20 Best Online Bachelor's Degrees In Software Engineering
Online Bachelor's In Software Engineering
If you love computers and want to learn how to design, test, and analyze new computer systems, consider one of the 20 Best Online Bachelor's Degrees in Software Engineering to further enhance your career in 2020.
If speaking the language of computers comes naturally for you, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Software Engineering might be a good idea. As a software engineer, you will use your understanding of computer languages, coding, and programming to help make sure devices are operating correctly and efficiently.
While higher education may be an investment, it's one that's well worth it - as a software engineer, you have the ability to earn a salary of well over $82,240 per year on average. Software engineers are in high demand and can work nearly anywhere in the world. Yet despite those impressive figures, you may ask yourself how you will be able to earn a degree if you are already working full time. Luckily, an online degree can make your education both convenient and affordable, allowing you to attend school from wherever you may be.
Selection Criteria
As busy as you are, it doesn't make sense for you to have to sift through the thousands of schools that offer programs in Software Engineering. We're here to help. We've created a list of the Best Online Bachelor's in Software Engineering to assist you in your decision-making process, paying attention to all the characteristics a great college degree should have.
To be eligible for our list, a school could be either private or public. While a school could also have a graduate program in Software Engineering, it needs to be actively engaged in enrolling and graduating students from its undergraduate program as well.
Ranking Factors
Our process is simple. As soon as we put together a broad list of all available Bachelor's in Software Engineering, we next narrow down the most important characteristics that every school should have. In doing so, we examined the following traits:
- Accessibility
- Accolades and Program Recognitions
- Accreditation
- Affordability
- Academic Quality
We don't stop there, of course, and our rankings take a number of other factors into consideration as well. For more ranking information please visit our methodology page.
#1 | Arizona State University - Tempe Tempe, AZ |
#2 | Western Governors University Salt Lake City, UT |
#3 | Brigham Young University - Idaho Rexburg, ID |
#4 | Bellevue University Bellevue, NE |
#5 | Washington State University Pullman, WA |
#6 | University of Maryland - University College Adelphi, MD |
#7 | Champlain College Burlington, VT |
#8 | Pennsylvania State University-World Campus University Park, PA |
#9 | The College of Saint Scholastica Duluth, MN |
#10 | Grantham University Lenexa, KS |
Featured Online Programs
Figuring out where to apply? These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online degrees. Consider one of these accredited programs, and discover their value today.
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Arizona State University - TempeLocation
Tempe, AZ
Tuition$24320
The Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering at Arizona State University - Tempe involves students in multiple relevant hands-on projects, spanning topics such as Critical Inquiry in Engineering and Engineering Statistics. Graduates go on to successful careers as software developers, video game designers, and more. The degree is offered by the prestigious Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering, which has received multiple awards and recognition. Faculty in the program have been recognized as Nobel Laureates and members of the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Sciences. Each course lasts seven-and-a-half weeks, with 41 total courses required.
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Western Governors UniversityLocation
Salt Lake City, UT
Tuition$6500
Western Governors University offers a program in software development that is entirely online and exposes students to all aspects of computer science, from web development to computer programming and everything in between. The program is designed with feedback from industry experts and major employers and focuses on the technical skills that employers want to see most in the workplace. Students can receive multiple certifications, such as CIW and CompTIA, helping them stand out in a competitive job market. Thirty-four classes are required to graduate, with most students completing the degree in six months to two years. The fast-paced nature of the program is due in part to Western Governors competency-based education program, in which students can progress once they demonstrate knowledge of the material instead of working by credit hour.
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Brigham Young University - IdahoLocation
Rexburg, ID
Tuition$8520
The Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering at Brigham Young University incorporates coursework such as Object-Oriented Software Development and Computer Security. An internship and senior project are also required, allowing students to gain and demonstrate knowledge in software engineering. There are no in-person requirements for this program, which includes 120 total credit hours. Students engage in significant interaction with their teachers, allowing them to experience a college program similar to on-campus study. Graduates go on to work as computer system designers, software developers, and more, joining a large global network of proud Brigham Young University alumni.
