2023 Best Online Bachelor's Degrees in Software Engineering
Technology is rapidly evolving, and that means it’s necessary to learn the programs and operations that make a software engineer successful in the field. If you’re interested in the software engineering industry and want to work while earning your degree remotely, consider an online Bachelor’s in Software Engineering. Once you earn your bachelor’s online, consider an online master’s program in the field to take your career to new heights.
View our methodology for more details about our list or learn more about OnlineU.
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Online Software Engineering Bachelor's Degrees You May Be Interested In
Southern New Hampshire University Online
ECPI University Online
Western Governors University
List Of Accredited Online Software Engineering Schools
| School | Online Enrollment | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Western Governors University | ||
| Southern New Hampshire University Online | 86,849 | $9,600 |
| Arizona State University | 33,410 | $24,413 |
| Purdue Global | 28,447 | $14,358 |
| DeVry University | 16,922 | $18,197 |
| Capella University | 10,503 | $14,540 |
| St. Petersburg College | 10,306 | $9,286 |
| Saint Leo University Online | 8,242 | $23,750 |
| Bellevue University | 7,352 | $7,851 |
| ECPI University Online | 5,780 | $17,059 |
| Miami Dade College | 3,507 | $9,661 |
| Academy of Art University | 2,911 | $23,412 |
| Herzing University | 2,229 | $14,200 |
| Middle Georgia State University | 1,852 | $11,389 |
| Champlain College | 1,669 | $41,828 |
| Ferris State University | 953 | $12,068 |
| Fisher College | 881 | $31,992 |
| The College of Saint Scholastica | 441 | $38,282 |
| Tiffin University | 420 | $26,110 |
| Hodges University | 388 | $14,300 |
| South College | 355 | $17,025 |
| University of Management and Technology | 226 | $9,450 |
| University of the Virgin Islands | 73 | $14,496 |
| University of the Potomac | 56 | $9,990 |
Western Governors University
- Annual Tuition: $6,670
- Locations: Salt Lake City (UT)
- Accreditation: NWCCU
Western Governors University (WGU) is a large, private university. WGU offers an online Bachelor of Science in Software Development, which requires 122 credit hours. Students can graduate in 40 months by sticking to a full-time schedule. This program prepares students to work as software developers, network architects, and software/hardware engineers by providing two educational tracks: (1) Java and (2) C#. The Java track provides the skills to work with smart devices, phones, and computers, while the C# track leads to careers in big tech centers in cities like Seattle and New York City. Core courses — like Web Development Foundations, Advanced Data Mining, and UX Design — help develop students’ skills, so they can earn certifications in their field, such as the CompTIA A+ Certification and CompTIA Project+ Certification.
At WGU, students use Blackboard to access their coursework, which is asynchronous. Students can complete the degree as quickly as they want. Online students have access to all university resources.
Southern New Hampshire University Online
- Annual Tuition: $9,600
- Locations: Manchester (NH)
- Accreditation: NECHE
The Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a large, private university that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Software Engineering. This program requires 120 credits. Online students may take two to four years, depending on how many credits they transfer before beginning the program. SNHU allows students to transfer up to 90 credits. Some core courses for this program include Programming Languages, Full Stack Development, and Software Security. Courses like these, as well as the program’s software database, provide students with the skills and experience that help them become software engineers, UI/UX developers, and full-stack developers.
At SNHU Online, students use Brightspace to access their online coursework, which is fully online and synchronous. At SNHU Online, online students have access to the university library and student resource centers.
Arizona State University
- Annual Tuition: $24,413
- Locations: Tempe (AZ) (and 4 others)
- Accreditation: HLC
Arizona State University (ASU) is a large, public institution. ASU offers an online Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering, which requires 120 credit hours. Students can finish the software engineering degree online in three to four years with a full-time schedule. This program prepares graduates to work as software developers, who focus on applications or system software. Courses like Principles of Distributed Software Systems, Design, & Analysis of Data Structures & Algorithms provide the experience necessary to succeed in the field of software engineering. This program also requires a capstone project that spans two semesters.
At ASU, students use Blackboard to access their coursework, which is entirely online. ASU’s online students have access to all university resources.
Purdue Global
- Annual Tuition: $14,358
- Locations: Indianapolis (IN)
- Accreditation: HLC
Purdue Global is a large, public institution. It offers an online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology - Programming and Software Development, which requires 180 credit hours. Purdue Global’s program has six concentrations: (1) Game Development, (2) Information Security & Assurances, (3) IT Management, (4) Network Administration, (5) Program and Software Development, and (6) Supply Chain Management & Logistics. These concentrations include science courses, such as Systems Analysis & Design, Web Development, and IT Consulting Skills. Purdue Global prepares students to work as computer system analysts, computer network architects, and software developers, among other career options. Students can graduate from this program in four years with a full-time schedule.
