Types of IT Jobs
STEM | 10min Read
Online Software Engineering Degree Earn a BS in Computer Science with a Focus in Software Engineering
Program Overview Why get a software engineering degree?
From open-source databases to popular online payment systems, mobile games and ride-share apps, much of the technology we use every day wouldn't exist without software engineers.
In the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Science with a concentration in Software Engineering at Southern New Hampshire University, you'll learn the fundamental concepts and principles of software engineering while developing key coding and design skills needed to break into the field.
Skills you'll learn:
- UI/UX design and development techniques
- Secure coding techniques
- Reverse engineering strategies
- Emerging trends in systems architecture and software engineering
Courses & Curriculum Online software engineering courses built for aspiring developers
Learn how to improve, secure and test code while analyzing software design patterns and systems architecture. In the online computer science degree program, you'll explore the design and development of computer software as you work to solve real-world problems.
Throughout your software engineering courses, you’ll create and save examples of your work, building a portfolio that shows off your ability to create user-friendly software that people enjoy.
Online software engineering courses
Courses within this specialized software engineering program emphasize the design and development of computer software, providing you with the specialized math, science and engineering skills you'll need for career success.
Courses may include:
Programming Languages
Course ID:
CS 210
Students will develop functional programs that comply with industry regulations and best practices using various programming languages. Special attention will be paid to the importance of developing code that is not only functional, but also secure, efficient, and professional.
Software Security
Course ID:
CS 305
Through the analysis of advanced security concepts, students will learn how to develop secure code that complies with security testing protocols. In addition to exploring and implementing security concepts through code, students will also learn why and how to apply encryption technologies and techniques to communicate securely.
UI/UX Design and Development
Course ID:
CS 319
Students will explore User Interface (UI) and User eXperience (UX) design concepts and development techniques with an emphasis on user-centric and contemporary design patterns and techniques. Students will learn to conduct and evaluate user testing to inform user experience design. Use a variety of software tools to create wireframes and visual prototypes. This course provides students with authentic experiences in designing and developing user interfaces for embedded, cloud-based, and mobile systems.
Client/Server Development
Course ID:
CS 340
Students will learn how to apply database systems concepts and principles to develop client/server applications that interface client-side code with databases.
Emerging Systems Architectures & Technologies
Course ID:
CS 350
Students will explore emerging systems, architectures and technologies. Students will be provided with an in-depth evaluation of emerging system architecture focusing on performance and the software/hardware interface. Emphasis is on analyzing fundamental issues in architecture design and the impact on application performance to enable better understanding of the concepts. Students will learn to evaluate software architectures, both established and emerging, and gain experience in determining when to implement architectures and technologies to fulfill business needs.
Mobile Architecture and Programming
Course ID:
CS 360
Students will apply mobile development principles and best practices to develop mobile applications using user-centered design principles and industry standards. Upon completion of a fully-functional mobile application, students will conduct security, product assuredness, and compatibility checks before launching the application.
Secure Coding
Course ID:
CS 405
Students will focus on common security vulnerabilities that are found in software. Students will learn techniques and strategies to develop robust and secure code, leveraging secure programming principles. Students will gain authentic experience identifying security vulnerabilities and writing secure code to mitigate risks to software and data.
Software Reverse Engineering
Course ID:
CS 410
Students will learn the basics of reverse engineering specific to software systems. Learn how reverse engineering is used to recreate missing documentation to support legacy software code. Examine how reverse engineering is used to make new software products, enhance the functionality and efficiency of software components, and recreate the code for applications. Apply fundamental reverse engineering technologies and practices for maintainability and security-related use cases.
Full Stack Development I
Course ID:
CS 465
Students will design and develop a full stack application through the utilization of programming language frameworks. In creating a full stack application, students will also be responsible for developing a database as well as the code that interfaces their application to the database. This course is the first course in a two-course sequence.
