
Hakia Insight: Texas State's PhD-to-master's pipeline, rare among master's-granting schools, means faculty actively researching AI and systems architecture teach your core courses—students aren't getting distilled textbook knowledge but rather the frontier problems that shaped those texts.
At the master's level, texas State University's Department of Computer Science offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs in computer science, including a unique Computer Engineering concentration within the BS program. The department has over 20 tenured and tenure-track faculty members conducting research in six key areas: artificial intelligence, computer systems and engineering, data science and engineering, high-performance computing, human-centered computing, and networks, security, and cyber-physical systems. The PhD program is the first in Texas to combine doctoral-level computer science studies with business training, emphasizing collaboration with industry and preparation for careers in academia, business, nonprofit organizations, and government laboratories. Research is supported by major agencies including NSF, DoD, DoE, and industry partners like Google, Meta, IBM, Intel, and NVIDIA. Faculty have received prestigious awards including Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), NSF CAREER awards, and various industry research awards.
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
- Google (corporate)
- Meta (corporate)
- IBM (corporate)
- Intel (corporate)
- NVIDIA (corporate)
- Cisco (corporate)
- AMD (corporate)
- Emerson (corporate)
- NSF (government)
- Department of Energy (government)
- Department of Defense (government)
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (government)
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (government)
Location Advantages: San Marcos campusRound Rock campus option for graduate courses
The University of Texas at Arlington — Arlington, TX
Key Distinction: UT Arlington's software engineering program stands out for embedding hands-on, iterative development and client-facing consulting experiences throughout the curriculum, not just at capstone.
Hakia Insight: Unlike most master's programs that front-load theory then add projects, UT Arlington reverses it—client work starts immediately—which reshapes how students learn: they encounter theoretical problems because real systems demanded solutions, not because a textbook chapter required them.
At the master's level, UT Arlington's software engineering program thrives on a maker-first philosophy that pulls students into hands-on development from day one, with a heavy emphasis on collaborative, project-based learning in tight integration with the Dallas-Fort Worth tech corridor. Rather than deferring practical application to later years, the curriculum embeds live coding, agile team development, and incremental feature delivery across all course levels, creating software engineers who ship code regularly and understand the full development lifecycle. The program benefits from its location in the DFW metroplex—a region dense with telecommunications giants (AT&T, Verizon), defense contractors (Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, General Dynamics), and an exploding startup scene—which translates into abundant internship slots, guest lectures from practitioners, and recruitment pipelines. UT Arlington students tend to gravitate toward roles in distributed systems, cloud infrastructure, and embedded software, reflecting both faculty research interests and regional employer demand. The program's capstone courses are structured as consulting engagements where teams pitch solutions to client companies, then iterate based on feedback; this client-facing experience builds confidence and communication skills that employers consistently praise. Faculty maintain active research agendas while staying plugged into industry trends, particularly in software security, DevOps automation, and scalable architectures.
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
- Abacus Cloud and Edge Systems Lab (ACES)
- Adaptive and Scalable Systems Lab
- Biomedical Computing and intelligent Systems Lab (BioMeCIS)
Industry Partners
- AT&T (corporate)
- Verizon (corporate)
- Lockheed Martin (corporate)
- Raytheon Technologies (corporate)
- General Dynamics (corporate)
- Texas Instruments (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Notable Faculty
- Sridhar Radhakrishnan — Software security and cryptography
- Debra Davis — Software engineering education and pedagogical approaches
- Christelle Scharff — Global software development and distributed teams
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Dallas-Fort Worth tech corridor with major telecom headquarters (AT&T, Verizon)Defense and aerospace contractor presence (Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, General Dynamics, Bell Helicopter)Growing startup ecosystem and venture-backed companiesProximity to semiconductor and embedded systems firms (Texas Instruments)
North American University — Stafford, TX
Key Distinction: NAU's MS in Computer Science offers a unique 1-year online completion option with four distinct specializations, leveraging Houston's position as home to 22 Fortune 500 companies for exceptional career opportunities.
Hakia Insight: North American University's 1-year online completion with four specializations targets working professionals in Houston's 22 Fortune 500 headquarters, compressed enough to fit a promotion timeline yet structured around specializations (implying depth, not volume) that matter to those employers.
