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Online Software Engineering Degree Earn a BS in Computer Science with a Focus in Software Engineering

Michael Richards, clad in cap and gown at the 2023 SNHU commencement ceremony after earning his software engineering degree online.

Cost per credit $330

Total courses 40

Term length 8 weeks

Program Overview Why get a software engineering degree?

From open-source databases to popular online payment systems, mobile games and ride-share apps, much of the technology we use every day wouldn't exist without software engineers.

In the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Science with a concentration in Software Engineering at Southern New Hampshire University, you'll learn the fundamental concepts and principles of software engineering while developing key coding and design skills needed to break into the field.

Skills you'll learn:

  • UI/UX design and development techniques
  • Secure coding techniques
  • Reverse engineering strategies
  • Emerging trends in systems architecture and software engineering
BS in Computer Science degree with a software engineering graduate Jef Dewitt, looking through a book while sitting at a computer desk.

Courses & Curriculum Online software engineering courses built for aspiring developers

Learn how to improve, secure and test code while analyzing software design patterns and systems architecture. In the online computer science degree program, you'll explore the design and development of computer software as you work to solve real-world problems.

Throughout your software engineering courses, you’ll create and save examples of your work, building a portfolio that shows off your ability to create user-friendly software that people enjoy.

Degree Courses

Online software engineering courses

Courses within this specialized software engineering program emphasize the design and development of computer software, providing you with the specialized math, science and engineering skills you'll need for career success.

Courses may include:

Course ID: CS 210
Students will develop functional programs that comply with industry regulations and best practices using various programming languages. Special attention will be paid to the importance of developing code that is not only functional, but also secure, efficient, and professional.
Course ID: CS 305
Through the analysis of advanced security concepts, students will learn how to develop secure code that complies with security testing protocols. In addition to exploring and implementing security concepts through code, students will also learn why and how to apply encryption technologies and techniques to communicate securely.
Course ID: CS 319
Students will explore User Interface (UI) and User eXperience (UX) design concepts and development techniques with an emphasis on user-centric and contemporary design patterns and techniques. Students will learn to conduct and evaluate user testing to inform user experience design. Use a variety of software tools to create wireframes and visual prototypes. This course provides students with authentic experiences in designing and developing user interfaces for embedded, cloud-based, and mobile systems.
Course ID: CS 340
Students will learn how to apply database systems concepts and principles to develop client/server applications that interface client-side code with databases.
Course ID: CS 350
Students will explore emerging systems, architectures and technologies. Students will be provided with an in-depth evaluation of emerging system architecture focusing on performance and the software/hardware interface. Emphasis is on analyzing fundamental issues in architecture design and the impact on application performance to enable better understanding of the concepts. Students will learn to evaluate software architectures, both established and emerging, and gain experience in determining when to implement architectures and technologies to fulfill business needs.
Course ID: CS 360
Students will apply mobile development principles and best practices to develop mobile applications using user-centered design principles and industry standards. Upon completion of a fully-functional mobile application, students will conduct security, product assuredness, and compatibility checks before launching the application.
Course ID: CS 405
Students will focus on common security vulnerabilities that are found in software. Students will learn techniques and strategies to develop robust and secure code, leveraging secure programming principles. Students will gain authentic experience identifying security vulnerabilities and writing secure code to mitigate risks to software and data.
Course ID: CS 410
Students will learn the basics of reverse engineering specific to software systems. Learn how reverse engineering is used to recreate missing documentation to support legacy software code. Examine how reverse engineering is used to make new software products, enhance the functionality and efficiency of software components, and recreate the code for applications. Apply fundamental reverse engineering technologies and practices for maintainability and security-related use cases.
Course ID: CS 465
Students will design and develop a full stack application through the utilization of programming language frameworks. In creating a full stack application, students will also be responsible for developing a database as well as the code that interfaces their application to the database. This course is the first course in a two-course sequence.
Course ID: CS 470
In this course, students will develop a full stack application that runs in the cloud. Through the application of cloud-based development principles and best practices, students will take their software stack from Full Stack Development I and utilize frameworks to build the cloud architecture upon which the software stack application will run. In addition, students will also demonstrate their career-readiness by articulating highly technical content to various audiences and in various formats. This course is the second course in a two-course sequence.

