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Earn an Online Software Engineering Degree
By earning an online software engineering degree students can enter a growing, fascinating, and lucrative field.
The average annual salary of someone with an online software engineering degree is $75,000, according to Payscale. These individuals go on to work as software engineers and developers, systems engineers, computer analysts, web developers, and leading or senior software engineers. They work in cyber security, ensuring that places like hospitals and banks can keep their clients' data safe, or in businesses or governmental organizations.
The difference between earning a degree on-campus and earning a degree online amounts to programs allowing students to adapt their learning to their needs. Some individuals do not want to sacrifice time with their families, and other individuals cannot afford to interrupt their work life to earn an education. Still others are trying to balance work, family, and education. This is why nontraditional learners prefer the flexibility of an online learning environment.
What kind of online software engineering degree should you get?
If you find yourself in a situation that makes going back to school or enrolling for the first time either logistically or financially problematic, then getting an online degree can be a great option for you. Online undergraduate programs in software engineering are an affordable, accessible, and flexible way to earn your BS in software engineering.
Despite the stigma online programs once held, they have mostly shed those stereotypes and have increasingly solid reputations, in large part because online programs are developed and taught by the same faculty who teach the traditional, on-campus courses. And in most cases, the diploma looks exactly the same as those garnered by “traditional students,” yet it was obtained at half the price.
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How much money does one make with an online software engineering degree?
In the next few years, the employment of software engineers is projected to increase by a huge 22 percent. Furthermore, those engineers will make, on average, an annual salary of $100,690, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
And these numbers reflect just those engineers who have a Bachelor’s of Science degree. Both employment rate and salary go up exponentially for those with advanced degrees. So if you're committed to getting a degree, expand your horizon by looking at our list of the top online colleges.
What can you do with an online software engineering degree?
Naturally, graduates from these programs have gone on to become software engineers for a range of companies and across industries. But the opportunities don't stop there. In fact, this is a highly versatile degree.
But don't just take it from us. Look at the stats! Graduates from these programs have secured careers as:
- Computer and Information Systems Managers
- Sales Engineers
- Chief Technology Officers
- Video Game Designer
- and much more
What are the requirements for an online software engineering degree?
Because these are bachelor degrees you will have to allocate at least the first year or so to completing some general education coursework. But once those credits are fulfilled you will jump into the major. This will first entail foundational classes that will introduce you to software engineering fundamentals.
In your final years you will take highly technical and specialized coursework in software engineering. It will also be expected that, before graduation, you participate in either a capstone research project or internship, sometimes even both. We've been sure to note which programs have which requirements.
What are the best online Bachelor's of Science in Software Engineering degree programs?
Below are the Best Online Bachelor's in Software Engineering degree programs in the country. Here at College Choice we’ve collated and compared the academic reputation, student satisfaction, affordability, and average annual salary of early career software engineering from online programs across the country to create a definitive ranking of the nation’s fifteen best.
We first chose programs with the most renowned academic reputation according to U.S. News & World Report, and from those pared the list down to those with high retention rates—a reflection of student satisfaction.
Then, we ordered them by weighting reputation and retention rates with tuition price and the averages of early career salaries (care of PayScale) to arrive at a list marked by thorough research and extensive data aggregation.
Our figures come from the university and colleges’ websites as well as nationally recognized U.S. News & World Report and The National Center for Education Statistics.
Top 10 Best Online Software Engineering Degrees
See our rankings methodology page.
#1 Best Online Software Engineering Degrees
Western Governors University
- Salt Lake City, UT
- 4 years
- Online
Western Governors University, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, provides premier online programs for students seeking competitive study. The bachelor of science in software development program connects degree-seekers interested in software development with rigorous industry-relevant education.
The program's supportive virtual community benefits participants, connecting them with faculty and colleagues through a remote learning environment. Enrollees gain knowledge relevant to their future careers from classes covering foundational and advanced topics in software engineering. Learners can complete experiential learning opportunities, like internships and research projects, to develop skills for a future career in the field. The institution provides degree-seekers with access to student success-focused resources, such as career and academic advising, throughout the course of the program.
