Software Engineering: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Software Engineering is a rigorous academic discipline focused on the systematic development, testing, deployment, and ongoing improvement of high-quality software systems. This program equips learners with the technical and analytical skills needed to design scalable, secure, and efficient software solutions that meet real-world demands across industries.
- Discrete Mathematics: Explores foundational concepts such as logic, set theory, combinatorics, and graph theory, which underpin algorithm design and computational reasoning.
- Probability and Statistics: Provides tools for analyzing data variability, making informed decisions under uncertainty, and evaluating software performance and reliability.
- Computer Science Principles: Covers core topics including data structures, algorithms, operating systems, and programming paradigms essential for building robust software architectures.
- Managerial Science: Integrates project management, resource allocation, and systems thinking to support the efficient planning and execution of software development lifecycles.
- Complex System Applications: Applies theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios involving large-scale, interconnected software environments such as distributed systems, embedded platforms, and enterprise applications.
Software Engineering Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Software Engineering Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Software Engineering degrees, including Architectural and Engineering Managers, Database Architects and Software Developers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 2,169,260 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural and Engineering Managers 11-9041 | $167,740 | $111,450 - $239,200 | 210,340 | $80.64 |
| Database Architects 15-1243 | $135,980 | $81,630 - $209,990 | 64,770 | $65.37 |
| Software Developers 15-1252 | $133,080 | $79,850 - $211,450 | 1,654,440 | $63.98 |
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1032 | $106,120 | $59,790 - $200,650 | 39,910 | N/A |
| Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers 15-1253 | $102,610 | $60,690 - $166,960 | 199,800 | $49.33 |
Salary Comparison
Software Engineering Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $98,192 in Mississippi to $157,600 in California—a 61% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Washington, and Massachusetts. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 2,169,260 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Software Engineering by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 99 institutions offering Software Engineering programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Software Engineering is found at Northeastern University (NU) (1,086 graduates), San Jose State University (SJSU) (475 graduates), Western Governors University (WGU) (388 graduates), Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) (277 graduates), and Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) (237 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 5,887 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Admissions | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern University (NU) |
Master's
|
1,086 |
SAT: 1460-1550 ACT: 33-35 |
Boston, Massachusetts | Private | northeastern.edu |
| San Jose State University (SJSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
475 | N/A | San Jose, California | Public | sjsu.edu |
| Western Governors University (WGU) |
Bachelor's
|
388 | N/A | Salt Lake City, Utah | Private | wgu.edu |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
277 | N/A | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
237 |
SAT: 1500-1570 ACT: 34-35 |
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Private | cmu.edu |
| Kennesaw State University (KSU) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
173 |
SAT: 1020-1220 ACT: 19-25 |
Kennesaw, Georgia | Public | kennesaw.edu |
| Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
151 | N/A | Manchester, New Hampshire | Private | snhu.edu |
| Full Sail University |
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
Other Award
|
148 | N/A | Winter Park, Florida | Private | fullsail.edu |
| Iowa State University (ISU) |
