Online Software Engineering Degrees

The University of Nebraska Omaha strives to have its graduates transform and improve the quality of life locally, nationally and globally. The opportunities for students to advance themselves and contribute to the world are boundless through UNO's online learning opportunities. For students wishing to enter a career in software engineering, UNO offers the online bachelor's in management information systems within the College of Information Science & Technology. The program focuses both on the day-to-day business operations that involve information systems as well as the big picture and future of data management and technology. With the ever-evolving state of technology, the program seeks to give students the skills and tools needed to adapt to that changing environment. To complete the degree, students must complete 120 credit hours, which include general education requirements. Students should note that not all general education requirements may be taken online and 30 of the final 36 degree requirement courses must be taken at UNO. Transfer credits, however, may be accepted from a regionally accredited collegiate institution. The program provides students with a suggested course sequence to stay on track, including courses in information security, web development, file structures for information systems, business data communications and managing in a digital world. The university also offers the same academic and career support and resources for distance learners as they do for on-campus students. Additionally, the faculty who teach online courses are the same as those who teach on-campus courses, assuring the same high-quality education.

Students who graduate from the software development program at Dakota State University will walk away with an associate of science degree and the skills needed to pursue entry-level work as programmer analysts, software developers, software engineers, application developers or database programmers. Other students may choose to put their associate degrees toward the pursuit of a bachelor's degree. Those who do opt to work toward a four-year degree can consider concentrations like computer science, cyber operations or network and security administration.

The Dakota State University campus has been in operation since 1881, and distance learners will receive online instruction from the same professors who instruct students face-to-face. Those standards have earned the university's programs recognition from the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. Each class contains fewer than 25 students and distance learners will receive hands-on ""virtual experience"" with the tools professionals use in the field. The program teaches students how to develop and design software programs and apps, as well as how to test and deliver the work the produce.

Students who are unsure if distance learning is right for them are encouraged to take the school's online readiness quiz. More than three out of four DSU students receive financial aid, with the average student receiving an award of more than $10,000. The school itself offers a variety of scholarships. Online learners receive access to the same student resources as those who attend classes on campus, including counseling, advisement, career services and library services."

There are 2 possible concentrations for the computer information technology program at Colorado Christian University, both of which result in a bachelor of science degree. The database management emphasis is geared toward students pursuing a career in IT. Students will concentrate on developing strong and marketable skills through the study of software and application design, network system design, management and analysis and security. The other option is the networking emphasis, which prepares students to work at the network level while collaborating with data and software engineers. Either way, successful graduates will emerge with what the school states is among the most marketable degrees in the computer and IT industries.

The program can be taken entirely online. Like their on-campus counterparts, distance learners will take courses that typically last 5 weeks. They'll also receive weekly assignments that they are free to complete on their own schedules. Distance learners will be fully connected through the Blackboard learning management system, which they'll use to log into their courses from any computer, as well as to engage in discussions with classmates, view presentations, communicate with instructors, submit assignments and review grades.

The school's policy allows the transfer of up to 90 credits toward a bachelor's degree and there's also a prior learning program that awards as many as 75 credits. The school offers financial aid assistance as well as scholarships like the Student Achievement Award. Just like the subject matter delivered in person to on-campus students, online courses are taught from the Christian worldview, and in order to be considered for acceptance, all students must provide a strong faith-related recommendation with their applications.

Western Governors University was founded in 1997 specifically to meet the growing need of expanding access to higher education. From there, the university has grown into one of the most prominent institutions, offering distance and online learning nationwide. Additionally, WGU prides itself on being the first university where all bachelor's and master's degrees are competency-based, meaning that students progress through their coursework as soon as they've demonstrated mastery of the material. This student-paced model is extremely valuable for online learners as it empowers students to learn at the pace most comfortable to them. In some cases, students may progress faster than in a traditional institution. This model is particularly valuable in the Bachelor of Science Software Development program. To graduate, students complete 34 courses in the program. Students with previous experience or coursework in the subject can work with enrollment counselors to determine which required courses can be cleared. All coursework is completed 100% online, and students are expected to complete at least 12 competency units each 6-month term. Some examples of courses needed to complete the degree include IT fundamentals, scripting and programming, web development, software and operating systems. Some general education credits may be required as well. The capstone requirement for the degree is uniquely designed for students to put their academic coursework into practice. Through this final project, students will develop a software application that solves a problem of their choosing. Beyond the capstone, the coursework in the software development program is designed to be applied in the real world immediately, so while students work toward their degree, they should be able to apply their skills in their current positions.

