20 Best Online Bachelor's Degrees In Software Engineering

Updated December 5, 2022

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 2019. If speaking the language of computers comes naturally for you, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Software Engineering might be ...

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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.

  1. Arizona State University - Tempe
    Location

    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.

  2. Western Governors University
    Location

    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.

  3. Brigham Young University - Idaho
    Location

    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.

  4. Bellevue University
    Location

    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.

  5. Washington State University
    Location

    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.

  6. University of Maryland - University College
    Location

    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.

  7. Champlain College
    Location

    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.

  8. Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
    Location

    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.

  9. The College of Saint Scholastica
    Location

    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.

  10. Grantham University
    Location

    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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