Rankings, Salaries & Courses
Software engineers develop the algorithms used in designing, applying, and maintaining computer applications and software. Their work provides the structure for various operating, navigation, and network distribution systems that run smartphones, cars, and businesses. Software engineers create the instructions that tell a computer how to perform specific functions. Software engineers who work for small employers may take on programming responsibilities such as writing code, while professionals in large companies often supervise the work of computer programmers.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the addition of roughly 175,000 jobs in the computer software engineering field from 2008-2018. Because practically every industry requires computer software professionals, graduates with a bachelor’s degree in software engineering can pursue jobs in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, design, aeronautics, and construction.
This guide provides an overview of the software engineering field and covers topics including occupation and salary outlook, coursework, and financial aid and scholarships.
Top 10 Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Software Engineering
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Best Online Bachelor’s Programs in Software Engineering
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Methodology
Best Online Software Engineering Programs
Deciding which college to go to is no easy task, so ACO evaluated more than 3,500 colleges to give you the information you need to make the search more manageable. Our college rankings are based on statistical data from trusted sources, eligibility criteria and various ranking factors
Data Sources:
All rankings: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Best Online MBA Programs: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (GMAT scores)
Some nursing programs: NCLEX
Nursing bridge programs: American Association of Colleges of Nursing and DiscoverNursing.com
Accreditation: ABET and the US Department of Education’s Office of Postsecondary Education
Eligibility Criteria:
Each college must be accredited
Each college must be a not-for-profit institution
Each college must be located in a state (US territories and Washington DC were excluded)
Each college must have at least one online program 1
Each college must have a maximum four-year tuition of $25,000 or a maximum two-year tuition of $5,000
Ranking Factors:
Affordability
Quality
Flexibility
Program
Several individual data points were objectively evaluated to calculate a score for each ranking factor listed above. For affordability, the most impactful data points were tuition2 and grants; for quality, graduation and acceptance rates; for flexibility, part-time enrollment options; and for program, degrees granted in that specific program area. Each score was then weighted, with affordability being the most highly weighted factor for all ACO rankings.
1 Best Vocational Programs included data for both online and campus programs.
2 Both in-state and out-of-state tuition rates were used in our methodology; however, our rankings tool currently only displays in-state rates.
Many schools offer on-campus and online software engineering degrees. Because of the variety of options, choosing the software engineering program that best fits your needs can be overwhelming. The list below can help prospective students narrow down their options. When creating the list, we considered factors including tuition, variety of online coursework, and available online and on-campus resources.
How Much Can You Make in a Software Engineering Career?
Although no degree can guarantee a job or a specific salary, a bachelor’s in software engineering can enhance professional opportunities. Graduates can pursue a variety of positions, including information systems manager, systems analyst, and security specialist. Additionally, software engineering professionals can work in almost any industry. After earning an on-campus or online software engineering degree, graduates enter a growing field; according to the BLS, employment for software engineers increased 34% from 2008-2018.
The table below includes descriptions of common career paths for software engineering graduates, along with salary expectations and projected job growth.
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Software Developers, Application
Median Annual Salary: $103,560
JOB GROWTH 2016-2026: +30.7%
Job Description
Software developers design the underlying systems that control the different functions of an electronic device or a computer program. They develop, implement, and maintain application systems, and they document every aspect of software development for troubleshooting purposes and/or future upgrades. Software developers often direct and supervise computer programmers in creating code. However, software developers sometimes write code themselves, especially when working for smaller companies.
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Computer and Information Systems Manager
Median Annual Salary: $139,220
JOB GROWTH 2016-2026: +12%
Job Description
Some companies refer to computer and information systems managers as IT project managers, or simply IT managers. These professionals help define the technological needs and objectives of a company and develop the systems that meet those objectives. They may also review the integrity of an organization’s digital infrastructure and make recommendations to preserve or enhance the system’s security.
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Computer Systems Analyst
Median Annual Salary: $88,270
JOB GROWTH 2016-2026: +9.1%
Job Description
Most computer systems analysts work in the nexus of business and technology. They apply current or emerging technologies to business processes to improve functionality and increase profitability. Computer systems analysts help select new computer or IT systems for a company and often customize these systems to meet the company’s specific needs. They also train and teach personnel using new systems.
