Online Bachelor of Science (BS) Degrees - Software Engineering

Find schools

Featured Online BS Degrees - Software Engineering

Arizona State University - Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering

Arizona State University offers an online bachelor of science (BS) in software engineering through the Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering. The program provides students with a real-world perspective through projects each semester.

To apply, students must have a minimum 1210 SAT score (combined evidence-based reading and writing plus math score) or a minimum 3.00 Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) GPA. For transfer students, the minimum GPA is 2.75.

The program is made up of 120​ credit-hours. Some of the courses include engineering statistics, operating systems and networks, principles of distributed software systems, principles of database management, and computer systems fundamentals.

Students learn how to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems, apply engineering design principles, and communicate effectively. The program also encourages students to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities and make informed decisions.

At the end of the program, graduates can take up roles such as computer programmers, software developers, web developers, software engineers, and computer software quality developers, among other roles.

  • Location: Tempe, Arizona
  • Accreditation: Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET
  • Expected Time to Completion: 48 months
  • Estimated Tuition: $740 per credit-hour

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University offers an online bachelor of science in computer science with a concentration in software engineering. The program teaches students how to use software design principles and methodologies.

Admission requirements for the program include transcripts from all schools attended and an electronic attestation form stating that the student has graduated from high school or has received GED. GRE or GMAT scores are not required for admission. Higher GPAs may also make students eligible for more scholarship options.

​Made up of 121​ credit-hours, the curriculum has a special emphasis on the development and design of computer software, and provides students with the math, science, and engineering skills necessary for it. Some of the courses that students study include ​emerging systems architectures & technologies, mobile architecture and programming, secure coding, software reverse engineering, software testing, automation, quality assurance, and software development lifecycle.

Students learn how to apply software engineering design principles, processes and patterns for designing software, evaluating system architectures, and security approaches.

At the end of the program, graduates can pursue positions software engineers, programmer analysts, software development engineers, and applications developers.

  • Location: Manchester New Hampshire
  • Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
  • Expected Time to Completion: 48 months
  • Estimated Tuition: $320 per credit-hour

Brigham Young University

Brigham Young University offers an online bachelor of science in software engineering degree. The program provides students with a solid foundation in software engineering and computer programming.

Admission requirements include completing “Pathway Connect” (a low-cost education program that helps people start or return to college) or having at least 15 on-campus credit hours. Also, Pathway Connect students must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA, while others must have at least a 2.5.

The program consists of 120 credit-hours and is designed to help students create complex software systems. The curriculum explores topics such as an introduction to software development, software design and development, object-oriented software development, human-computer interaction, technical communication, and software engineering.

The program helps students get a firm grasp on the practices and principles of software engineering, translate software requirements into code, and develop a problem-solving mindset. Additionally, students also develop communication and interpersonal skills. Upon successfully completing the program, students can take up opportunities in software development, computer systems design, and software engineering.

  • Location: Rexburg, Idaho
  • Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
  • Expected Time to Completion: 48 months
  • Estimated Tuition: $343 per credit-hour

University of Maryland Global Campus

University of Maryland Global Campus offers a fully online bachelor's degree in software development and security. Major components of the program include programming languages, software security, and best practices in software development. The program's curriculum has been designed with inputs from industry experts, employers, and scholars.

Applicants to the program must have graduated high school or earned passing scores on the ‘General Education Development’ examination, among other requirements.

The program comprises 120 credit-hours. The coursework includes the following topics: introductory programming, secure software engineering, software security testing, intermediate programming, building secure web applications, and database security. Students learn how to design and implement secure software systems, the best practices to develop all phases of software, and how to minimize risk and protect privacy. They also develop soft skills such as teamwork and communication.

The program prepares students for technical and leadership roles in software. Some of the areas they can work in include security management, security analysis, application and software architecture, intrusion analysis, information security, penetration testing, engineering, programming, and system architecture.

  • Location: Adelphi, Maryland
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
  • Expected Time to Completion: 48 months
  • Estimated Tuition: $499 per credit-hour

Champlain College

Champlain College offers an online bachelor of science in software development. The program provides students with in-depth knowledge about software development, software languages, and cybersecurity.

Admission requirements for the program include a minimum 2.5 GPA, transcripts, proficiency in the English language, an aptitude for success in an online learning environment, and an ability to make a positive contribution to the Champlain College Online community.

The curriculum comprises 120 credit-hours. It includes courses such as an introduction to computer systems, data structures and algorithms, usability in website and software design, cloud computing security, operating system security, project management, and the essentials of project management. The program teaches students how to construct, test, and maintain computer application systems, use database management for storing data, create software applications, and build web-enabled apps.

  • Location: Burlington, Vermont
  • Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
  • Expected Time to Completion: 48 months
  • Estimated Tuition: $318 per credit-hour

Pennsylvania State University

Pennsylvania State University offers an online bachelor of science in software engineering. The fully online program is offered through the Penn State World Campus. The program provides students with a holistic understanding of software engineering through courses on software construction, engineering, and project leadership.

When applying to the program, students are required to have a high school diploma (or have completed their GED), a cumulative grade point average of 2.7 or higher, high school transcripts, official college or university transcripts (if applicable), and TOEFL scores (for international students).

The program consists of 126 credit-hours. Classes include an introduction to programming techniques, communication networks, operating systems, intermediate programming, programming language concepts, and basic management concepts. The program helps students develop relevant skills such as mobile application development and web application development. Students also learn how to solve problems using software and technology.