Full Stack Development II
Course ID:
CS 470
In this course, students will develop a full stack application that runs in the cloud. Through the application of cloud-based development principles and best practices, students will take their software stack from Full Stack Development I and utilize frameworks to build the cloud architecture upon which the software stack application will run. In addition, students will also demonstrate their career-readiness by articulating highly technical content to various audiences and in various formats. This course is the second course in a two-course sequence.
Visit the course catalog to view the full BS in Computer Science with a concentration in Software Engineering curriculum.
The Commons: SNHU's gen ed program
All undergraduate students are required to take general education courses, which are part of SNHU's newly redesigned program, The Commons. The goal of The Commons' curriculum is to empower you with some of the most in-demand skills, so you can succeed not only in your academic career, but in your personal and professional life too.
Courses may include:
Cultural Awareness and Online Learning
Course ID:
IDS 105
This course introduces students to the skills relevant to university learning, and the foundational knowledge and values of intercultural fluency needed to understand and effectively navigate the complexities of contemporary society. Students will examine the various factors that influence an individual's perception of justice and the impacts that cultural and social diversity have on collaboration and communication processes. Through the application of interpersonal communication strategies, students will also learn to navigate various interpersonal conflict situations.
Self, Society, and the Humanities
Course ID:
HUM 102
In this course, students explore the interaction between individuals and society as a framework for understanding cultural inquiry. Through the examination of the scientific, creative, cultural, and historical humanities, students develop a practice of reflexivity to describe conceptions of self, others, and systems and their interconnectedness.
Foundations of Written Communication
Course ID:
ENG 130
This course focuses on written communication and writing practice. Students will gain the critical reading and information literacy related skills vital to academic and workplace success. Students will explore methods to analyze, summarize, and evaluate written works to isolate key ideas and information. Students will examine how to adapt the writing process to a variety of writing situations and present their own perspectives in written form.
Mathematical Reasoning for Modern Problem-Solving
Course ID:
MAT 126
In this course, students learn about the use of mathematical reasoning and the practical application of quantitative techniques to inform their decision-making process. Students will develop the skills to critically examine elements of a problem they might face in their day-to-day personal and professional lives, solve for various outcomes using quantitative techniques, and make informed decisions.
Ethics in Global Society
Course ID:
PHL 218
In this course, students explore various ethical frameworks from a cultural and global perspective. Students examine the ways that ethics influence actions, decisions, and perceptions. Furthermore, students develop associated skills related to critical thinking, such as awareness of bias, to analyze issues from an ethical standpoint.
STEM Principles and Problem-Solving
Course ID:
SCI 260
In this course, students learn to apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) methodologies to a wide variety of contemporary issues and complex challenges within society to obtain knowledge and use that knowledge to develop recommendations and propose solutions. Students will leverage a scientific mindset to gather information, analyze data, and communicate information in varying ways based on their intended audience.
Social Issues and Decision-Making
Course ID:
SCS 260
In this course, students use social science methodologies to analyze various sociocultural issues and their impacts on society. In their exploration of the concept of society and how it manifests in different cultures, students learn to contextualize themselves within society, examine the relationship between the individual and society, and analyze the ethical implications of decision-making related to contemporary social issues.
Computer Science Programs Hardware and Technical Requirements
| Required Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10, 64 Bit |
| Processor | Intel 8th Gen i5 or i7 |
| Memory (RAM) | 8GB RAM |
| Hard Drive | 250+ GB |
| Graphics Card | Built-in (Intel) |
| Wireless | 802.11 a/c dual band |
| Office Suite | Office 2013 Professional or newer |
| Antivirus Software | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
| Optional Accessories | CD/DVD drive, external hard drive, extra power cord and headphones/earbuds |
| SNHU Purchase Programs | Visit Dell |
| Reccomended Specifications |
|
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10, 64 Bit |
| Processor | Intel 9th Gen i7 |
| Memory (RAM) | 16GB RAM |
| Hard Drive | 500+ GB Solid State Drive (SSD) |
| Graphics Card | Discrete/dedicated (such as NVIDIA or AMD) |
| Wireless | 802.11 a/c dual band |
| Office Suite | Office 2013 Professional or newer |
| Antivirus Software | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
| Optional Accessories | CD/DVD drive, external hard drive, extra power cord and headphones/earbuds |
| SNHU Purchase Programs | Visit Dell |
Help desk support: Microsoft Windows 10, limited support for MacOS (Campus only). Support for other OS is not currently available.