Bachelor's
|
142 |
SAT: 1110-1350 ACT: 21-28 |
Ames, Iowa | Public | iastate.edu |
| The University of Texas |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
140 |
SAT: 1170-1410 ACT: 25-32 |
Richardson, Texas | Public | utdallas.edu |
| Arizona State University |
Bachelor's
|
140 | N/A | Scottsdale, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| DeVry University |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Bachelor's
|
135 |
SAT: 990-1130 ACT: 19-23 |
Lisle, Illinois | Private | devry.edu |
| Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
118 |
SAT: 1280-1460 ACT: 29-33 |
Rochester, New York | Private | rit.edu |
| University of California (UCI) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
113 | N/A | Irvine, California | Public | uci.edu |
| Stevens Institute of Technology |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
106 |
SAT: 1370-1500 ACT: 31-34 |
Hoboken, New Jersey | Private | stevens.edu |
| The University of Texas |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
89 |
SAT: 990-1230 ACT: 18-26 |
Arlington, Texas | Public | uta.edu |
| Drexel University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
86 |
SAT: 1230-1430 ACT: 27-33 |
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | drexel.edu |
| Concordia University-Wisconsin (CUW) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
79 | ACT: 22-29 | Mequon, Wisconsin | Private | cuw.edu |
| California State University (CSUF) |
Master's
|
75 | N/A | Fullerton, California | Public | fullerton.edu |
| Ashford University (UAGC) |
Bachelor's
|
72 | N/A | San Diego, California | Private | uagc.edu |
| Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) |
Bachelor's
|
64 |
SAT: 1040-1210 ACT: 20-25 |
Fort Myers, Florida | Public | fgcu.edu |
| Bowling Green State University (BGSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
63 |
SAT: 1020-1230 ACT: 20-26 |
Bowling Green, Ohio | Public | bgsu.edu |
| Auburn University (AU) |
Bachelor's
|
62 |
SAT: 1240-1380 ACT: 25-31 |
Auburn, Alabama | Public | auburn.edu |
| Brigham Young University (BYU) |
Bachelor's
|
53 |
SAT: 1290-1450 ACT: 28-32 |
Provo, Utah | Private | byu.edu |
| University of Puerto Rico (UPRM) |
Bachelor's
|
53 | N/A | Mayaguez, Puerto Rico | Public | uprm.edu |
| Pennsylvania State University |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
|
50 |
SAT: 1100-1340 ACT: 18-30 |
University Park, Pennsylvania | Public | worldcampus.psu.edu |
| Oakland Community College (OCC) |
Associate's
|
46 | N/A | Auburn Hills, Michigan | Public | oaklandcc.edu |
| Miami University |
Bachelor's
|
46 |
SAT: 1210-1380 ACT: 26-31 |
Oxford, Ohio | Public | miamioh.edu |
| Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) |
Master's
|
42 |
SAT: 1180-1410 ACT: 25-31 |
Chicago, Illinois | Private | iit.edu |
| University of Utah (U of U) |
Master's
|
40 |
SAT: 1180-1398 ACT: 22-29 |
Salt Lake City, Utah | Public | utah.edu |
| California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) |
Bachelor's
|
37 | N/A | San Luis Obispo, California | Public | calpoly.edu |
| University of Nebraska (UNL) |
Bachelor's
|
37 |
SAT: 1090-1330 ACT: 22-28 |
Lincoln, Nebraska | Public | unl.edu |
| Washington State University (WSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
36 | N/A | Pullman, Washington | Public | wsu.edu |
| California State University (CSUSM) |
Bachelor's
|
36 | N/A | San Marcos, California | Public | csusm.edu |
| George Mason University |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
34 |
SAT: 1140-1340 ACT: 25-30 |
Fairfax, Virginia | Public | www2.gmu.edu |
| Harvard University |
Master's
|
33 |
SAT: 1500-1580 ACT: 34-36 |
Cambridge, Massachusetts | Private | harvard.edu |
| Utah Valley University (UVU) |
Bachelor's
|
32 | N/A | Orem, Utah | Public | uvu.edu |
| Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology (TSCT) |
Associate's
|
31 | SAT: 1020-1215 | Lancaster, Pennsylvania | Public | stevenscollege.edu |
| Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (RHIT) |
Bachelor's
|
29 |
SAT: 1280-1470 ACT: 29-34 |
Terre Haute, Indiana | Private | rose-hulman.edu |
| Snow College |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
27 | N/A | Ephraim, Utah | Public | snow.edu |
| Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
26 |
SAT: 1130-1320 ACT: 23-28 |
