Software Engineering Major
Software Engineering is the study of how to design, build, and maintain reliable software at scale. It is a major within Computing & Information.
Software Engineering is the study of how to design, build, and maintain software systems that work reliably for many users over time. Rather than focusing solely on writing code, the major explores how teams plan and organize large projects, catch errors before they reach users, and update systems without breaking what already works. Students learn to think about trade-offs—speed versus accuracy, simplicity versus features—and develop practical strategies for solving real-world problems in software development.
This major appeals to people who enjoy problem-solving, attention to detail, and collaborative work. The curriculum typically begins with foundational computer science concepts and programming fundamentals, then progresses to topics like how software is organized, tested, and deployed. As students advance, they encounter more specialized and applied material, often working on larger projects that mimic professional environments. The major balances theory with hands-on practice throughout, giving students experience with both the underlying principles and the concrete tools used in industry.
Typical coursework
Course requirements vary by school, but a Software Engineering program commonly includes topics such as:
- Software design
- Algorithms
- Software testing
- Version control
- Software architecture
- Agile development
Most programs also include general-education requirements and, in many fields, a capstone project, internship, or research experience.
Degree levels
Software Engineering is commonly offered at these levels:
- Bachelor's
- Master's
Availability differs by institution, and program names can vary (for example, a Bachelor of Arts versus a Bachelor of Science track).
Common career directions
Graduates with a Software Engineering background pursue a range of paths. Some roles related to this field of study include:
- Software engineer
- Quality assurance engineer
- DevOps engineer
- Application developer
Many careers require additional steps beyond the major — such as a graduate degree, a license, or a certification — and many graduates work in fields unrelated to their major. What you study is one factor among many in where your career goes.
General career information is drawn from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook. Career paths vary widely by person, school, and region; this is not a list of guaranteed jobs or earnings.
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Find degree programs →Frequently asked questions
What is a Software Engineering major?
Software Engineering is the study of how to design, build, and maintain reliable software at scale. It is part of computing & information, and combines foundational coursework with more focused study as you advance.
What courses do Software Engineering majors take?
Coursework varies by school, but commonly includes topics such as software design, algorithms, software testing, version control, and others, plus general-education requirements.
What can you do with a Software Engineering major?
Graduates pursue a range of paths, including roles such as software engineer, quality assurance engineer, devops engineer. Many roles require additional steps such as a graduate degree, license, or certification. This is general information, not a guarantee of any job or salary.
What degree levels is Software Engineering offered at?
It is commonly offered at the bachelor's, master's level, though availability varies by institution.