Software engineering blends coding and computer programming essentials with the principles of engineering. A top online bachelor's degree in software engineering trains students in programming languages, software design and development, and information systems technology, while emphasizing how to design, build, and integrate software into systems and networks.
Software engineering programs also build communication, critical thinking, and analytical abilities. With a software engineering degree, students learn the skills to work in software development, network engineering, system security engineering, and software project management.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 13% growth in computer and information technology occupations to 2030. To find out how to get into this expanding field, check out these rankings of the best online software engineering degrees below.
College | Program stats | How much? |
Florida International University Miami, FL |
| Per credit hour $228.81 in-state $345.87 out-of-state Application fee: $30 |
Penn State World Campus University Park, PA |
| Per semester (full-time): $7,169 per semester Application fee: $65 |
Oregon State University Corvalis, OR |
| Per credit hour: $386 Application fee:$65 |
St. Cloud State University St. Cloud, MN |
| Per semester (12-18 credits) $4,585 (MN, WI, Manitoba) $9,005 (Most other states) Application fee:Free |
Western Governors University Salt Lake City, UT |
| Per six-month term: $3,625 Application fee: $65 |
We used ZDNet's ranking methodology to assess online software engineering degrees based on curricula, convenience, cost, and overall outcome. By exploring the best online software degrees, you can find the program that best meets your needs and overall goals.
Unless otherwise indicated, data is drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Scorecard.
About the program:FIU's online computer engineering degree includes 128 credit hours of coursework. Within the curriculum, students complete coursework in concentrations such as data system software and embedded system software.
Acceptance rate:58% | Graduation rate:64% |
Avg. annual net price: $7,296 | Time to completion:Four years |
SAT range:1100-1280 | Minimum GPA:Not publicly available |
Enrollment periods per year:Three | Course delivery method:Asynchronous |
About the program:Penn State World Campus's online bachelor's degree in software engineering integrates 126 credit hours of general education, major, technical elective coursework.
Acceptance rate: 76% | Graduation rate: 73% |
Avg. annual net price: $27,372 | Time to completion:Four years |
SAT range:1070-1310 | Minimum GPA:2.7 |
Enrollment periods per year:Three | Course delivery method:Asynchronous |
About the program:Within OSU's 180-credit-hour online degree in computer science, students can pursue a specialization in applied computer science. Software engineering coursework is worked into the curriculum.
Acceptance rate:82% | Graduation rate: 64% |
Avg. annual net price: $20,016 | Time to completion:Four years |
SAT range:1080-1320 | Minimum GPA:3.0 |
Enrollment periods per year:Four | Course delivery method:Asynchronous |
About the program:SCSU's software engineering degree is the only one in the discipline offered in the Minnesota State system. The online option serves as a degree-completion program.
Acceptance rate:90% | Graduation rate: 50% |
Avg. annual net price:$14,267 | Time to completion:Four years |
SAT range:934-1194 | Minimum GPA:2.75 |
Enrollment periods per year:Two | Course delivery method:Asynchronous |
About the program:WGU's online software development bachelor's degree incorporates certification options for credentials offered by CompTIA and ITIL. Applicants benefit from WGU's generous credit transfer policy.
Acceptance rate:Not publicly available | Graduation rate: 49% |
Avg. annual net price: $9,805 | Time to completion:Three years |
SAT range:Not publicly available | Minimum GPA:Not publicly available |
Enrollment periods per year:Rolling | Course delivery method:Asynchronous |
About the program:ASU's online bachelor's degree in software engineering emphasizes project-focused learning. Students complete a project each semester as part of the program.
Acceptance rate: 64% | Graduation rate:54% |
Avg. annual net price: $13,971 | Time to completion:Four years |
SAT range:Not publicly available | Minimum GPA:2.5 |
Enrollment periods per year:Three | Course delivery method:Asynchronous |
About the program:SNHU's online computer science bachelor's degree with a concentration in software engineering emphasizes software design and development techniques alongside code security trends in systems architecture.
