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Many educational roads lead to the role of software engineer! The traditional choice is earning a bachelor’s degree in software engineering. But you have plenty of other options. Explore our comprehensive guide to discover the five best majors for software engineers. Read more about technical degrees and non-technical degrees related to software engineering. And learn how to become a software engineer without a traditional educational qualification.
The 5 Best Degrees for Aspiring Software Engineers
1. Bachelor’s in Software Engineering
An on-campus or online bachelor’s in software engineering prepares you to oversee and perform duties within the entire software development life cycle. As a software engineer, you’ll take customers’ qualifications and provide specific blueprints for the appropriate job roles. You will develop the skills & abilities to:
- Apply engineering principles to architect a large-scale software application
- Develop software applications by understanding programming languages, databases, networking concepts, and web development
- Perform the duties of a project manager
Why is This Degree a Great Fit for Software Engineering?
A bachelor’s in software engineering provides you with the necessary skills to manage and architect large-scale software applications. It will also help you develop job-specific skills to perform root cause analysis, collaborate with others to review code, and organize requirements for key players of the software development life cycle.
What Can You Do with This Degree?
A software engineering degree allows you to take on various roles in the software industry. In addition to applying for software engineer positions, you could consider a variety of related job titles. Software-related professions, like software developer and quality assurance analyst, remain viable job options. Or you could explore specialist roles such as cybersecurity engineer, mobile engineer, cloud engineer, and data engineer.
2. Bachelor’s in Software Development
A bachelor’s degree in software development prepares you to handle a portion of the software life cycle—specifically, how to design, develop, test, and maintain software to specifications. A software developer’s primary focus revolves around creating reliable code to suit the needs of users. In particular, a software development degree will provide you with the skills to:
- Write code for web, game, or mobile applications in various programming languages (e.g. Java, C++, Python, JavaScript, etc.)
- Construct and interface with a database so that applications properly store and retrieve a user’s data
- Test an application’s functionality using various techniques and software tools
- Apply algorithms and data structures to handle a user’s information efficiently
Why is This Degree a Great Fit for Software Engineering?
Software development is a subset of software engineering. This degree offers an in-depth insight into the process of software creation. A software developer can easily transition into a software engineering role on small-scale software projects.
What Can You Do with This Degree?
A bachelor’s in software development allows you to specialize in certain areas of the development process like databases, programming languages, and testing. Acquiring these skills opens the door for you to work as a programmer, web developer, quality assurance analyst, or database administrator. For more on this pathway, have a look at our resource on Software Developer vs. Software Engineer: What’s the Difference?
3. Bachelor’s in Computer Science
A bachelor’s degree in computer science gives you the opportunity to explore a number of technical realms, including software systems (e.g. designing applications to perform on mobile devices) and computational theory (e.g. developing algorithms to solve a set of computing problems).
Why is This Degree a Great Fit for Software Engineering?
The practical portion of a computer science degree can prepare you for a role as a software engineer. Tangible coursework in areas like programming languages, software development, and networking concepts will apply to creating useful software applications. The theoretical side of computer science resides mostly outside the scope of software engineering. However, it still relates to algorithmic and data structure solutions.
What Can You Do with This Degree?
A bachelor’s degree in computer science is a versatile qualification. Upon graduation, you may wish to apply for various software-related roles like software engineer, software developer, and data scientist. This degree also transitions nicely to graduate studies involving theoretical work on improving computational solutions. Take a look at our resource on Computer Science vs. Software Engineering: What’s the Difference? for more information.
4. Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering
A bachelor’s degree in computer engineering offers a balance between the studies of computer hardware and software applications. The curriculum integrates computer science and electrical engineering, providing skills which ensure software and hardware work together seamlessly. Smartphones, digital cameras, and iPads represent examples of devices a computer engineer designed and created.
Why is This Degree a Great Fit for Software Engineering?
The software component of a computer engineering degree provides you with skill sets that are relevant to software engineering. Think of skills such as coding, testing, and program design. Better yet, your hardware knowledge will make you a great asset at a company that builds devices running on software applications. The breadth of this degree will allow you to see a bigger picture than most people in the software industry.
What Can You Do with This Degree?
A computer engineering degree can lead to several options in the computing industry. Computer engineers work in many positions, including computer architect, circuit designer, hardware engineer, and software developer. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects job growth of 5% from 2021–2031 for computer hardware engineers.