Saint Leo University is a well-established, century-old Catholic liberal arts institution that welcomes people of all faiths. Over the past 40 years, Saint Leo University has focused heavily on bringing high-quality education to military students and their family members. Saint Leo is able to do this even more so through their Saint Leo WorldWide program with expanded online education opportunities and nearly 40 education centers established around the U.S. The availability of online learning makes technology degrees even more accessible, in particular, Saint Leo's Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree program for students wishing to enter the field of software engineering. To graduate, students are required to complete 120 credit hours, of which 42 are general education requirements called "university explorations." Examples of courses required for the major include computer systems, network theory and design, introduction to internet applications, operating systems and various advanced math courses. For the information assurance specialization, students take courses such as disaster recovery, computer forensics and management of information security. Numerous professional development opportunities are available for students in this field through the university's internship program where students have received assistance with placements. Past students have interned with Verizon, Pasco County Sheriff's Department and Tech Data Corporation. Because of Saint Leo's vast experience in online learning, there are strong Saint Leo WorldWide student advising and career services. Prospective students should connect directly with the dedicated enrollment counseling staff to discuss the program.

As a veteran founded, nonprofit institution, National University was established with the goal to provide exceptional education to adult learners. With over 2 decades of experience offering online courses and generous military tuition discounts, NU is ideal for students wishing to apply their life experiences to a career in software engineering or computer science. The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is designed specifically to provide an academic foundation while also offering assignments with real-world application. The program coursework includes programming, data structures and algorithms, computer architecture, computer communication networks and software engineering as well as foundational courses in math, statistics and the natural sciences. To graduate, students must complete at least 180 quarter units, including a minimum of 70.5 units of general education requirements and 76.5 units at the upper-level division. While most courses may be taken completely online, the senior project courses must be taken on the La Jolla, CA, campus. The program is designed to help graduates actively pursue diverse career paths, be effective communicators and team members, participate in ongoing education to continue to apply their technology skills in the field, and contribute to their community and professions. Bachelor's students with a 3.0 grade-point average and a desire to pursue a graduate degree in computer science may also participate in the transition program that provides a more direct pathway to the Master of Science in Computer Science.

Celebrating 150 years of providing education, Oregon State University operates as a public research institution with more than 30,000 enrolled learners. The Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science offers a fully online bachelor of science in professional computer science for students who have already completed a baccalaureate degree in an unrelated discipline. Rather than spending 4 full years working towards a second bachelor's degree, Oregon State's program allows distance learners to complete 60 credits and graduate. Learning tracks include 1-, 1.5-, 2-, 3- and 4-year plans to fit the needs of any student's schedule. Unique coursework includes computer architecture and assembly language, intro to usability engineering, analysis of algorithms and open source software development. The school even provides a nod to Harry Potter fans with a Defense Against the Dark Arts class that focuses on teaching students how to approach web security and anti-malware design. In terms of support, the department provides twice yearly career showcases that bring together industry leaders and recruiters alongside students to create networking opportunities. Students can also participate in active social media channels and connect with successful alumni willing to share advice and provide mentorship. Because all applicants to this program must already possess a bachelor's degree, they do not need to submit SAT/ACT scores. They do, however, need a GPA of at least 2.75. All online students, regardless of where they live, pay the same distance learning rate of $487 per credit.

