Best Software Engineering Degree Programs of 2023

The University of California, Irvine is a public research institute providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs in Software Engineering through the Donald Bren School of Information & Computer Sciences. Located just 6 hours south of Silicon Valley, UCI is close to the leading companies and professionals in the tech industry. The four-year bachelor's degree program will cover the fundamentals of software engineering through design, analysis, testing, programming, and other computer science concepts. Graduate degrees are also available at masters and doctorate levels at a comparatively affordable price. Throughout these programs, students will be part of ongoing projects for real clients outside the university, earning hands-on experience through developing real systems.

Students will learn all there is to know about developing, designing, and analyzing software with the Stevens Institute of Technology Software Engineering Programs. These programs are available both on campus and online for a Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering and a Master of Science in Software Engineering. The School of Systems & Enterprises also provides a minor in the subject for students working toward an adjacent major. One unique option offered by the institute is the Accelerated Master's Program (AMP). Students can save a year or more of their time, earning their M.S. in Software Engineering and B.S. in Software Engineering simultaneously. Up to 9 credits can be "double-counted" and apply toward both the undergraduate and graduate degrees, allowing students to complete their M.S. degree in half the usual time.

California Polytechnic State University's College of Engineering prepares students for cutting edge technology. Students will take a deep dive into the field of Software Engineering with the Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering degree program. For students majoring in this discipline, there are three related minor options to take alongside the undergraduate degree: Computer Science, Computing for Interactive Arts, and Cross-Disciplinary Studies in Data Science. Those looking to specialize can choose to take their degree on the Interactive Entertainment Concentration path with a focus on interactive gaming, animation, and computer graphics. Cal Poly also allows students to blend an undergraduate degree in Software Engineering and a graduate degree in Computer Science to earn both at the same time.

Iowa State University offers an on-campus undergraduate program for a Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering. This undergraduate degree is a joint program with coursework through the university's College of Engineering and Liberal Arts & Sciences. With exposure and mentoring from both colleges, students leave with a well-rounded understanding of software development, computer systems, design, and software maintenance. Students also have the opportunity to gain industry experience through cooperative learning and internship programs. The College of Engineering doesn't offer a graduate degree in software engineering, but students can look into the concurrent graduate degree programs in the following three disciplines: Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Business.

Students interested in entering the world of software engineering can start their undergraduate journey with Michigan Technological University. Through the College of Computing, students can earn their Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering. This on-campus program will equip students with the knowledge they need to succeed in creating and developing software programs for video games, operating systems, and applications, to name a few. One stand-out feature of this university is the chance for students to join a student-led Michigan Tech Enterprise Program. Students work under the direction of faculty to create and publish systems to the marketplace, with a chance to earn money and receive priceless real-world experience. The work done within an Enterprise Program can even be credited toward a student's degree.

The Milwaukee School of Engineering is a private institution preparing students to solve the ever-evolving technical challenges of this era through the lens of engineering. One undergraduate program offered by the university is the Bachelor in Software Engineering. Over 90 distinguished faculty members run this program focusing on developing a solid engineering foundation and preparing students to apply those principles in software development. Students will learn to improve and refine their processes to produce efficient and predictable systems. Students can narrow their specialization and customize coursework within the program's final year with 30 elective credits.

The University of Texas at Dallas has a robust Software Engineering curriculum through the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science. The school offers three degree programs for software engineering at bachelor, master, and doctorate levels. The undergraduate program is designed to equip students with a foundational knowledge of computer science and prepare them for graduate studies in the future. The graduate programs are more focused on intensive training and research with the chance to pursue a long list of concentrations such as Intelligent Systems, Cyber Security, Interactive Computing, Data Science, and many more. A stand-out feature offered by UTD is the Computer Science Computing Scholars (CS2) honors program. This program was created for gifted students who want to be challenged with rigorous study and research opportunities.

The College of Computing & Informatics is the school responsible for providing STEM-designated degrees to the students at Drexel University. This college offers two degrees in Software Engineering: A Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering and a Master of Science in Software Engineering. Both degree programs are available on campus, with the option to complete the graduate program online. Students will learn the fundamentals of engineering and how to develop software programs to address real-world challenges. Undergraduates participating in the bachelor's degree program can choose from a variety of adjacent minors to focus their concentration on the specialization they wish to pursue. Through cooperative education opportunities, Drexel offers a unique program for undergraduates and graduates.. Students receive hands-on experience in the field locally and abroad to expand their knowledge and put it to work before graduation.

Auburn University offers three Software Engineering degrees through its College of Engineering: Bachelor of Software Engineering, Master of Science in Computer Science and Software Engineering, and Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science and Software Engineering. The B.S. is only available on campus, the M.S. online, and the Ph.D. online or on campus. Students will learn software development fundamentals in the undergraduate program, while graduate students can expect to be challenged through research and high-level instruction. Of all the schools and programs on our list, AU takes the title of most affordable, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels, with per-credit pricing ranging from $433 to $577 per credit hour. These low tuition costs make these programs a smart choice for students looking to keep costs minimal.

Miami University's Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering provides an undergraduate program for students looking to earn a Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering. Students will learn to work alongside companies and organizations to create and integrate new systems through software engineering principles. They will design, maintain, analyze, and manage programs through their knowledge of the latest in computer science. Miami University offers an impressive 18 different specialization areas for students to choose from. These specializations help to focus students toward the unique career path they are pursuing. Specialization areas offered by Miami University include Game and Entertainment Systems, Financial Accounting and Reporting, Interactive Media Studies, Molecular Genetics, and many more.