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The Best Online Software Engineering Undergraduate Programs of 2021

Online software engineering bachelor’s degree programs open you up to a multitude of employment opportunities in the field of technology. If you want to become a software engineer, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree. In this guide, we will help you find the right online software engineering degree for you.

Top 10 Online Software Engineering Bachelor’s Degrees of 2021 at a Glance

The best online software engineering degrees are offered by institutions that are recognized and accredited. All of the institutions listed here have a strong reputation with employers. Take a look below at the best Bachelor’s Degrees in Software Engineering that you can take online.

School and Degree Price Notes
Arizona State University
Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering
$541 per credit All students
Davenport University
Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems
$836 per credit hour All students
Florida International University
Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering
$147 per credit
$264 per credit
In-state
Out-of-state
Hodges University
Bachelor of Science in Software Development
$595 per credit hour All students
Husson University
Bachelor of Science in Integrated Technology,
Software Development Concentration
$386 per credit hour All students
University of Illinois
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
$289 per credit hour
$604 per credit hour
In-state
Out-of-state
Upper Iowa University
Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering
$488 per credit All students
Oregon State University
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
$386 per credit All Students
St. Cloud State University
Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering
$4,334 per semester
$8,480 per semester
In-state (includes fees)
Out-of-state (includes fees)
Southern New Hampshire University
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science,
Software Engineering Concentration
$320 per credit hour All students

Benefits of an Online Software Engineering Bachelor’s Degree

Traditional education may not be the best option for everyone. Online degrees allow you to access most of the same resources as an on-campus degree. There are a few major benefits to pursuing a software engineering degree online.

  • You eliminate additional costs for rent, travel, and meal plans.
  • You gain considerably more practical experience, mainly through trial and error.
  • You can study at your own pace and create a schedule that works for you.

What Are the Requirements for an Online Software Engineering Bachelor’s Degree?

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Before you enroll for an online Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering, you need to have completed high school or your GED. Some universities ask for essays, application forms, SAT/ACT scores, or letters of recommendation. You also need to ensure that you have access to the right Internet speed to do your work.

Software engineering degrees involve a lot of work with a computer, and you need to have a device that can handle your workload. You need to establish that you have the right additional software to be able to perform your tasks. Usually, the institution you are dealing with will provide you with the right links to test if your computer is set up correctly.

Choosing the Right Online Software Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Program

When considering an online Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering, you should have an idea of your ideal career path and make sure the courses will benefit you when you enter the workplace. You also need to establish if the program itself is recognized by potential employers. We have listed some other considerations in more detail below.

Cost

While most online programs are cheaper than their in-person equivalents, it’s important to consider the cost of tuition and additional fees. Some universities offer merit and needs-based scholarships to help students pay for school.

Schedule

Beyond pricing, most people examine the practicality of studying for a degree online. Some courses will be completely self-paced, while others may require online attendance. Make sure that your program of choice fits your long-term and short-term schedules.

Scope

Make sure that the program you’re interested in covers all the topics you think are important. Some schools have strict course outlines, while others allow for more freedom through electives, specializations, and minors.

Best Online Software Engineering Bachelor’s Degrees in 2021

Best Online Software Engineering Bachelor’s Degrees in 2021

The best software engineering bachelor’s degree programs include subjects that will give you the skills to become more employable. It is also important to look for online programs that are accredited by the accreditation bodies in that field of study.

Most software engineering programs are online Bachelor of Science (BS) programs. On some occasions, institutions will include the option of a Bachelor of Arts (BA). Read below to learn more about the best Bachelor’s Degrees in Software Engineering.

Arizona State University | Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering

You will need 120 credit hours to complete this degree program, which includes a total of 41 classes. You will receive an introduction to programming languages, database management, and distributed software systems.

However, the major component of your degree program will be all of the elements that constitute software engineering. Some of the subjects you will learn include personal process and quality, design and process, construction and transition, project and process management, inception and elaboration, and system programming.

You will start this program by building up your software engineering foundations. By the time you have completed the degree, you will have built on those foundations and developed an expert knowledge of the subject matter.

Davenport University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems

To complete this degree program, you will need a minimum of 120 credits. The classes will introduce you to subjects like database and data analytics, programming, secure software development, and web and mobile development.

As you complete this degree program, there will be an emphasis on numbers and algorithms. Among the subjects you will be expected to complete are an introduction to statistics, college mathematics, intermediate algebra, pre-calculus, finite mathematics and calculus, and discrete structures.

To complement that, you will then have an opportunity to expand your knowledge on more complex computing subjects. You will learn deep learning, artificial intelligence, data warehousing, web design, object-oriented programming, and systems integration.

Florida International University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering

You will need 128 credits to complete this degree program. Before you can get started with any courses, you are expected to be competent with calculus because mathematics will be a major component of this program. Your core subjects in this program will constitute a total of 50 credits.

In that group of four subjects, you will find calculus, physics, and differential equations. There is also a strong engineering component to this degree program, which includes subjects like engineering orientation, evaluation of engineering data, and engineering economy.

The other major component of this degree program is electrical engineering. That will include subjects like applied software techniques in engineering, circuit analysis, signals and systems, and logic design. The program also has courses on special topics including computer architecture, bioengineering, control systems, and nanotechnology.