5. Bachelor’s in Information Technology
A bachelor’s degree in information technology typically covers various topics such as networking, cybersecurity, and database management. Your studies will also include programming and algorithms. With these skills, you’ll be able to maintain and improve security structures, databases, and networks.
Why is This Degree a Great Fit for Software Engineering?
This degree provides a concentrated look into the development of software applications, specifically the transfer of information in a secure fashion. In this way, it sets you apart from a more general software engineering degree. Data management and networking make up two significant needs in the software industry. Working as a software engineer with an IT degree could supply you with a unique perspective that will benefit your team.
What Can You Do with This Degree?
The acquired skills and knowledge from this degree pave the way to job opportunities like network administrator, information security analyst, computer programmer, and data administrator. In particular, an IT degree gives you an edge with companies seeking someone to manage data security applications. According to the BLS, the computer and information technology sector can expect 15% job growth from 2021–2031.
Other Technical Degrees Related to Software Engineering
Cybersecurity
A cybersecurity degree provides you with the skills and knowledge to defend computer systems from malicious attacks (e.g. viruses and malware). Examples of cybersecurity courses include Malware Reverse Engineering, Advanced Network Security, and Hacker Techniques: Tools and Applications. You’ll also be trained in security awareness, risk management, and vulnerability analysis.
Cybersecurity expertise fits well with companies who are seeking software engineering solutions for data security. The need for cybersecurity experts grows yearly, especially in the financial and healthcare sectors. The BLS expects 35% job growth for information security analysts from 2021–2031.
Computer Programming
A computer programming degree prepares you to translate an application’s specifications into robust and scalable code. Excellent as analytical problem solvers, computer programmers serve a specific niche within the software development life cycle. In the early stages of your career, you can expect to work directly with software developers. This will provide you with relevant experience and potential career growth in software engineering.
Web/Application Development
A web/application development degree teaches you to design, create, test, and maintain websites. Like computer programmers, web developers perform job duties in a specific part of the software development life cycle—they understand how a web application goes through the early stages to the end product. As you gain experience in web development, your software engineering skills will also advance.
Data Science
A data science degree gives you expertise in processing data to help businesses gain insights for making strategic decisions. You’ll draw on your mathematical, statistical, and computer science skills to put data into a meaningful and useful context.
This degree qualifies you for several positions like financial analyst, market research analyst, and survey researcher. The BLS anticipates 36% job growth among data scientists from 2021–2031. Furthermore, the combination of data scientist skills and computer science background provides some of the knowledge required to develop software applications. With some project management experience, you’re on your way to a software engineering position.
Non-Technical Degrees for Future Software Engineers
Thinking of exploring other majors? Some software engineers end up working in the industry with non-technical degrees. These engineers acquired additional skills through self-study, training opportunities, or certifications. The following degrees represent some of the non-traditional paths to a software engineering career.
Mathematics/Statistics
A mathematics/statistics degree develops quantitative reasoning, data analysis, and problem-solving skills. These abilities translate well into the computing industry where personal data is collected for software applications. If you possess certain programming skills, you may be able to use a mathematics degree to qualify for a role in the software development process. You may also be eligible for a software engineering position if you have proven skills in project management.
Physics
A physics degree involves using mathematics and physical science to develop mechanical solutions in robotics, aerospace, and many other industries. These skills can give a technical edge to related software applications. As your experience developing computer systems matures, you’ll gain the necessary qualifications to apply for a position in software development, making software engineering a realistic endeavor.
Business Administration
A business administration degree covers a number of disciplines, including marketing, accounting, finance, mathematics, management, and technology applications. This degree excludes programming skills from its curriculum. However, with some additional studies, your computer knowledge and business administration skills could allow you to manage software projects from a solid business perspective.
Do You Need a Degree to Become a Software Engineer?
Not necessarily. A number of people work as software engineers without a formal degree. Traversing this career path means that you’ll need to acquire certifications, knowledge through websites like Coursera or Udemy, and experience in an entry-level, software-related position. Over time you’ll develop a portfolio of marketable skills including project management, software development, and software architecture.
Are you well-organized, technically-minded, and willing to prove to employers that your work is up to the level of a BS graduate? This self-directed pathway might suit you perfectly. However, if you’d prefer more structure in your learning, consider a bachelor’s degree in a software-related field.
