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Bachelor of Science

Online Software Engineering Degree

3rd Party Certifications Included in this Degree

OVERVIEW

Learn Java or C# with an Online Software Engineering Degree


 

Earn your bachelor’s degree in software engineering and increase your earning potential and opportunities for advancement as you build your career on the cutting edge of technology. Designed with input from industry experts, the B.S. Software Engineering program provides a solid foundation with these key skills:

  • Scripting and programming
  • Web development
  • Mobile application development 
  • User experience design
  • Software quality assurance

This software engineering degree enhances your résumé as you enhance your coding knowhow.  It includes multiple industry-recognized certifications from AWS, CompTIA, and ITIL® that are built into the curriculum. These certs can be earned and start opening doors for you even before you complete your degree.

Choose Your Track

This program is all about making you an outstanding software engineer at the enterprise level. It is presented in two tracks for you to choose from, allowing you to become fluent in either Java or C#. Whichever track you choose, the result will be the same: You’ll know how to program.

Unsure Which Track is Best for You?

Both languages top industry growth lists, and both will be highly valuable in your career. What’s more, learning any programming language lays the groundwork for you to learn other languages in the future, just like learning your third spoken language is much easier than learning your second.

  • C# is a smart choice for those who want to work in big tech centers, like Seattle, Silicon Valley, Boston, or New York. Large enterprises that use Microsoft infrastructure need developers who are fluent in C#.

  • Java is an extensively used language, supported by a wide range of devices—not only computers and phones but also smart appliances and Internet-connected vehicles.

70% of graduates finish within 

40 Months*

WGU lets you move more quickly through material you already know and advance as soon as you're ready. The result: You may finish faster.

*WGU Internal Data

Tuition per six-month term is

$3,985

Tuition charged per term—rather than per credit—helps you control the ultimate cost of your degree. Finish faster, pay less!

Certifications in this program

3

This online software engineering program includes three top industry certifications, helping enhance your résumé before you even graduate.

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COURSES

Software Engineering Courses

Program consists of 36 or 38 courses

The total course number depends on which track you choose. At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.

The WGU Bachelor of Science Software Engineering online degree program was designed, and is regularly updated, with input from the experts on our College of Information Technology Program Council, ensuring you learn best practices in systems and services, networking and security, scripting and programming, data management, and the business of IT.

Earning a bachelor’s degree designed by industry experts adds theoretical depth to the practical knowledge you already have. The experts who make up our IT Program Council know exactly what it takes for a graduate to be successful in the fast-paced, ever-changing world of software engineering.

The B.S. Software Engineering program is an all-online program. You’ll complete program requirements independently, with instruction and support from WGU faculty. You’ll be expected to complete at least 12 competency units for each 6-month term. Each course is typically three or four units. There’s no limit on the number of units you can complete each term, so the more courses you complete, the quicker you can finish your program.

Network and Security
Data Management
Scripting and Programming
Web Development
IT Fundamentals
Computer Science
Business of IT
Full Stack Engineering
Information Technology Management
General Education

Courses in Java Track

View courses specific to the Java track.

Software
Software Development

Courses in C# Track

View courses specific to the C# track.

Software
Software Development

36 or 38 Courses

Program consists of 36 or 38 courses

The total course number depends on which track you choose. At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.

Capstone Project

Special requirements for this program

At the end of your program, you will complete a capstone project that represents the culmination of all your hard work—this project consists of a technical work proposal, the proposal’s implementation, and a post-implementation report that describes the graduate’s experience. 

Skills For Your Résumé

As part of this program, you will develop a range of valuable skills that employers are looking for. 

  • Software Development: Successfully implemented a process to create and maintain software source code to achieve goals.
  • Software Development Life Cycle: Created a detailed plan for developing, testing, and maintaining software systems, ensuring smooth and systematic software development lifecycle management.
  • Software Engineering: Analyzed the objectives, scope, and organizational impact of software systems, providing valuable insights.
  • Computer Science: Interpreted the impacts of various algorithms on performance, enabling optimization of software solutions for enhanced efficiency.
  • Java (Programming Language):  Developed an object-oriented program using Java, demonstrating strong programming skills.
  • Problem Solving: Analyzed data for the nature and extent of a problem, showcasing analytical capabilities to identify and address software-related challenges effectively.

 

"Have never had a better education platform. My mentor, Hope, was extremely understanding and helpful to an extent no one in my education history has ever been. WGU is hands down, the best institution available for internal IT-focused professionals."

