A software engineering degree is also one that corelates to other disciplines such as computer science, management science, economics, and system engineering. This article will be laying out some of the best computer science degrees and software engineering schools that can be done online in the United States.

What Are Software Engineers?

Software engineers analyze user requirements and then go on to design, build or test software application to fulfil those requirements. Over the past few decades, the demand for software engineers has been increasing, however, not many skilled software engineers are there to fill in that gap. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for software developers will increase 22% from 2020-2030, which is much faster than average. Due to the growing need of software engineers, a lack of new software engineers will further increase the gap between supply and demand. 

Programming Languages You Can Learn As A Software Engineer

Getting a software engineering degree, you will learn a number of programming languages which we will discuss further ahead. 

1. Java

Java is an object-orientated programming language that was invented by Jams Gosling in 1995. Gosling designed it to have as few implementation dependencies as possible. It is a general-purpose programming language which means that a compiled Java code can run on any and all platforms that support Java without you having to recompile it. It is mainly used for its distinguished use in web pages, but it is also popular for Android application developments.

2. Python

Python is a high-level general-purpose programming language created by Guido van Rossum in 1991, who’s design philosophy was to emphasize an easy-to-read structure. It aims to help programmers write clear and logical code for both small and large-scale projects. The Python Software is mainly used to develop web applications and websites because of its simple syntax.

3. C++

C++, now an object-oriented language, was created by Bjarne Stroustrup as an addition to the C programming language, also known as “C with Classes.” This language expanded over time and now has facilities for low-level and high-level memory manipulation. 

The usage for this programming language is vast; it can be used for displaying video game graphics to extraction of data from large data sets. C++ is usable on all types of operating systems and develop any kind of software. It is one of the essential programming languages learnt when you are in the process of attaining a software engineering degree.

4. Scala

Scala is a comparatively newer programming language designed by Martin Odersky in 2004. Odersky designed Scala to be concise and easy-to-learn which supports both object-oriented programming and functional programming. Its concise form makes it easy to test, review and debug the code.

Online Schools that provide Engineering Degrees

1. Eastern Florida State College

Established in 1960, the Eastern Florida State College has over 20,000 students spread over their four campuses and online. Eastern Florida offers a large range of scholarships and financial aid to its students.

Degrees in Applied Sciences in Program Development and Software Development are offered online as well where Students will gain a fundamental understanding of data structures and modern programming languages and demonstrate the ability to design and write quality computer programs that are well organized and documented which is essential for a software engineering degree.

2. Arizona State University

ASU (Arizona State University), founded in 1886, is one of the largest public universities in the U.S. They offer a number of online courses in a variety of disciplines which include software engineering. 

ASU’s BS in Software Engineering is a very flexible program that focuses on a hands-on learning method. According to the ASU Online website, the course is a 7.5-15-week course with a total of 41 classes. Students enrolled in ASU’s software engineering degree will build software fundamentals in programming, mathematics and systems management. 

The bachelor’s software engineering program at Arizona State University is ABET-accredited.

3. Brigham Young University – Idaho

Brigham Young University is located in Rexburg, Idaho and was founded in 1888. BYU Idaho offers 13 degrees online and more than 30 courses with certification as well. With the BYUI Software Engineering degree, students will learn and practice the industry standard approach to the design, development, and implementation of complex software systems.

Conclusion

As stated above, the need for software engineers is at the highest it has been since the invention of the computer in 1991 and will keep increasing by 22% according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, finding a job will not be difficult. 

It is very important to do your research before joining a program so that you find one that is best suited for you and your future aspirations. In this day and age there are many online degrees and courses you can do to hone your skills as better skills yield better opportunities.