Software Engineering Associate Degree Programs

Advance your understanding of a software engineering associate degree with the help of this practical guide! We will walk you through a typical associate degree program, including the curriculum, tuition costs, admission requirements, online options, career opportunities, and job market. If computer hardware and software development capture your interest, an affordable associate degree in software engineering may be just the right qualification for you.

Explore the details or jump straight ahead to state-by-state listings of AS in software engineering programs!

What is a Software Engineering Associate Degree Program?

An associate degree in software engineering will provide you with a fundamental understanding of networks, databases, web design & development, and operating systems. In this two-year undergraduate program, you’ll be schooled in programming skills, network design & implementation, database management, and operating systems development.

Graduates with an AS in software engineering or development can apply for entry-level jobs in the industry, including roles like web designer, entry-level software developer, computer programmer, network support technician, and computer support specialist.

Note: To compete with other candidates, you may wish to further your education by transferring your AS credits into a bachelor’s degree in software engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or a closely related field.

AS Degrees: What You Will Learn

Degree Options

It’s important to note that not every associate’s program is formally called “software engineering.” Some undergraduate programs will be in software development, computer programming, or computer science. Most of these degrees provide an introduction to computer technologies, so there is a lot of overlap in the coursework. Almost all of these programs will allow graduates to apply for the same entry-level positions or four-year BS degrees.

Programming Languages

Software engineering programs at the associate’s level will cover some of the industry’s most popular programming languages. These have widespread applications in data analysis and software & web development.

• HTML and CSS: More basic than other languages, HTML and CSS are used to create the layout and style of a webpage.
• Java: Designed for beginners, Java eases new programmers into unfamiliar programming concepts. Software engineers use this language to build applications on various platforms, including laptops, game consoles, and cell phones.
• C++ or C#: Challenging to learn, C++ or C# interfaces with hardware more easily than Java. Software engineers use C++ or C# to construct operating systems because they communicate directly with a computer’s hard drive and memory.
• JavaScript: This language is most commonly used to make websites interactive and user-friendly. JavaScript is necessary for any software engineer who’s involved in web development.

Core Concepts

AS in software engineering programs will explore a number of key concepts. The following branches make up the core of nearly all undergraduate degree programs:

• Network Fundamentals: Networks allow communication and transfer of data among computers. The fundamentals provide an overview of implementing, managing, and troubleshooting network hardware and software.
• Database Management Systems: Databases hold vast amounts of information. Software engineers must design and construct databases so businesses can readily access data for making timely decisions.
• Web Design and Development: Websites are the heart of the internet. Software engineers apply web design and development to create interactive websites on desktop and mobile devices.
• Operating Systems: Operating systems manage a computer’s memory and processes. Software engineers design and develop operating systems to run all the software and hardware of a computer.

AS Program Overview: Curriculum, Admission Requirements & Costs

Structure & Timeline

Associate degree programs in software engineering generally require 60-70 credits, which equates to 17-20 courses. The general curriculum will contain 20-30 credits in math, science, and elective studies. The remaining credits will be devoted to core requirements of software engineering. Coursework is typically divided into four semesters, each lasting three to four months. To graduate in two years, a full-time commitment is required.

AS in Software Engineering: Curriculum

General Education Courses

For an AS in software engineering, standard general education courses include:

• Math
• Natural Sciences (e.g., biology, physical geology)
• Composition
• Humanities (e.g., history, philosophy)
• Social Sciences (e.g., economics, political science, sociology)
• Communication

Core Requirements

Typical core courses in computing & programming include:

• Java Programming
• C++ or C# Programming
• Database Concepts and Applications
• Computer Networks
• Web Programming
• Web Design
• Operating Systems

Columbus State Community College and Franklin University have curricula that are representative of schools offering software engineering associate degrees. Use the coursework links in our listings to explore more options.

Capstone Project

All schools incorporate projects into the curriculum as a way to apply learned concepts. You’ll be able to choose a project in an area of software interest and typically conclude the course with a presentation of the project’s results. Some schools, like New England Institute of Technology, will encourage you to tackle a real-world project with a local company.

AS Admission Requirements

There are a few minimum admission requirements for an associate degree in software engineering, including:

• High school diploma or GED
• Submission of official transcripts

More competitive schools may include additional requirements:

• A minimum 3.0 GPA
• SAT/ACT scores
• Letters of recommendation

Note: Although programming knowledge may be helpful, no specific high school coursework is required to apply for an AS in software engineering.

How Much Does a Software Engineering Associate Degree Cost?

Tuition rates for an AS in software engineering vary widely. The total cost will depend on whether you are an in-state or out-of-state resident. The following tables show that tuition ranges from approximately $4,000 (in-state) to $13,000 (out-of-state) per year.

Tuition-Friendly Colleges

School	In-state Tuition (per year)	Out-of-State Tuition (per year)
Finger Lakes Community College	$5,722	$6,710
Spokane Community College	$3,826	$5,135
Ocean County College	$5,790	$8,100

Source: nces.ed.gov

Higher-Priced Colleges

School	In-State Tuition (per year)	Out-of-State Tuition (per year)
Dakota State University	$9,633	$12,735
Park University	$12,280	$12,280
Salem University	$13,150	$13,150

Source: nces.ed.gov

To cut down on your tuition costs, be sure to take full advantage of federal, state, and institutional aid! Associate degrees offered by regionally accredited schools will be eligible for financial aid. You can double-check with the program coordinator to ensure that your AS degree qualifies.

