Software Engineering, BS
Master hands-on development practices such as teamwork, software architecture and lifecycle management. Build the skills you need for complex applications across a wide range of industries.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
Some accelerated combinations are not available to ASU Online students. Interested students should contact their academic advisor for more information.
Degree description
Software Engineering degree description
The Bachelor of Science program in software engineering blends engineering, computing, project leadership and software construction.
You learn how to create innovative software solutions to today's problems. Software systems are complex, often including millions of lines of code. You develop the knowledge and skills required to take a defined engineering approach to complex systems analysis, planning, design and construction.
The program's distinct, project-driven curriculum is establishing a new model for software engineering education. The program is built around the concepts of engaged learning, discovery-based education, and learning by doing. You learn by solving engaging projects, commonly as a member of a development team. In each semester of the program, you complete projects that emphasize communication, teamwork, critical thinking and professionalism. You have flexibility in designing your course of study and select technical electives from a pool of courses in different software engineering application areas, including web and mobile applications, embedded systems and other interdisciplinary areas.
Why study software engineering at ASU?
Where many competing programs stay primarily computer science focused, strong on theory and coding but lighter on building large-scale systems collaboratively, this degree puts collaborative, large-scale system building front and center. This program specifically trains you in the processes and structures used in professional engineering environments. Its project-based curriculum and focus on real-world application make it especially aligned with industry needs, particularly in environments where software must be reliable, scalable and maintainable.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| SER 216 Software Enterprise: Personal Process and Quality |
| SER 315 Software Enterprise: Design and Process |
| SER 316 Software Enterprise: Construction and Transition |
| SER 415 Software Enterprise: Inception and Elaboration |
| SER 416 Software Enterprise: Project and Process Management |
| SER 321 Principles of Distributed Software Systems |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.
If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics (ABET 1)
- Apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors. (ABET 2)
- Use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools and processes necessary for software engineering practice. (ABET-SER1)
Identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics (ABET 1)Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
The admission standards for majors in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, shown below, are higher than minimum university admission standards. International students must meet the same admission standards, with the possible additional requirement of a minimum English language proficiency test score. If the university requires an English proficiency test score from the applicant, then admission to engineering requires requires a minimum total TOEFL iBT® score of 4 with a minimum section score of 3.5 (Reading: 3.5, Writing: 3.5, Listening: 3.5, Speaking: 3.5), or a score of 79 (taken at a testing center) if taken before January 21, 2026; or a minimum IELTS score of 6.5; a minimum PTE score of 58; a minimum Duolingo English score of 105; or a minimum Cambridge English exam score of 176. First-year admission:
Transfer admission requirements:
Transfer students with fewer than 24 transferable college credit hours: Transfer students with more than 24 transferable college credit hours:
Admission requirements for many majors in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering are higher than university admission standards.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Students in software engineering gain valuable hands-on experience when studying abroad --- experience that enhances their resumes. With more than 300 programs available in a variety of countries around the world, study abroad enables students to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. In a competitive field, students stand out with the heightened cultural competency and strengthened leadership and critical thinking skills they gain when studying abroad.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Programmer | -7.3% | $100,390 | Learn more |
| Computer Science Professor | 4.9% | $96,980 | Learn more |
| Computer Software Quality Engineer | 5.7% | $104,300 | Learn more |
| Information Technology Manager (IT Manager) | 15.8% | $175,140 | Learn more |
| Software Developer | 10.2% | $135,980 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
Careers this software engineering degree prepares you for
Software engineers solve a broad set of transdisciplinary problems and apply new technologies to improve quality of life.
Graduates are prepared most commonly for a career as an application software engineer. They design and engineer innovative systems that may include mechanical and electrical components that interact with software.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, software engineers are highly paid, and there is significant growth in the number of employment opportunities. Software engineering jobs may focus on:
- creating applications for mobile devices
- creating web applications
- designing, creating and validating software for avionics, robotics and similar systems
Job titles may include:
- application support analyst
- back-end developer
- front-end developer
- full-stack developer
- mobile app developer
- QA engineer (quality assurance)
- software developer
- software engineer
- web developer
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
Software Engineering
|
PICHO 245
SCAI.Undergrad.Admission@asu.edu
480-965-3199
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
