Which Colleges Offer Software Engineering Degrees in Boston, MA?

If you want to pursue a career in software engineering, you'll need to obtain a degree to be well versed in the field. In Boston, Massachusetts, there are plenty of bachelor's and master's programs relevant to software engineering at different universities and colleges.

What You Need to Know

Bachelor's degree programs are usually four years in length, and your coursework typically includes general education classes, along with computer science and software engineering core and elective classes. These programs may offer areas of specialization, and you might also have a chance to complete a capstone research project or co-op experience.

Master's degree programs usually require one or two years to complete, depending on the focus area you select. These programs require you to complete and defend a thesis or present a capstone project before graduation.

Bachelor's Degree Programs in Boston

Boston College

By majoring in computer science at Boston College, you would begin with introductory classes in computer science, the digital world, Web application development and scientific computation. Along with these classes, you will study calculus (BA) or multi-variable calculus (BS), computer architecture, logic and computing and computer algorithms. If you are able to maintain a 3.3-4.0 GPA, you will have the option of joining the Honors Program.

• Program Name: Bachelor of Science (BS), Bachelor of Arts (BA)
• Specialization Areas: Computer science, bioinformatics, scientific computation
• Program Length: 4 years
• Tuition and Fees: $55,464 (costs for 2018-2019)
• School Type: 4-year, private; 9,927 undergraduate and 4,793 graduate students

Boston University

As a student in the computer engineering program at Boston University (BU), you'd begin by taking introductory classes in calculus, computer science and physics, and then add classes such as logic design, operating systems and algorithms. You could also take electives to specialize in areas such as nanotechnology or green technologies. During your senior year, you'll complete a capstone design project, producing a product for real customers.

If you are already working in the field, BU offers an accelerated 2-year degree completion program, culminating in a degree in computer science. They also offer an undergraduate certificate in computer science that would prepare you to work in software development using C++ or Java. The certificate program includes an intro to programming course and four required math and computer science courses. This certificate can also serve as the prerequisite for the graduate-level software engineering certificate or the Master of Science in Computer Science degree program at BU.

• Program Name: Bachelor of Science
• Specialization Areas: Computer engineering, computer science
• Program Length: 1-4 years
• Tuition and Fees: $53,948 per year (costs for 2018-2019)
• School Type: University, private; 18,515 undergraduate and 16,142 graduate students

Northeastern University

Northeastern University offers several options for earning a degree that prepare you to work in the field of software engineering. They also offer you the opportunity to complete 12-18 months of a co-op program designed to give you a chance to work in differing types of companies, putting into practice what you've learned. All of their program options will give you a core group of liberal arts classes along with a strong basis in math and science. Depending upon your degree program, you may focus more on information organization, computer programming and/or electrical engineering. Northeastern also offers master's and doctoral degree programs in computer engineering and computer science.

• Program Name: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts
• Specialization Areas: Computer science, information science
• Program Length: 5 years
• Tuition and Fees: $51,522 per year (costs for 2018-2019)
• School Type: University, private; 13,909 undergraduate and 7,718 graduate students

University of Massachusetts - Boston

To earn either of the bachelor's degree options at the University of Massachusetts - Boston (UMB), you will take coursework in calculus and in computer science classes such as programming in C++ and Java, data structures and algorithms and software engineering. UMB also offers undergraduate certificates that can take up to three years to complete. These programs are for students who may already have an undergraduate degree and are looking to change careers or to specialize in a specific area.

• Program Name: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts
• Specialization Areas: Computer science
• Program Length: 3-4 years
• Tuition and Fees: $14,167 per year for residents; $33,966 per year for non-residents (costs for 2018-2019)
• School Type: University, public; 12,714 undergraduate and 3,450 graduate students

Master's Degree Programs in Boston

Boston University

The BU graduate programs focus on areas such as software applications, computer networks and hardware platforms. You may have the opportunity to do research in topics such as computer architecture and design. To earn a master's degree, you will generally need to complete 32-40 hours of coursework, successfully produce and defend a thesis and maintain a 3.0-4.0 GPA.

• Program Name: Master of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Engineering
• Specialization Areas: Computer science (MA), computer engineering (MS, MEng), computer information systems (MS)
• Program Length: 1-2 years
• Tuition and Fees: $53,572 per year (costs for 2018-2019)
• Prerequisites: Proficiency in programming C++ or Java, discrete mathematics, computer architecture
• Admission Requirements: GRE
• School Type: University, private; 18,515 undergraduate and 16,142 graduate students

University of Massachusetts - Boston

To earn an MS in Computer Science at UMB, you will need to complete at least 30 credits and a senior capstone project or a thesis. Prior to beginning the program, you will need to complete the undergraduate prerequisite courses in C++ programming, data structures and algorithms. Your coursework will include object-oriented software development including lab sections, and you will need to choose two theoretical electives and four applied electives from class options such as theory of computation, user interface design, database management systems and mathematical logic.

• Program Name: Master of Science
• Specialization Areas: Computer science, database technology
• Program Length: 1-2 years
• Tuition and Fees: $18,231 per year for residents, $35,287 per year for non-residents (costs for 2018-2019)
• School Type: University, public; 12,714 undergraduate and 3,450 graduate students

To summarize, you can obtain a computer science bachelor's degree from Boston College and Northeastern University, and can obtain either a bachelor's or master's degree from the University of Massachusetts and Boston University.