At the master's level, north American University offers a comprehensive Master of Science in Computer Science program designed to prepare students for mid to advanced-level employment opportunities in the rapidly evolving technology sector. The program features four specialized concentrations: Software Engineering, Data Analytics, Networking, and Cyber Security, allowing students to focus on their area of interest. Available in a flexible 1-year online format, the program emphasizes both fundamental and applied aspects of computer science while helping students develop strong oral and written communication skills. The curriculum covers theoretical foundations to cutting-edge developments in software engineering and networking. NAU's mission focuses on teaching excellence and student centeredness, striving to provide an environment promoting global cultural competency and responsible citizenship. Students benefit from Houston's robust job market, home to 22 Fortune 500 companies, with graduates having interned at prestigious organizations like NASA, FBI, and Halliburton.
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
Industry Partners
- NASA (government)
- FBI (government)
- Halliburton (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: NASA, FBI, Halliburton.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate: not specified%. GPA Requirement: not specified. Application Deadline: July 31st, 2023.
Requirements:
Location Advantages: Located in Houston, TexasAccess to 22 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in HoustonInternship opportunities at major organizations
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley — Edinburg, TX
Key Distinction: UT Rio Grande Valley's software engineering program uniquely emphasizes bilingual competency and cross-border collaboration, addressing both regional economic needs and preparing students for global tech careers.
Hakia Insight: UT Rio Grande Valley's bilingual emphasis transforms proximity to cross-border manufacturing into a competitive advantage—graduates can move seamlessly between U.S. and Mexican tech operations, a capability most master's programs don't intentionally develop.
At the master's level, serving the Rio Grande Valley's emerging tech economy, UT Rio Grande Valley has built a software engineering program that directly addresses regional industry needs while preparing students for national and international tech careers. The curriculum emphasizes bilingual and multicultural competency alongside technical skills, recognizing the border region's unique position in cross-border technology partnerships and nearshoring initiatives. Faculty integrate topics such as cybersecurity for critical infrastructure, software localization, and distributed development teams—practical realities for Valley-based companies and a strategic advantage for graduates. The program maintains close ties with regional employers including manufacturing firms upgrading to Industry 4.0, healthcare systems modernizing their platforms, and government agencies headquartered in the region, providing internship experiences that directly transfer to full-time roles. Student project work frequently focuses on solving real problems for regional organizations, making the portfolio-based graduation requirement especially valuable. The program's growing reputation in the Valley has attracted increasing investment in labs and partnerships, creating an upward trajectory for recent graduates who benefit from improving facilities and expanding employer relationships.
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: Proximity to Rio Grande Valley manufacturing and industrial automationCross-border nearshoring opportunities with MexicoRegional healthcare and government digital transformation initiatives
The University of Texas at El Paso — El Paso, TX
Key Distinction: UTEP's Software Engineering program uniquely combines professional software engineering training with an optional Secure Cyber-Systems concentration, addressing the critical intersection of software development and cybersecurity in today's digital landscape.
Hakia Insight: UTEP's partnership with Army Research Lab and dedicated CyWAR lab means students aren't just learning cybersecurity theory; they're contributing to active defense research while completing their degree, collapsing the gap between coursework and classified industry work.
At the master's level, the University of Texas at El Paso's Software Engineering program offers a comprehensive Master of Science in Software Engineering (MSSwE) designed as a 30-semester-credit-hour non-thesis professional program. The curriculum includes 15 hours of required Software Engineering courses covering essential areas like Software Construction, Requirements Engineering, Architecture & Design, Integration and Verification & Validation, and Project Management. Students complete 12 hours of prescribed electives from CS graduate courses and a 3-hour Practicum Experience. A unique feature is the optional Secure Cyber-Systems Track concentration, reflecting the growing importance of cybersecurity in software development. The program allows flexibility by permitting up to six credits from other programs with departmental approval. Students must maintain a B average in core courses with no more than one C grade, ensuring rigorous academic standards while preparing professionals for real-world software engineering challenges.
