What Are the Math Requirements for Software Engineering?

Software engineering is the field of computer science focused on creating the software that goes into computers and devices used in a variety of settings around the world.

Students in software engineering programs must typically complete numerous math requirements, including advanced algebra, calculus, and statistics, as well as a range of other requirements. Keep learning to learn more about the math requirements for a degree in software engineering.

What Are the Software Engineering Math Requirements?

Software engineering, and computer science fields in general, typically require a strong foundation in mathematics. This is because computers themselves are built and run on math.

These requirements vary between programs, and some programs require students to take all their math courses before they begin their major, while others incorporate math into the major.

Math Courses Required for Software Engineering Majors

College courses fall into three broad categories: general education courses, prerequisite courses, and major courses.

To fulfill their general education math requirement, students can often choose from fields of math like algebra, calculus, and statistics. However, a software engineering degree often requires more than that.

Again, requirements vary between programs, but many may require math like:

• advanced calculus - advanced calculus refers to calculus that expands on what was learned in basic calculus
• combinatorial math/combinatorics - combinatorics is the mathematics of counting and arranging
• graph theory - graph theory is the study of graphs
• linear algebra - algebra that focuses on linear equations, vectors, and matrices
• numerical analysis - numerical analysis is a branch of mathematics that solves continuous problems using numeric approximation
• probability and statistics - probability and statistics are fields of applied mathematics that involve the collection, description, analysis, and inference of conclusions from quantitative data
• vectors and matrices - vectors and matrices are arrays that have a fixed number of rows and columns'

Computer Science Math Courses

Your program may require you to have some of these math courses completed before you begin your major, while other courses are a part of your core major courses.

Additionally, your program will likely require you to take some computer programming math courses. These courses may cover topics such as:

• algorithms - algorithms are processes or sets of rules to be followed in calculations or other problem-solving operations
• data structures - data structures are specialized formats for organizing, processing, retrieving, and storing data
• discrete structures - discrete structures are mathematical structures like integers and graphs that are not continuous
• object-oriented programming - object-oriented programming is a computer programming model that organizes software design around data, or objects, rather than functions and logic

Because each program is different, it's important to check the requirements for your specific program. Your advisor can help you select the right courses to stay on track.

Other Software Engineering Requirements

While math creates an important foundation for computer science, it's far from the only type of course that students need to take in a software engineering program.

First, students will need to complete the rest of their general education core courses. Many colleges and universities require all students to take specific courses, like English composition, but then let students choose their courses within other fields.

Fields that are commonly required for general education core requirements include:

• foreign language
• history
• humanities and art
• natural sciences
• social sciences

You'll also need to complete your prerequisite courses. Common fields of prerequisite courses required for software engineering include:

• chemistry
• computer science
• engineering
• physics

Finally, you'll be able to jump into your core software engineering courses. These courses prepare you for a career in software engineering, often covering topics like:

• algorithms
• artificial intelligence
• computer architecture
• data structures
• database systems
• discrete structures
• embedded systems
• object-oriented programming and design
• programming languages
• software design and development
• software security
• software testing, quality assurance, and maintenance

If you've chosen a concentration within software engineering, you'll have a handful of courses to complete for that concentration. Common software engineering concentrations include:

• artificial intelligence and machine learning
• data engineering
• game development
• graphics
• security and privacy

Many programs also allow students to choose a certain number of elective courses in computer science or software engineering, allowing students to tailor their program to their area of interest within the field.

How Long Does It Take to Earn a Degree in Software Engineering?

The length of time it takes to earn a degree in software engineering depends primarily on what level of degree you're earning and how many courses you take each semester.

Bachelor's degrees in software engineering usually require about 120 credit hours, and most students who are studying full-time can complete those within four years.

Full-time study is usually defined as taking twelve or more credits each semester. Some students study part time, especially if they have busy lives outside of school.

Master's degree programs usually require between 30 and 40 credits and can take one to two years to complete depending on the program.

Most traditional programs run courses on a 16-week semester schedule. However, some programs, especially online ones, run shorter course schedules, like eight-, six-, or even four-week courses.

Depending on your credit load, this may allow you to complete your degree program at a faster pace, as you can take more courses in a 16-week span than you would in a traditional program.

Find a Software Engineering Program Today

Software engineering requires a strong base in mathematics, particularly in calculus, linear algebra, and statistics. To learn more about software engineering requirements or for assistance with finding a program, reach out to Learn.org today.