For more than 2 decades, Pennsylvania State University in Philadelphia has provided online degrees to students around the world in addition to offerings at the 24 brick-and-mortar campuses. The school now serves nearly 100,000 learners annually at all academic levels. The institution provides a fully online bachelor of science in software engineering for students who want to build core skills and knowledge that will propel them into a career or graduate school. Courses degree seekers can expect to take while at Penn State include discrete mathematics for computer science, object-oriented software design and construction, software architecture and calculus with analytic geometry I and II. In their final semester, learners complete a software engineering project requiring them to take part in a group senior design project under the supervision of a faculty adviser. In addition to submitting the project, the group must provide a technical defense. Further setting itself apart from other programs, Penn State's software engineering program maintains accreditation through the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. Upon graduation, program alumni have found work as software engineers and developers, quality assurance professionals, information security analysts, and project managers. Students looking for assistance can receive resume support, interview prep and a job board through the career services office. To receive consideration, applicants must have at least a 2.0 GPA and complete a number of prerequisite courses. Regardless of whether a student lives in Pennsylvania or elsewhere, all distance learners pay $555 per credit.

Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia maintains the distinction of being one of the United States' largest suppliers of online education, ensuring students who choose this path receive the support and resources needed to thrive. Individuals interested in pursuing a software engineering career can complete a bachelor of computer science from the comfort of their homes without ever visiting campus. Offered as both a degree completion path and a full degree, students from varied academic backgrounds can find what they need to succeed. Students must complete at least 30 of the 120 required credits at ODU to qualify for graduation. The coursework covered within departmental requirements includes introduction to software engineering, problem solving and programming, operating systems and computational methods and software. While internships aren't required, the school does provide opportunities for degree seekers to gain work experience while still enrolled. No requirement exists for a capstone project and/or practicum. Approximately 97% of online students said they enjoyed their experience at ODU, helped in part by the fact that distance learning classes mirror those taught on campus and degree seekers can take part in both synchronous and asynchronous courses. The institution also provides support through the career services office, library, and academic advising departments. To receive admissions consideration, applicants need to demonstrate a GPA of 3.3 or above. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. If learners live in Virginia, they pay $352 per credit; those living elsewhere pay $389 per credit.

Since 1902, Fort Hays State University has provided degrees to students in Kansas and beyond the state's borders. Within online learning offerings, FHSU offers a bachelor of science or arts in information networking and telecommunications with a concentration in web and mobile application development. Regardless of whether degree seekers elect to pursue a bachelor of science or arts, each program requires 124 credits, 39 of which focus on the core curriculum. Classes in this section include research methods in informatics, intro to web development and foundations of informatics. Some of the concentration classes include front- and back-end web development, laws of cyberspace and beginning video/audio production. Students must also complete a 3-credit capstone seminar in the final semester. Upon graduation, newly minted alumni are qualified to sit for the Certified Web Designer Apprentice or Oracle Certified Associate certificates. FHSU's department of informatics maintains relationships with leading technology and computer science organizations, with alumni going on to jobs as electronic journalists, analytics managers, mobile app designers and e-commerce specialists. The departmental website also includes many resources on finding relevant internships and jobs, as well as information about some of the professional organizations students can join. Regardless of where a student resides, FHSU charges the same online tuition rate of $218.67 per credit. To be considered for admission, applicants must have at least a 2.0 GPA from high school and/or previous college credits and ACT/SAT scores of 21/1080."

As one of the 23 campuses comprising the California State University System, the CSU Monterey Bay location may be smaller than others but still enjoys significant institutional funding as a member. The School of Computing and Design offers a fully online bachelor of science in computer science as a degree completion program for those interested in software engineering. This allows individuals who already undertook an associate degree or a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field to complete all program requirements in 24 months. Classes are taught in 8-week blocks, with students completing only one class each block. All told, degree seekers understake 11 courses, with topics ranging from internet programming and software engineering to design and analysis of algorithms. In addition to classwork, all students participate in a directed group capstone during the final block. This requires the completion of an expansive capstone assignment as well as the creation of a portfolio that can be used when applying to jobs. Unlike other programs in this ranking, CSUMB uses a cohort system whereby learners start the program at the same time and progress through courses together and in sequence. In addition to building rapport with their peers, the small cohort (25-35 learners) also makes it easier to develop professional relationships with professors. Applicants must have at least 60 credits on their transcripts at the time of applying, all of which require a "C" grade or better. They must have an overall GPA of 2.0 and have already taken pre-calculus, intro to data structures and problem solving/programming before enrolling. Due to pending authorizations, CSUMB cannot accept students from Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon or Utah.

