Prepare yourself to create the next generation of software systems. A bachelor’s degree in software engineering from Michigan Tech will help you secure a place in the future of this top-rated profession. Software engineering was named the best job of 2012 by CareerCast.com, based on work environment, physical demands, outlook, income, and stress. The hiring outlook for software engineers is favorable, thanks largely to new, exciting technology like smartphones, tablet applications, and cloud (online-hosted) software. Likewise, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that job opportunities in the field of software engineering will continue to expand through 2022—and a bachelor’s degree will be a prerequisite for many of these positions.
Software engineers design and develop software applications and systems. The working environment of software engineers is team based, and at Michigan Tech, you will have plenty of opportunities to hone your teamworking skills in class and in the Senior Design or Enterprise Programs.
The Department of Computer Science curriculum provides a foundation in computer science during the first two years, and specialized training for software engineers, focusing on both the practical and technical sides of software:
- Cost effectiveness
- Usability
- Modeling and analysis
- Design
- Reliability
- Quality
- Requirements and testing
- Teamwork and management
- Domain knowledge of an application area
Career Pathways
Career opportunities in software engineering are driven by the technologies in many application areas, including automobiles, aviation, data management, telecommunications, food production, factory control, robotics, pharmaceuticals, defense, toys, security, biomedical instrumentation, and sound design, just to name a few. You might opt to design and develop computer games, business applications, operating systems, network control systems, or middleware.