Apply for free in minutes

Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!

Upcoming term starts: March 3, 2025 | May 5, 2025

Next term starts:
Jan. 6, 2025

Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?

Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 93.2% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2023 survey with 21,000+ respondents.

What to expect:

8-week terms

Learn around your schedule

24/7 online support

Online Classroom

What does an online course look like?

You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:

  • Schedule of weekly assignments
  • Discussion boards
  • Grades
  • Instructor announcements
How to Take an Online Class at SNHU
5 ways SNHU makes the admission process "easy-peasy" #shorts

Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free

No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.

All it takes is 3 simple steps

It's easy, fast and free.

Whether you're applying for an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll fill out a form to verify your previous education experience. As part of our admissions process, we'll help you request transcripts from your previous school(s) to see if you can transfer any credits into your SNHU program! (Also for free!)

After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.

Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu

Accreditations

SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.

New England Commission of Higher Education Logo

Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think

As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.

Online undergraduate tuition

Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 120-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$330
$990
$39,600
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$231
$693
$27,720

*before previously earned credits are applied

Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.

**Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.

Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.

Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

$9,900 $14,850 $19,800 $24,750 $29,700
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

If 30 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $29,700

If 45 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $24,750

If 60 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $19,800

If 75 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $14,850

If 90 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $9,900

How we estimate your tuition cost:

We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for a bachelor's degree. Most bachelor's degrees require 120 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 90 credits, requiring a minimum of 30 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator, and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.

Career Outlook What can I do with an online software engineering degree?

Online shopping, banking, gaming and messaging — almost every industry relies on software engineering. And with continued demand for new applications on mobile devices and tablets, the world needs knowledgeable software developers who are ready to take on the challenge of an ever-growing field.

Earning a computer science and software engineering degree online can help you learn how to develop software on time, on budget and within specifications — skills that are highly valued by employers across various industries and geographic locations.

Occupations

With this concentration, students may be qualified for many software engineering and development roles, including:

Apply engineering principles and systematic methods to develop programs and operating data for computers.

Identify security vulnerabilities and write secure code to mitigate risks to software and data.

Develop client-side (front-end) and server-side (back-end) software, in addition to designing user experience.

Study computer systems and design ways to improve efficiency within organizations.

25%

Increase in software developer, quality assurance analyst and tester positions through 2032, projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1

$130,160

Median annual pay for software developer, quality assurance analyst and tester positions as of May 2023, according to the BLS.1

Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.

What SNHU students are saying

Michael Richards '22
Michael Richards '22

I worked 15 years in the steel industry, but now I get to completely change my career and go into something that I'm actually passionate about — not just make a living.

Michael Richards '22

Software Engineering

Frequently Asked Questions

Like so many other industries, the skill set of engineers working in the information technology industry can vary. Both software engineers and systems engineers are responsible for developing software components. However, systems engineers are also responsible for building, maintaining and supporting the organization's technical infrastructure.

As a systems software engineer, you could streamline internal operations and communications, design the organization's intranet or implement a computer security system.

Yes, you can. At Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), online software engineering degrees are designed with flexibility in mind. You can attend class when it’s convenient for you, whether that’s early in the morning or late in the evening. With six 8-week terms per year, you can complete your undergraduate degree at your own pace.

As a leader in online education, we're dedicated to creating hands-on experiences for learners everywhere. Online students have access to virtual computing tools and real-world learning opportunities, including the development of computer software. You’ll develop key coding and design skills and build a portfolio of your work that can help position you for success when applying for jobs.

You’ll also still have access to networking opportunities as an online student. SNHU even offers clubs for online students, as well as tutoring, writing services and career counseling to help you turn your software engineering degree into a career.

This all depends on your passions and career goals. If you've ever thought a software engineering career could be right for you, a bachelor's degree would be a great place to start. Maybe you're a military service member whose experience with advanced technology sparked a passion for coding. Perhaps you've wondered what it'd be like to build an application that can help connect people with healthcare services in your community.

As more and more businesses rely on technology for their day-to-day functions, software engineering degree holders are highly sought after across many industries.

Ulugbek Miniyarov '21 has been working in the industry for over a decade and is now using his degree to take his career to the next level. "I am on the verge of relocating to a different country and [my] degree is the main evidence that I am a great talent in the computer science field."