Based in Greenville, North Carolina, East Carolina University is a public research institution and serves approximately 30,000 students through campus-based and online education programs. The bachelor of science in software engineering at ECU exists as a hybrid offering, meaning some classes can be completed via distance learning while others must be taken at the main campus. Of the 120 credits required to graduate, learners take 42 credits in core topics such as discrete structures for software engineers, advanced data structures and algorithms, linear algebra for software engineers and software construction. Students also take 9 credits in one of the 2 available concentrations: data science or mobile and web development. While the school doesn't require an internship, students must complete 2 separate capstone projects during their senior year. Courses taught online exist in both synchronous and asynchronous formats, meaning learners may need to sign-in at specific times for some classes. While ECU doesn't have specific admissions requirements, the school maintains a 70% acceptance rate. SAT scores range between 1050-1200, ACT scores range between 20-24, and the average high school GPA was 3.59 for the previous incoming class. Applications must be submitted by December 15 if a student hopes to compete for an institutional and/or departmental scholarship. All other applications should be received by March 1. Both while at ECU and as alumni, students receive ample career support and resources to help find the right path. Online students also benefit from a comprehensive online library and the opportunity to join several distance learning student clubs and organizations.

Operating as a member of the University System of New Hampshire, Granite State University serves students in both Concord and further afield thanks to an expansive online learning department. The institution's BS in Information Technology exists fully online for students who want to maximize their flexibility while earning a degree. The school offers paths for both first-time learners and transfer students alike. Granite State is well-known for catering to students with previous college experience; the latest data available shows that nearly 85% of all GSC students transferred to the school. Those who gained relevant experience in a previous career or while serving with the military can earn academic credit. All told, degree seekers need 120 credits on their transcript to graduate. Some of the core curriculum topics include programming fundamentals, human computer interaction, best practices in information technology and data management systems. Granite State's program has no requirements for capstone projects and/or internships. Online students in New Hampshire pay $314 per credit while those further afield pay $355. Individuals needing further help to offset the cost of their education can apply to the numerous merit and need based scholarships, as well as a few career specific options. The institution provides extensive career counseling services to current students and alumni and employs faculty with both academic and industry credentials. Granite State accepts applications on a rolling basis, with admission guaranteed to any student who completed all the requirements of high school or passed a test demonstrating high school subject proficiency.

Founded in 1959 as a public community college, today Broward College in Ft. Lauderdale provides a range of 4-year programs to complement existing associate degrees. Among those bachelor's degrees exists programs in information technology and technology management -- both of which can be completed fully online. Applicants must already possess an associate degree or at least 60 existing credits to apply and a GPA of 2.0 or above. They must supply official transcripts from any school previously attended, but ACT/SAT grades don't need to be sent. Some of the degree specific classes include data analytics technologies, Cloud essentials and storage, information management and statistics. All learners complete either an extended capstone project or semester-long internship before graduating. To assist current students and graduates alike seeking internships and employment opportunities, Broward maintains partnerships with Cisco, Microsoft IT Academy and the National Center for Women & Information Technology. The school is also an authorized training partner for Certified Internet Web Professional training. Students looking to complete their degree more quickly can take advantage of the accelerated pace or competency-based learning option which allows students to demonstrate existing knowledge and bypass certain courses. Students can also receive assistance from the career services office when gearing up for a job hunt. While Broward College does not provide any computer science/information technology specific scholarships, it does offer a number of general scholarships to which online students can apply. Those living in Florida pay $122.90 per credit while learners outside the state pay $243.40 per credit.