Licensure and Certification Disclosures
SNHU has provided additional information for programs that educationally prepare students for professional licensure or certification. Learn more about what that means for your program on our licensure and certification disclosure page.
Apply for free in minutes
Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!
Upcoming term starts: June 30, 2025 | September 1, 2025
Next term starts:
May 5, 2025
Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?
Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 93.2% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2023 survey with 21,000+ respondents.
What to expect:
8-week terms
Learn around your schedule
24/7 online support
What does an online course look like?
You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:
- Schedule of weekly assignments
- Discussion boards
- Grades
- Instructor announcements
What support services are available?
- Chat with your advisors
Get hands-on help from dedicated academic and career advisors. - Drop in for tutoring
Work with a tutor, any time of the day or night – no appointment necessary. - Learn from industry professionals
Instructors lead discussions and offer guidance – and they’re just an email away. - Use the online library
Access 600,000+ resources or chat with a librarian 24/7. - Reach out for accessibility help
Receive accommodations as an eligible student with disabilities. - Focus on your well-being
Connect with professionals to improve your health and wellness.
Learn from instructors with industry experience
Our faculty bring with them decades of experience as computer scientists, software engineers and beyond. By bringing real-world insights to the classroom, our instructors can help position graduates for success in a field that's always changing.
Featured Faculty
Dr. Gary Savard
Before becoming an associate dean in 2021, Dr. Gary Savard spent many years teaching in adjunct faculty and program director roles in higher education. With extensive industry experience working as a software engineer and chief technology officer as well as the military, Savard has utilized his skills in several capacities, including Department of Defense (DoD) contracting, healthcare software systems, logistics, and control software systems and real-time systems. He is also an IEEE Certified Software Development Professional.
Position
Associate Dean, Computer Programming
Joined SNHU
2012
Education
- PhD in IT Information Security from Capella University
- BS in Computer Science from Champlain College
- MS in Computer Engineering from Troy University
- BS in Physics from St. Michael’s College.
Read more about Dr. Gary Savard and other online faculty at SNHU.
What our instructors have to say
Hear what some of our SNHU instructors have to say about our online software engineering degree:
"Computer science requires attention to detail. The foundations for these technologies are grounded in logic and precision plays a major role in your success."
Dr. Francis J. Manning III, adjunct faculty and academic partner at SNHU
Why SNHU?
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 400,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- U.S. News & World Report
Named SNHU the 2024 Most Innovative University in the North - The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
Awarded SNHU the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology - Google.org
Gave SNHU a $1 million grant to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 180,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free
No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.
All it takes is 3 simple steps
Step 1: Complete the online application – it only takes minutes.
It's easy, fast and free.
Step 2: Submit additional forms.
Whether you're applying for an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll fill out a form to verify your previous education experience. As part of our admissions process, we'll help you request transcripts from your previous school(s) to see if you can transfer any credits into your SNHU program! (Also for free!)
Step 3: Make your decision.
After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.
Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu
Accreditations
SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.
Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think
As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.
Online undergraduate tuition
Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 120-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$330
$990
$39,600
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$231
$693
$27,720
*before previously earned credits are applied
Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
**Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:
$9,900 $14,850 $19,800 $24,750 $29,700If 30 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $29,700
If 45 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $24,750
If 60 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $19,800
If 75 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $14,850
If 90 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $9,900
How we estimate your tuition cost:
We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for a bachelor's degree. Most bachelor's degrees require 120 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 90 credits, requiring a minimum of 30 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator, and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.
