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.
60%of graduates finish within
35Months*
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
Flexible Schedule
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.
Certifications
Ready to Start Your WGU Journey?
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Start Dates the 1st of Every Month
COURSES
Software Engineering Courses
Program consists of36 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.
Program Guide - Java
Program Guide - C#
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
Network and Security - Foundations
Network and Security - Foundations introduces learners to the basic network systems and concepts related to networking technologies. Learners will gain skills in applying network security concepts for business continuity, data access, and confidentiality, and in identifying solutions for compliance with security guidance.
Data Management
Data Management - Foundations
Data Management Foundations offers an introduction in creating conceptual, logical and physical data models. Students gain skills in creating databases and tables in SQL-enabled database management systems, as well as skills in normalizing databases. No prerequisites are required for this course
Advanced Data Management
Advanced Data Management enables learners to extract and analyze raw data. Skillful data management allows organizations to discover and explore data in ways that uncover trends, issues, and their root causes. In turn, businesses are better equipped to capitalize on opportunities and more accurately plan for the future. As organizations continue to extract larger and more detailed volumes of data, the need is rapidly growing for IT professionals who possess data management skills. The skills gained in this course include performing advanced relational data modeling as well as designing data marts, lakes, and warehouses. This course will empower learners with the skills to build business logic at the database layer to employ more stability and higher data-processing speeds. Learners will gain the ability to automate common tasks to summarize and integrate data as they prepare it for analysis. Data Management - Foundations is a prerequisite for this course.
Data Management - Applications
Data Management - Applications covers conceptual data modeling and introduces MySQL. Students will learn how to create simple to complex SELECT queries, including subqueries and joins, and how to use SQL to update and delete data. Topics covered in this course include exposure to MySQL; creating and modifying databases, tables, views, foreign keys and primary keys (FKs and PKs), and indexes; populating tables; and developing simple Select-From-Where (SFW) queries to complex 3+ table join queries. The following course is a prerequisite: Data Management - Foundations.
Scripting and Programming
Scripting and Programming - Foundations
Scripting and Programming - Foundations introduces programming basics such as variables, data types, flow control, and design concepts. The course is language-agnostic in nature, ending in a survey of languages, and introduces the distinction between interpreted and compiled languages. Learners will gain skills in identifying scripts for computer program requirements and in using fundamental programming elements as part of common computer programming tasks. Learners will also gain an understanding of the logic and outcome of simple algorithms.
Introduction to Programming in Python
Introduction to Programming in Python introduces skills in creating Python scripts with basic programming concepts. Learners will be able to create control flow with functions and loops, and to implement code with packages, modules, and libraries.
Web Development
Web Development Foundations
Web Development Foundations introduces students to web design and development using HTML, XML, and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), the foundational languages of the web. This course also covers how to troubleshoot problems using developer tools and integrated development environments commonly employed in web development. There are no prerequisites for this course.
User Interface Design
This course covers tools and techniques employed in user interface design, including web and mobile applications. Concepts of clarity, usability, and detectability are included in this course, as well as other design elements such as color schemes, typography, and layout. Techniques like wireframing, usability testing, and SEO optimization are also covered.
Front-End Web Development
Front-End Web Development builds upon web design and development skills to teach students how to organize websites with navigational schemes and create reactive user web interfaces using cascading style sheets (CSS). In this course, students will implement data entry and data storage capabilities in a web design, as well as implement best practices in design, including user-centered design and usability. Web Development Foundations is a prerequisite for this course.
IT Fundamentals
Introduction to IT
Introduction to IT examines information technology as a discipline and the various roles and functions of the IT department as business support. Students are presented with various IT disciplines including systems and services, network and security, scripting and programming, data management, and business of IT, with a survey of technologies in every area and how they relate to each other and to the business.
Computer Science
Software Engineering Capstone
The capstone challenges students to integrate skills and knowledge from all program domains into one project.
Data Structures and Algorithms I
Data Structures and Algorithms I covers the fundamentals of dynamic data structures, such as bags, lists, stacks, queues, trees, and hash tables with their associated algorithms. This course discusses object-oriented design and abstract data types as design paradigms. The course emphasizes problem-solving and techniques for designing efficient, maintainable software applications. Students will implement simple applications using the techniques learned.
Business of IT
Business of IT - Project Management
In this course, students will build on industry standard concepts, techniques, and processes to develop a comprehensive foundation for project management activities. During a project's life cycle, students will develop the critical skills necessary to initiate, plan, execute, monitor, control, and close a project. Students will apply best practices in areas such as scope management, resource allocation, project planning, project scheduling, quality control, risk management, performance measurement, and project reporting. This course prepares students for the following certification exam: CompTIA Project+.
