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The Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering degree from Grand Canyon University teaches students how to use specialized engineering, business and computer science practices and technologies to find solutions for complex software issues. This interdisciplinary program is ideal for aspiring software engineers, project managers or entrepreneurs.
The BS in Software Engineering strives to equip graduates with a deep understanding of business principles and computer science fundamentals that focus on analyzing complex problems, identifying software requirements and designing innovative solutions that align with organizational goals. Our professional faculty teach a comprehensive curriculum that covers programming, data analysis, software development methodologies, strategic planning and business analysis.
Through GCU’s software engineering courses, you will study communication skills and learn to work collaboratively in a team environment. Leadership capabilities will also be explored by collaborating with others, recognizing various leadership styles and examining the consequences of choice.
A large focus of GCU’s software engineer program is personal growth. Students are expected to grow both professionally and intellectually, as well as learn to adapt to organizational changes through group-study and self-study. This program will teach students how to show clarity and logic in thought by asking questions and pursuing knowledge based on historical, current and reliable information in the software engineering field.
Studying core software engineering skills can provide a strong foundation for aspiring professionals in the field. The software engineering courses delve into fundamental principles, methodologies and best practices essential for planning, developing and maintaining software systems.
Software engineers concentrate on how a software project is performing by:
Being knowledgeable of every phase in the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
Understanding how to engineer a software solution to complex problems
Obtaining knowledge of how software can integrate with and make hardware come to life
Differentiating software development processes
Utilizing estimation techniques and measurement
Exercising strong communication skills across disciplinary lines
Performing risk management assessments
Software engineers are typically expected to have technical knowledge and understanding, verifiable personal accomplishments, and experience with utilizing embedded systems, as well as individual and team-based projects. Students in the software engineer program are taught to look after complicated systems and contribute to the analysis, design and program development of those systems. Additionally, software engineering majors will explore testing tools and methodologies, design patterns, Cloud and IoT integration, MLOps and fault-tolerant systems.
Nurturing vital technical skills is just the beginning of this program's emphasis. It places a strong focus on providing a comprehensive understanding of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), enabling graduates to explore avenues that promote successful teamwork across all SDLC stages.
Software engineering majors focus on using critical thinking skills to produce and maintain IT design, large scale data stores and cloud-based systems. Courses are taught by professionals in their respective fields who share extensive engineering and software knowledge. To complete the software engineering degree, students are also required to submit a capstone project applying their knowledge and skills learned throughout the hands-on curriculum.
This 128-credit software engineering program will cover topics including:
Eliciting project requirements
Writing algorithms
Embedded systems
FPGA design and development
Software development and deployment
System verification
Design and architecture
Software validation
Software analysis and the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
Median annual wage for software developers as of May 20211
Estimated job growth for software developers as of 2021 to 20312
Students in this BS in Software Engineering program will have the opportunity to apply and showcase their understanding of the software engineering body of knowledge, as well as various technical practices and technologies. Through the program, you will be taught the skills to tackle the design, development, validation and implementation of intricate software systems.
Graduates may move on to pursue coveted roles within an organization, at any stage of the software development life cycle, including:
Graduates of GCU’s software engineering program may also be prepared to work in a variety of settings including embedded applications development, social media companies, healthcare providers, large corporations, financial institutions and more.
If you’re considering a bachelor’s degree in software engineering, we’ve gathered a few frequently asked questions that may be essential in helping you make an informed decision about your educational and professional goals.
To pursue a career in software engineering, a common degree choice is a Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering or a related field such as computer science or computer engineering. These degrees provide a solid foundation in programming languages, algorithms, data structures, software development methodologies and computer systems. While a bachelor's degree is typically the minimum educational requirement, some positions in software engineering may require or prefer candidates with a master's degree or higher, such as the Master’s of Science in Software Engineering.
The current digital age is resulting in a strong job market for software engineers, which is a type of software developer, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).3 The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook estimates job growth for software developers to increase by about 26% from 2021 to 2031, faster than average.2 Additionally, the skills taught in the software engineering courses are typically highly transferable, which may prepare you to pursue a solid foundation for a career not only in software engineering but also in related fields such as data science, artificial intelligence, software development and cybersecurity.
Yes. Software engineering stands as a highly sought-after profession.4
The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook estimates an estimated increase of 1,796,500 jobs in the field.2 The growing need for software developers, software quality assurance analysts and testers may arise from the ongoing expansion of software development in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), robotics and other automation applications.5
As the realm of software engineering and technology continues to advance, an escalating call for more managerial roles in specialized fields is inevitable.6 This brings about numerous chances to expand your toolkit with specific skills and credentials and stay updated with new trends, ensuring your competitive edge remains intact.6
A software engineer receives comprehensive training to design, develop and test the overall software development life cycle (SDLC), encompassing each phase of the cycle. Software engineers often require problem-solving skills with a focus on mathematics, chemistry and physiscs.7 On the other hand, software development may fall under the umbrella of software engineering.3 Software developers concentrate primarily on the development phase within the SDLC designing specific computer systems and application software. Their focus is placed on writing software codes and likely do not need chemistry, physics or heavy math courses.7
Depending on the company's structure, a computer science or software development major may often carry the job title of a software engineer. This adaptation can result from the tasks assigned, which may align with the traditional responsibilities of a software engineer.3
Gain the sought-after skills, knowledge and practical experience needed to pursue opportunities in the dynamic field of software engineering.
1 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers as of May 2021, retrieved on July 11, 2023. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may also impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the BLS. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers from across the country with varying levels of education and experience and does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as engineers. It does not reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country. It also does not reflect a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. You may also wish to compare median salaries if you are considering more than one career path. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, and accept employment from, determines salary not only based on education, but also individual characteristics and skills and fit to that organization (among other categories) against a pool of candidates.
2 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as well. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2022, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers, retrieved on July 11, 2023.
3 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023, Feb. 6). What Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers Do. Retrieved on July 11, 2023.
4 Coursera (2023, Aug. 16). Software Engineer Resume: Examples, Tips, and More. Retrieved on Aug. 18, 2023.
5 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023, Feb. 6). Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers: Job Outlook. Retrieved on Aug. 18, 2023.
6 Bhatnagar, Sachin (2023, Aug. 15). What is the Future of Software Engineering [2023 and Beyond]. Knowledgehut. Retrieved on Aug. 18, 2023.
7 Coursera (2023, June 15). Software Developer vs. Software Engineer: What Are the Differences in These Roles. Retrieved on Aug. 18, 2023.
Campus: $8,250 per semester [More Info]
Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).