Ways to save on online tuition
Transfer your credits
Transfer up to 90 credits toward your bachelor's degree program at SNHU. If you’ve taken one course or many, we’ll evaluate them for you.
Apply for financial aid
Fill out the FAFSA to see if you’re eligible for grants or work-study. (You could also be offered loans, though you’ll have to pay those back later.)
Military discounts and credit
Earn credits in leadership, technology and more – while taking advantage of a 30% online undergraduate tuition discount for active-duty service members and spouses.
Explore scholarships
Getting free money for college – from SNHU or an outside organization – could help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Earn credit for exams and certificates
Bring in credits from popular options like CLEP, Sophia Learning, Google and other common credit for prior learning (CPL) experiences.
Tuition Reimbursement
Learn how you can save money with tuition reimbursement from your employer.
Benefit from your employer
Receive an online tuition discount if your organization has partnered with SNHU for educational benefits. See if your organization partners with us.
Career Outlook What can I do with an online software engineering degree?
Online shopping, banking, gaming and messaging — almost every industry relies on software engineering. And with continued demand for new applications on mobile devices and tablets, the world needs knowledgeable software developers who are ready to take on the challenge of an ever-growing field.
Earning a computer science and software engineering degree online can help you learn how to develop software on time, on budget and within specifications — skills that are highly valued by employers across various industries and geographic locations.
Occupations
With this concentration, students may be qualified for many software engineering and development roles, including:
Software Engineer
Apply engineering principles and systematic methods to develop programs and operating data for computers.
Secure Software Developer
Identify security vulnerabilities and write secure code to mitigate risks to software and data.
Full-stack Developer
Develop client-side (front-end) and server-side (back-end) software, in addition to designing user experience.
Computer Systems Analyst
Study computer systems and design ways to improve efficiency within organizations.
25%
Increase in software developer, quality assurance analyst and tester positions through 2032, projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1
$130,160
Median annual pay for software developer, quality assurance analyst and tester positions as of May 2023, according to the BLS.1
Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, not on SNHU graduate outcomes, and do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
What SNHU students are saying
I worked 15 years in the steel industry, but now I get to completely change my career and go into something that I'm actually passionate about — not just make a living.
Michael Richards '22
Software Engineering
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a systems software engineer?
Like so many other industries, the skill set of engineers working in the information technology industry can vary. Both software engineers and systems engineers are responsible for developing software components. However, systems engineers are also responsible for building, maintaining and supporting the organization's technical infrastructure.
As a systems software engineer, you could streamline internal operations and communications, design the organization's intranet or implement a computer security system.
Can you get a software engineering degree online?
Yes, you can. At Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), online software engineering degrees are designed with flexibility in mind. You can attend class when it’s convenient for you, whether that’s early in the morning or late in the evening. With six 8-week terms per year, you can complete your undergraduate degree at your own pace.
As a leader in online education, we're dedicated to creating hands-on experiences for learners everywhere. Online students have access to virtual computing tools and real-world learning opportunities, including the development of computer software. You’ll develop key coding and design skills and build a portfolio of your work that can help position you for success when applying for jobs.
You’ll also still have access to networking opportunities as an online student. SNHU even offers clubs for online students, as well as tutoring, writing services and career counseling to help you turn your software engineering degree into a career.
Is a software engineering degree worth it?
This all depends on your passions and career goals. If you've ever thought a software engineering career could be right for you, a bachelor's degree would be a great place to start. Maybe you're a military service member whose experience with advanced technology sparked a passion for coding. Perhaps you've wondered what it'd be like to build an application that can help connect people with healthcare services in your community.
As more and more businesses rely on technology for their day-to-day functions, software engineering degree holders are highly sought after across many industries.
Ulugbek Miniyarov '21 has been working in the industry for over a decade and is now using his degree to take his career to the next level. "I am on the verge of relocating to a different country and [my] degree is the main evidence that I am a great talent in the computer science field."