At Purdue Global, students use Brightspace to access their coursework, which is entirely online. Purdue Global’s online students have access to all student resources.
DeVry University
- Annual Tuition: $18,197
- Locations: Multiple Locations
- Accreditation: HLC
DeVry University (DU) is a small, private university that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems - Software Programming and an online Bachelor's in Software Development — both requiring 120 credits. These degrees can be completed in two to three years with a full-time schedule, but students can finish even sooner if they transfer credits from another higher education institution. The bachelor's degree in computer information systems has three specializations available: (1) Software Design & Programming, (2) Big Data & Analytics, and (3) Web & Mobile Application Development. The bachelor's degree in software development, on the other hand, offers six specializations: (1) Computer Forensics, (2) Software Programming, (3) Cyber Security Programming, (4) Web Development & Administration, (5) Database Management, (6) Web Game Programming, and (7) Information Systems Security. Graduates of these programs go on to work as Cyber Security Specialists, Database Administrators, Software Game Developers, and Data Architects.
At DeVry, students use Canvas to access their coursework, which is fully online and asynchronous. Online students have access to all university resources.
Capella University
- Annual Tuition: $14,540
- Locations: Minneapolis (MN)
- Accreditation: HLC
Capella University (CU) is a medium-sized, private institution that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology - Software Development requiring 120 credit hours. To graduate, students must complete all program requirements, such as a capstone project, which can take up to 22 months with a full-time schedule. Graduates of the program may go on to work as system engineers, net developers, web developers, and business analysts. Some core classes in this program include Advanced Database Development, Mobile Cloud Computing Application Development, and Software Construction. These courses teach students Java, HTML5, C#, and SQL, as well as Agile process and DevOps methods.
At CU, students use Blackboard to access their online coursework, which is fully online and asynchronous. At CU, online students have access to the university library and academic coaches.
St. Petersburg College
- Annual Tuition: $9,286
- Locations: Clearwater (FL)
- Accreditation: SACS COC
St. Petersburg College (SPU) is a small, public university. SPU offers an online Bachelor of Applied Science in Technology Development and Management - Software Development, which requires 120 credit hours. This program offers six subplans, which allow students to focus on a specific aspect of software development. These subplans include Cybersecurity Management, Cyber Security Defense & Risk Mitigation, Project Management, Software Assurance, Cloud Computing Management, and Software Development. Graduates of this program go on to work as Network & Operations Systems Managers, Information Security Analysts, and Industrial Production Managers. Students can complete this online degree in four years with a full-time schedule.
At SPU, students use Brightspace to access their coursework which is fully online and asynchronous. Online students have access to all university resources.
Saint Leo University Online
- Annual Tuition: $23,750
- Locations: St. Leo (FL)
- Accreditation: SACS COC
Saint Leo University Online (SLU) is a small, private university. SLU offers an online Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering, which requires 120 credits. This program prepares students to work as software developers, designers, architects, and testers by providing an understanding of the fundamental and theoretical concepts around modern software design and technology. Some core courses in this program include Human Computer Interaction, Software Quality Assurance, and a capstone class. Students may graduate in four years if they have a full-time study schedule.
At SLU, students use Brightspace to access their coursework, which is 100% online. Additionally, remote students have virtual access to the university campus' cybersecurity lab and the university library.
Bellevue University
- Annual Tuition: $7,851
- Locations: Bellevue (NE)
- Accreditation: HLC
Bellevue University (BU) is a medium-sized, private institution that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Software Development and an online Bachelor of Science in Web Development, each requiring 127 credit hours. These degree programs teach students to use HTML, Java, Javascript, DevOps, Typescript, and more. BU requires a capstone class, and some core courses include Database Development & Use, Fundamentals of Web Development, and Business Environments for Web Professionals. Students can transfer credits, including a completed associate degree, and finish the program at an accelerated pace of two to three years. Otherwise, the program can take students three to four years to finish with a full-time schedule.
At BU, students use Blackboard to access their online coursework, which is asynchronous and fully online. At BU, online students have access to the university library, writing center, and tutoring center.
Overview of Online Software Engineering Degrees
Software engineering bachelor's degree programs seek to prepare students for engineering careers in software and application design and development. Students take classes on web engineering, computer security, human-computer interaction, technical communication, and data structures. Many programs require students to complete an internship or senior research project in order to graduate.
These degrees typically feature 120 credit hours of coursework. Administrators design them to last four years with a full-time schedule but many students take longer to graduate.
Online Bachelor's Degrees in Software Engineering
Many colleges provide fully online software engineering degrees with asynchronous courses that have no live meetings. Distance learners log in to a learning management system to view assignments and readings, submit work, watch recorded lectures, and chat with classmates in discussion forums.
Some programs feature courses with occasional synchronous elements, such as live discussions. Internships usually consist of in-person work for an approved employer in the student's area.
