The Best Online Software Engineering Schools | Top 8 Schools Certificate to Master’s Programs

The best online software engineering schools offer plenty of benefits to future and current professionals! You can earn an accredited degree in a purely virtual setting, while still gaining hands-on experience. Not to mention, an online software engineering degree can lead to coveted jobs in a competitive industry.

A software engineer is a type of software developer. They plan the scope and work order of a project’s system and software requirements, taking a broad view of both. In charge of developing software to meet user needs, software engineers recommend upgrades to consumers’ existing systems and programs.

So if you’re looking to become a part of a growing field in a nontraditional setting, an online software engineering degree may be the right option for you.

Article Navigation: Become a Software Engineer Online | Types of Undergrad Software Engineer Degrees Online | Graduate Software Engineer Programs Online | The 8 Best Online Software Engineering Schools from $5,560 | What are the Qualities of the Best Online Engineering Schools? | Careers and Salaries with Software Engineering Degrees Online | Begin an Online Degree in Software Engineering Today!

Become a Software Engineer Online

So, how do online software engineering programs and computer science programs differ?

Though they are similar, the scope of an online software engineering degree is narrower and more specified. It focuses on the design and implementation of complex and large-scale software systems. For example, a personalized recommendation algorithm. Computer science offers a broader grasp of all of modern computers’ components.

Can You Earn a Software Engineering Degree Online?

Many schools offer the option to earn a degree in software engineering online. You can earn it fully online, or seek out hybrid and blended programs. There are also options like full-time and part-time scheduling, asynchronous and synchronous classes, and more! Prerequisites vary depending on the school and program. Some require a bachelor’s degree, while others will accept field experience. When deciding which is right for you, it’s important to look at accredited software engineering programs.

Types of Undergrad Software Engineer Degrees Online

Now, let’s check out undergrad online software engineering degrees. You can choose between three types: certificate, associate, and bachelor.

Certificate

Certificates in software engineering focus narrowly on professional objectives. Basically, they are more specific to a particular job or career niche. They differ from degrees in a few ways. To begin with, the amount of time required for completion. It might take 1-2 years to earn an undergrad certificate in this field. At the end of a certificate program, you’ll likely have around 12-18 credits under your belt.

Students earning a certificate can expect to cover courses in data analysis, user interface, and testing and assurance.

Online Associate Programs

An online associate software engineering program takes about two years to complete. It is more in-depth than a certificate, while still passing as a very entry-level degree. Generally, you want a bachelor’s degree to get going in the field. But an associate’s degree is a great way to break in as well.

Students can expect to explore courses such as programming and design at this degree level. Plus, an associate’s degree will include general education courses which can be transferred to a bachelor’s later on.

Consider either an Associate of Arts, Science, or Applied Science when seeking out this degree.

Bachelor’s Online in Software Engineering

The bachelor’s degree is the most traditional route to becoming a software engineer. It’s also most conducive to internships and hands-on experiences. Those are valuable ways to gain firsthand software engineering experience while enhancing your credentials. Internships at technology companies will allow you to learn alongside experienced developers and software engineers. You’ll likely learn much of the following:

• Coding
• Debugging software applications
• Experimentation with design elements

Hackathons and coding competitions are additional events where you tackle real-world problems with your peers. You will gain exposure to working under pressure while learning from more experienced developers. Additionally, contributing to open-source projects will grant you experience working on real-world projects with other developers.

All in all, students seeking hands-on experience would benefit most from a bachelor’s degree. A software engineer bachelor degree online requires four years to complete, so it may not be best for applicants looking to complete their degree in a shorter period of time.

Graduate Programs Online

Next, let’s look at graduate software engineering programs online. Prospective students can choose between the graduate certificate or a master’s degree. Currently, there are no software engineering doctorate degrees online.

Online Graduate Certificate in Software Engineering

Graduate certificates are an academic credential at the graduate level. They’re concentrated, satisfying the professional or supplemental needs of students pursuing specific careers. These programs exist for people across a wide range of industries and disciplines.

Master’s Degree in Software Engineering Online

Students receive the master’s degree credential in software engineering online after completing a program focused on a specific subject. For example, you can get a degree in computer science with a concentration in engineering. There are even cybersecurity engineering master’s programs online.

