Best Online Software Engineering Degrees of 2023
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- Many online software engineering programs require 120 credits and four years of study.
- Software developers can work in business, finance, manufacturing, security, and tech.
- Software development jobs are projected to rise by 26% from 2021-2031.
- More than 1.3 million software developers work in the U.S.
What if you could break into an industry that pays its workers an average of six figures and promises higher-than-normal job security? Software engineering positions offer above-average annual salaries in one of the fastest-growing sectors in the country.
To compete in a demanding industry, it helps to have at least a bachelor's degree —the most popular level of education for software developers. But what exactly does a software engineer do, and how do you become one?
If you're considering an online software engineering degree, here's what to do next:
- Explore this page to determine whether this path is the right choice for you.
- Check out the top-ranked online bachelor's in software engineering programs as well as our sponsored programs.
- Request more information from schools you're interested in to find the best fit for you.
What Can You Do With a Bachelor's in Software Engineering Degree?
Most software engineers hold at least a bachelor's degree. With this degree, you can pursue lucrative jobs in many industries, such as technology, manufacturing, healthcare, and business. In addition to becoming a software developer, you can become a computer engineer, web developer, and computer systems analyst.
Check Out These Online Software Engineering Programs
Why Should I Get a Software Engineering Degree?
A software engineering program goes beyond a computer science program by teaching you about engineering, mechanics, and software architecture. This program also equips you with the skills needed to design software systems and applications, as well as solve complex programming issues.
Once you study software engineering on a broad level, you can focus on a specific type of software development, such as mobile development or game development. Software engineering degrees also let you study multiple programming languages and gain general career skills —a plus in the eyes of employers.
Benefits of a Bachelor's in Software Engineering
- Learn various programming languages, such as Python, Java, and Javascript
- Secure a high salary, especially in senior positions
- Job security with faster than average job growth
- Flexible hours and work schedule, with remote options
Reasons to Get Your Software Engineering Degree Online
- Convenient and flexible course structure for people with work or family obligations
- Online degrees may cost less because of shorter timelines and fewer campus fees
- Save money on transportation costs by not having to commute to campus
- Out-of-state students may qualify for in-state tuition
How Much Money Can I Make With a Bachelor's in Software Engineering?
(Data from Bureau of Labor Statistics)
As of May 2021, median salaries for computer and information technology occupations ($97,430) are more than double the median annual wage across all jobs ($45,760), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
You can earn over $100,000 a year as an information security analyst, software developer, or computer network architect.
Jobs in web development, network administration, and computer programming offer median salaries between $78,000 and $90,000, lower than others in IT but still higher than the national median wage.
Is a Software Engineering Degree Worth It?
A software engineering degree delivers a major return on investment. While entry-level positions (the lowest 10% of software developer jobs) paid $64,470 in May 2021, the top 10% made more than $168,570, according to the BLS.
Tech companies will need qualified software developers for the foreseeable future. Jobs for software developers are in high demand, with the BLS projecting positions to increase by 26% from 2021-2031.
That said, a software developer's job can be hectic, especially in a deadline-driven atmosphere where bugs need immediate fixes. In addition, the work may not always be creatively stimulating. This high-pressure atmosphere can affect job satisfaction.
What Jobs Can You Get With a Bachelor's in Software Engineering Degree?
Digital Designer |
Earning a software engineering degree puts you in a position to become a mobile application developer, network systems administrator, software developer, game developer, or computer network architect.
Concentrations offered in a software engineering degree let you hone specific skills in database and systems administration, game development, web and mobile programming, or data security.
The specialized training prepares you for software engineering careers such as back-end developer, DevOps engineer, front-end developer, and full-stack developer.
How Much Does a Software Engineering Degree Cost?
The cost of a software engineering degree depends on different factors, such as your residency status and whether you attend a private or public institution.
Tuition for undergraduate degrees also varies by state. For instance, public four-year colleges in the 2020-2021 school year cost $4,540 in Florida versus $17,590 in Vermont, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Average Annual Tuition Cost of a Bachelor's Degree | 2020-21
Public Institution
$9,375
Private Institution
$32,825
Total Average Net Cost of Four Years of College | 2020-21
Public Institution
$56,000
Private Institution (Nonprofit)
$112,000
How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor's Degree in Software Engineering Online?
