Software Engineering Degrees in New Jersey

Today many people associate Silicon Valley with technology, but in fact New Jersey was once the nation’s center for research and innovation. It is home of perhaps the most famous invention—the light bulb—as well as some of the modern world’s most influential discoveries, including the transistor. New Jersey continues to build on its rich legacy with future-focused initiatives designed to further develop technology statewide as well as provide significant support for private sector startups and local universities.

Software Engineering Landscape in New Jersey

New Jersey is home to numerous global leaders in technology, and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority has created several initiatives to support new growth and innovation. The Edison Innovation Fund “seeks to develop, sustain, and grow technology and life sciences businesses that will lead to well-paying job opportunities for New Jersey residents,” with programs including the Innovation Angel Growth Fund, the Innovation VC Fund, and the Innovation Growth Stars Fund.

New Jersey is the #1 state nationwide for broadband access, with 68% of the population having access to fiber optic service. With over 2M square feet of data center space, the New Jersey metropolitan area is committed to being “one of America’s smartest cities.”

By supporting tech startups as well as world-class educational institutions, Newark is among the highest-ranked metropolitan area for hiring software developers and for median annual salary. Both entry-level and experienced professionals will find opportunities throughout the state of New Jersey. And those wanting to deepen their knowledge will discover many highly rated universities where they can continue their education.

Software Engineering Education in New Jersey

Software engineering students can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees or professional certifications at top-ranked New Jersey colleges and universities.

Undergraduate Programs

Fairleigh Dickinson offers a BS in Computer Science that provides students with a broad range of coursework and hands-on training. After completing core courses, students can focus their studies in one of three specializations: cybersecurity, data science, or game development.

Monmouth University is one of the few in the nation that specifically offers an ABET-accredited BS in Software Engineering. As part of the program, Monmouth students participate in a two-semester practicum, solving complex problems for a real-world client. This vital experience prepares students for careers after graduation, with previous graduates advancing to careers in large corporations including AT&T, Microsoft, and Prudential Insurance.

At Rowan University, students can earn a BS in Computer Science while specializing in fields such as data science and software development. Rowan highly values research and real-world application, which is why it offers course credit specifically for independent research projects. For this reason many current students and alumni have published cutting-edge research in national publications.

Graduate Programs

Thomas Edison State University offers an MS in Information Technology that is geared toward experienced professionals looking to move into leadership positions. Delivered entirely online and designed to be completed at the student’s own pace, the MSIT with a concentration in Software Engineering is ideal for students who want to continue working while earning their degree.

New Jersey Institute of Technology’s MS in Software Engineering is a two-year program designed for graduates to “acquire theoretical knowledge and practical skills that allow them to quickly integrate in software companies or businesses that develop in-house software.” Prestigious corporations such as Amazon, Accenture, and Colgate-Palmolive have hired NJIT graduates.

Certificate Programs

Atlantic Cape Community College offers a variety of professional certificates for students looking to enter the tech field or professionals who want to expand their skill set. Certificate programs include Oracle SQL Programming and Database Design Specialist, Smartphone Programmer, and Web Design.

Stevens Institute of Technology offers certificate programs for software development and design as well as software engineering. These 15-unit tracks are ideal for professionals looking to change careers or for students to springboard into a full master’s degree program.

Software Engineering Jobs in New Jersey

New Jersey is home to some of the world’s largest tech companies as well as a host of exciting startups, promising opportunities for software engineers to impact the future of the industry, the state, and the world.

Cognizant delivers digital business solutions to client corporations across the globe. It serves a variety of industries, including education, healthcare, oil and gas, and retail. Given its wide range of solutions, it also has an ongoing need for software engineers and developers. Currently, there are openings for a wide range of positions including full-stack developers, DevOps engineers, and data scientists.

Nokia Bell Labs serves as “the renowned industrial research arm of Nokia,” working to “solve the needs of future humans.” With innovative projects in the fields of 5G wireless systems, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence, Nokia Bell Labs has exciting opportunities for software engineers seeking careers in an evolving world.

HCLTech is a next-generation global technology company that helps enterprises reimagine their businesses for the digital age. Named the fastest-growing company globally for the past four consecutive years, HCLTech generates over $12B annually while operating across 60 countries. As a global powerhouse, they are always seeking talented software engineers to join their team. They also provide opportunities for every experience level, with specific jobs available to apprentices, entry-level professionals, and experienced professionals.

With some of the nation’s leading universities and companies working on the cutting-edge of technology, New Jersey offers a bright outlook for software engineers—both now and into the future.