A bachelor’s degree is required to earn a master’s degree. Generally, they require between two and three years to complete.

The 8 Best Online Software Engineering Schools from $5,560

What makes the best online schools for software engineering stand out? The answer depends on your specific needs and preferences. For instance, are you looking for the cheapest online computer engineering school? Or the most flexible online software engineering option? This section covers the different types of software engineering programs.

1. North Dakota State University

   Degree(s): Certificate in Software Engineering; Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering; Graduate Certificate in Software Engineering; Master of Software Engineering
   Accreditation: HLC
   Tuition (in-state): $5,564
   Tuition (out-of-state): $47,165

   The Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering prepares students to apply engineering principles to the design, testing, implementation, and evaluation of software. This is an excellent degree for those pursuing team-based IT work.

   The goal of the Graduate Certificate in Software Engineering is to gain course experiences that allow for a distinct skill set or knowledge. Both employed pros and full-time students can enroll in this software engineer school online.

   While the MSE is an online coursework only program designed for professionals, the MS in Software and Security Engineering is both a research and coursework program. Depending on funding and faculty interest, Spring admissions are occasionally considered. When there are no Spring openings, applicants are considered for the following fall semester.

   Find Out More:
   Certificate in Software Engineering
   Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering
   Graduate Certificate in Software Engineering
   Master of Software Engineering

    

2. Kennesaw State University

   Degree(s): Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering; Graduate Certificate in Software Engineering Foundations; Graduate Certificate in Software Engineering; Master of Science in Software Engineering
   Accreditation: SACSCOC
   Tuition (in-state): $5,745
   Tuition (out-of-state): $22,688

   This is currently the only public undergraduate Software Engineering program in Georgia. One of the best software engineering schools online, Kennesaw State is also fully accredited by ABET.

   What sets the BS degree apart from other software engineer majors is its focus on software (as opposed to hardware) aspects of computing.

   Students who do not have an undergrad degree in computer science can build their foundation of knowledge with a Graduate Certificate. Students who lack significant computing backgrounds will enhance their knowledge of computer science subjects that are necessary for careers in relevant fields.

   With the KSU software engineering Master’s program, students learn to develop diverse systems and software products, ranging from web and mobile to cloud solutions. Also, the degree is flexible. Students can choose to attend class completely online, on-campus, or in a hybrid setting. Both full-time and part-time study options are also available, making this among the more flexible best online software engineering programs.

   Find Out More:
   Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering
   Graduate Certificate in Software Engineering Foundations
   Graduate Certificate in Software Engineering
   Master of Science in Software Engineering

    

3. St. Mary’s University

   Degree(s): Graduate Certificate in Software Engineering; Master of Science in Software Engineering
   Accreditation: SACSCOC
   Tuition (in-state): $13,188
   Tuition (out-of-state): $34,575

   With the Certificate in Software Engineering at St. Mary’s, learn how to execute sound engineering theory, tools, principles, and processes. You can also expect to explore the following as it relates to complex software systems:

   – Evaluation
   – Development
   – Testing
   – Maintenance

   The program is available fully online. Worth noting: students will not gain a wide range of programming skills that highlight specific language syntax. Rather, they will gain the knowledge to design and orchestrate large-scale software systems.

   The Graduate Certificate in Software Engineering is a four-course program consisting of 12 credit hours. Students can use it toward completion of the Master’s degree with additional courses while completing either a thesis or capstone project.

   Furthermore, this provides knowledge in design, development, implementation, integration, and maintenance of software. They gain skills and knowledge necessary for development and management of large-scale software systems, focusing primarily on quality, reliability, and maintainability.

   The Master of Science in Software Engineering is a 30-credit hour program. Skills that the online software engineering master’s program focuses on include:

   – Managing organizational structures
   – Development processes
   – Analysis and modeling techniques

   Find Out More:
   Graduate Certificate in Software Engineering
   Master of Science in Software Engineering

    

4. Pace University

   Degree(s): Master of Science in Software Development & Engineering; Graduate Certificate in Secure Software & Information Engineering; Graduate Certificate in Software Development & Engineering
   Accreditation: MSCHE
   Tuition (in-state): $18,900
   Tuition (out-of-state): $41,640

   This is one of the few Software Development and Engineering programs in the New York City area. Its in-depth study of software system management and maintenance distinguish it from other software engineering programs online.