Earning a bachelor's degree in software engineering typically requires you to complete 120 credits over a four-year period. You can enroll in an online program for more scheduling flexibility and potentially cheaper tuition rates than in-person programs.
Required Course Credits
120 credits*
Field Study Requirements (Y/N)
No
*Depending on your program and specialization
What Are the Best Online Bachelor's in Software Engineering Programs of 2023?
Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team
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Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $320
Out of State | $320
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
School Accreditation | New England Commission of Higher Education
Southern New Hampshire University's online software engineering degree teaches you how to develop software within time and budget constraints. You'll take classes in user interface and user experience, secure coding techniques, and new trends in systems architecture.
To apply to SNHU's software engineering program, you must submit an application proving you have a GED or high school diploma. You do not need to submit test scores or an application fee.
Saint Cloud State University
Saint Cloud, MN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced and Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $341
Out of State | $734
Credits to Graduate
122
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
School Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission
The software engineering degree at St. Cloud State University teaches you skills in engineering, computing, project management, and software construction. Through the program's project-driven curriculum, you will also learn new technologies in game design, big data analytics, and software cybersecurity.
To apply to SCSU's software engineering program, you must submit an online application and provide high school transcripts. St. Cloud State University does not charge an application fee and does not require standardized test scores.
Arizona State University-Downtown Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ - 4 years
- Campus
100% Online | Mostly Asynchronous
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $552
Out of State | $552
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
Arizona State University's fully online software engineering degree offers a project-based curriculum. The program focuses on building coding, modeling, and problem-solving skills. You can take electives in game design, application development, and embedded systems.
ASU's software engineering program requires you to complete a two-semester capstone project before graduating.
To apply, you must hold a high school diploma. You must also meet at least one of ASU's other requirements: a 3.00 high school GPA, an ACT score of 22 for Arizona residents or 24 for nonresidents, or placement in the top 25% of your high school's graduating class.
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT - 4 years
- Online
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per 6-Month Term
In State | $3,625
Out of State | $3,625
Credits to Graduate
36 or 38 courses
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
School Accreditation | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
WGU's online software engineering degree allows you to learn vital programming skills asynchronously and at your own pace. The program features two tracks, which include Java and C#.
WGU's program also prepares you to earn third-party certifications, like CompTIA project+ and AWS certified cloud practitioner. You can prove program readiness through several options, including a 2.5 high school GPA or higher, previous college education, or prior IT work experience.
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
University Park, PA - 4 years
- Campus
100% Online | Mostly Asynchronous
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $620 or $664, based on existing credits
Out of State | $620 or $664, based on existing credits
Credits to Graduate
126
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | Yes and No
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus offers a bachelor of science in software engineering. The program uses design projects, classroom study, and software development experience to prepare you for political science careers.
During your final year, you'll complete a capstone course series, including an industry-sponsored software design project completed in teams. Penn State's software engineering program requires you to submit your high school or GED transcripts for admission.
Everything Else You Need to Know About Bachelor's in Software Engineering Degrees
Is software engineering hard?
Yes. You can expect software engineering to be challenging but not as difficult as a traditional engineering degree. People who have a knack for solving problems excel in software engineering.
Getting a basic understanding of software development is not difficult, but people who are not natural problem solvers and those who have difficulty with math may struggle with software engineering.
What are the highest-paying jobs with a bachelor's in software engineering?
Computer hardware engineers and computer network architects are among the highest-paid computer and IT professionals, earning a median salary of nearly $129,000 and $121,000 a year, respectively, as of 2021, according to the BLS.
Like most IT jobs, these positions require only a bachelor's degree in software engineering or a related field and pay well above the national average at entry level.
Other high-paid occupations suited to software engineering bachelor's degree holders include software developers and quality assurance analysts, information security analysts, and database administrators and architects, who all earned median salaries of $100,000 or more in 2021.
What classes will I take in a bachelor's in software engineering program?
A software engineering degree typically requires 120 credits, which includes general education courses and a capstone project completed in your senior year.
Chemistry, calculus, and general physics are common foundational courses that prepare you for data structure and algorithms, software architecture, and machine learning. Expect to take courses that cover software engineering fundamentals in your undergraduate degree, including:
- Introduction to computer science and software engineering
- Programming fundamentals
- Discrete math for computing
- Computer architecture
- Physics and mechanics
