Software Degree
A Bachelor of Science (BS) in software engineering is the most common software degree earned today. Software engineers design new or improved software for personal, professional or institutional use. This profession is both lucrative and exciting as information technology increasingly drives social change and economic growth.
Students can earn a software degree at the BS, MS and PhD levels. They can also earn an online degree in software. A degree in computer science is another option for those many people hoping to work in this field, and it has a slightly different focus. After earning a software degree, students need to become certified in a specific area, such as software architecture or process improvement, to improve their job prospects. Many software engineers specialize in subfields such as development, maintenance, design or management.
Globalization has impacted the importance of a software degree in two ways. First, software engineers have immigrated to the United States in large numbers from countries such as India and China since the 1980s. Most of them gain entrance through a special visa program under the State Department. Second, many U.S. corporations have established subsidiaries or outsourced software development to businesses in Asia. While these practices have purportedly saved U.S. technology companies millions, many people think these practices have reduced the value of a software degree.
Nevertheless, for students with strong math skills and an interest in computers, a software degree might be ideal and lead to a lucrative career. Students who set out on this career path just need to make sure that the software degree program is fully accredited and offers faculty who are on the cutting edge of this field.
Software Degrees are in High-Demand
A degree in computer software opens doors to many jobs that are in high demand in today’s tight labor environment. A software degree provides the academic foundation needed to design, implement, and maintain computer software programs and applications. An individual who obtains his software degree is often referred to as a software engineer.
A software degree can be obtained at many levels:
- Associate’s degree in computer software: This degree provides a foundation in computer operating systems, as well as an introduction to programming, networking, and database management. Individuals who hold an associate’s degree in software are typically eligible for positions such as software testing specialist, software helpdesk professional, and entry-level systems analyst.
- Bachelor’s degree in computer software: This degree gives students far more programming experience than an associate’s degree in computer software. In most bachelor’s degree programs, students learn how to design and install computer software programs. An individual with a bachelor’s degree has a solid foundation for the pursuit of positions like software engineer, programmer, and project manager.
- Master’s degree in computer software: In order to attain this degree level, students must master or become fluent in a computer language (e.g., C++, COBOL, Java, etc.). An advanced software degree is typically required for senior engineering positions at software companies.
- Doctoral degree in computer software: A doctoral degree is typically required for those who want a career as a university computer software professor.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that job opportunities for people with a software degree will continue to be on the rise over the next several years, with an increase of 32 percent by 2018.