   In particular, the master’s program prepares students to take the exam that leads to the CSDA. Students can then continue their careers with a prized degree and highly valued certification. To apply, you need an undergrad or graduate degree in computer science, or have related experience.

   On the other hand, the graduate certificates prioritize the latest techniques for developing and maintaining secure software and information infrastructures. Applicants must have professional experience or a degree in the computing field. They are required to take a prerequisite course in Java fundamentals in the absence of a degree or experience.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Science in Software Development & Engineering
   Graduate Certificate in Secure Software & Information Engineering
   Graduate Certificate in Software Development & Engineering

    

5. Stevens Institute of Technology

   Degree(s): Graduate Certificate in Software Systems Architecture; Graduate Certificate in Software Engineering; Master of Science in Software Engineering
   Accreditation: MSCHE
   Tuition (in-state): $21,312
   Tuition (out-of-state): $59,940

   The Graduate Certificate in Software Systems Architecture, leads to in-depth understanding of software systems architecture and design best practices. Software engineers and systems engineers share their perspectives on in-depth study of the best practices for software systems architecture and design.

   This program also offers necessary knowledge on reliable computer systems. It focuses on quantitative problem-solving methods (over qualitative ones). You’ll navigate a wide range of small-scale and more complex projects, working in teams to tackle problems.

   The MS in Software Engineering offers rigorous, hands-on project and team based study. It surpasses the curriculum standards put in place by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and Association for Computing Machinery, making it one of the best software engineer programs online. Students explore every aspect of software creation, including Analysis

   – Design
   – Testing
   – Maintenance
   – Evaluation

   The program is available fully online or on campus.

   Find Out More:
   Graduate Certificate in Software Systems Architecture
   Graduate Certificate in Software Engineering
   Master of Science in Software Engineering

    

6. University of Advancing Technology

   Degree(s): Master of Science in Software Engineering; Bachelor of Science in Network Engineering
   Accreditation: HLC
   Tuition (in-state): $29,600
   Tuition (out-of-state): $59,200

   The format of this software engineer school online is unique. Students may take a single module at a time, or various modules to progress towards a degree. They can combine any four modules and also customize their master’s degree. That means specific electives most conducive to your career goals and needs.

   Among the novel and exciting focus areas in this software engineer degree online are contemporary topics such as:

   – IT mobilization
   – Virtualization
   – Cloud computing
   – Data center design

   Graduates have a mastery of secure network architecture and fluency in multi-platform system administration. The Bachelor’s degree equips students with skills necessary for becoming successful specialists. It benefits network engineers, systems engineers and network systems administrators, specifically.

   The objectives of the BS in Network Engineering degree are to analyze business needs, create solutions, and apply appropriate frameworks and tools. Students will strengthen skills that elucidate complex topics pertaining to technology for a lay-person. In addition, they’ll utilize appropriate tools to compose cloud infrastructure that shines light on the strongest benefits of remote infrastructure.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Science in Software Engineering
   Bachelor of Science in Network Engineering

    

7. University of Arizona

   Degree(s): Master of Science in Software Engineering; Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering
   Accreditation: WSCUC
   Tuition (in-state): $29,850
   Tuition (out-of-state): $72,000

   The Master of Science at this top software engineering school requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Students without a degree equivalent may still enroll in the graduate program with additional graduate level prerequisite courses prior to enrolling. They also need proficiency in a programming language or one to two years of experience in a position related to software.

   The program was established in 1961 as the first systems engineering department in the nation. Intensive design experiences reflecting industry demand bolster it. Students may choose from diverse classes and research while designing their course of study. For example:

   – Web and mobile applications
   – Artificial intelligence
   – Cloud computing
   – Embedded systems
   – Cybersecurity
   – Machine learning

   The BS in Software Engineering centers on proven engineering techniques and disciplines with best practices in the software development lifecycle. This software engineer major provides core principles from systems engineering, electrical and computer engineering, and software engineering. A solid foundation of mathematics, including calculus, physics and discrete math, drives the curriculum.

