2022 Best Online Bachelor's Degrees in Software Engineering

Western Governors University (WGU) is a large, private university. WGU offers an online Bachelor of Science in Software Development, which requires 122 credit hours. Students can graduate in 40 months by sticking to a full-time schedule. This program prepares students to work as software developers, network architects, and software/hardware engineers by providing two educational tracks: (1) Java and (2) C#. The Java track provides the skills to work with smart devices, phones, and computers, while the C# track leads to careers in big tech centers in cities like Seattle and New York City. Core courses — like Web Development Foundations, Advanced Data Mining, and UX Design — help develop students’ skills, so they can earn certifications in their field, such as the CompTIA A+ Certification and CompTIA Project+ Certification.

At WGU, students use Blackboard to access their coursework, which is asynchronous. Students can complete the degree as quickly as they want. Online students have access to all university resources.

The Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a large, private university that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Software Engineering. This program requires 120 credits. Online students may take two to four years, depending on how many credits they transfer before beginning the program. SNHU allows students to transfer up to 90 credits. Some core courses for this program include Programming Languages, Full Stack Development, and Software Security. Courses like these, as well as the program’s software database, provide students with the skills and experience that help them become software engineers, UI/UX developers, and full-stack developers.

At SNHU Online, students use Brightspace to access their online coursework, which is fully online and synchronous. At SNHU Online, online students have access to the university library and student resource centers.

Arizona State University (ASU) is a large, public institution. ASU offers an online Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering, which requires 120 credit hours. Students can finish the software engineering degree online in three to four years with a full-time schedule. This program prepares graduates to work as software developers, who focus on applications or system software. Courses like Principles of Distributed Software Systems, Design, & Analysis of Data Structures & Algorithms provide the experience necessary to succeed in the field of software engineering. This program also requires a capstone project that spans two semesters.

At ASU, students use Blackboard to access their coursework, which is entirely online. ASU’s online students have access to all university resources.

Purdue University Global (Purdue Global) is a large, public institution. It offers an online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology - Programming and Software Development, which requires 180 credit hours. Purdue Global’s program has six concentrations: (1) Game Development, (2) Information Security & Assurances, (3) IT Management, (4) Network Administration, (5) Program and Software Development, and (6) Supply Chain Management & Logistics. These concentrations include science courses, such as Systems Analysis & Design, Web Development, and IT Consulting Skills. Purdue Global prepares students to work as computer system analysts, computer network architects, and software developers, among other career options. Students can graduate from this program in four years with a full-time schedule.

At Purdue Global, students use Brightspace to access their coursework, which is entirely online. Purdue Global’s online students have access to all student resources.

DeVry University (DU) is a small, private university that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems - Software Programming and an online Bachelor's in Software Development — both requiring 120 credits. These degrees can be completed in two to three years with a full-time schedule, but students can finish even sooner if they transfer credits from another higher education institution. The bachelor's degree in computer information systems has three specializations available: (1) Software Design & Programming, (2) Big Data & Analytics, and (3) Web & Mobile Application Development. The bachelor's degree in software development, on the other hand, offers six specializations: (1) Computer Forensics, (2) Software Programming, (3) Cyber Security Programming, (4) Web Development & Administration, (5) Database Management, (6) Web Game Programming, and (7) Information Systems Security. Graduates of these programs go on to work as Cyber Security Specialists, Database Administrators, Software Game Developers, and Data Architects.

At DeVry, students use Canvas to access their coursework, which is fully online and asynchronous. Online students have access to all university resources.

Capella University (CU) is a medium-sized, private institution that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology - Software Development requiring 120 credit hours. To graduate, students must complete all program requirements, such as a capstone project, which can take up to 22 months with a full-time schedule. Graduates of the program may go on to work as system engineers, net developers, web developers, and business analysts. Some core classes in this program include Advanced Database Development, Mobile Cloud Computing Application Development, and Software Construction. These courses teach students Java, HTML5, C#, and SQL, as well as Agile process and DevOps methods.

At CU, students use Blackboard to access their online coursework, which is fully online and asynchronous. At CU, online students have access to the university library and academic coaches.

St. Petersburg College (SPU) is a small, public university. SPU offers an online Bachelor of Applied Science in Technology Development and Management - Software Development, which requires 120 credit hours. This program offers six subplans, which allow students to focus on a specific aspect of software development. These subplans include Cybersecurity Management, Cyber Security Defense & Risk Mitigation, Project Management, Software Assurance, Cloud Computing Management, and Software Development. Graduates of this program go on to work as Network & Operations Systems Managers, Information Security Analysts, and Industrial Production Managers. Students can complete this online degree in four years with a full-time schedule.

At SPU, students use Brightspace to access their coursework which is fully online and asynchronous. Online students have access to all university resources.

Saint Leo University Online (SLU) is a small, private university. SLU offers an online Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering, which requires 120 credits. This program prepares students to work as software developers, designers, architects, and testers by providing an understanding of the fundamental and theoretical concepts around modern software design and technology. Some core courses in this program include Human Computer Interaction, Software Quality Assurance, and a capstone class. Students may graduate in four years if they have a full-time study schedule.

At SLU, students use Brightspace to access their coursework, which is 100% online. Additionally, remote students have virtual access to the university campus' cybersecurity lab and the university library.

Bellevue University (BU) is a medium-sized, private institution that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Software Development and an online Bachelor of Science in Web Development, each requiring 127 credit hours. These degree programs teach students to use HTML, Java, Javascript, DevOps, Typescript, and more. BU requires a capstone class, and some core courses include Database Development & Use, Fundamentals of Web Development, and Business Environments for Web Professionals. Students can transfer credits, including a completed associate degree, and finish the program at an accelerated pace of two to three years. Otherwise, the program can take students three to four years to finish with a full-time schedule.

At BU, students use Blackboard to access their online coursework, which is asynchronous and fully online. At BU, online students have access to the university library, writing center, and tutoring center.