Hodges University | Bachelor of Science in Software Development

The two major components of software development are programming and coding. Those are essentially the subjects that will dominate your study when enrolled in this program. In this degree, you will become competent with SaaS software, internet-related software, gaming software, and various other applications.

You will master programming languages like Java, Python, C++, HTML, CSS, XML, JavaScript, Visual Basic, SDL Libraries, C#, SQL, and MySQL. You should be well equipped across the board once you are done with this program.

Beyond just programming, the degree program also tutors you on subjects revolving around network security, gaming and mobile app development, collaborative technology, and ecommerce. The one aspect that sets this apart from many courses is that there will be an emphasis on practical experience for the duration of your studies.

Husson University | Bachelor of Science in Integrated Technology, Software Development Concentration

You will need 124 credits to complete this degree program. There are four major components, which include general education, software and business, advanced mathematics, and electives.

The software and business component accounts for about 45 credit hours. That part of the program will cover subjects like computer programming, system analysis and design, algorithms and data structures, database design, IT security, and marketing fundamentals. The latter is an important part of the business component.

The advanced mathematical component covers aspects of logic and problem solving, precalculus with trigonometry, calculus with applications, and discrete mathematics. This software development concentration is a great way to get a well-rounded education.

University of Illinois | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

To earn your degree, you need to complete 120 credit hours. The bulk of those credit hours will be accumulated through the completion of computer science courses, which account for 36 credit hours. Another 36 credit hours will be attributed to information systems security.

This Bachelor of Science in Computer Science will cover things like computer organization, data structures and algorithms, foundations of computer science, programming languages, and operating systems. You will also complete a capstone project, which can help you test your software engineering skills.

The information systems security component will include things like an introduction to networks, network security and information assurance, systems programming languages, and Windows network administration.

Upper Iowa University | Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering

When you enroll in the software engineering program, you will get to cover subjects like advanced computer programming, visualization and graphics, game design and programming, warehousing, data mining, and data structures.

Beyond that, you will also receive some instruction in things like testing, validation, verification, interface design, visualization techniques, and informatics. This online Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering is well-rounded and will prepare you for a career in the field.

Oregon State University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

To complete this program, students need 180 quarter credits. The core components of this degree are programming fundamentals, databases, mobile and web development, software engineering, computer systems, and networking.

This Bachelor of Science in Computer Science also includes more specialized topics. You can learn cryptography, computer forensics, computation theory, operating systems, and computer science ethics. These are all important subjects to learn if you want to excel in software engineering.

St. Cloud State University | Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering

To complete this software engineering program, you need a total of 122 credits. Once you have completed your credits, you will be able to demonstrate competence in the application of software engineering lifecycles, software analysis, software design, construction, and deployment.

St. Cloud State University has a focus on equipping its students with real-world experiences. The university prepares students to work in various industries through hands-on learning and in-depth courses.

Southern New Hampshire University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Software Engineering Concentration

You will need 120 credits to complete this degree program. General education will contribute towards 42 of your credits. The main subjects to look out for include quantitative analysis, precalculus, and applied statistics because they can demonstrate your mathematics skills.

Your major courses will then contribute 57 credits towards your studies. Beyond just the introductory courses, you will also be exposed to instruction on multiple programming languages, operations platforms, software development lifecycles, system analysis and design, data structures and algorithms, and software security.

What Can You Do With an Online Software Engineering Bachelor’s Degree?

With an online Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering, you will be able to become a web developer, software engineer, or computer programmer. It will equip you with the skills that you need to create software and develop network systems for organizations across the board.

Most software engineering degree programs will also equip you with the skills that you need to build hardware products like routers, circuit boards, and processors. A software engineering degree program will also equip you with programming skills in JavaScript, Java, Python, Kotlin, Swift, C#, C++, and SQL.

How Much Can I Expect to Earn With an Online Software Engineering Bachelor’s Degree?

According to PayScale, you can earn $60,000 a year with a Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering. This number can get higher or lower depending on your experience and your position in the field. If you become a principal software engineer, you can earn $140,207 per year, according to PayScale.

Read our table below to learn more about the average salaries for the different jobs available in the software engineering field.

50000
Min salary
60000
Average salary
103000
Top salary

Top Online Software Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Careers

Profession Average Salary
Principal Software Engineer $140,207
Lead Software Engineer $119,475
Senior Software Engineer $119,346
Senior Software Developer $106,708
Software Engineer $87,349
Software Programmer $79,262
Software Developer $72,542
Associate Software Engineer $71,647
Application Developer $70,443
Junior Software Engineer $61,989

Is It Better to Get a BA or BS in Software Engineering?

When pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering, it doesn’t matter if you enroll for a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts. The differences between the two degree programs are quite small.

However, most schools only offer a BS in Software Engineering. It is important to remember that software engineering is first and foremost a computer science. This is why pursuing a BS will be the most suitable option for you under these circumstances, as the emphasis is on technical knowledge.

If you want a more general education, the Bachelor of Arts degree will be the more suitable option for you. That is because a BA program will allow you to enroll for more electives, minors, or a double major. You would ordinarily pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Software Engineering if it is business and management that you are more interested in.

Is an Online Software Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Worth it in 2021?

Yes, an online software engineering bachelor’s degree is worth it. With this level of education, you will be exposed to numerous work opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, software developer job opportunities will grow by 22 percent by 2029. If you want a guaranteed career in tech, you should study software engineering.

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