Acceptance rate:88% | Graduation rate:47% |
Avg. annual net price: $41,095 | Time to completion:Four years |
SAT range:Not publicly available | Minimum GPA:Not publicly available |
Enrollment periods per year:Rolling | Course delivery method:Asynchronous |
About the program:As part of Champlain's online bachelor's degree in software development, students can pursue specialized certificates in C++ programming or software development.
Acceptance rate:85% | Graduation rate:61% |
Avg. annual net price: $33,561 | Time to completion:Four years |
SAT range:1110-1320 | Minimum GPA:2.5 |
Enrollment periods per year:Three | Course delivery method:Asynchronous |
About the program:Husson's online bachelor's degree in integrated technology in software development includes software, business, and advanced mathematics courses alongside an information systems internship.
Acceptance rate:85% | Graduation rate:59% |
Avg. annual net price: $18,286 | Time to completion:Four years |
SAT range:960-1140 | Time to completion:Four years |
Minimum GPA:Not publicly available | Enrollment periods per year:Rolling |
About the program:Limestone's online computer science degree in programming builds foundational knowledge of programming, systems administration, security, and architecture.
Acceptance rate:51% | Graduation rate:48% |
Avg. annual net price: $22,707 | Time to completion:Four years |
SAT range:970-1160 | Minimum GPA:Not publicly available |
Enrollment periods per year:Six | Course delivery method:Asynchronous |
About the program:Saint Leo's online software engineering bachelor's degree combines fundamental and theoretical information with practical understanding of software design techniques and technologies.
Acceptance rate:72% | Graduation rate:43% |
Avg. annual net price: $18,869 | Time to completion:Four years |
SAT range:Not publicly available | Minimum GPA:2.0 |
Enrollment periods per year:Six | Course delivery method:Asynchronous |
About the program:Within Davenport's online computer information systems bachelor's degree, students can specialize in secure software development, programming, or web and mobile development.
Acceptance rate: 82% | Graduation rate:27% |
Avg. annual net price: $16,098 | Time to completion:Four years |
SAT range:Not publicly available | Minimum GPA:Not publicly available |
Enrollment periods per year:Three | Course delivery method:Asynchronous |
About the program:Designed as an accelerated cohort program, BU's online bachelor's in software development requires 36 credit hours of major coursework.
Acceptance rate:Not publicly available | Graduation rate:46% |
Avg. annual net price: $15,616 | Time to completion:Two years |
SAT range:Not publicly available | Minimum GPA:Not publicly available |
Enrollment periods per year:One | Course delivery method:Synchronous |
About the program:Hodges's online software development bachelor's degree emphasizes programming languages, security essentials, and software development across technological platforms.
Acceptance rate: 61% | Graduation rate:33% |
Avg. annual net price: $21,577 | Time to completion:Four years |
SAT range:Not publicly available | Minimum GPA:Not publicly available |
Enrollment periods per year:Not publicly available | Course delivery method:Asynchronous |
About the program:As part of Baker's online bachelor's degree in computer science with a concentration in computer programming, students complete a 150-hour practical work experience requirement.
Acceptance rate: 73% | Graduation rate:23% |
Avg. annual net price: $15,049 | Time to completion:Four years |
SAT range:Not publicly available | Minimum GPA: Not publicly available |
Enrollment periods per year:Rolling | Course delivery method:Asynchronous |
Anthony Girolamo leads the product and engineering organization at Flexe. His teams are responsible for the development of the Flexe Logistics Platform. Prior to joining Flexe, Anthony spent nine years at Amazon as a senior technical leader of Amazon Fulfillment Technologies and Supply Chain Optimization Technologies. He also held senior software engineering positions at Microsoft, and received both his BSE and MSE in computer science at the University of Michigan.
ZDNet: What are the most rewarding aspects of your career? What are the most challenging aspects of your career?
Anthony Girolamo: I currently lead product and engineering teams at Flexe, a Seattle based technology company that delivers omnichannel logistics programs for the world's largest retailers and brands. I value the opportunity to build something new from the ground up. Working at a startup is like having an open canvas to create and innovate, and that excites me even 20+ years into my career.
I continue to learn and face new challenges in the world of logistics. When I dipped my toe into the industry during my early days at Amazon, I underestimated the intricate process of moving goods from point A to point B. Every day holds the potential for countless disruptions