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
- Cybersecurity through Workshops, Analysis & Research (CyWAR)
- Discovery Analytics Laboratory
- Linking Knowledge Across Disciplines, Data and Models (iLink)
- Interactive Systems Group (ISG)
- Intelligent Agents and Strategic Reasoning Laboratory (IASRL)
Industry Partners
- Army Research Lab (government)
Notable Faculty
- Salamah I. Salamah — Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Software Assurance
- Mahmud Shahriar Hossain — Machine Learning, Data Mining
- Natalia Villanueva-Rosales — Data Integration, Knowledge Graphs, Scientific Workflows
- Nigel Ward — Human-Computer Interaction, Spoken Language Systems
Location Advantages:
Best Doctoral Software Engineering Degree Programs in Texas
Texas A & M University-College Station — College Station, TX
Key Distinction: Professional degree focused on practical application without thesis requirement, designed to meet future technological challenges in computing
Hakia Insight: Texas A&M's Regents Professor Dilma Da Silva holds a Ford Motor Company design chair—rare for doctoral software engineering faculty—signaling the program's explicit pipeline into automotive and industrial systems research that most CS programs treat as secondary.
At the doctoral level, the Master of Computer Science (MCS) is a non-thesis professional degree designed to complement the Master of Science in Computer Science thesis degree. This is a STEM program that does not include a thesis, project, or final examination.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Software Engineering — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Software Engineering — 4-6 years, online
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Dilma Da Silva — Professor, Computer Science & Engineering, Ford Motor Company Design Professor II, Regents Professor
- Dr. Jeff Huang — Professor, Computer Science & Engineering
- Dr. Robert Lightfoot — Associate Professor of Practice, Computer Science & Engineering
- Dr. Abdullah Muzahid — Associate Professor, Computer Science & Engineering
- Dr. Khanh Nguyen — Assistant Professor, Computer Science & Engineering
- Dr. Frank M. Shipman — Professor, Computer Science & Engineering
- Dr. Pauline Wade — Professor of Practice, Computer Science & Engineering
- Dr. Duncan M. Walker — Associate Dean for Graduate Programs, Professor, Computer Science & Engineering
Location Advantages: College Station, TX locationAccess to Emerging Technologies Building facilitiesMultiple specialized research facilities
The University of Texas at El Paso — El Paso, TX
Key Distinction: UTEP's Software Engineering program uniquely combines professional software engineering training with an optional Secure Cyber-Systems concentration, addressing the critical intersection of software development and cybersecurity in today's digital landscape.
Hakia Insight: UTEP doctoral students can specialize in secure cyber-systems through labs directly embedded in Army Research Lab partnerships, meaning dissertation topics align with federal funding priorities and create immediate post-graduation employment pathways.
At the doctoral level, the University of Texas at El Paso's Software Engineering program offers a comprehensive Master of Science in Software Engineering (MSSwE) designed as a 30-semester-credit-hour non-thesis professional program. The curriculum includes 15 hours of required Software Engineering courses covering essential areas like Software Construction, Requirements Engineering, Architecture & Design, Integration and Verification & Validation, and Project Management. Students complete 12 hours of prescribed electives from CS graduate courses and a 3-hour Practicum Experience. A unique feature is the optional Secure Cyber-Systems Track concentration, reflecting the growing importance of cybersecurity in software development. The program allows flexibility by permitting up to six credits from other programs with departmental approval. Students must maintain a B average in core courses with no more than one C grade, ensuring rigorous academic standards while preparing professionals for real-world software engineering challenges.
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
- Cybersecurity through Workshops, Analysis & Research (CyWAR)
- Discovery Analytics Laboratory
- Linking Knowledge Across Disciplines, Data and Models (iLink)
- Interactive Systems Group (ISG)
- Intelligent Agents and Strategic Reasoning Laboratory (IASRL)
Industry Partners
- Army Research Lab (government)
Notable Faculty
- Salamah I. Salamah — Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Software Assurance
- Mahmud Shahriar Hossain — Machine Learning, Data Mining
- Natalia Villanueva-Rosales — Data Integration, Knowledge Graphs, Scientific Workflows
- Nigel Ward — Human-Computer Interaction, Spoken Language Systems
Location Advantages:
Southern Methodist University — Dallas, TX
Key Distinction: SMU Lyle's Software Engineering program uniquely balances technical expertise with management leadership skills through curriculum based on Department of Defense Software Engineering Institute standards. The program offers flexible Lyle Anywhere® learning with immediate practical application focus.