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Information Security Analyst
Median Annual Salary: $95,510
JOB GROWTH 2016-2026: +28.5%
Job Description
An information security analyst’s typical responsibilities include monitoring networks for security breaches, installing firewalls and data encryption programs, and conducting penetration testing to find vulnerable areas. They also research IT security applications and trends and assess their relevance to a company’s security objectives.
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Database Administrator
Median Annual Salary: $87,020
JOB GROWTH 2016-2026: +11%
Job Description
A database administrator ensures that an organization’s information is secure, up-to-date, and accurate. Database administrators organize data for stakeholders, modify database structures to improve efficiency, update permissions, and back up databases. Some database administrators are responsible for the physical and technical aspects of an entire database, while others deal with specific applications.
Sources: BLS 2018
Job growth and salaries vary greatly between states and industries. According to the BLS, the states with the highest employment levels for applications software developers are California, Texas, Washington, New York, and New Jersey. The annual mean salaries for software developers in these states range from $103,390-$131,430, and Washington professionals earn the highest salaries. The computer systems design industry employs the highest concentration of software developers, followed by the software publishing industry.
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Alabama
Median Annual Salary: $89,440
Number Currently Employed: 5,230
Projected Job Growth: +34.1 percent
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Alaska
Median Annual Salary: N/A
Number Currently Employed: 180
Projected Job Growth: +4.4 percent
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Arizona
Median Annual Salary: $94,740
Number Currently Employed: N/A
Projected Job Growth: N/A
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Arkansas
Median Annual Salary: $83,830
Number Currently Employed: 2,280
Projected Job Growth: +35.8 percent
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California
Median Annual Salary: $121,210
Number Currently Employed: 134,200
Projected Job Growth: +40.1 percent
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Colorado
Median Annual Salary: $102,530
Number Currently Employed: 26,370
Projected Job Growth: +31.1 percent
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District of Columbia (DC)
Median Annual Salary: $116,680
Number Currently Employed: 2,430
Projected Job Growth: +34.2 percent
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Connecticut
Median Annual Salary: $99,790
Number Currently Employed: 9,490
Projected Job Growth: +29.3 percent
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Delaware
Median Annual Salary: $98,870
Number Currently Employed: 2,560
Projected Job Growth: +31.4 percent
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Florida
Median Annual Salary: $88,030
Number Currently Employed: 34,750
Projected Job Growth: +40 percent
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Georgia
Median Annual Salary: $97,780
Number Currently Employed: 23,350
Projected Job Growth: +27.4 percent
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Hawaii
Median Annual Salary: $77,660
Number Currently Employed: 830
Projected Job Growth: +28.1 percent
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Idaho
Median Annual Salary: $85,680
Number Currently Employed: 2,030
Projected Job Growth: +30.2 percent
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Illinois
Median Annual Salary: $93,510
Number Currently Employed: 26,930
Projected Job Growth: +28.4 percent
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Indiana
Median Annual Salary: $79,810
Number Currently Employed: 8,490
Projected Job Growth: +36.6 percent
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Iowa
Median Annual Salary: $86,830
Number Currently Employed: 4,230
Projected Job Growth: +23.3 percent
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Kansas
Median Annual Salary: $86,130
Number Currently Employed: 5,500
Projected Job Growth: +28.7 percent
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Kentucky
Median Annual Salary: $76,290
Number Currently Employed: 5,220
Projected Job Growth: +33.4 percent
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Lousiana
Median Annual Salary: $73,620
Number Currently Employed: 1,410
Projected Job Growth: +63.7 percent
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Maine
Median Annual Salary: $85,690
Number Currently Employed: 1,740
Projected Job Growth: +21.5 percent
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Maryland
Median Annual Salary: $103,290
Number Currently Employed: 13,260
Projected Job Growth: +7.4 percent
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Massachusuetts
Median Annual Salary: $103,700
Number Currently Employed: 29,060
Projected Job Growth: +26 percent
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Michigan
Median Annual Salary: $87,880
Number Currently Employed: 20,840
Projected Job Growth: +31 percent
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Minnesota
