What is Software Engineering?
Software engineering is an ideal major area of study for individuals interested in learning how to develop applications, systems, and software. A degree in this subject can also lead to a wide variety of engaging career opportunities, especially in the telecommunications, healthcare, finance, and insurance fields. Additionally, the knowledge and skills obtained by graduates is highly applicable to various industries, making is a good choice for those attracted to other information technology (IT) professions.
Software engineers typically create and maintain the underlying systems needed to run devices and/or control networks for computer applications. They tend to have a broad view of project system and software requirements and are often actively involved in most associated processes. The scopes of their responsibilities vary, however, with some taking more active roles than others. Duties can range from designing and developing single mechanisms needed to meet user needs to creating every piece of the applicants and/or systems, as well as determining how all the pieces will work together in the end.
Other common responsibilities include regular software maintenance and testing. Once created, systems typically continue to require attention in order to function properly. It’s also vital that these professionals maintain documentation of every aspect of their systems as reference. This is especially important during upgrades. Additionally, some employers may also task software engineers with supervising other information technology workers.
Online Software Engineering Education in Missouri
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers is projected to grow 25% from 2021 to 2031. This is much faster than the average for all occupations and will result in an increase of about 162,900 job openings each year.
Information is the ninth largest industry in Missouri, accounting for $12.9 billion in revenue each year. Professionals in this field are also likely to find employment in many of the state’s other top sectors such as business services, manufacturing, education, finance, retails, and entertainment.
Based on data provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Missouri employed 22,530 software developers in May 2021. Overall, however, the state maintained 87,450 computer and mathematical occupations. The annual mean wage for these professionals ranged between $88,390 and $101,990. Notably, both of these numbers are significantly above the state’s reported annual mean wage of $54,520 for all occupations.
Academic institutions throughout the United States offer degree programs in software engineering and other related subjects. However, those planning to pursue employment in Missouri should give particular preference to local colleges and universities. Schools located within the state will provide the most geographically relevant education. As a result, graduates will possess the knowledge and skills employers in the region seek most.
Students interested in earning an associate or bachelor's degree in this field will have many options throughout the state, both public and private institutions. Some of these options include Missouri University, Saint Louis University, the University of Missouri, Washington University, etc.
Many colleges and universities offer degrees in software engineering and other related subjects, with programs available at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Some academic institutions also provide professional certificates for undergraduate and graduate students.
It’s important to realize that education requirements for information technology (IT) jobs vary significantly, with opportunities available even to those without higher education. While a high school diploma or GED may be enough to qualify you for some entry-level opportunities, most companies and organizations prefer to hire candidates with at least some type of academic degree. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), bachelor’s degrees in computer and information technology or a related are standard for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers throughout the nation.
Online Associate (AS)
Associate degrees in software engineering generally consist of 60 credit hours of coursework that take full-time students approximately two years to complete. The majority of undergraduate programs like these are comprised of both general liberal arts and major-specific classes. This means that students typically study basic communication, mathematics, and science subjects in conjunction with major-specific content. As a result, those enrolled often develop strong academic foundations for future learning, as well as a basic introduction to the field. While curriculums vary by institution, software engineering programs at this level often cover topics in basic programming, web design, and database management. Instruction in business and management is also common.
Graduates with associate degrees of this kind can generally pursue employment as computer programmers and web developers. This is often particularly appealing to those who want to save money while pursuing higher education. These programs are typically offered by community colleges, which charge lower tuition and fee rates than traditional four-year institutions. As a result, it’s often possible to enter the workforce with fewer or no student loans.
Associate degrees are unlikely to qualify graduates for software engineering positions, however. Individuals seeking this type of employment will require additional education. In fact, many associate degree graduates choose to pursue further education in order to improve their job prospects.
Online Bachelors (BS)
Bachelor’s degrees in software engineering generally consist of 120 credit hours of coursework that take full-time students approximately four years to complete. As undergraduate programs, most are still comprised of both general liberal arts and major-specific classes. In addition to basic communication, mathematics, and science subjects, organizational leadership programs of this kind often cover topics in mobile software development, cross-platform engineering, and security. Those enrolled are also likely to receive instruction in leadership and business, which is meant to help prepare them for management-level employment. Additionally, it’s common for software engineering students to receive comprehensive training in various programming techniques and software design, as well as interactions between computers and humans.
Software engineering majors pursuing bachelor’s degrees may also be given opportunities to select concentrations. This is particularly relevant to individuals planning to pursue careers that require specialized knowledge and skills. Choosing a sub-field specialty area like this can help direct instruction and prepare students for work in certain jobs.
Bachelor’s degrees are considered the academic standard for most occupations in information technology field. As a result, graduates often qualify for entry-level employment as software engineers, software developers, information systems managers, computer systems analysts, information security analysts, and network systems administrators. The knowledge and skills gained while earning this type of degree are also highly transferable, which can lead to opportunities in many other industries, as well.
Notably, more advanced degrees can lead to greater opportunities. As a result, not all graduates seek employment right away. Those interested in pursuing advanced employment opportunities and higher pay potential often choose to continue their education by enrolling in master-level programs. Prospective graduate school students should be prepared to meet established minimum grade point average (GPA) and Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) score requirements set by their chosen school.
Online Masters (MS)
Master’s degrees in software engineering generally range from 30 to 45 credit hours of coursework that take full-time students approximately two to three years to complete. General liberal arts classes are no longer incorporated into graduate program curriculums. In some cases, however, students may be required to have taken certain undergraduate prerequisite courses. This ensures those enrolled have the basic knowledge needed for the advanced study of specific topics.
Graduate school curriculums are typically designed to prepare students for high-level positions in the field. Every institution is different, but those enrolled in these programs can expect extensive study of topics related to the software development lifecycle, management, innovation, information trends, and the latest technology developments. Opportunities to gain hands-on experience are also common, with capstone project and/or internship requirements possible.
Those who complete these programs often possess superior knowledge and skills, which are strongly preferred by employers. As a result, graduates can qualify for some of the most lucrative careers in the field. Career options commonly available include software engineer, software developer manager, computer network architect, senior software engineer, and solutions architect.
Online Doctorate (PhD)
A PhD or doctorate in software engineering may consist of between 60 and 120 credit hours that can take full-time students up to seven years to complete. Notably, graduates typically qualify for many of the same employment opportunities available to those with master’s degrees. They may, however, have an easier time acquiring upper-level management occupations. Additionally, only individuals with doctoral degrees may seek post-secondary teaching jobs at colleges and universities or positions as research scientists.
As terminal degrees, these are known to be academically intensive. Every college and university is different, but most design their curriculums to incorporate extensive training in the research and development of software systems. Students can also expect to receive instruction on various techniques and tools used during advanced design and prototyping. Additionally, those enrolled will likely study economic trends and privacy laws, as well as maintenance and security strategies that are applicable to complex systems. While the first few years of these programs typically consist of traditional coursework, this gradually transitions into independent study, research, and writing that culminate in the presentation and defense of dissertations.