   Agile development is one relevant software method integral to the curriculum. Explore automated testing, DevOps, IT operations, and more with this software engineering degree online.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Science in Software Engineering
   Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering

    

8. University of Southern California

   Degree(s): Master of Science in Computer Science / Software Engineering; Graduate Certificate in Software Architecture
   Accreditation: WASC
   Tuition (in-state): $41,208
   Tuition (out-of-state): $68,908

   The Master’s software engineering degree online will expand your skills in systems engineering, management, and customer collaboration. These skills are necessary for leadership jobs as well as careers that cannot be outsourced. Course materials cover emerging trends such as:

   – High assurance
   – Agile methods
   – COTs integration
   – Rapid software development

   Students tackle real-client class projects and novel evaluation assignments. They leave prepared for an industrial leadership career facing architecture systems, systems of systems, and software-intensive systems. This 15-unit software engineer online program has some of the best online software engineering courses.

   Finally, the Graduate Certificate in Software Architecture encounters principles, concepts, and innovative methods in software architecture. You will learn design, conception, implementation, deployment, and systems retirement.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Science in Computer Science / Software Engineering
   Graduate Certificate in Software Architecture

    

What are the Qualities of the Best Online Engineering Schools?

Finding an accredited online software engineering programs is key!

The best online engineering schools have received accreditation, either regionally or nationally, and programmatically. Regional and national accrediting agencies assess entire institutions. The Federal Department of Education recognizes regional accrediting agencies and accredits entire colleges within a designated region of the US. The majority of nonprofit and state-owned institutions are regionally accredited. Overall, to ensure eligibility for transferring credit and gaining federal student aid, it’s important to attend an accredited college.

When it comes to accredited online software engineering degrees, look for regional accreditation first.

On the other hand, programmatic accreditors assess singular programs and departments. For this field, you want the agency ABET, the Accrediting Board for Engineering and Technology. A nonprofit, non-governmental agency, ABET accredits programs in:

• Computing
• Applied and natural science
• Engineering
• Engineering technology

They ensure adherence to quality standards and voluntarily accredit individual programs.

To date, 4,564 programs at 895 colleges have received accreditation from ABET, whose accreditation is voluntary. Millions of graduates have received degrees from ABET-accredited programs, while more than 200,000 students graduate from ABET-accredited programs each year.

Related Article: ABET Accredited Online Schools: A Guide to the Top 15

Careers and Salaries

When deciding whether to become a software engineer online, salary can make a significant difference. How much does a software engineer make?

The median pay for a software engineer is $124,200 per year and $59.71 per hour, according to the BLS. The typical entry level education is a Bachelor’s degree.

Bachelor’s programs tend to be most conducive to job prospects. Graduates of Kennesaw’s Bachelor’s Program often work as software consultants, or in testing or developing software. Research institutes, universities, and the nation’s leading corporations are among the environments in which graduates from SIE programs have found employment.

No work in a related occupation was required, nor was on-the-job training. In 2022 there were 1,795,300 jobs available. The job outlook was 25 percent which is significantly faster than average. Employment change from 2022 to 2023 was 451,200.

Related Article: Best Jobs for Software Engineers – Entry-Level to Experienced

Who should pursue this type of degree?

If you’re looking for a convenient, nontraditional degree in this field, then pursue a software engineering degree online! Working adults can find a flexible way to enhance their careers and potential. Overall, you must be a self-starter. Motivation is key, as online software engineering students will spend a lot of time in front of a screen.

Online software engineering degrees are also for those seeking hands-on experience. Bachelor's programs online still offer internship opportunities. And master-level programs are often led by industry experts.

Find Your Online Degree Today!

Software development for AI, the Internet, robotics etc. is constantly expanding. As such, there’s a demand for software engineering degrees offered in a flexible format.

GetEducated is the best resource for finding and comparing the best online software engineering schools. With a wide range of programs and pertinent information on accreditation, tuition costs, and program details, GetEducated can help you locate the software engineering online schools that best fits your needs and budget.

In summary, begin your career with one of the many best online software engineering programs! GetEducated will help you to begin turning your vision into a reality.