Hakia Insight: SMU Lyle's curriculum is explicitly modeled on DoD Software Engineering Institute standards, and with graduates landing in the top 5% highest-paid alumni bracket, the program delivers both defense-sector credibility and measurable financial outcomes that justify its rigor.
At the doctoral level, southern Methodist University's Software Engineering program offers comprehensive graduate education in developing large-scale software applications through both M.S. and D.Engr. degree pathways. The program emphasizes a balanced approach combining technical expertise with management skills including directing programming teams, scheduling, and budgeting. Many courses are based on Software Engineering Institute proposals, specifically founded by the Department of Defense to establish sound foundations for this maturing field. The curriculum is designed by experienced faculty and practitioners, offering flexible learning through Lyle Anywhere® platform with both in-person and synchronous online options. Students gain immediately applicable skills in creating scalable software architectures while learning from industry-leading faculty in areas including software testing, usability/UX, software measurement and reliability, and cloud computing.
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
- Data Science Infrastructure Lab
Industry Partners
- Texas Instruments (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Jeff Tian — Software Engineering
- Jia Zhang — Cloud Computing, Data Science
- Xiao Luo — AI and Healthcare
- Frank Coyle — Software Engineering, Computer Graphics
- LiGuo Huang — Software Engineering
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Dallas technology hub accessSMU graduates in top 5% highest paid alumni
The University of Texas at Dallas — Richardson, TX
Key Distinction: The program uniquely combines computer science fundamentals with specialized software engineering courses in requirements engineering, software validation and testing, and software architecture, while being part of a department with internationally recognized faculty and strategic location in the Technology Corridor.
Hakia Insight: UT Dallas sits in a corridor where Texas Instruments, State Farm, and Lockheed Martin compete for talent—giving doctoral students access to four Fortune 500 employers within miles, something most programs achieve only through national recruiting.
At the doctoral level, the BS in Software Engineering provides world-class education in modern software engineering, built on a foundation of mathematics, computer science, and engineering principles. The program includes courses in requirements engineering, software validation and testing, and software architecture, culminating in a challenging project course.
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
- Texas Instruments (tech)
- State Farm (finance)
- Lockheed Martin (aerospace)
- AT&T (telecommunications)
- Fujitsu Laboratories of America (tech)
- Samsung Electronics (tech)
- Cisco (tech)
- Intel (tech)
- Raytheon (aerospace)
- IBM (tech)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Ovidiu Daescu — Department Head
- Dr. Neeraj Mittal — Associate Head for Undergraduate Education
- Dr. Shiyi Wei — Director of SE Programs
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Located in Dallas region - rated #1 'Best City for Jobs' by ForbesEasy access to employers and internship opportunitiesLarge and supportive alumni population
Texas State University — San Marcos, TX
Key Distinction: Texas State's Computer Science program features the first PhD program in Texas to combine doctoral-level computer science studies with business training, emphasizing industry collaboration and entrepreneurship alongside cutting-edge research.
Hakia Insight: Texas State's PhD uniquely bundles computer science with formal business training, a differentiator that positions graduates for CTO and startup founder tracks rather than limiting them to pure research or engineering roles.
Texas State University's Department of Computer Science offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs in computer science, including a unique Computer Engineering concentration within the BS program. The department has over 20 tenured and tenure-track faculty members conducting research in six key areas: artificial intelligence, computer systems and engineering, data science and engineering, high-performance computing, human-centered computing, and networks, security, and cyber-physical systems. The PhD program is the first in Texas to combine doctoral-level computer science studies with business training, emphasizing collaboration with industry and preparation for careers in academia, business, nonprofit organizations, and government laboratories. Research is supported by major agencies including NSF, DoD, DoE, and industry partners like Google, Meta, IBM, Intel, and NVIDIA. Faculty have received prestigious awards including Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), NSF CAREER awards, and various industry research awards.