Software Engineering Courses
Software engineering courses are highly technical and cover programming languages, operating systems, and advanced mathematics. Students learn to apply their mathematical and data science knowledge to software creation. They also practice building security measures into everything they make.
You'll find the following classes in a typical online software engineering bachelor's program:
Calculus for Engineers
This course introduces the advanced mathematics that software engineers need in their work. Students practice solving and forming single-variable and more complex differential equations
Data Structures
Professors in this class teach methods for storing, sorting, and searching data. Lessons on each structure usually contain discussion of the security implications of that structure.
Object-Oriented Programming
This type of programming is important to software engineers because it describes a way to build software using repeatable blocks of code. Faculty generally introduce classes, objects, and object-oriented programming languages such as C++ and Java.
Software Security
Students in this course learn to plan for and review security at every stage of the software development life cycle. They typically learn and practice security architecture, penetration testing, threat modeling, and risk management.
Careers in Software Engineering
Most software engineering students choose software engineering careers after college. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) considers software engineers as special types of software developers. These professionals make median annual salaries of $120,730 and enjoy a 26% job growth outlook. As with most jobs, software engineer salaries tend to be highest in areas that are more expensive to live.
However, there are subtle differences between software developers and software engineers. Chiefly, engineers tend to take a higher level view of the software development process than developers and oversee more parts of projects.
Engineering students don't necessarily need to become software engineers. The skills taught in a software engineering program can translate to a range of technical career paths from web development to network management.
A graduate degree might make you more competitive for higher level engineering and management positions. See our lists of the best online master's degrees and most affordable online master's degrees in software engineering.
What Else Should You Consider?
Deciding where to attend college and what to study can quickly become overwhelming. Use the questions below to help you start your application journey, but keep in mind they're not comprehensive.
Is this college institutionally accredited?
Your research should begin with this question because it's only worth considering accredited schools. Institutional accreditation means that the college has opened itself to a special accrediting agency and passed its quality review.
The Department of Education maintains a searchable Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs listing every college's accreditation status.
Is this software engineering program accredited?
Individual programs can also undergo an accreditation review by a specialty organization in a specific field. For software engineering, that's the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
ABET also has a searchable database of accredited programs for your consideration. The board accredits both on-campus and online degrees. You don't necessarily need to attend an ABET-accredited program to become a software engineer. But it might give you an edge in your job hunt.
What does this program cost?
Money is a crucial factor in many college decisions. Most students pay for their degree using a combination of financial aid and personal savings. The best types of financial aid are called gift aid because you don't need to repay them. These include scholarships, grants, and work-study programs.
See our lists of the most affordable online software engineering degrees and the most affordable bachelor's in engineering degrees online if you're interested in the lowest cost programs.
Do I want to learn online?
Software engineering is suited to online learning because it's a computer-based discipline that doesn't require physical laboratory work. But not every student is suited to online learning. You might like the give-and-take of a live classroom more than the flexibility to make your own schedule and watch lecture recordings.
What features do I want my school to offer?
Take this opportunity to list your must-have and nice-to-have variables in a college. These could be anything from an empathetic disability services office to a certain amount of financial aid. Most colleges provide some level of virtual support to online learners but you can scour online reviews for personal stories.
Do I want to choose software engineering or a related major?
There are many engineering and technology majors that share some features with software engineering. For example, a counterpart to a software engineering degree is a computer engineering degree that emphasizes the physical hardware of computer systems. You might also consider other types of engineering degrees.
To learn about popular technology majors, see our guides to online computer programming degrees and online cybersecurity degrees. You can also review our lists of the most affordable online computer science degrees and most affordable master's in computer science degrees online.
FAQs About Systems Engineering Degrees
Do You Need a Degree to Be a Software Engineer?
Most software engineer positions call for a bachelor's degree, but some include a degree as one possible qualification among several. Job posts may mention other qualifications such as a completion certificate from a technical bootcamp or "equivalent experience and skills." This may mean a few professional certifications and the ability to pass a technical assessment during an interview.
What Is the Best Degree for Software Engineering?
A bachelor's degree in software engineering will probably open the most doors if you want to be a software engineer. The curriculum covers the technical skills and knowledge you'll need but also engineering best practices for processes and project management.
Is a Software Engineering Degree Worth It?
It's probably worth the money and effort to earn a software engineering bachelor's degree. Computer and information technology occupations are growing at a very fast rate, especially jobs in software development. And more education generally leads to higher earnings and less unemployment over the span of a career.
What's the Difference Between Computer Science and Software Engineering?
Computer science is a general major that can lead to a range of career opportunities. Software engineering is more focused on creating and testing the programs that we run on our computer devices. It's potentially easier to get noticed for a software engineering role if you hold a focused software engineering degree than if you studied a broader subject.
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By OnlineU Staff Writers | 8/28/2023