Some data suggests that earning a degree could also help position you for higher earning potential. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, median weekly earnings for bachelor’s degree holders were reportedly 41% higher than associate degree holders in 2023.1 In that same period, bachelor’s degree holders had an unemployment rate of just 2.2%, compared to 2.7% for associate degree holders and 3.9% for high school diploma holders.1
With the skills gained in a software engineering degree, you’ll be prepared to develop new programs that solve problems, move business forward and even improve daily life for people around the world.
"Computer science is challenging and ever-changing and it sometimes makes me feel behind the curve. With that said, technology is shaping our world, and I can always be proud that I am a part of it," said Danielle Hoopes '18, the first female graduate of Southern New Hampshire University's (SNHU) online computer science degree.
A degree could also help open doors to powerful connections within the industry. Our alumni network, for example, is comprised of over 200,000 worldwide grads. In addition, some of our students have even been able to attend national conferences in person, allowing them to meet their peers along with academics, industry experts and employers from all over the globe.
Just ask computer science student Azita Dadresan '19. A month before graduating, she joined 26,000 people – 29 from SNHU – to attend the annual Grace Hopper Celebration in Orlando, Florida. Ready to advance her career as a software developer, Dadresan spent every opportunity she had at the event's career fair, and her efforts paid off – she left the conference gaining the interest of 22 companies and accepted a job offer from 1 of them.
Lastly — and on a more personal level — earning a computer science degree can be deeply rewarding and extremely empowering. “I’ll be able to use this degree to…show my son that he can do anything he puts his mind to — just like his mom,” said Raven Wilson ’23.
Which degree is best for software engineers?
The best degree is the one that prepares you for the career you want. Most software jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree in software engineering, computer science or a related field, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1
If you’re interested in pursuing a software engineering career, it’s important to understand the difference between software engineering and software development.
The positions often work together, but software engineers use engineering principles to analyze and design full software systems, while software developers work on the creation of the software itself.
A software engineering bachelor’s degree can give you the specialized math, science and engineering skills you’ll need for an engineering career. You’ll also gain the collaboration, communication and analytical skills that employers often look for.
If you want to advance in the computer science field and take on leadership positions, a graduate degree – such as an online master's in information technology – may be required, according to the BLS.1 Earning professional certifications for specific software, programming languages or skills (like cybersecurity) may also be important depending on your ideal career path.
Read more about what you can do with a computer science degree.
Does software engineering require math?
You will need a strong understanding of math to succeed as a software engineer. Courses within Southern New Hampshire University’s online software engineering program can provide you with specialized math and engineering skills, including statistics, quantitative analysis, calculus, algebra and more.
General education mathematics courses, including pre-calculus, should help prepare you for the more advanced mathematics and engineering courses you’ll take later in your degree program.
If you're worried about succeeding in advanced math courses, we offer virtual tutors that can help you tackle any courses that challenge you, as well as online discussion forums that allow you to talk through problems with your peers and instructors.
What is a salary of a software engineer?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers reportedly earned a median annual wage of $130,160 in 2023.1 That said, the salary of a software engineer can vary greatly depending on many factors, such as area of expertise, industry and geographical location.
In 2023, the top industries for employment of software developers in 2023 included software publishers, manufacturing, finance and insurance, management of companies and enterprises and computer systems design and related services.1 The median annual wage of software developers in each of these industries in 2023 varied. Developers in software publishing earned $143,210, developers in insurance earned $132,900 and developers in manufacturing earned $138,100.1
Is software engineering a good career?
With a software engineering bachelor’s degree, you could find work across many industries as an applications developer, systems developer, software engineer, full-stack developer or programmer analyst.
Job prospects for software engineer degree holders appear promising in the coming years. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of software developers is projected to grow 25% by 2032 – much faster than the average for all occupations.1
Much of this growth will occur thanks to the continued expansion of software development for artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, robotics and other automation applications.1
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Sources & Citations
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm (viewed April 19, 2024)
- https://www.bls.gov/emp/chart-unemployment-earnings-education.htm (viewed April 19, 2024)
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.