As an example, Park University walks you through the financial aid process in three steps:

1. Complete Park University’s application.
2. Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
3. Review your aid package to find out the amount of financial assistance you will receive from Park University and from state and federal governments.

All accredited schools follow a similar process and have a financial aid office to assist you with the application process.

Online Associate’s in Software Engineering Programs

Online education offers the convenience of learning from anywhere while receiving the same educational benefits as a brick-and-mortar degree. Research published in Science Advances shows that high-quality online courses are equally effective as traditional classes. You can view lectures around your schedule. You will also find it easier to dedicate time to the material that gives you the most trouble. The trade-off for flexibility and convenience, however, is that you’ll need greater self-discipline.

Before committing to an online school, verify its accreditation status with the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Accreditation helps ensure that online schools satisfy high standards. You should be looking for institutions with regional accreditation (e.g. HLC, NECHE, SACSCOC, etc.). Regionally accredited schools provide access to financial aid, ease credit transferability, and improve your job outlook. Some examples of regionally accredited online schools include:

• Jamestown Community College: AS in Computer Science (Software Engineering Emphasis)
• Champlain College: Associate Degree in Software Development

Should You Transfer Into a Bachelor’s in Software Engineering Program After Graduation?

This decision depends on your educational and career goals. Continuing your studies after you have earned an associate degree in software engineering will be advantageous. Targeted & advanced studies will prepare you for higher-income jobs (e.g. software management) and help you stand out in a crowded job market. A BS in software engineering will be more powerful than an AS in software engineering.

On the other hand, you can always apply for an entry-level position that provides opportunities for career growth and decide on your next steps after your start working. Even if you don’t think you will enroll in a bachelor’s degree program, verify that your AS credits will be transferable to a four-year college program. Talk to the admissions department at your community or technical college and ask about AS to BS transfer agreements with local colleges & universities.

Career Opportunities & Job Outlook

Career opportunities are promising for people with an associate degree in software engineering. The skills associated with networks, software development, and data will continue to be in high demand for the foreseeable future. An associate degree qualifies you for valued occupations with the potential for continued job growth.

Potential Job Titles

Occupation	Median Pay (Per Year), 2021	Number of jobs, 2021	Job Outlook (projected growth rate from 2021-31)
Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers	$109,020	1,600,000	25%
Computer Support Specialist	$57,910	875,700	6%
Web Developer and Designer	$78,300	197,100	23%
Network Support Specialist	$62,720	176,200	NA
Computer Programmer*	$93,000	174,400	-10%

*Note that an entry-level salary will be significantly lower than the median pay.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) – May 2021

Job Descriptions

Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts & Testers: Software developers are responsible for designing & creating computer applications or programs. Software quality assurance analysts & testers must be able to pinpoint problems with applications or programs and identify defects.

Computer Support Specialist: Provides technical support to non-technical computer users. This support includes:

• Diagnosing and resolving a customer’s computer problems
• Setting up or repairing computer hardware
• Installing new hardware or software

Web Developer and Designer: A web developer codes and maintains websites. A web designer creates and tests the website’s interface, functionality, and usability.

Network Support Specialist: Maintains networks to ensure continued operation. This maintenance effort includes analyzing, testing, troubleshooting, and evaluating network systems.

Computer Programmer: Writes code that translates a software developer’s program design into instructions a computer understands.

Alternatives to an Associate Degree in Software Engineering

Coursera, edX, and Udemy Courses

Coursera, edX, and Udemy are companies that offer online courses in software topics. You can choose your own courses and take them at your pace and convenience. This educational method is a low-risk way of discovering whether software engineering is a good fit for you.

Each site offers a certificate once you’ve completed a collection of courses specializing in a field like software engineering. An associate degree will hold more value in the job market, but a portfolio of online classes will provide companies with examples of your technical qualifications.

Professional Certificates

You may wish to start your education by earning a professional or undergraduate certificate. For example, Montgomery County Community College offers specialty certificates in several fields, including software engineering. If you have at least 30 college credits, you can enroll in an 18-credit certificate program. A MCCC student earns a software engineering certificate by completing six courses selected during a consultation with an appropriate faculty member.

Bootcamps

Software engineering bootcamps are intensive programs that take 12-16 weeks (full time) or 6-10 months (part time). Bootcamps include lectures and project-based learning for up to 10 hours per day. Some bootcamps are only available in an online format; other bootcamps offer online or on-campus options. Tuition ranges from a few thousand dollars to more than $20,000. The median bootcamp tuition is roughly $13,000.

Bootcamps are relatively new and offer some of the following advantages over community & technical colleges:

• Up-to-Date Coursework: Because they are not accredited, bootcamps update their courses more quickly than colleges. This versatility is advantageous in an ever-changing software engineering field.
• Job Guarantees: Some bootcamps offer a full refund if a company does not hire you within a few months. Springboard and Thinkful give such a guarantee.
• Speedy Job Offers: You may receive job offers a few months after enrollment. The intensity and technical focus of the bootcamps accelerate the education and hiring process.

However, bootcamps present some challenges that are not associated with colleges & universities:

• No Federal Financial Aid: You are not eligible for federal aid while attending a non-accredited school.
• Difficult to Evaluate: A bootcamp’s claims may not be validated by an independent source because they aren’t accredited schools.
• No Degree: You may use the name of the bootcamp on your résumé. However, since no formal degree is associated with completing your coursework, you may be unable to apply for some jobs.