Software Engineering

On-campus Undergraduate Concentration

The Computer & Information Science Department offers a bachelor's degree in computer science with a concentration in software engineering: the systematic approach to the development, operation, and maintenance of software.

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Software engineers analyze, design, and program software. They are concerned with issues that play a vital role in software development, such as quality, novelty, creativity, standards, teamwork, and professional practice. If you're interested in large-scale commercial software development or in managing software projects, consider software engineering.

Our computer science curriculum is object-oriented, lab-intensive, and directed toward software development. You'll supplement your studies with work in specialized labs and on our network of state-of-the-art workstations.

Computer and information science differs from computer engineering in its emphasis on software, the methodologies of computing, and the study of the powerful programming languages. You'll choose from courses in programming, program design, computer languages, algorithms, artificial intelligence, computer architecture, computer graphics, computer networks, databases, game design, human-computer interaction operating systems, parallel computing, robotics, and software engineering.

For the BS in Computer Science with the software engineering concentration, you'll complete 60 credit hours in the major and at least 120 credits overall.

Course descriptions, schedules and requirements

Student success

Saheedat Bello '22

Saheedat Bello '22, VP of the National Society of Black Engineers, completed her bachelor's degree in computer science with a concentration in software development. She interned with Dell Technologies and received four different job offers before graduation. After graduating from UMassD, Saheedat joined Microsoft as an Azure Cloud Service Engineer.

Career potential

With a degree in computer science and a concentration in software engineering, you can look forward to a career with high growth and earning potential, either within the computer industry or in business. You'll also be well prepared to continue your studies at the graduate level.

Software engineer is consistently ranked as a top job both in job openings and annual salaries.
U.S. News & World Report named "Software Developer" the #1 Best Job in 2023
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in the field will grow 17% percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than for most occupations.
In Massachusetts alone, there are more than 2,500 software-oriented companies with almost 120,000 employees and $10.5 billion in annual revenue.

Capstone projects: most senior engineering students work in small teams on real-world, industry-specific challenges that demand analysis, proposals, prototypes, and solutions.
Community: join organizations such as the Society of Women Engineers, the National Society of Black Engineers, and Engineers Without Borders.
Experience: participate in co-op and internship programs to gain the practical experience sought by employers.
New initiatives: collaborate, create, and explore at the Center for Scientific Computing and Visualization Research.

International (F-1) students who receive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees may be eligible to apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion optional practical training (OPT). To learn about the eligibility criteria and detailed steps to apply, please review the International Student & Scholar Center (ISSC) OPT page and USCIS resources. F-1 students must consult with the ISSC to apply for STEM OPT.

Accelerated BS/MS Option in Computer Science: This program enables qualified BS degree students in computer science to complete both the BS and the MS with 9 fewer credits than if taken separately.
MS in Computer Science: Advanced study in theoretical computer science, computer systems, software engineering, parallel and distributed computing, and computer networks.
PhD program in Engineering & Applied Science: Emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of modern research at the interfaces of engineering, the applied sciences, and technology.