The Best Online Bachelor’s in Software Engineering

The Top 2 Best Online Bachelor's in Software Engineering
RankSchoolLocationScore
#1Arizona State UniversityTempe, Arizona99
#2Colorado Technical UniversityColorado Springs, Colorado70

Software engineering is the ideal engineering concentration for students with an interest in the structure, design, and development of computer software. Earning an online bachelor’s in software engineering degree can provide you with both the skills and credentials to work in areas such as computer programming, software design, network security, and more.

Your study will combine basic engineering principles and math-intensive courses with a foundational education in computer science. Your engineering bachelor’s degree program will include courses in information systems, project leadership, and systems administration. Earning your bachelor’s degree in software engineering from an ABET-accredited college or university degree program is an important basic threshold on your way to becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE).

Learn more about Programmatic Accreditation for online bachelor’s degrees in engineering.

Find out how you can become a licensed Professional Engineer (PE).

Focusing your online engineering degree program on the software engineering concentration will help prepare you for an array of exciting career prospects, including cyber security analyst, game developer, IT consultant, and much more.

Earning your software engineering degree online provides a convenient, flexible and accessible way to balance the pursuit of your undergraduate degree with your existing career and personal responsibilities. Bear in mind that many online bachelor’s degree programs may include a practicum or laboratory requirements, which could necessitate you to meet in-person once or several times during a semester. Be aware of any such requirements as you search for the right online engineering bachelor’s degree program.

Learn more about the benefits of an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering.

These programs were ranked with eight factors: student-to-faculy ratio, degrees-awarded-in-field ratio, graduation rate, retention rate, percentage of online students, concentrated influence, desirability, and exclusivity. The program's cost grade is determined by the average in-state tuition levels and its percentile distribution compared to other online engineering institutions. Learn more about our methodology

The Best Online Bachelor's in Software Engineering Ranking

#1

Arizona State University

Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering

Program Score 99
Relative Cost
#4 Best Online Engineering CollegeA Most Affordable Online Engineering College #6 Best Value Online Engineering College
Adult Friendly
Online Experience
Disability Friendly
First-Generation Friendly
Arizona State University's Online Bachelor's in Software Engineering Degrees and Programs
DegreeCredits NeededCompletion Time
BS - Software Engineering1204-5 years
General Information+
Key FactAnswer
Total Enrollment53,286 (1% fully online)
Public or PrivatePublic
Number of Online Engineering Programs13
AccreditationRegional: Higher Learning Commission
Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition$11,338 per year
Average Out-of-State Undergraduate Tuition$29,428 per year
Source: National Center for Educational Statistics
Net Price Information+
Family Annual IncomeCost
$0 – $30,000$7,044/year
$30,001 – $48,000$8,921/year
$48,001 – $75,000$14,033/year
$75,001 – $110,000$17,373/year
$110,00+$18,583/year
Source: National Center for Educational Statistics
See ASU’s full list of online degrees!
#2

Colorado Technical University

Program Score 70*
Relative Cost
A Most Affordable Online Engineering College
Adult Friendly
Online Experience
Disability Friendly
First-Generation Friendly
Colorado Technical University's Online Bachelor's in Software Engineering Degrees and Programs
DegreeCredits NeededCompletion Time
BS - Software Engineering1836+ years
General Information+
Key FactAnswer
Total Enrollment27,232 (96% fully online)
Public or PrivatePrivate for-profit
Number of Online Engineering Programs1
AccreditationRegional: Higher Learning Commission
Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition$12,529 per year
Average Out-of-State Undergraduate Tuition$12,529 per year
Source: National Center for Educational Statistics
Net Price Information+
Family Annual IncomeCost
$0 – $30,000$16,145/year
$30,001 – $48,000$16,329/year
$48,001 – $75,000$18,271/year
$75,001 – $110,000$20,370/year
$110,00+$20,451/year
Source: National Center for Educational Statistics
See CTU’s full list of online degrees!

Online Bachelor's in Software Engineering FAQ

What Courses Will I Take With an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering?