Median Annual Salary: $90,200
Number Currently Employed: 15,120
Projected Job Growth: +23.8 percent
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Mississippi
Median Annual Salary: $87,030
Number Currently Employed: 790
Projected Job Growth: +27.2 percent
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Missouri
Median Annual Salary: $94,760
Number Currently Employed: 14,050
Projected Job Growth: +40.1 percent
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Montana
Median Annual Salary: $74,600
Number Currently Employed: 800
Projected Job Growth: +34.2 percent
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Nebraska
Median Annual Salary: $85,510
Number Currently Employed: 5,140
Projected Job Growth: +31.4 percent
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Nevada
Median Annual Salary: $101,040
Number Currently Employed: 2,460
Projected Job Growth: +47.7 percent
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New Hampsire
Median Annual Salary: $101,460
Number Currently Employed: 5,050
Projected Job Growth: +28.8 percent
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New Jersey
Median Annual Salary: $100,850
Number Currently Employed: 45,450
Projected Job Growth: +22.5 percent
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New Mexico
Median Annual Salary: $76,600
Number Currently Employed: 1,250
Projected Job Growth: +21.7 percent
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New York
Median Annual Salary: $110,050
Number Currently Employed: 51,670
Projected Job Growth: +36.5 percent
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North Carolina
Median Annual Salary: $97,610
Number Currently Employed: 25,500
Projected Job Growth: +37.9 percent
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North Dakota
Median Annual Salary: $72,900
Number Currently Employed: 1,250
Projected Job Growth: +32.8 percent
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Ohio
Median Annual Salary: $89,200
Number Currently Employed: 35,100
Projected Job Growth: +17.3 percent
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Oklahoma
Median Annual Salary: $83,910
Number Currently Employed: 4,540
Projected Job Growth: +24.4 percent
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Oregon
Median Annual Salary: $101,510
Number Currently Employed: 12,820
Projected Job Growth: +32.3 percent
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Pennsylvania
Median Annual Salary: $92,770
Number Currently Employed: 25,130
Projected Job Growth: +26.5 percent
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Rhode Island
Median Annual Salary: $91,250
Number Currently Employed: 2,250
Projected Job Growth: +28.4 percent
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South Carolina
Median Annual Salary: $87,120
Number Currently Employed: 3,710
Projected Job Growth: +33.7 percent
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South Dakota
Median Annual Salary: $74,030
Number Currently Employed: 1,170
Projected Job Growth: +29.1 percent
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Tennessee
Median Annual Salary: $87,890
Number Currently Employed: 6,230
Projected Job Growth: +52.5 percent
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Texas
Median Annual Salary: $107,720
Number Currently Employed: N/A
Projected Job Growth: N/A
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Utah
Median Annual Salary: $94,320
Number Currently Employed: 9,880
Projected Job Growth: +71.3 percent
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Vermont
Median Annual Salary: $93,180
Number Currently Employed: 1,100
Projected Job Growth: +25.5 percent
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Virginia
Median Annual Salary: $106,500
Number Currently Employed: 35,800
Projected Job Growth: +32.7 percent
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Washington
Median Annual Salary: $127,770
Number Currently Employed: 60,500
Projected Job Growth: +62.7 percent
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West Virginia
Median Annual Salary: $78,840
Number Currently Employed: 1,270
Projected Job Growth: +29.1 percent
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Wisconsin
Median Annual Salary: $82,790
Number Currently Employed: 11,990
Projected Job Growth: +31.7 percent
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Wyoming
Median Annual Salary: $64,540
Number Currently Employed: 250
Projected Job Growth: +27.4 percent
What Courses Can Be Taken for an Online Software Engineering Degree?
Students earning an online bachelor’s degree in software engineering typically complete the same courses as on-campus students. However, because each school provides a curriculum geared toward specific academic objectives, systems engineering coursework varies by school. Along with major coursework, learners generally take courses in related disciplines, such as computer science, applied statistics, and calculus. The courses below are common to most software engineering programs. Students should contact their prospective school for specific course requirements.
Algorithmic Foundations for Software Systems
Students gain in-depth knowledge about algorithmic design theories, matrix algorithms, and fundamental data structures. They complete programming assignments to learn how to implement and test algorithms.