- Axel Morlotte

College of IT Graduate

WGU vs. Traditional Universities
Compare the Difference

Traditional Universities

 

AVG. cost
For 3RD PARTY IT CERTIFICATIONS

$350*

Included with your tuition cost

TUITION STRUCTURE

Per credit hour

Flat rate per 6-month term

SUPPORT

Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors

Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one

EXAMS

Scheduled time

Whenever you feel ready

SCHEDULE

Professor led lectures at a certain time and place

Courses available anytime, from anywhere

TIME TO FINISH

Approximately 4 years, minimal acceleration options

As quickly as you can master the material, typically less than 3 years

TRANSFER CREDITS

Few accepted, based on certain schools and specific courses

A generous transfer policy that is based on your specific situation

*The cost of valuable industry certification exams can range from $150 to $400. At WGU, we offer vouchers for certification exams, so the cost is included in your tuition price. Students may have to pay additional fees for membership to complete the certification requirements.

Traditional Universities

 

AVG. cost
For 3RD PARTY IT CERTIFICATIONS

$350*

AVG. cost
For 3RD PARTY IT CERTIFICATIONS

Included with your tuition cost

TUITION STRUCTURE

Per credit hour

TUITION STRUCTURE

Flat rate per 6-month term

SUPPORT

Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors

SUPPORT

Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one

EXAMS

Scheduled time

EXAMS

Whenever you feel ready

SCHEDULE

Professor led lectures at a certain time and place

SCHEDULE

Courses available anytime, from anywhere

TIME TO FINISH

Approximately 4 years, minimal acceleration options

TIME TO FINISH

As quickly as you can master the material, typically less than 3 years

TRANSFER CREDITS

Few accepted, based on certain schools and specific courses

TRANSFER CREDITS

A generous transfer policy that is based on your specific situation

*The cost of valuable industry certification exams can range from $150 to $400. At WGU, we offer vouchers for certification exams, so the cost is included in your tuition price. Students may have to pay additional fees for membership to complete the certification requirements.

Why WGU?

Earning Potential

According to a 2022 Harris Poll, just two years after graduation, WGU grads report earning $22,200 more per year, and that amount increases to $29,200 four years after graduation.

On Your Schedule

No class times, no assignment deadlines. You are in charge of your learning and schedule. You can move through your courses as quickly as you master the material, meaning you can graduate faster.
 

Entirely Online

The software engineering bachelor's degree at WGU is 100% online, which means it works wherever you are. You can do your coursework at night after working at your full-time job, on weekends, while you're traveling the world or on vacation—it's entirely up to you.

Accredited, Respected,
Recognized™

One important measure of a degree’s value is the reputation of the university where it was earned. When employers, industry leaders, and academic experts hold your alma mater in high esteem, you reap the benefits of that respect. WGU is a pioneer in reinventing higher education for the 21st century, and our quality has been recognized.

IT CERTIFICATIONS

3rd Party Software Engineering Certifications Included


 

The industry certifications you will be positioned to earn in this degree program include AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, CompTIA Project+, and ITIL® Foundation Certification

The cost of these certifications is also included in your tuition price, helping you save money as you expand your qualifications. Earning certifications on the path to your degree gives you knowledge, skills, and credentials that will immediately boost your résumé—even before you complete your degree program.

Additionally, this program includes one or two WGU certificates, depending on your track. In the Java track, students earn the Back End Developer and Front End Developer certificates, and in the C# track students earn the Front End Developer certificate. These WGU certificates are earned and can be added to your résumé before you even finish your degree program.

CompTIA
  • Project+ 

  • AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner 

Axelos
  • ITIL®*^ Foundation Certification

*Subject to vendor availability.
^ITIL® is a registered trade mark of AXELOS Limited, used under permission of AXELOS Limited. All rights reserved.


  • Back End Developer (earned in the Java track)

  • Front End Developer (earned in both the Java and C# tracks)

COST & TIME

An Affordable Online Software Engineering Degree

By charging per six-month term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees. The faster you complete your program, the less you pay for your degree.

Tuition Calculator
Pay less by completing your program faster
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A College Degree Within Reach

There is help available to make paying for school possible for you:

The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2022 (among those who borrowed) was less than half* the national average.

Most WGU students qualify for financial aid, and WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits. 

Many scholarship opportunities are available. Find out what you might be eligible for.

*WGU undergraduate students have approximately half the debt at graduation compared to the national average, according to the Institute for College Access and Success (2022).

FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE

A Different Way to Learn: Degree Programs Designed to Fit Your Life—and All the Demands on Your Time

Professional responsibilities. Family obligations. Personal commitments. At WGU, we understand schedules are tight and often unpredictable for adult students. That’s why we offer a flexible, personalized approach to how education should be. No rigid class schedules. Just a solid, career-focused teaching program that meshes with your current lifestyle. You'll be challenged. You'll work hard. But if you commit yourself and put in the hours needed, WGU makes it possible for you to earn a highly respected degree as a busy working adult.

"For the cost, this is an excellent program. The merit-based learning allowed me to breeze through several courses in a few weeks, permitting extra time to focus on the less-familiar-topic courses."

—Shawn Cressman
WGU IT Graduate

CAREER OUTLOOK

Become the Expert Software Engineer Your Team Relies On

Software engineers are the creative and technical geniuses behind the applications and programs we can’t live without. A software engineering degree from WGU is key in helping you gain the critical skills and experience you need to thrive in the information sector. Increase your earning potential, boost your résumé with valuable credentials, and find a career you love with the help of a software engineering degree.

The demand has never been higher for skilled software engineers and developers, especially those proficient in Java or C#. In fact, for every qualified software engineer in today’s job market, there are 10 posted job openings. WGU’s online Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering degree program will provide you with everything you need to confidently enter this in-demand career field.

Return on Your Investment

On average, WGU graduates see an increase in income post-graduation

Average income increase from all degrees in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary. Source: 2022 Harris Poll Survey of 1,542 WGU graduates.

Survey was sent to a representative sample of WGU graduates from all colleges. Respondents received at least one WGU degree since 2017.

25%

The projected job growth for software engineers is 25% from 2021 to 2031.

—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Learn About All the Job Opportunities in Software Engineering

Some of the industries and job titles a graduate of this software engineering bachelor’s degree program are qualified for include:

Job Titles

  • Software Engineer
  • Software Developer
  • Multimedia Programmer
  • Application Analyst
  • Game Developer

Diverse Industries

  • Consulting Firms
  • Technology Companies
  • Public Sector
  • Communications/Telecom

Major Employers

  • Booz Allen Hamilton
  • U.S. Army
  • Oracle
  • U.S. Department of Justice

WGU Grads Hold Positions With Top Employers

ADMISSIONS

Software Engineering Admissions Requirements

To be considered for enrollment into this program, you must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent AND demonstrate program readiness through one of the following:

  • Option 1: Submit transcripts documenting completion of college-level coursework with a minimum of 2.75 GPA or higher. 
  • Option 2: Possess a bachelors or associate degree (A.A, A.S. or A.A.S. acceptable) from an accredited post-secondary institution.
  • Option 3: Submit official record of completion of a transferable IT certification, some of which may provide transfer credit  into various programs.
  • Option 4: Submit high school transcripts with a minimum GPA of 3.0
  • Option 5: Submit transcripts documenting completion of previous IT coursework. IT coursework must be 300 level or higher.

NOTE: You do not need to take the ACT or SAT to be admitted to this program. Learn why we don't require these tests.

Get Your Enrollment Checklist

Download your step-by-step guide to enrollment.

Get Your Questions Answered

Talk to an WGU Enrollment Counselor.

Transfer Credits

Get Added Support and Flexibility as You Start Your Degree 
Take a course or two at your pace before committing to a full degree program. Strengthen your study habits, gain essential learning skills and, best of all, each completed course counts toward your degree requirements. 

Learn More about Pathways to Starting

Frequently Asked Questions about Software Engineering at WGU

  • First, there’s system software. System software bridges the gap between hardware and applications, runs behind the scenes to enable device functionality, and is not typically visible to the user.
  • Second is application software. Application software is designed to carry out a specific task or function. Users typically interact with application software through a graphical user interface.
  • Third is programming languages. Software engineers and developers use programming languages, like Java and C#, to write code that directs computer action.

Learning a programming language is a lot like learning a spoken language. No one’s going to say it’s easy, but with time and practice it will get easier and eventually become second nature. That’s just one part of being a software engineer, but it’s a career that people of all backgrounds can pursue.

A software engineer—in a lot of ways—is a problem solver. They develop software that carries out a specific task or achieves a certain goal. Software engineers might bring their own software ideas to life or collaborate with others to fulfill a larger vision.

Software engineering is consistently ranked as one of the top careers in the U.S. due to the flexibility, autonomy, satisfaction, and competitive pay it provides.

The base education required to become a software engineer is typically a bachelor’s degree in software engineering or computer science. Additional certifications can also be earned to expand your skill set and open new opportunities.

As of 2022, the starting salary of a software engineer is about $72,000 per year. Starting salaries can vary greatly by location.

Ready to Start Your WGU Journey?