Melbourne, Florida | Private | fit.edu |
| DePaul University |
Master's
|
26 |
SAT: 1130-1340 ACT: 26-31 |
Chicago, Illinois | Private | depaul.edu |
| Cleveland State University (CSU) |
Master's
|
26 | ACT: 17-25 | Cleveland, Ohio | Public | csuohio.edu |
| Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) |
Bachelor's
|
26 | N/A | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Private | msoe.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Platteville |
Bachelor's
|
25 | ACT: 21-27 | Platteville, Wisconsin | Public | uwplatt.edu |
| Pennsylvania State University |
Bachelor's
|
24 |
SAT: 1110-1320 ACT: 23-28 |
Erie, Pennsylvania | Public | behrend.psu.edu |
| University of Houston (UHCL) |
Master's
|
24 |
SAT: 990-1170 ACT: 18-23 |
Houston, Texas | Public | uhcl.edu |
| The University of Texas (UTEP) |
Master's
|
22 |
SAT: 870-1090 ACT: 17-23 |
El Paso, Texas | Public | utep.edu |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) |
Bachelor's
|
21 |
SAT: 1160-1360 ACT: 24-29 |
Prescott, Arizona | Private | prescott.erau.edu |
| Loyola University Chicago (LUC) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
21 |
SAT: 1160-1340 ACT: 27-31 |
Chicago, Illinois | Private | luc.edu |
| Saint Cloud State University (SCSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
21 |
SAT: 970-1280 ACT: 18-25 |
Saint Cloud, Minnesota | Public | stcloudstate.edu |
| Michigan Technological University (MTU) |
Bachelor's
|
20 |
SAT: 1120-1330 ACT: 25-31 |
Houghton, Michigan | Public | mtu.edu |
| Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania (Ship) |
Bachelor's
|
20 | SAT: 990-1210 | Shippensburg, Pennsylvania | Public | ship.edu |
| Keiser University |
Bachelor's
|
19 | N/A | Fort Lauderdale, Florida | Private | keiseruniversity.edu |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
18 |
SAT: 1140-1350 ACT: 24-30 |
Daytona Beach, Florida | Private | daytonabeach.erau.edu |
| West Virginia University (WVU) |
Master's
|
18 |
SAT: 1010-1240 ACT: 20-26 |
Morgantown, West Virginia | Public | wvu.edu |
| University of California |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
18 | N/A | Merced, California | Public | ucmerced.edu |
| University of Northern Colorado (UNCO) |
Bachelor's
|
17 |
SAT: 970-1180 ACT: 17-26 |
Greeley, Colorado | Public | unco.edu |
| University of Miami (UM) |
Bachelor's
|
17 |
SAT: 1330-1470 ACT: 30-33 |
Coral Gables, Florida | Private | miami.edu |
| Rasmussen University |
Associate's
|
16 | N/A | St. Cloud, Minnesota | Private | rasmussen.edu |
| East Carolina University (ECU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
16 |
SAT: 1050-1200 ACT: 20-26 |
Greenville, North Carolina | Public | ecu.edu |
| North Dakota State University (NDSU) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
16 | ACT: 19-24 | Fargo, North Dakota | Public | ndsu.edu |
| Villanova University |
Master's
|
16 |
SAT: 1400-1510 ACT: 32-34 |
Villanova, Pennsylvania | Private | villanova.edu |
| University of Arizona |
Bachelor's
|
14 |
SAT: 1160-1420 ACT: 21-30 |
Tucson, Arizona | Public | arizona.edu |
| Bellarmine University |
Bachelor's
|
13 |
SAT: 1075-1243 ACT: 22-28 |
Louisville, Kentucky | Private | bellarmine.edu |
| University of Minnesota (UMN) |
Master's
|
13 |
SAT: 1310-1480 ACT: 27-31 |
Minneapolis, Minnesota | Public | twin-cities.umn.edu |
| California State University (CSUN) |
Master's
|
12 | N/A | Northridge, California | Public | csun.edu |
| Connecticut State Community College (CT State) |
Associate's
|
12 | N/A | Hartford, Connecticut | Public | ctstate.edu |
| New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) |
Master's
|
12 |
SAT: 1210-1470 ACT: 25-32 |
Newark, New Jersey | Public | njit.edu |
| Southern Methodist University (SMU) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
12 |
SAT: 1320-1480 ACT: 30-34 |
Dallas, Texas | Private | smu.edu |
| Drury University |
Bachelor's
|
11 |
SAT: 1050-1310 ACT: 23-28 |
Springfield, Missouri | Private | drury.edu |
| Clarkson University (Clarkson) |
Bachelor's
|
11 |
SAT: 1198-1390 ACT: 26-31 |
Potsdam, New York | Private | clarkson.edu |
| Pace University |
Master's
|
11 |
SAT: 1130-1328 ACT: 24-29 |
New York, New York | Private | pace.edu |
| California Baptist University (CBU) |
Bachelor's
|
10 | N/A | Riverside, California | Private | calbaptist.edu |
