One of the youngest types of engineering fields is software engineering. People actually still debate whether or not this is truly a conventional form of engineering, since it is also somewhat of an art form when done well. In order to be successful, however, software engineers have not not just be creative, but also systematic in their tasks of developing and maintaining software components to operational systems.

You can get an education in software engineering in two ways. First, most schools incorporate software engineering classing into their regular computer software courses. However, as this field advances, more and more colleges are beginning to offer stand-alone programs in this field. Software engineering degrees are available on all levels: associate, bachelor, and master. Many programs require a knowledge of programming.

There are ten disciplines within software engineering, and some college programs allow students to specialize by taking classes in one area: software requirements, software design, software development, software testing. software maintenance, software configuration management, software engineering management, software development process, software engineering tools, and software quality.

With a degree in software engineering (associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s), you can work in a number of fields. Some software engineers work for engineering companies, filling the software gap on an engineering team for comprehensive projects. You can also work for a single large corporation, handling all of there software engineering needs. As a software engineering, you can even work for yourself, running a freelance software engineering business from home.

In 2006, software engineering was rated as one of the best jobs by Money Magazine and Salary.com. This field can be lucrative, but is also extremely competitive, since companies hire not only United States workers, but also foreign workers who telecommute from their home countries. So, for the best chance at getting hired in this field, consider going back to school for an advanced degree. While there, you can participate in internships and network with professors and alumni to help build a strong software engineering resume.

Associate’s Degrees in Software Engineering

• Cleveland Institute of Electronics — AAS in Software Engineering

Bachelor’s Degrees in Software Engineering

• Colorado Technical University — BS/IS – Software Systems Engineering
• Herzing University — BS/CS – Software Engineering
• University of Phoenix — BS/IS – Software Engineering

Master’s Degrees in Software Engineering

• Colorado Technical University — MS/CS – Software Engineering
• Drexel University — MS in Software Engineering – Computer Science Track
• Drexel University — MS in Software Engineering – Engineering Track
• Drexel University — MS in Software Engineering – IST Track
• Liverpool University — MS in Software Engineeing
• Strayer University — MS/IS – Software Engineering Management