Software engineers create and develop software programs and applications, work on networks and back-ends, write code, manage databases, and develop and maintain websites. Today, new programs and software are constantly in demand across industries, and the field of software engineering is brimming with employment opportunities. Jobs in software development, web development, and database administration have particularly lofty growth forecasts.A degree in software engineering will prepare graduates for immediate employment within the field. In a software engineering program, you'll learn how to code, develop websites, build databases, and much more. Today, students have the opportunity to earn a software engineering degree on campus and on the web. Whether you're interested in an associate, bachelor's, or graduate degree, you'll be able to find a quality software engineering degree online program. Online programs are taught asynchronously, allowing you to pursue a rigorous and rewarding degree without ever setting foot on campus.If you are creative, analytical, detail-oriented, and a skilled problem-solver with a knack for math, a career in software engineering may be right for you. Considering earning a software engineering degree online? Read on to learn more about the classes you'll take and the jobs you can prepare for in an online software engineering program.
Online Software Engineering Degree Overview
Earning an associate-level software engineering degree online can potentially lead to introductory jobs in the field. Most jobs for associate-holders, however, will not be technical. More commonly, an associate program serves as a stepping-stone to a bachelor's degree, which is required for most job opportunities. Given that an associate program is often less expensive than the first two years of school at a four-year college, many students opt to earn their associate before continuing on to a bachelor's program. Graduate-level degrees, including a master's in software engineering online, are generally intended for students in pursuit of executive-level corporate positions or careers in academia.
| Degree Level | Average Cost | Loan Default Rate | Time Commitment | Early Career Pay | Mid-Career Pay | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate | $18,415 | 9.35% | 2 years | $48,625 | Not reported | Not reported |
| Bachelor's | $27,470 | 5.63% | 4 years | $61,224 | $72,750 | 5.8% |
| Master's | $21,607 | 5.86% | 2 years | $66,500 | $80,115 | Not reported |
Online Software Engineering Degrees
Online Software Engineering Find Accredited Degrees
Online Software Engineering Choose Your Career
| Career | Median Salary | Projected Growth | 2014 Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developers | $100,690 | 17% | 1114000 |
| Computer Programmers | $79,530 | -8% | 328600 |
| Web Developers | $64,970 | 27% | 148500 |
| Database Administrators | $81,710 | 11% | 120000 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | $110,620 | 11% | 25600 |
Online Software Engineering Professional Requirements
NCEES State Board
The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) is a non-profit organization providing licensing through state boards for professional engineers and surveyors. The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exams are offered in every engineering discipline, and the PE has a specific software engineering exam. Software engineers must have at least four years of work experience prior to taking the PE exam. The FE is a 110-question multiple choice exam that lasts for six hours. The PE is an eight-hour exam.