Top Schools for Software Engineering Bachelor Degree Programs

<h2 id="section---WhatMakesATopSoftwareEngineeringSchool">What Makes a Top Software Engineering School?</h2> <p>The top software engineering programs in the country are those which best prepare students for employment following graduation. To determine a top program, it is important to assess the research and extracurricular opportunities, internship placement options, and curriculum. Schools with built in research and extracurricular opportunities allow students to hone their skills and gain experience on campus, whereas schools with strong internship placement programs allow students to gain practical experience working with actively employed software engineers. It is also important to remember that curriculums vary in the order of classes and the level of early exposure to programming. </p> <h2 id="section---ThreeTopSoftwareEngineeringSchools">Three Top Software Engineering Schools</h2> <h3 id="section---IowaStateUniversityInAmesIA">Iowa State University in Ames, IA</h3> <p>In 2019, Iowa State's undergraduate engineering programs received a 43rd place ranking among schools whose highest degree is a doctorate, according to <i>U.S. News &amp; World Report</i>. Coursework for its software engineering bachelor's degree allows you to begin studying advanced programming techniques in your second year of study. As you make your way through the curriculum, you'll also complete a senior design project and portfolio development course. If you'd like additional hands-on training, software engineering students have access to co-ops and internships. Opportunities are also available to provide tutoring services, participate in research projects or compete in intercollegiate programming contests. </p> <ul><li>Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering </li></ul><h3 id="section---DrexelUniversityInPhiladelphiaPA">Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA</h3> <p>In addition to receiving the 102nd place national university ranking from <i>U.S. News &amp; World Report</i> in 2019, Drexel University is home to computer science faculty recognized for their career achievements by the National Science Foundation. The department also boasts numerous research labs devoted to the study of computer science. As a student in its software engineering bachelor's degree program, you can complete a three-part sequence of courses requiring you to undertake the design and implementation of a software system. The university's Steinbright Career Development Center also coordinates undergraduate co-op experiences that can provide you with up to 18 months of related work experience. Opportunities to complete an accelerated degree program and earn a master's degree in software engineering are available as well. </p> <ul><li>Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering </li></ul><h3 id="section---UniversityOfTexasAtDallas">University of Texas at Dallas</h3> <p>Ranked by <i>U.S. News &amp; World Report</i> for the 129th spot for public national universities in 2019, the University of Texas at Dallas offers a Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering through its Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science. Each year, this school places around 1,100 students in internship and co-op experiences with area tech companies. It also offers you the opportunity to complete graduate courses as part of your bachelor's degree program so you can go on to earn a master's degree in less time than it would take to complete the two programs separately. Should you choose to pursue an undergraduate degree at this school, you can also take advantage of specialized software engineering computer labs, get feedback on your senior design project from industry professionals and focus on areas including computer imaging, human-computer interaction and digital systems design. </p> <ul><li>Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering </li></ul><h2 id="section---SchoolsWithSoftwareEngineeringPrograms">Schools with Software Engineering Programs</h2> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th> College/University </th><th> Institution Type </th><th> Location</th><th>Estimated Undergrad In-State Tuition*</th></tr> <tr><td> Florida Institute of Technology </td><td> 4-year, Private </td><td> Melbourne, FL</td><td>$42,000</td></tr> <tr><td> Liberty University </td><td>4-year, Private </td><td> Lynchburg, VA</td><td>$22,500</td></tr> <tr><td> Miami University-Oxford </td><td> 4-year, Public </td><td> Oxford, OH</td><td>$15,000</td></tr> <tr><td> Arizona State University-Polytechnic </td><td> 4-year, Public </td><td> Mesa, AZ</td><td>$10,000</td></tr> <tr><td> Clarkson University </td><td>4-year, Private </td><td> Potsdam, NY</td><td>$49,000</td></tr> <tr><td> California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo </td><td>4-year, Public </td><td> San Luis Obispo, CA</td><td>$10,000</td></tr> <tr><td> University of Miami </td><td> 4-year, Private </td><td> Coral Gables, FL</td><td>$50,000</td></tr> <tr><td> San Jose State University </td><td>4-year, Public </td><td> San Jose, CA</td><td>$8,000</td></tr> <tr><td> Rochester Institute of Technology </td><td> 4-year, Private </td><td> Rochester, NY</td><td>$42,000</td></tr> <tr><td> Milwaukee School of Engineering </td><td> 4-year, Private </td><td> Milwaukee, WI</td><td>$41,000</td></tr> </table><p><i>*Source: NCES, U.S. Department of Education</i></p>