Some data suggests that earning a degree could also help position you for higher earning potential. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, median weekly earnings for bachelor’s degree holders were reportedly 41% higher than associate degree holders in 2023.1 In that same period, bachelor’s degree holders had an unemployment rate of just 2.2%, compared to 2.7% for associate degree holders and 3.9% for high school diploma holders.1

Southern New Hampshire University's first female computer science graduate Danielle Hoopes, who earned her degree in 2018With the skills gained in a software engineering degree, you’ll be prepared to develop new programs that solve problems, move business forward and even improve daily life for people around the world.

"Computer science is challenging and ever-changing and it sometimes makes me feel behind the curve. With that said, technology is shaping our world, and I can always be proud that I am a part of it," said Danielle Hoopes '18, the first female graduate of Southern New Hampshire University's (SNHU) online computer science degree.

A degree could also help open doors to powerful connections within the industry. Our alumni network, for example, is comprised of over 200,000 worldwide grads. In addition, some of our students have even been able to attend national conferences in person, allowing them to meet their peers along with academics, industry experts and employers from all over the globe.

Azita Dadresan, 2021 graduate of SNHU’s BS in Computer Science programJust ask computer science student Azita Dadresan '19. A month before graduating, she joined 26,000 people – 29 from SNHU – to attend the annual Grace Hopper Celebration in Orlando, Florida. Ready to advance her career as a software developer, Dadresan spent every opportunity she had at the event's career fair, and her efforts paid off – she left the conference gaining the interest of 22 companies and accepted a job offer from 1 of them.

Raven Wilson, a 2023 graduate of the BS in Computer Science program with a concentration in Software Administration

Lastly — and on a more personal level — earning a computer science degree can be deeply rewarding and extremely empowering. “I’ll be able to use this degree to…show my son that he can do anything he puts his mind to — just like his mom,” said Raven Wilson ’23.


The best degree is the one that prepares you for the career you want. Most software jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree in software engineering, computer science or a related field, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1

If you’re interested in pursuing a software engineering career, it’s important to understand the difference between software engineering and software development.

The positions often work together, but software engineers use engineering principles to analyze and design full software systems, while software developers work on the creation of the software itself.

A software engineering bachelor’s degree can give you the specialized math, science and engineering skills you’ll need for an engineering career. You’ll also gain the collaboration, communication and analytical skills that employers often look for.

If you want to advance in the computer science field and take on leadership positions, a graduate degree – such as an online master's in information technology may be required, according to the BLS.1 Earning professional certifications for specific software, programming languages or skills (like cybersecurity) may also be important depending on your ideal career path.

Read more about what you can do with a computer science degree.

You will need a strong understanding of math to succeed as a software engineer. Courses within Southern New Hampshire University’s online software engineering program can provide you with specialized math and engineering skills, including statistics, quantitative analysis, calculus, algebra and more.

General education mathematics courses, including pre-calculus, should help prepare you for the more advanced mathematics and engineering courses you’ll take later in your degree program.

If you're worried about succeeding in advanced math courses, we offer virtual tutors that can help you tackle any courses that challenge you, as well as online discussion forums that allow you to talk through problems with your peers and instructors.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers reportedly earned a median annual wage of $130,160 in 2023.1 That said, the salary of a software engineer can vary greatly depending on many factors, such as area of expertise, industry and geographical location.

In 2023, the top industries for employment of software developers in 2023 included software publishers, manufacturing, finance and insurance, management of companies and enterprises and computer systems design and related services.1 The median annual wage of software developers in each of these industries in 2023 varied. Developers in software publishing earned $143,210, developers in insurance earned $132,900 and developers in manufacturing earned $138,100.1

With a software engineering bachelor’s degree, you could find work across many industries as an applications developer, systems developer, software engineer, full-stack developer or programmer analyst.

Job prospects for software engineer degree holders appear promising in the coming years. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of software developers is projected to grow 25% by 2032 – much faster than the average for all occupations.1

Much of this growth will occur thanks to the continued expansion of software development for artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, robotics and other automation applications.1

Sources & Citations

1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:

  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm (viewed April 19, 2024)
  • https://www.bls.gov/emp/chart-unemployment-earnings-education.htm (viewed April 19, 2024)

Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.