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Bellevue UniversityLocation
Bellevue, NE
Tuition$10170
The Software Development program at Bellevue is broad, exposing students to techniques used to code, design, test, and analyze programs. It combines theory with hands-on education and utilizes an accelerated cohort model. This model allows students to take classes together at the same time, giving them a sense of community as they get to know the curriculum and their fellow classmates. Students can also learn from each other in this program, which requires 39 total credit hours. Students will learn how to deal directly with programming tools like Java, Ruby on Rails, and SQL in this degree. The instruction is designed for individuals from any background.
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Washington State UniversityLocation
Pullman, WA
Tuition$24656
Students who want to learn more about how software engineering can earn their online Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering at Washington State. The curriculum of this program is taught by Washington State faculty through campus lectures, interactive video, and other activities carried out on the nationally ranked Global Campus platform. Graduates are widely sought after in the technology industry, with some of the best hiring rates and starting salaries. Students in this program are also eligible to apply for multiple scholarships that are specific to students in the software engineering field.
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University of Maryland - University CollegeLocation
Adelphi, MD
Tuition$11862
If you already have experience installing and designing software, the Bachelor of Science in Software Development and Security at the University of Maryland - University College is the right program for you. This program incorporates best practices for computer security, including identifying threats and reducing an organization's overall risk. Students will take classes like Secure Programming in the Cloud and Database Security, with 120 credits required for graduation. The entire degree is available online, but students may pursue coursework on campus if so desired as well. Multiple financial aid opportunities are available, including scholarships specifically for Software Development students.
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Champlain CollegeLocation
Burlington, VT
Tuition$14310
With the main campus headquarters in Burlington, Vermont, Champlain College prides itself on offering close-knit programs of high academic quality. The online Software Development degree includes classes such as Systems Analysis Programming as well as coursework in multiple different programming languages. Using virtual labs, students can develop applications and earn certifications in areas of specialization. Available specializations include C++ Programming, Java Programming, and more. The program is great for working students because each course lasting only seven weeks. Academic credit is also available for prior professional experience and related training.
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Pennsylvania State University-World CampusLocation
University Park, PA
Tuition$20470
The Software Engineering degree at Pennsylvania State University is offered through its exceptional online World Campus. All degree requirements are offered from a distance and allow students to combine classroom learning with hands-on design projects with relevancy in a real workplace. Students will take classes such as Software Construction and Principles of engineering, while at the same time developing their communication and problem-solving skills. A series of final capstone projects are required, including a design project that is conducted with industry partners. In this project, students will work with fellow students and gain experience in designing, managing and launching a software system.
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The College of Saint ScholasticaLocation
Duluth, MN
Tuition$11484
The Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems at the College of Saint Scholastica are both taught in a completely online format, allowing students to complete their studies in as little as two years. Multiple concentration areas are available, including those in cybersecurity, business analysis, software development, and health informatics. If you have transfer credits or prior life experience, you can even create your own custom concentration. The degree requires 128 total credits and enables students to work in a variety of information technology-related careers. Alumni of this program are working all around the country in careers such as web development and systems analysis.
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Grantham UniversityLocation
Lenexa, KS
Tuition$3900
The Grantham University Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering Technology is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they will need to be successful in computing technology. The curriculum includes a range of courses designed to improve students' skills, such as advanced circuit theory, digital design, programming, and more. Graduates are well-equipped to work in real-world settings upon graduation. They spend extensive time examining behind the scenes during the creation of innovative computer software. Students will take classes such as Computer Networks and Programming and Advanced Programming in C++. Graduates are eligible to join related professional organizations while enrolled, such as the Computing Research Association and the Association for Computer Machinery.
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Colorado Technical University - Colorado SpringsLocation
Colorado Springs, CO
Tuition$13393
Colorado Technical University operates multiple campuses, but the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in Software Systems Engineering - one of the most popular degrees - is offered on its Colorado Springs campus. This program comes with three programming track options, including Visual Basic, Java, and C#. The school offers a unique Fast Track system in which students can test their knowledge on core objectives to earn college credit for what they already know. This degree is ranked as one of the best by U.S. News and World Report, a title it has held for four years in a row. Multiple grants and scholarships are available for qualifying students.
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Eastern Florida State CollegeLocation
Cocoa, FL
Tuition$12214
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems Technology at Eastern Florida State College is designed for students who want to learn how to work with data structures and modern program languages. Classes are offered in a flexible format, blending online, day, and evening classes so that students can access courses when it is most convenient to them. As a financial aid-eligible program, this degree requires students to take classes such as Web Applications Programming and Application Development for Mobile Devices. The degree is ideal for students seeking careers as database administrators, web developers, software developers, and more.