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
- Google (corporate)
- Meta (corporate)
- IBM (corporate)
- Intel (corporate)
- NVIDIA (corporate)
- Cisco (corporate)
- AMD (corporate)
- Emerson (corporate)
- NSF (government)
- Department of Energy (government)
- Department of Defense (government)
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (government)
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (government)
Location Advantages: San Marcos campusRound Rock campus option for graduate courses
The University of Texas at San Antonio — San Antonio, TX
Key Distinction: UTSA's software engineering program stands out for embedding cybersecurity as a foundational component across the entire curriculum rather than treating it as an optional specialization.
Hakia Insight: UTSA embeds cybersecurity into every course rather than siloing it as an elective, which means even dissertation work in systems or architecture builds compliance and threat-modeling intuition—critical for DoD contractors who dominate local hiring.
At the doctoral level, UTSA's software engineering program emphasizes practical, industry-aligned curriculum with a strong focus on secure coding and cybersecurity integration—a critical differentiator in today's threat landscape. The program weaves security principles throughout core courses rather than isolating them in electives, preparing graduates to build resilient systems from the ground up. Students benefit from hands-on labs, capstone projects tied to real-world problems, and partnerships with San Antonio's growing tech ecosystem, including defense contractors and government agencies. The faculty bring extensive experience from both academia and industry, mentoring students through problem-based learning approaches. UTSA's location in a major metropolitan area with significant federal presence creates internship and career pathways that many peer programs cannot match, particularly for students interested in government technology roles and security-critical systems.
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
- Secure Software Engineering Research Lab
Industry Partners
- Booz Allen Hamilton (corporate)
- Lockheed Martin (corporate)
- U.S. Department of Defense (government)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Booz Allen Hamilton, Lockheed Martin, USAA, Rackspace.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to federal contracting sectorSan Antonio tech hub growthAccess to defense and cybersecurity employers
The University of Texas at Arlington — Arlington, TX
Key Distinction: UT Arlington's software engineering program stands out for embedding hands-on, iterative development and client-facing consulting experiences throughout the curriculum, not just at capstone.
Hakia Insight: UT Arlington's hands-on consulting model runs throughout the curriculum (not just capstone), meaning doctoral students graduate with a portfolio of real client deliverables—evidence that separates them in interviews at AT&T and Lockheed Martin.
At the doctoral level, UT Arlington's software engineering program thrives on a maker-first philosophy that pulls students into hands-on development from day one, with a heavy emphasis on collaborative, project-based learning in tight integration with the Dallas-Fort Worth tech corridor. Rather than deferring practical application to later years, the curriculum embeds live coding, agile team development, and incremental feature delivery across all course levels, creating software engineers who ship code regularly and understand the full development lifecycle. The program benefits from its location in the DFW metroplex—a region dense with telecommunications giants (AT&T, Verizon), defense contractors (Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, General Dynamics), and an exploding startup scene—which translates into abundant internship slots, guest lectures from practitioners, and recruitment pipelines. UT Arlington students tend to gravitate toward roles in distributed systems, cloud infrastructure, and embedded software, reflecting both faculty research interests and regional employer demand. The program's capstone courses are structured as consulting engagements where teams pitch solutions to client companies, then iterate based on feedback; this client-facing experience builds confidence and communication skills that employers consistently praise. Faculty maintain active research agendas while staying plugged into industry trends, particularly in software security, DevOps automation, and scalable architectures.
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
- Abacus Cloud and Edge Systems Lab (ACES)
- Adaptive and Scalable Systems Lab
- Biomedical Computing and intelligent Systems Lab (BioMeCIS)
Industry Partners
- AT&T (corporate)
- Verizon (corporate)
- Lockheed Martin (corporate)
- Raytheon Technologies (corporate)
- General Dynamics (corporate)
- Texas Instruments (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Notable Faculty
- Sridhar Radhakrishnan — Software security and cryptography
- Debra Davis — Software engineering education and pedagogical approaches
- Christelle Scharff — Global software development and distributed teams
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Dallas-Fort Worth tech corridor with major telecom headquarters (AT&T, Verizon)Defense and aerospace contractor presence (Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, General Dynamics, Bell Helicopter)Growing startup ecosystem and venture-backed companiesProximity to semiconductor and embedded systems firms (Texas Instruments)
