Preparation
 Academic
programs in software engineering emphasize software and may be offered
as a degree option or in conjunction with computer science degrees.
Increasing emphasis on computer security suggests that software
engineers with advanced degrees that include mathematics and systems
design will be sought after by software developers, government agencies,
and consulting firms specializing in information assurance and security.
Persons interested in jobs as computer software engineers must have
strong problem-solving and analytical skills. They also must be able to
communicate effectively with team members, other staff, and the
customers they meet. Because they often deal with a number of tasks
simultaneously, they must be able to concentrate and pay close attention
to detail.
 Admission
Requirements
 Admissions
requirements for undergraduate engineering schools include a solid
background in mathematics (algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and
calculus) and science (biology, chemistry, and physics), and courses in
English, social studies, humanities, and computer and information
technology. Bachelor's degree programs in engineering typically are
designed to last 4 years, but many students find that it takes between 4
and 5 years to complete their studies.
Co-ops
Internships and Coops
provide students with a great opportunity to gain real-world experience
while still in school. Students seeking
software engineering jobs enhance their employment opportunities by
participating in internship or co-op programs offered through their
schools. These experiences provide the students with broad knowledge and
experience, making them more attractive candidates to employers.
Inexperienced college graduates may be hired by large computer and
consulting firms that train new employees in intensive, company-based
programs. In many firms, new hires are mentored, and their mentors have
an input into the performance evaluations of these new employees. Many universities offer co-op and internship
programs for students studying software engineering.
Click here for more
information.
Courses
of Study
In a typical 4-year college curriculum, the first 2 years are spent
studying mathematics, basic sciences, introductory engineering,
humanities, and social sciences. In
the last 2 years, most courses are in engineering, usually with a
concentration in one branch. For example, a software engineering program
might include courses in digital circuit design, microprocessor systems,
data structures and algorithms, organization of programming languages,
analysis and design of software systems, software modeling, and software
quality assurance and testing.
Ongoing
Study
Technological advances come so rapidly in the computer software field that
continuous study is necessary to keep one's skills up to date post
graduation. Employers, hardware and software vendors, colleges and
universities, and private training institutions offer continuing
education. Additional training may come from professional development
seminars offered by professional computing
societies.
Accredited
Programs
Those interested in a
career in Software Engineering should consider reviewing engineering programs that are
accredited by
ABET, Inc. If you choose to attend a program that is not ABET accredited, you should be sure that the university
is
regionally accredited.
The following is a current list of all universities offering accredited degree programs in
Software
Engineering. You may also
download
a PDF of this list.
As some software
engineering programs are offered as an option in a computer science
degree program, see also the list of accredited degree programs in
computer
science.
Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the US Department
of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
|
|