Enrollees can visit with a financial aid officer to explore options for defraying degree costs. The college offers many fellowships, scholarships, and federal aid opportunities. Of all enrollees, 72% receive some kind of financial aid.
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
136,139
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#2 Best Online Software Engineering Degrees
Kennesaw State University
- Kennesaw, GA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Looking for a flexible education that prepares you for a career in the field? Check out the bachelor of science in software engineering at Kennesaw State University. The 18,360 online learners at the public college receive a premier education, choosing from 14 bachelor's programs offered remotely.
The bachelor's in software engineering program prepares students for a fulfilling career by giving them the tools needed for success. Enrollees benefit from many different types of classes, covering both foundational and advanced topics. Degree-seekers strengthen their knowledge of the industry through experiential learning opportunities, furthering their career goals. Internships, externships, and industry-specific projects give valuable knowledge to learners. Academic advisors and career counselors assist students through the course of their program.
To lower degree expenses, qualified applicants can pursue funding opportunities, like scholarships and fellowships, from internal and external sources. Degree candidates can get support for their educational endeavors from the leader in online education, with the college awarding financial aid to 92% of enrollees.
Percent Online Enrollment
49%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Best Online Software Engineering Degrees
Arizona State University-Downtown Phoenix
- Phoenix, AZ
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students interested in a flexible education that prepares them for a career in the software engineering field should check out the bachelor of science in software engineering at Arizona State University-Downtown Phoenix.
The program prepares students for a fulfilling software engineering career by giving them the tools needed for success. The variety of classes in the curriculum benefits enrollees, giving them broad knowledge of both foundational and advanced software engineering topics. Degree-seekers can deepen their industry knowledge with experiential learning opportunities to further their career goals. Internships, externships, and industry-specific projects give valuable knowledge to learners. Throughout the program, students can get guidance from their academic advisor and career counselor.
Internal and external funding opportunities like scholarships and fellowships help applicants lower their degree costs. A remote education leader, the college awards financial aid to 98% of enrollees to support them on their academic journey.
Percent Online Enrollment
57%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Best Online Software Engineering Degrees
Southern New Hampshire University
- Manchester, NH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Its flexibility makes the bachelor's in computer science with a software engineering concentration at Southern New Hampshire University a good choice for learners seeking an online education in software engineering. The 35 industry-relevant online bachelor's programs at the private institution educate 106,762 remote degree-seekers. The supportive online community at other institutional resources at the Manchester-based college benefits distance learners.
Enrollees learn industry knowledge in engaging classes. The software engineering curriculum includes general education and advanced classes, with the opportunity to customize courses and pick electives. Experiential learning opportunities supplement enrollees' academic experiences. Research, internships, and externships help provide a firsthand experience of working in the software engineering field.
Prospective students can learn about enrollment criteria by talking to the admissions office. Learners can also meet with the financial aid office to explore eligibility requirements for funding opportunities, as 77% of all students receive some form of financial aid. Eligible degree candidates can use scholarships, fellowships, and other types of aid to lower the price of their degree.
Students Enrolled
113,514
Percent Online Enrollment
94%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#5 Best Online Software Engineering Degrees
Bellevue University
- Bellevue, NE
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
For students seeking a flexible education to prepare them for the field, the bachelor of science in software development at Bellevue University is a great choice. The private college connects 11,008 distance learners with a top online education, offering 54 bachelor's programs remotely.
The program prepares students for a software development career by equipping them with the tools they need to succeed. Enrollees learn about both foundational concepts and advanced topics in the field through a variety of classes. Experiential learning opportunities deepen degree-seekers' industry knowledge, helping them advance their career goals. Learners gain valuable knowledge from internships, externships, and applied research projects. Over the course of their studies, students can seek guidance from academic advising and career services.
To offset degree costs, eligible students can pursue external and internal funding opportunities, such as scholarships and fellowships. A leader in online education, the college connects students with financial aid to support their learning endeavors, reporting 84% of all enrollees receive aid.
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
95%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission