Top Schools for Software Engineering

Several schools across the United States offer software engineering programs. We've listed a few of our top choices below in alphabetical order.

All colleges and universities listed are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

1. Auburn University

Auburn University is a public research university in Auburn, AL. Through its Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, it offers computer software degrees at multiple levels.

The bachelor's degree in software engineering is a four-year, on-campus program. It includes courses such as:

• Computer Architecture
• Computer Ethics
• Principles of Programming Languages
• Software Modeling and Design

At the master's level, students can earn a Master of Science in computer science and software engineering. This program is available on campus or online and requires at least 30 credits.

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in computer science and software engineering is also available. It requires 66 credits of graduate work and a dissertation.

2. California Polytechnic State University

California Polytechnic State University, or Cal Poly, is a public university in San Luis Obispo.

It offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in software engineering. Core courses in this degree program include:

• Design and Analysis of Algorithms
• Individual Software Design and Development
• Software Construction
• Systems Programming

Students can also earn their master's degree in computer science and choose software engineering as their area of emphasis. This degree includes a thesis and seminar.

3. Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University is a private university in Pittsburgh, PA. Its School of Computer Science hosts the Institute for Software Research, which offers degrees at multiple levels.

Undergraduate students can major in computer science and choose a concentration in software engineering. It includes courses such as:

• Analysis of Software Artifacts
• Ethical Dilemmas and Policy Issues in Computing
• Foundations of Software Engineering
• Software Engineering Practicum

The Master of Software Engineering for recent grads is a 16-month program with two track options: scalable systems and embedded systems.

Experienced software engineering professionals can also earn their MSE. On-campus students can complete the program in four full-time semesters, while online students work part time and finish in 24 months.

A PhD in software engineering is also available. This is a full-time, residential program that takes four to five years to complete.

4. Iowa State University

Iowa State University is a public research university in Ames. It's primarily focused on science and technology.

The University offers a Bachelor of Science in software engineering. This is a 125-credit program that includes courses like:

• Discrete Computational Structures
• Introduction to Database Management Systems
• Introduction to the Design and Analysis of Algorithms
• Software Architecture and Design

Most students are able to complete their bachelor's degree within four years.

5. Michigan Technological University

Michigan Technological University, better known as Michigan Tech, is a public research university in Houghton, a city in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

It offers a Bachelor of Science in software engineering. The first two years of the program focus on foundational computer science concepts, while the final two years focus on software engineering.

Courses offered in this program include:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Development of Trusted Software
• Model-Driven Software Development
• Software Processes and Management

Most courses in this program are only available on campus, but a handful are available online for interested students.

6. Stevens Institute of Technology

Stevens Institute of Technology is a private research university in Hoboken, NJ. It offers a bachelor's and master's degree in software engineering.

The Bachelor of Engineering in software engineering takes eight terms to complete. It offers courses such as:

• Agile Methods for Software Development
• Individual Software Engineering
• Introduction to Systems Engineering
• Object-Oriented Software Engineering

The Master of Science in software engineering can be earned on campus or online. Required courses for this program include:

• Agile Methods for Software Development
• Software Architecture and Component-Based Design
• Software Requirements Analysis and Engineering
• Software Testing, Quality Assurance, and Maintenance

Ten courses are required for the MS degree, for a total of 30 credits.

7. University of California, Irvine

The University of California in Irvine is a public research university between Los Angeles and San Diego. It offers several degrees in software engineering.

The Bachelor of Science degree in software engineering provides students with a solid foundation in both software engineering and computer science. It includes courses like:

• Design and Analysis of Algorithms
• Human Computer Interaction
• Internet Applications Engineering
• Software Design: Structure and Implementation

UC Irvine also offers three graduate programs in software engineering. These are:

• Master of Science in software engineering
• Master of Software Engineering
• PhD in software engineering