What is Software Engineering?
Prospective students interested in the development of applications, systems, and software will likely find degrees in software engineering appealing. Those enrolled in these programs can expect to gain knowledge and skills that are highly useful in a variety of information technology (IT) occupations and industries. As a result, graduates are often versatile and capable of pursuing numerous careers. Many of the most engaging opportunities exist in the telecommunications, healthcare, finance, and insurance fields.
Software engineers create and maintain the underlying systems needed to run devices and/or control networks for computer applications. While most of these professionals are expected to have a broad view of project system and software requirements, their responsibilities can vary significantly. Some take on more active roles than others. Those with limited involvement may only be tasked with designing and developing single mechanisms to meet user needs. Software engineers contributing more, on the other hand, may have to create every piece of the application and/or system, as well as determine how all the pieces will work together when completed.
Other common duties include performing regular maintenance and testing to software. They also spend a lot of time creating corresponding reference documentation for the systems they work with. This ensures others have access to pertinent information during upgrades and when issues arise. In some cases, software engineers will also be expected to supervise other information technology workers.
Online Software Engineering Education in Nevada
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 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.
While information technology is not considered one of the top industries in Nevada, many of the state’s primary sectors do utilize professionals in this field. In fact, software engineers can be found working in almost any type of company and organization. Individuals seeking employment in Nevada are likely to have the best prospects in entertainment, real estate, business, education services, healthcare, finance, and insurance.
Based on data provided by the BLS, Nevada employed 4,150 software developers in May 2022. Overall, however, the state maintained 25,750 computer and mathematical occupations. The annual mean wage for these professionals ranged between $87,660 and $119,870. Notably, both are significantly above the state’s reported annual mean wage of $55,490 for all occupations.
Nevada is home to many higher education institutions, several of which offer degree programs in software engineering and other related majors. Remote learning also makes it easy to enroll and attend classes with colleges and universities throughout the nation. Those planning to seek employment in Nevada, however, may want to give preference to schools located in the state. These institutions will offer the most geographically relevant curriculums, ensuring students obtain the knowledge and skills needed to meet local employer standards and expectations. Some schools that might be options include the University of Nevada - Reno, Hughes College, and others offering a computer science department that can provide students with the education they require for this and other careers.
Prospective software engineering students should realize that education standards for information technology (IT) jobs can vary significantly. Employer expectations may differ even for jobs with the same titles. While the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that bachelor’s degrees in computer and information technology or a related major are standard for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers throughout the nation, there are still opportunities available to those with little or no higher education. Some entry-level jobs may even be available to those with only high school diplomas or GEDs and some amount of self-taught knowledge in the field.
While opportunities exist to those without formal education, most companies and organizations prefer to hire candidates with academic degrees. Many colleges and universities in Nevada offer software engineering programs, as well as other related majors. Options are typically available at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Some academic institutions also provide professional certificates for undergraduate and graduate students.
Online Associates (AS)
Associate degrees in software engineering, computer science, or computer engineering degrees generally consist of 60 credit hours of coursework that take full-time students approximately two years to complete. Most two-year undergraduate programs like these offer a combination of both general liberal arts and major-specific classes. While curriculums vary, students can typically expect to study basic communication, mathematics, and science subjects as well as content within their majors. Other common areas of study include programming, web design, database management, business, and management. Graduates not only obtain a broad introduction to the software engineering field, but they often develop strong academic foundations for future learning and learn to communicate effectively.
These programs tend to cost much less than earning traditional four-year degrees. This is because most are offered by community colleges, which usually charge lower tuition and fee rates. As a result, associate degrees are a great choice for anyone who wants to save money while earning a degree.
Graduates with associate degrees in software engineering and other related subjects are typically qualified to apply for jobs as computer programmers and web developers. Notably, however, they rarely meet minimum education requirements for software engineering positions. In most cases, earning a bachelor’s degree will be necessary to perform this type of work.
Online Bachelors (BS)
Bachelor’s degrees in software engineering, computer engineering, or computer science degrees generally consist of 120 credit hours of coursework that take full-time students approximately four years to complete. These are undergraduate programs, as well, with curriculums usually comprised of both general liberal arts and major-specific classes. Courses expectations are similar to those at the associate’s level. Students are likely to study basic communication, mathematics, and science subjects in addition to mobile software development, cross-platform engineering, programming techniques, knowledge of computer networks, software design, and information technology security. Instruction in leadership and business is also common.
While not always the case, many colleges and universities also allow software engineering majors to select concentration areas. This can give those enrolled access to a series of specialized classes related to relevant sub-fields.
Graduates often possess the knowledge, skills, and education needed to apply for entry-level employment as software engineers, software developers, information systems managers, computer systems analysts, information security analysts, computer scientists, and network systems administrators. It may be possible to find work in other industries as well, however, as expertise in this subject is frequently sought by employers.
The majority of occupations in the information technology field require candidates to possess bachelor’s degrees, but job prospects do improve with more education. More advanced degrees typically lead to even greater professional opportunities. As a result, those interested in pursuing better employment opportunities and higher pay may benefit from enrolling in master’s degree 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 institution.
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. While general liberal arts classes are no longer incorporated into the curriculums, many academic departments require applicants to possess specified undergraduate courses as prerequisites. This ensures all incoming students have the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to study advanced topics in the field.
Every program is different, but those enrolled can typically expect to receive extensive instruction in topics related to the software development lifecycle, management, innovation, information trends, and the latest technology developments. As master’s degrees are intended to prepare students for high-level positions, they also tend to incorporate opportunities to gain real-world experience. Many colleges and universities require capstone projects and/or internships prior to graduation.
Because master’s degree graduates who majored in software engineering often possess superior knowledge and skills, they are frequently preferred by employers. While it may be possible to qualify for a wide range of employment options, some of the most common jobs available include software engineer, software developer manager, computer network architect, senior software engineer, and solutions architect.
Online Doctorate (PhD)
A PhD or doctorate degree in computer science or software engineering may consist of between 60 and 120 credit hours that can take full-time students up to seven years to complete. Computer engineering graduates and those who have already completed lower-level computer science programs can all access this level of education. These terminal degree programs are often very academically intensive, with extensive instruction in the research and development of software systems. Curriculums vary, but students often learn about various techniques and tools used during advanced design and prototyping, as well as economic trends and privacy laws. Other common areas of study include maintenance and security strategies.
While the first few years of enrollment typically consist of traditional classroom instruction and coursework, this gradually transitions into independent study, research, and writing that culminate in the presentation and defense of dissertations prior to graduation.
Graduates often qualify for many of the same employment opportunities available to those with master’s degrees. These degrees do, however, serve as better preparation for upper-level management occupations and often lead to higher pay. Doctoral degrees are also required for anyone seeking jobs as post-secondary professors at colleges and universities or positions as scientists in research laboratories.