Computer Graphics
In this introductory course, students learn about current topics and emerging trends in computer graphics, such as geometric modeling, image synthesis, interactive techniques, and object-modeling techniques.
Data Engineering
Students explore the role of data in the design and development of computer and information systems. They study topics such as database design, data access and security, and the languages used in data definition and description.
Distributed Information System Security
This course focuses on engineering techniques commonly used to secure a networked information system environment. Students learn about evolving security threats and countermeasures to address them.
Mobile Computing
Students examine the impact of mobile computing on software development and design. Students learn how the increasing demand for mobile applications influences and complicates the field of software engineering.
How to Choose the Best Online Software Engineering Program
Students pursuing a software engineering bachelor’s degree online should consider several factors. Program cost is an important consideration for most students. Other key aspects of a program include accreditation status, graduation and retention rates, and course and project requirements. The following section answers five common questions about online software engineering degrees.
Is the Quality of an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering the Same as an On-Campus Degree?
Online software engineering courses typically have the same rigor and requirements as their on-campus counterparts. Because digital learning is quickly becoming integral to the educational landscape, schools design and develop online courses that provide the same challenges and learning opportunities as on-campus classes.
Should I Look for a Specific Curriculum Focus?
Most undergraduate programs offer a variety of courses, which cover key aspects of the software engineering field. This provides students with the general skills and knowledge they need for various professional roles and settings. Broad curricula also provide a foundation for future studies. Students interested in a certain specialization area should enroll in relevant courses.
What Kind of Culminating Experience Is Required for an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering?
Some programs require a practicum, while others culminate in a capstone project. Most schools provide this information online. If a program offers ideal coursework but not the culminating experience of your choice, ask whether students can pursue their preference. Some schools allow students who present concrete and convincing requests to pursue alternate projects.
How Long Will It Take to Complete a Software Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Online?
Like most on-campus undergraduate programs, an online bachelor’s in software engineering typically requires about 120 credits and takes four years of full-time enrollment to complete. Students can accelerate completion time by choosing a program with asynchronous classes and several start dates per year.
How Easy (Or Difficult) Is It to Transfer Software Engineering Credits From One School to Another?
Each school has a unique transfer policy, so students should check their school’s website and contact the school directly for more information. Typically, transferring credits is easier when the earned credits are from an accredited institution. In the U.S., the Accrediting Board for Engineering and Technology is the most widely recognized accrediting body for software engineering programs.
Scholarships & Financial Aid for Software Engineering Programs
Many students take out private or federal student loans to help pay for college. Payments for some private student loans begin even while the student is in school. Because there is high demand for professionals in STEM fields, there are several scholarship programs for students pursuing STEM degrees. The list below is an ideal starting place for students researching software engineering scholarships.
This scholarship program awards up to $7,500 to junior and senior undergraduate students. However, the program does not accept applications directly from students. Only accredited two- and four-year institutions with a Goldwater campus representative can nominate candidates for the scholarship. Nominees must be full-time STEM students, have at least a 3.0 GPA, and be U.S. citizens or noncitizen permanent residents.
This scholarship is reserved for female college students enrolled full time in an accredited college or university. Applicants must be pursuing a technical degree in an area such as computer science, information technology, or software engineering. Applicants participate in a coding competition and submit a software project. Students must demonstrate financial need to be eligible for this $5,000 scholarship.
This $10,000 scholarship is open to African-American, Hispanic, American Indian, and female high school seniors. Applicants must show proof of acceptance to or enrollment in a computer science, software engineering, or related program at an accredited U.S. college or university. Applicants must submit a letter of recommendation from a STEM teacher. Recipients can participate in Google’s Computer Science Summer Institute.
The recipient of this $10,000 scholarship gives the keynote address at the National Space Club and Foundation’s Goddard Memorial Dinner. The scholarship program is open to high school seniors as well as college and graduate students who plan to pursue a career in a STEM field. Recipients can only apply the award toward tuition; the foundation delivers the funds directly to the recipient’s institution.
Graduating high school seniors who plan to major in a STEM field can apply for one of several scholarships from Northrop Grumman, each worth $10,000. Applicants must reside in a state in which Northrop Grumman has a significant presence (California, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, New York, Ohio, Utah, or Virginia). Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and a composite SAT score of at least 1700.