| Chapman University |
Bachelor's
|
10 |
SAT: 1250-1430 ACT: 28-32 |
Orange, California | Private | chapman.edu |
| Fairfield University |
Master's
|
10 |
SAT: 1240-1380 ACT: 29-32 |
Fairfield, Connecticut | Private | fairfield.edu |
| Monmouth University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
10 |
SAT: 1125-1270 ACT: 24-28 |
West Long Branch, New Jersey | Private | monmouth.edu |
| University of Cincinnati (UC) |
Master's
Other Award
|
10 |
SAT: 1150-1360 ACT: 24-29 |
Cincinnati, Ohio | Public | uc.edu |
| University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) |
Bachelor's
|
10 | ACT: 17-24 | Edmond, Oklahoma | Public | uco.edu |
| University of Scranton |
Master's
|
10 |
SAT: 1150-1320 ACT: 25-30 |
Scranton, Pennsylvania | Private | scranton.edu |
| Lipscomb University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
10 |
SAT: 1145-1350 ACT: 22-29 |
Nashville, Tennessee | Private | lipscomb.edu |
| Vermont State University (VTSU) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
10 | N/A | Randolph, Vermont | Public | vermontstate.edu |
| Gannon University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
8 | N/A | Erie, Pennsylvania | Private | gannon.edu |
| St. Mary's University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
8 |
SAT: 980-1150 ACT: 16-23 |
San Antonio, Texas | Private | stmarytx.edu |
| Texas Tech University (TTU) |
Master's
|
8 |
SAT: 1090-1270 ACT: 22-28 |
Lubbock, Texas | Public | ttu.edu |
| Utah Tech University (UT) |
Bachelor's
|
8 | N/A | Saint George, Utah | Public | utahtech.edu |
| Grand Canyon University (GCU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
7 |
SAT: 1058-1175 ACT: 19-24 |
Phoenix, Arizona | Private | gcu.edu |
| Quinnipiac University (QU) |
Bachelor's
|
7 |
SAT: 1100-1300 ACT: 25-29 |
Hamden, Connecticut | Private | qu.edu |
| Rasmussen University |
Associate's
|
7 | N/A | Ocala, Florida | Private | rasmussen.edu |
| Trine University |
Bachelor's
|
7 | N/A | Angola, Indiana | Private | trine.edu |
| University of Wisconsin (UWL) |
Master's
|
7 | ACT: 21-27 | La Crosse, Wisconsin | Public | uwlax.edu |
| Rasmussen University |
Associate's
|
7 | N/A | Rockford, Illinois | Private | rasmussen.edu |
| Fresno Pacific University (FPU) |
Bachelor's
|
6 | N/A | Fresno, California | Private | fresno.edu |
| Saint Leo University |
Bachelor's
|
6 | N/A | Saint Leo, Florida | Private | saintleo.edu |
| University of Minnesota (UMN) |
Bachelor's
|
6 | N/A | Crookston, Minnesota | Public | crk.umn.edu |
| Saint Louis University (SLU) |
Master's
|
6 |
SAT: 1210-1430 ACT: 26-31 |
Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | slu.edu |
| DigiPen Institute of Technology |
Bachelor's
|
6 |
SAT: 1170-1390 ACT: 28-32 |
Redmond, Washington | Private | digipen.edu |
| Northern Arizona University (NAU) |
Bachelor's
|
5 | N/A | Flagstaff, Arizona | Public | nau.edu |
| Mercer University |
Master's
|
5 |
SAT: 1180-1350 ACT: 25-31 |
Macon, Georgia | Private | mercer.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Software Engineering programs
How much can I earn with a Software Engineering degree?
Salaries for Software Engineering graduates vary by role and location. Architectural and Engineering Managers earn a median of $167,740 annually, while Database Architects earn around $135,980. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $157,600 compared to $98,192 in Mississippi. Approximately 2,169,260 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Software Engineering programs?
Currently 135 accredited institutions offer Software Engineering degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Northeastern University (NU) (1,086 graduates), San Jose State University (SJSU) (475 graduates), and Western Governors University (WGU) (388 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Software Engineering growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 2,058 in 2010 to 5,994 in 2023-24. This represents a 191% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Software Engineering degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Architectural and Engineering Managers, Database Architects, and Software Developers. Related occupations employ approximately 2,169,260 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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