Business of IT - Applications
Business of IT - Applications examines Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL®) terminology, structure, policies, and concepts. Focusing on the management of information technology (IT) infrastructure, development, and operations, learners will explore the core principles of ITIL practices for service management to prepare them for careers as IT professionals, business managers, and business process owners. This course has no prerequisites.
IT Leadership Foundations
IT Leadership Foundations is an introductory course that provides students with an overview of organizational structures, communication, and leadership styles specific to information technology in organizations. It also introduces students to some of the power skills that help make successful IT professionals, including time management, problem solving, and emotional intelligence. Students in this course explore their own strengths and passions in relation to the field. There are no prerequisites for this course.
Full Stack Engineering
Version Control
Version control is critical to maintaining software and enabling scalability solutions. A best practice for any programming project that requires multiple files uses version control. Version control enables teams to have collaborative workflows and enhances the software development lifecycle. This course introduces students to the basics of publishing, retrieving, branching, and cloning. There are no prerequisites for this course.
Information Technology Management
Cloud Foundations
Cloud Foundations introduces learners to real-world issues and practical solutions to cloud computing. This course covers the business value of cloud computing, examining cloud types, the steps to successful cloud adoption, and the effect cloud adoption has on IT service management, as well as the risks and consequences of implementing cloud solutions. This course prepares learners for the AWS Certified Practitioner certification exam. There are no prerequisites for this course.
Software Engineering
Software Engineering introduces the concepts of software engineering to students who have completed the core courses in programming and project management. The principles build on previously acquired concepts, switching the emphasis from programming simple routines to engineering robust and scalable software solutions. This course does not cover programming, but it provides an overview of software engineering processes and their challenging nature, focusing on the need for a disciplined approach to software engineering. A generic process framework provides the groundwork for formal process models. Prescriptive process models such as the Waterfall Model and Agile Development are included. This course also introduces the elements and phases of software engineering, including requirements engineering, design concepts, and software quality. There are no prerequisites for this course.
General Education
Health, Fitness, and Wellness focuses on the importance and foundations of good health and physical fitness—particularly for children and adolescents—addressing health, nutrition, fitness, and substance use and abuse.
Composition: Successful Self-Expression
Welcome to Composition: Successful Self-Expression! In this course, you will focus on four main topics: professional writing for a cross-cultural audience, narrowing research topics and questions, researching for content to support a topic, and referencing research sources. Each section includes learning opportunities through readings, videos, audio, and other relevant resources. Assessment activities with feedback also provide opportunities to check your learning, practice, and show how well you understand course content. Because the course is self-paced, you may move through the material as quickly or as slowly as you need to gain proficiency in the seven competencies that will be covered in the final assessment. If you have no prior knowledge or experience, you can expect to spend 30-40 hours on the course content. You will demonstrate competency through a performance assessment. There is no prerequisite for this course and there is no specific technical knowledge needed.
Introduction to Systems Thinking
Introduction to Systems Thinking provides learners with the skills required to engage in a holistic systems-based approach to analyzing complex problems and solutions. This course introduces the foundational concepts and principles of systems thinking and provides opportunities to use a systems thinking approach to analyze and evaluate real-world case studies. The course will culminate with using systems thinking to develop a solution to an authentic complex problem. This course has no prerequisites, but general education math (C955 or C957) is preferred. Because the course is self-paced, learners may move through the material as quickly or as slowly as needed, with the goal of demonstrating proficiency in the five competencies covered in the final assessment. If learners have no prior knowledge of this material, they can expect to spend 30 to 40 hours on the course content.
Introduction to Physical and Human Geography
This is Introduction to Physical and Human Geography, a three-module course that addresses the question of what geography really is in today's complex world; how migration affects—and has been affected by—geography; and one of the biggest present problems related to geography: climate change. Because the course is self-paced, you may move through the material as quickly or as slowly as you need to, with the goal of demonstrating proficiency in the five competencies covered in the final assessment. If you have no prior knowledge of this material, you can expect to spend 30–40 hours on the course content.
Natural Science Lab
This course provides students an introduction to using the scientific method and engaging in scientific research to reach conclusions about the natural world. Students will design and carry out an experiment to investigate a hypothesis by gathering quantitative data. They will also research a specific ecosystem using academic sources and draw conclusions from their findings.
Technical Communication
Technical Communication introduces skills in editing professional communications, evaluating the impact of professional etiquette in digital environments, and in creating artifacts that are persuasive, informational, and research-based. The course also introduces skills in delivering multimedia presentations using professional verbal communication skills.