​The program can open up a wide variety of roles and opportunities for students. Some of these positions include sales engineer, project manager, video game designer, software testing engineer, user interface designer, and software developer.

  • Location: University Park, Pennsylvania
  • Accreditation: Engineering Commission of ABET
  • Expected Time to Completion: 48 months
  • Estimated Tuition: $555 to $596 per credit-hour

Bellevue University

Bellevue University offers an online bachelor of science in software development. The curriculum has been designed with contributions from IT employers and experts.

In order to get accepted into the program, students must have an associate degree (a minimum 60 credit-hours) or one year of computer programming experience and official high school transcripts (or GED certificate), among other requirements.

​The program comprises a total of 127​ credit-hours. Some of the courses include an introduction to programming using java, business telecommunication, business system programming, intermediate java programming, and management and design of database systems. Students are trained to develop software and web-based applications and apply design principles.

Graduates of the program are well-equipped to work as computer programmers, software developers and programmers, web developers, application developers, and systems software developers.

  • Location: Bellevue, Nebraska
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
  • Expected Time to Completion: 48 months
  • Estimated Tuition: $425 per credit-hour

Professors to Know in Online Bachelor's Degree Programs in Software Engineering

Kevin Gary, PhD - Arizona State University

Dr. Kevin Gary is an associate professor in the School of Computing, Informatics, and Decision Systems Engineering in the Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering at Arizona State University. He is a faculty member for undergraduate and graduate software engineering programs at Arizona State University. He teaches courses such as server software programming, distributed object systems, database technology, software engineering technology, and software enterprise.

Presently, his research is focused on software architecture and design, agile methods, open-source software, and applications in healthcare and e-learning. He is a member of professional organizations such as the Association for Computing Machinery and the American Society for Engineering Education, and his work has been published in top journals such as the International Journal of Computer-Assisted Radiology and Surgery and the Journal of Digital Imaging. He completed his PhD and MS from Arizona State University and his BS from SUNY Albany.

Jalaa Hoblos, PhD - Pennsylvania State University

Dr. Jalaa Hoblos is an assistant professor of computer science and software engineering at Pennsylvania State University. She teaches courses on computer architecture, programming language concepts, programming engineering with Matlab, and mathematics. Prior to joining Pennsylvania State University, she worked at Hiram College.

Her research is centered around data quality analysis, cloud computing, wireless networks security, and statistical mathematics. She has published her research in prominent journals such as the International Journal of Wireless Information Networks,Engineering and Applications, and the Journal of Software Engineering Practice. She completed her PhD and MS from Kent State University.

Related Articles

Artificial Intelligence in Job Recruitment: How AI Can Identify Top Talent

Diversity and inclusivity aren’t purely idealistic goals. A growing body of research shows that greater diversity, particularly within executive teams, is closely correlated with greater profitability. Today’s businesses are highly incentivized to identify a diverse pool of top talent, but they’ve still struggled to achieve it. Recent advances in AI could help.

Artificial Intelligence Systems & Specializations: An Interview with Microsoft’s Sha Viswanathan

The ability of a computer to learn and problem solve (i.e., machine learning) is what makes AI different from any other major technological advances we’ve seen in the last century. More than simply assisting people with tasks, AI allows the technology to take the reins and improve processes without any help from humans.

Automotive Cybersecurity: Connected & Self-Driving Vehicles

This guide, intended for students and working professionals interested in entering the nascent field of automotive cybersecurity, describes some of the challenges involved in securing web-enabled vehicles, and features a growing number of university programs, companies, and people who are rising to meet those challenges.

Building Web3: Expert Interview on Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs)

Unlike fungible items, which are interchangeable and can be exchanged like-for-like, non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are verifiably unique. Broadly speaking, NFTs take what amounts to a cryptographic signature, ascribe it to a particular digital asset, and then log it on a blockchain’s distributed ledger.

Building Web3: Smart Contracts, Solidity, and the Ethereum Network

First proposed by computer scientist Nick Szabo in the 1990s and later pioneered by the Ethereum blockchain in 2010, smart contracts are programs that execute themselves when certain predetermined conditions are met.

Business Systems Analyst – A Day in the Life

This is a role for tech-lovers, for logical thinkers, for those who like being given an answer and then are told to find the question. But it’s also a role for communicators, for relationship builders, for people who enjoy cross-departmental collaboration.

Careers in Digital Marketing: Big Data & Social Analytics

The field of digital marketing intersects with many other tech industries and grew out of traditional theories of advertising, marketing, and sales. Just like traditional marketing, the goal is to reach your target customer base, build brand awareness, and make a meaningful, data-generating connection.

Computer Science Education Week (CS Ed Week): An Expert’s Advocacy Guide

Computer science drives the modern world. Its applications help save lives, amplify marginalized voices, and enrich humanity’s understanding of itself. And the capabilities of computer science are only growing: today, the world’s six billion smartphone owners possess, in their pocket, more powerful computers than those that originally sent men to the moon.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Expert Interview & Advocacy Guide

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, which aims to help individuals protect themselves online. It’s also an opportunity to recognize the important work that cybersecurity professionals do to keep us, our businesses, and our nation’s infrastructure safe.

Data Science Professors to Know

Data science, as described by University of California, Berkeley, involves the analysis and management of large quantities of data. The discipline requires professionals who can ask the right questions, chart out what information is needed, collect the data, and analyze it effectively.