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Dakota State UniversityLocation
Madison, SD
Tuition$10575
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems at Dakota State University requires 48 core credit hours as well as an internship or undergraduate research experience. In addition, students may choose from one of three specializations to further hone their studies. Specializations are available in software and web development, project management, and data science. The curriculum of this program deals with five core components: data, procedures, people, hardware, and software. A Fast Track program is available, allowing students to complete their degrees quickly before moving on to impressive job titles such as Data Analysts, Database Administrators, and Information Systems Managers.
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Southern New Hampshire UniversityLocation
Manchester, NH
Tuition$18810
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at Southern New Hampshire University offers multiple concentrations, including one in Software Engineering. This concentration helps students acquire basic skills in software engineering, particularly in regards to programming security, code development, the creation of new technologies, and testing. Students also learn how to think critically and work on innovative solutions, such as those for mobile software development. Students will learn programming languages like C++ and Java as well as testing methods like Eclipse. Each student receives access to individual career and academic counselor and pays flat-rate tuition regardless of residency.
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University of Maine at AugustaLocation
Augusta, ME
Tuition$6984
If you are interested in Computer Information Systems but unsure of where exactly you want to end up, the University of Maine at Augusta has the program for you. This degree offers five different specializations, including those in Data Science, Networking, and, of course, Software Development. CIS students learn how to create software solutions using innovative algorithmic thinking. Required courses cover topics like Data Visualization, Systems Analysis, Database Management Systems, and Business Fundamentals. Each student is required to develop their professional skills through an internship and to document their progress through the school's exceptional e-portfolio system.
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University of Illinois at SpringfieldLocation
Springfield, IL
Tuition$15857
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at the University of Springfield offers an exclusive concentration area that allows students to develop a firm grasp of the core skills and fundamental knowledge of computer science. This degree includes emphasis areas of software engineering, systems security, and information assurance. Core classes include topics like Introduction to Operating Systems and Programming Languages. A software engineering capstone is also required, in which students must demonstrate their acquired knowledge over the last few years. An engagement experience must be completed before graduation as well, in which students apply their studies to real-world problems in their communities.
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Middle Georgia State UniversityLocation
Macon, GA
Tuition$16320
Middle Georgia State University provides numerous distance learning programs without a campus visit requirement, such as its online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. The online degree offers six different concentrations, including Software Engineering, Cyber Security, Web Applications Development, and Network Technology. While pursuing the Software Engineering concentration, students will take classes in topics like Algorithm Analysis, Legal and Ethical Issues in IT, and more. Students will graduate with a profound understanding of the core requirements of software engineering as well as its core programming languages.
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American InterContinental UniversityLocation
Schaumburg, IL
Tuition$19893
If you're interested in honing your skills in software development, software testing, analysis, and current platforms integration, this specialized degree program is for you. It includes classes such us Discovering Information Technology, Mobile Technology, and Project Management, and culminates in a Program Capstone for IT. All students will be eligible to apply for their CompTIA certifications upon graduation, with examination waivers available for students who qualify. Scholarships, grants, and military discounts are available to students in this program. In addition, students may earn prior learning credit for past college courses, military service, and work experience.
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Rogers State UniversityLocation
Claremore, OK
Tuition$13470
The Bachelor of Science in Business Information Technology at Rogers State University is designed for potential information technology specialists seeking the ability to communicate and program effectively. Several options are available, including those in Computer Network Administration, Software Development and Multimedia, and Game Development. Offered through the Department of Technology and Justice Studies, this degree program is highly interdisciplinary, allowing students to interact with students from other disciplines as they advance their understanding of software engineering and computer science. Graduates go on to develop skills that will help them succeed in all fields, from computer programming to software engineering.
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DePaul UniversityLocation
Chicago, IL
Tuition$19344
DePaul's online program in Computer Science offers multiple concentrations, including one in Software Development. This program covers key content areas like artificial intelligence and programming languages, while also requiring a strong computer science core of automata theory and object-oriented software development. Students can view lectures live, watch recorded sessions and discussions, and complete hands-on assignments whenever it is most convenient for them. Distance learners are granted ultimate autonomy in their learning and may take required examinations and engage in other assignments at their local libraries or wherever it is easiest for them to do so.
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