Applied Probability and Statistics
Applied Probability and Statistics is designed to help students develop competence in the fundamental concepts of basic statistics including: introductory algebra and graphing; descriptive statistics; regression and correlation; and probability. Statistical data and probability are often used in everyday life, science, business, information technology, and educational settings to make informed decisions about the validity of studies and the effect of data on decisions. This course discusses what constitutes sound research design and how to appropriately model phenomena using statistical data. Additionally, the content covers simple probability calculations, based on events that occur in the business and IT industries. No prerequisites are required for this course.
Ethics in Technology
Ethics in Technology examines the ethical considerations of technology use in the 21st century and introduces students to a decision-making process informed by ethical frameworks. Students will study specific cases related to important topics such as surveillance, social media, hacking, data manipulation, plagiarism and piracy, artificial intelligence, responsible innovation, and the digital divide. This course has no prerequisites.
Applied Algebra
Applied Algebra is designed to help you develop competence in working with functions, the algebra of functions, and using some applied properties of functions. You will start learning about how we can apply different kinds of functions to relevant, real-life examples. From there, the algebra of several families of functions will be explored, including linear, polynomial, exponential, and logistic functions. You will also learn about relevant, applicable mathematical properties of each family of functions, including rate of change, concavity, maximizing/minimizing, and asymptotes. These properties will be used to solve problems related to your major and make sense of everyday living problems. Students should complete Applied Probability and Statistics or its equivalent prior to engaging in Applied Algebra.
American Politics and the US Constitution
American Politics and the U.S. Constitution examines the evolution of representative government in the United States and the changing interpretations of the civil rights and civil liberties protected by the Constitution. This course will give candidates an understanding of the powers of the branches of the federal government, the continual tensions inherent in a federal system, the shifting relationship between state and federal governments, and the interactions between elected officials and the ever-changing electorate. This course will focus on such topics as the role of a free press in a democracy, the impact of changing demographics on American politics, and the debates over and expansion of civil rights. Upon completion of the course, candidates should be able to explain the basic functions of the federal government, describe the forces that shape American policy and politics, and be better prepared to participate in America’s civic institutions. This course has no prerequisite.
Courses in Java Track
View courses specific to the Java track.
Java Track Program Guide
Software
Software Security and Testing
This course prepares you to recognize security vulnerabilities in software, to plan interventions to address security vulnerabilities where they exist, and to develop and test these interventions. The course covers topics in Web security, permissions, and identity security; debugging; log file analysis; API security; and encryption and cryptography concepts.
Hardware and Operating Systems Essentials
Hardware and Operating Systems prepares learners for concepts in software engineering by providing a foundation of understanding in computer architecture, the history of computing architectures, and operating systems. Additional topics covered include hardware and software stacks and how to choose appropriate hardware and software solutions to meet both functional and non-functional business requirements.
Java Fundamentals
Java Fundamentals introduces you to object-oriented programming in the Java language. You will create and call methods, design Java classes, and other object-oriented principles and constructs to develop software that meets business requirements. This course requires foundational knowledge of programming including variables, type, program flow and debugging.
Java Frameworks
Java Frameworks builds object-oriented programming expertise and introduces powerful new tools for Java application development. Students will execute exception handling, Java frameworks, and other object-oriented principles and constructs to develop a complete application including a user interface. This course requires foundational knowledge of object-oriented programming and the Java language.
User Experience Design
User Experience Design explores multiple tools and techniques used in user experience design. Students are presented with an in-depth view of activities involved in the design of user experience and have the opportunity to create several deliverables including persona profiles, information architectures, and prototypes of different levels of fidelity. In addition, the course also covers usability testing and the evaluation of quantitative and qualitative data derived from these and other experiments.
Back-End Programming
Back-End Programming introduces students to creating back-end components of a web application with the support of framework packages. This course also teaches students how to implement database functionality in a web application and how to create web services. This course requires intermediate expertise in object-oriented programming and the Java language.
Software Design and Quality Assurance
Software Design and Quality Assurance applies a QA focus to every phase of the software development life cycle. This course investigates best practices for quality analysis, quality planning, and testing strategies as they pertain to the everyday practice of software development. Students will come to understand how their work fits into the bigger picture: how QA, testing, and code-writing practices interact within specific process models; the potential impact of new code on existing code or on other applications; the importance of usability and the influence users have on the ultimate success of an application. Students will explore test plans, test cases, unit tests, integration tests, regression tests, usability tests, and test and review tools.
