What is Software Engineering?
Mississippi may be one of the most fun-to-spell states in the nation. It's a home to Elvis, blues music, and a diverse economy that supports millions. While Mississippi's economy is mostly based on agricultural products such as catfish, cotton, poultry, and dairy products, it also has much more to offer. Its manufacturing sector leads the economy, with $19 billion in revenues that rank it 33rd nationwide. The lower cost of living and generous tax packages serve to lure northerly concerns to the state for their production needs. Much of that manufacturing activity is also directed toward creating textiles and food products.
A software engineer is a technology professional who conceives, designs, and creates software packages for a variety of users. We may be most familiar with consumer software products such as the operating systems that run our mobile devices and laptops or the word processors, browsers, and games we run on those machines. Software engineers certainly create and develop those applications, but they also create software that runs behind the scenes on servers, in robotics, and in seemingly non-tech items such as our refrigerators and ovens.
Software engineers actually have a deep impact on nearly every industry imaginable. Even the most analog craftsperson will use software to help market and sell their wares. Software engineers may work in environments ranging from high-rise office buildings in Jackson, MS to their home office in Biloxi. In fact, more and more software engineers are working from remote locations, whether as employees for larger firms or as independent developers who contract with companies throughout Mississippi and the world.
Online Software Engineering Education in Mississippi
The state's second strongest sector is found in its real estate. This is a key driver for most states, and Mississippi generates $12 billion annually from its housing market, the 39th largest such market in the nation. There is also a lot of activity in the state's social services sector, retail trade, and healthcare.
The fifth strongest economic driver in Mississippi is its professional and business services sector. This industrial category includes a variety of services such as waste management, property management, business consulting, and technology support. This sector is the 39th largest of its kind in the nation and it generates $8 billion for the Mississippi economy.
Software engineering is a key part of Mississippi's future. While the state isn't quite known for its tech industry, every part of the Mississippi economy relies on software development and maintenance for success. There are software engineers in the state's professional and business service sector and even its manufacturing facilities need software experts to ensure that the plants operate at maximum efficiency.
To foster more growth in the software development field, Mississippi works hard to provide adequate funds to its colleges and universities. There, the funds are used to fuel the growth and development of computer science degree programs and information technology degree programs. Every institution of higher learning, from Mississippi's community colleges through to its very best universities, receives these funds, ensuring continuing intellectual growth throughout the state. Perhaps the state will soon start attracting top software start-up firms who are attracted to properties along the Gulf Coast, where the cost of living is low but the value of life is high.
Those students looking to earn a competitive degree from the best school offering graduates degrees in this field might be planning to choose from schools across the whole nation, but don't ignore the options available closer to home. There are plenty of college or university options in the state of Mississippi that offer a bachelor or master's in software or computer engineering. These options might include Mississippi State University, the University of Southern Mississippi, etc.
Online Associates (AS)
Students who are eager to get a jump-start on their software development careers should consider an associate software engineering degree. These degrees tend to be far cheaper, on a per-credit basis, than degrees from a four-year institution. Community colleges are also typically more conveniently located, since nearly every county in Mississippi has one nearby. A two-year from one of Mississippi's community colleges is a great way to gain exposure to the core concepts needed by a software engineer while building on soft skills that can make such a difference.
During a two-year software engineering degree, students learn the fundamentals of computer programming and software development. They may start mastering the computer coding languages that will propel their careers to the stratosphere, while also gaining the less tech-focused skills that will help them work better with their colleagues. Every associate degree student must complete the core college curriculum that covers writing and composition, lab sciences, social science, and mathematics. This core knowledge base can ease communications with non-engineers and perhaps spark insights and inspiration for new software applications.
Online Bachelors (BS)
Perhaps the best platform for a successful software engineering career is a four-year bachelor’s software engineering degree from one of Mississippi's outstanding colleges or universities. A four-year degree allows students the time to dive deeper into the core concepts related to software engineering, while also offering the opportunity to take specialized courses. Four-year degree institutions also offer students the opportunity to take minor concentrations or even double majors.
Some bachelor’s degree students might take courses in finance or economics, for instance, as a way to combine the disciplines. After all, finance firms and economic think tanks rely on software to crunch the big data and achieve great results. Students could take courses in art and literature alongside their software engineering degree so that they have the artistic skills to create the next cutting edge video games. There are many options available for those who want to carve their own path in this field.
Online Masters (MS)
Given the increasing competition in the tech space, software engineers need to start thinking of a master's software engineering degree even before they complete their undergraduate computer science degree programs. This level of expertise and academic credentials will ensure raises and promotions, often before the program is complete. There are many options when it comes to a master's degree.
One strong option that many computer programming experts choose is an MBA with a concentration in software engineering. This route can lead to great things, including a position as CTO or CIO. Those who can take time away from work might even look at a dual MBA program, in which they can earn a master's degree in computer science alongside their MBA program, which may include a tech-focused concentration. Graduates from a dual MBA program are often considered a double threat because they can master management issues as well as anything related to software development.
Online Doctorate (PhD)
A PhD in software development, computer science, or some related tech field can bring great rewards to the holder. While businesses don't typically look for doctorate-level workers, technology is a notable exception. Some firms are offering high salaries for cryptography experts who can enhance a firm's cyber security systems. These jobs are not unlike what a research faculty member would do for a university.
In fact, many computer scientists who earn a doctorate do pursue work in Mississippi's colleges and universities. One popular choice is to work as a teaching professor who works with undergraduate and graduate students, including doctoral candidates. Another option is to take a tenure-track position as a research faculty member. Research faculty focus on developing their field without working with students. They often consult with Mississippi businesses who need special coding work, including cyber security protocols or algorithms to help manage their operations.