In addition to introductory courses on core engineering principles and foundational STEM courses like physics and calculus, your degree in software engineering will likely include some of the following courses:

  • Computer Architecture and Digital Design
  • Software Modeling and Analysis
  • Database Systems and Programming
  • Software Project Management
  • Probability and Statistical Methods
  • Ethics in Software Engineering

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What Industries Can I Work In With an Online Bachelor’s Degree In Software Engineering?

A bachelor’s degree in software engineering could be a pathway into a variety of industries, including:

  • Gaming
  • Telecommunications
  • Cybersecurity
  • Finance
  • Healthcare Informatics

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What Jobs Can I Get With an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering?

This versatile engineering degree can open the door to a number of exciting career options. With a bachelor’s degree in software engineering, you could:

  • Develop mobile gaming apps
  • Design software for online learning systems
  • Produce e-commerce websites for mid-sized companies
  • Manage IT needs for various clientele
  • Audit cybersecurity concerns for public agencies

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Online Bachelor's in Engineering FAQ

Can You Get a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering Fully Online?

You can earn a bachelor's degree in engineering online. However, you'll want to make sure that your online bachelor's degree program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Only degrees from ABET-accredited institutions will be viewed as credible by employers, professional associations, scholarly journals, and others.

To learn more, find out what you can do with an online bachelor's degree in engineering.

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What Kind of Accreditation Do I Need for an Online Bachelor's Degree in Engineering?

Accreditation is important in higher education, but it takes on added importance in certain fields. Engineering is one of them. Engineering accreditation is actually an essential requirement if you plan to become a licensed Professional Engineer (PE). So in addition to seeking out a college or university with accreditation from a Department of Education-recognized accreditor, you should also seek out a school with an engineering program that has earned programmatic accreditation. In the engineering field, programmatic accreditation must be granted by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) in order for the resulting degree to confer licensing eligibility.

To learn more, check out our Guide to Programmatic Accreditation for Engineering.

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What Kinds of Online Bachelor's in Engineering Degrees Are There?
  • Bachelor of Science Engineering (B.Sc.Eng.)
  • Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
  • Bachelor of Engineering Science (B.Eng.Sc.)
  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering (B.S.E.)
  • Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.)

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How Long Does It Take To Earn an Online Bachelor's Degree in Engineering?

The typical online bachelor's degree in engineering will require you to earn 120 credits. For full-time students, this can typically be completed over the course of four to six years. Part-time students who are balancing their online education with job responsibilities and commitments to home and family may require longer.

If you're interested in bundling your online bachelor's and master's degrees in engineering into a single program, learn more about Accelerated 4+1 Online Engineering Degree Programs here.

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What Are Some Important Engineering Societies?

Engineering societies are an essential part of the engineering discipline and professional sector. In addition to the numerous benefits that these professional associations provide to members, many of the leading engineering societies also play a direct role in granting accreditation to degree programs and awarding licenses to professional engineers. It's a good idea to become familiar with the engineering societies, professional associations, and student-run groups that represent the engineering field. This can be especially appealing if you're working toward an online engineering degree. The following are some noteworthy professional engineering societies:

For a closer look, check out our Guide to the top Professional Engineering Associations.

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Career Information

Software Developers Career Information

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a software developers career requires a bachelor's degree for entry into the field.

Software Developers Hourly Wages by Percentile
PercentileHourly Wage
Mean$54 per hour
Tenth Percentile$31 per hour
Twenty-Fifth Percentile$40 per hour
Fiftieth Percentile (Median)$52 per hour
Seventy-Fifth Percentile$66 per hour
Ninetieth Percentile$79 per hour
Software Developers Annual Wages by Percentile
PercentileAnnual Wage
Mean$111,620
Tenth Percentile$64,240
Twenty-Fifth Percentile$82,430
Fiftieth Percentile (Median)$107,510
Seventy-Fifth Percentile$136,320
Ninetieth Percentile$164,590
Software Developers Employment Outlook 2019-2029
MeasurementEmployment
2019 Employment1,469,200 people
2029 Employment1,785,200 people
Employment Percent Change from 2019 to 202922%

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Updated: .