The Computer & Information Science Department offers a bachelor's degree in computer science with an option in software engineering: the systematic approach to the development, operation, and maintenance of software.
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.
Learn more: Software Engineering option
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 option, you'll complete 60 credit hours in the major and at least 120 credits overall.
Degree-in-three lets you earn your computer science degree with the software engineering option in 3 years. The program is designed for students who have already earned some college credit and/or are ready to complete more courses per semester than average.
The 3-year BS degree in computer science with a concentration in software engineering is an innovative, acredited program offering the same high academic standards as our four-year program. With Degree-in-three, you'll combine University Studies with computing course work and complete your degree a year early.
Learn more: Degree-in-three
Computer scientists harness technology and imagination to make everything work better.
Career potential
With a degree in computer science/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.
- 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 our IDEAStudio and the Center for Scientific Computing and Visualization Research.
- Honors College: take advanced courses, pursue research, and be part of a community of scholars
- Study Abroad: earn academic credits and gain a global perspective on your field
- Undergraduate Research: faculty work with students on cutting-edge research projects
- University Studies: gain the benefit of a broad university education to enhance your knowledge and skills
- 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.