Mobile Application Development (Android)
Mobile Application Development introduces students to programming for mobile devices using a software development kit (SDK). Students with previous knowledge of programming will learn how to install and use an SDK, build a basic mobile application, build a mobile application using a graphical user interface (GUI), adapt applications to different mobile devices, save data, execute and debug mobile applications using emulators, and deploy a mobile application.
Advanced Java
Advanced Java refines object-oriented programming expertise and skills. You will implement multithreaded, object-oriented code with the features of Java necessary to develop software that meets business requirements. Additionally, you will determine how to deploy software applications using cloud services. This course requires intermediate expertise in object-oriented programming and the Java language.
Software Development
JavaScript Programming
JavaScript Programming introduces students to programming with JavaScript, including how to use JavaScript to enhance a website. This course covers how to use existing frameworks, assets, and web content to enhance website functionality, as well as how to use application programming interfaces (APIs) and web services to add data capabilities to web applications. User Interface Design and Development is a prerequisite to this course.
Courses in C# Track
View courses specific to the C# track.
C# Track Program Guide
Software
Software I – C#
Software I - C# builds object-oriented programming expertise and introduces powerful new tools for C# application development. You will learn about and put into action: class design, exception handling, and other object-oriented principles and constructs to develop software that meets business requirements. This course requires foundational knowledge of object-oriented programming.
Software II – Advanced C#
Software II - Advanced C# refines object-oriented programming expertise and builds database and file server application development skills. You will learn about and put into action lambda expressions, collections, and input/output to develop software with C# that meets business requirements. This course requires intermediate expertise in object-oriented programming and the C# language. The prerequisite for this course is Software I - C#.
Software Security and Testing
This course prepares you to recognize security vulnerabilities in software, to plan interventions to address security vulnerabilities where they exist, and to develop and test these interventions. The course covers topics in Web security, permissions, and identity security; debugging; log file analysis; API security; and encryption and cryptography concepts.
Hardware and Operating Systems Essentials
Hardware and Operating Systems prepares learners for concepts in software engineering by providing a foundation of understanding in computer architecture, the history of computing architectures, and operating systems. Additional topics covered include hardware and software stacks and how to choose appropriate hardware and software solutions to meet both functional and non-functional business requirements.
User Experience Design
User Experience Design explores multiple tools and techniques used in user experience design. Students are presented with an in-depth view of activities involved in the design of user experience and have the opportunity to create several deliverables including persona profiles, information architectures, and prototypes of different levels of fidelity. In addition, the course also covers usability testing and the evaluation of quantitative and qualitative data derived from these and other experiments.
Software Design and Quality Assurance
Software Design and Quality Assurance applies a QA focus to every phase of the software development life cycle. This course investigates best practices for quality analysis, quality planning, and testing strategies as they pertain to the everyday practice of software development. Students will come to understand how their work fits into the bigger picture: how QA, testing, and code-writing practices interact within specific process models; the potential impact of new code on existing code or on other applications; the importance of usability and the influence users have on the ultimate success of an application. Students will explore test plans, test cases, unit tests, integration tests, regression tests, usability tests, and test and review tools.
Software Development
Mobile Application Development Using C#
Mobile Application Development Using C# introduces students to programming for mobile devices. Building on students’ previous programming knowledge in C#, this course explores a broad range of topics, including mobile user interface design and development; building applications that adapt to different mobile devices and platforms; managing data using a local database; and consuming REST-based web services. In this course, students will focus on developing skills using the latest framework designed to provide a more modern and streamlined development experience. This framework will help students design and code cross-platform applications that work on a range of mobile devices. There are several prerequisites for this course: Software I and II, and UI Design.
JavaScript Programming
JavaScript Programming introduces students to programming with JavaScript, including how to use JavaScript to enhance a website. This course covers how to use existing frameworks, assets, and web content to enhance website functionality, as well as how to use application programming interfaces (APIs) and web services to add data capabilities to web applications. User Interface Design and Development is a prerequisite to this course.
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.
Program Guide - Java
Program Guide - C#
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.
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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
School of Technology 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 2023 Harris Poll, just two years after graduation, WGU grads report earning $22,200 more per year, and that amount increases to $30,300 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 theBack End Developer and Front End Developercertificates, 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.
- Project+
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
- 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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Cost Breakdown
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.
Responsible Borrowing Initiative
Most WGU students qualify for financial aid, and WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits.
Financial Aid
Many scholarship opportunities are available. Find out what you might be eligible for.
Scholarships
*WGU undergraduate students have approximately half the debt at graduation compared to the national average, according to theInstitute 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:2023 Harris Poll Surveyof 1,655 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
Explore More
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 oneof 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.
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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.
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