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Dreaming of a career in software engineering but not sure where to start? You’re not alone. With so many paths to choose from, figuring out the best way forward can feel overwhelming. The good news? Whether you’re into coding or designing software, there’s a degree out there that’s perfect for your goals.

Earning a degree can give you a strong foundation and open opportunities you might not get otherwise. Plus, it’s a great way to explore different areas of software engineering and discover what you’re truly passionate about.

Let’s explore what your educational journey may look like when pursuing a software engineering career.

What Degrees Do You Need to Be a Software Engineer?

If you’re aiming to become a software engineer, having a degree can be advantageous. While it’s not always a strict requirement, many employers look for candidates with a related, formal education to fill software engineering roles. Also, the type of degree you pursue depends on how deep you want to go into the field and what kind of roles you’re aiming for.

Let’s give a quick breakdown.

1. Associate Degree

´¡²ÔÌýassociate degree in computer science, for example, is a good starting point. It’s typically a two-year program and gives you a solid foundation in coding and basic software development.

°Õ³ó±ðÌýbenefits of an associate degreeÌý¾±²Ô³¦±ô³Ü»å±ð:

• Flexibility: Students can complete an associate degree part-time, full-time, in the evenings or online.
• Cost-effectiveness: Associate degrees cost less than the first two years of a bachelor’s degree — saving students money in the long run.
• Time-savings: Associate degrees typically require only two years of coursework.
• Job opportunities: An associate degree gives students earlier access to job opportunities and prepares them for the workforce.

An associate degree is also a more affordable way to get your bachelor’s degree through transferring to a four-year institution. ¿ªÔªÆåÅÆ has transfer agreements in place with public and private four-year schools — including Fitchburg State University and Northeastern University — where students can seamlessly transfer to complete their bachelor’s degree.

2. Bachelor’s Degree

A bachelor’s degree is a common path for many. Aspiring software engineers may pursue a bachelor’s in software engineering, computer science or information technology (IT). It takes about four years, and it’ll dive deeper into programming, data structures and software design — depending on the chosen major.

3. Master’s or Doctoral Degrees

If you’re aiming for more specialized or advanced roles, a Master’s or Ph.D. in a relevant major could be a good fit. These are typically for those who want to work in research or academia or take on leadership roles. But for most software engineering jobs, a bachelor’s degree will do just fine.

So, is a degree necessary? Some people skip the degree route entirely and build their careers through coding boot camps, self-learning or certifications. However, from an employer’s perspective, a degree sets you up for a wide range of career opportunities.

What Undergraduate Programs Are Best for Software Engineers?

Choosing the right undergraduate program is a big step. The good news? You’ve got options! Here are five great degrees to consider, each offering a unique path into software engineering.

1. Software Engineering

If you’re drawn to managing software projects from start to finish, this is an excellent choice. You’ll get a comprehensive view of the entire development life cycle — from planning and designing to building and testing.

You’ll be trained to handle complex software systems and be ready for roles that require technical know-how and leadership skills, like software engineer or project manager. Plus, with this degree, you can explore specialized fields such as mobile app development, cloud computing or even cybersecurity.

2. Computer Science Degree

This one is a great choice if you want a broad, flexible path. You’ll study everything from programming languages to the theory behind algorithms. It’s a good mix of practical and theoretical knowledge.

With this degree, you’ll have a lot of options — not just as a software engineer or developer but also in roles like data scientist, AI specialist or systems architect. It’s perfect if you’re interested in a career where you’ll have to think critically about solving problems and making systems more efficient.

3. Software Development

This degree is more focused on the actual process of writing and testing software. If you’re excited about coding and want to learn more about creating applications for the web, games or mobile devices, this could be the perfect fit.

You’ll gain proficiency in multiple programming languages — like Java, Python or JavaScript — and learn to troubleshoot issues with real-world applications. While it’s more narrow than software engineering, this degree offers solid training for roles like software developer, web developer or game programmer.

4. Computer Engineering

If you’re interested in how software and hardware work together, computer engineering might be right up your alley. You’ll learn to design software and the hardware that runs it, so it gives you an edge in fields like robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT) or even game console design.

This degree combines computer science with electrical engineering. As a result, you’ll have a strong grasp of the physical and virtual aspects of tech, which prepares you for roles where you can innovate across both spaces.

5. Information Technology

IT is the backbone of almost every tech company. You’ll focus on how data moves, how to secure it and how to make sure everything runs smoothly.

So, if you love problem-solving and enjoy keeping systems running without a hitch, IT could be a great foundation. It can also lead to specialized roles like network administrator, IT support manager or database administrator.

Do Software Engineers Need a License?

Software engineers don’t need a license to practice. Unlike professions in legal or health care fields, there are no mandatory licensing requirements for software engineers. That said, if you’re looking to level up your skills or stand out in the job market, certifications are worth considering.

°Õ³ó±ðÌý (IEEE) Computer Society offers two solid options:

1. The Certified Software Development Associate (CSDA) is perfect for beginners. This certification requires passing an exam.
2. The Certified Software Development Professional (CSDP) is designed for experienced pros. This one involves meeting education and experience requirements, plus passing an exam.

You can also get certified in programming languages like Python, Java or C++. These certifications usually involve taking a course or studying on your own and then passing a test. They’re a great way to prove you’re skilled in the tools of the trade.

While licensing isn’t required right now, there’s a chance it could apply in the future — especially for engineers working on embedded systems or software that impacts public safety. States will set their own rules, so keep an eye on this if your work falls into those areas. For now, focus on certifications to stay sharp and stand out!

Other Helpful Subjects and Courses

There are plenty of courses out there that can help you build the skills you need — and many of them come from some of the biggest names in tech. Companies like IBM, Amazon, Google, Microsoft and Meta offer some great options to get you on the right track.

Some of the best classes to take for software engineering include:

• Cybersecurity: Protecting systems is a huge part of software engineering. IBM offers courses like DevOps and software engineering to help you get started in this field.
• Programming: If coding is your thing, Google’s IT automation with Python or Microsoft’s software development fundamentals are perfect ways to level up your skills.
• Data science: For those who want to know more about data, IBM’s data science professional certificate is a solid place to begin.
• Web and app development: Meta’s back-end developer program and IBM’s full-stack software developer program teach you how to build real-world applications.
• Software testing: Google’s software testing fundamentals will give you the knowledge you need to make sure everything works flawlessly.

Start Your Computer Science Journey at ¿ªÔªÆåÅÆ

Dreaming of a career in tech? At Mount Wachusett Community College (¿ªÔªÆåÅÆ), you’ll get the perfect head start on your computer science degree and software engineering journey. Our program is designed to give you real-world skills in software development, systems programming and more — all while preparing you to transfer seamlessly to a four-year college or university.

If you’re ready to start shaping the future of tech, request more information today and learn how to apply for free at ¿ªÔªÆåÅÆ.