Best Online Software Engineering Degree Programs (Bachelor’s)

Explore your potential future as a software engineer! This research-packed guide will help you make an educated decision about earning an online software engineering bachelor’s degree. Learn about how online BS in software engineering programs work, why you might pursue one, and important points to consider before you make your decision.

Once you’re ready to commit, use our state-by-state listings to find the best schools offering online software engineering bachelor’s degrees.

Can You Earn a Software Engineering Degree Online?

Absolutely. Over 50 colleges & universities now offer online bachelor’s degrees in software engineering. Browse through our listings to discover all of your choices. Regionally accredited schools like Arizona State University, Penn State University, University of Maryland—and many more—have developed reputable BS programs that prepare students for an impactful role in the software industry.

What Types of Software Degrees Are Available Online?

Before online degrees in software engineering became widely available, other software-related programs were offered. Many of the concepts and skills required for software engineering evolved from these related fields. That means prospective undergraduate students interested in software studies may wish to consider the following majors:

• Software Engineering: Oversee the entire software development life cycle, from creating specifications to deploying the end product.
• Software Development: Design, build, and maintain software applications.
• Computer Science: Apply and develop data analysis, algorithms, and computational theory to improve software’s performance and capabilities.
• Computer Programming: Write code to instruct a computer application’s performance.
• Data Engineering: Design and create systems for data collection, storage, and application.

What to Expect From an Online Bachelor’s in Software Engineering Program

The Online Undergraduate Experience

As an online software engineering student, you’ll be able to fit undergraduate classes into your current schedule. Programs from schools like Penn State University run online management systems that organize coursework & communications and give you convenient access to materials, instructors, and fellow students.

But you will need to be self-motivated. Although systems like Canvas and Blackboard make online learning more manageable, a software engineering degree comes with specific educational challenges. And the technical demands of software-related courses will make diligence a priority.

For instance, in order to learn programming languages, you’ll be required to debug code continuously during the early stages of your online bachelor’s in software engineering. Developing basic programming skills takes hours of trial and error.

• In a campus-based undergraduate program, you would be performing these tasks in a lab setting. In-person teaching assistants would be available to help with frequent debugging issues.
• Online BS programs overcome some of these challenges by offering video chats, emails, and discussion boards. You should be ready to make good use of these interactions by preparing a list of questions and having a complete context of your coding problems.

Online BS in Software Engineering: Program Length

Online BS in software engineering programs vary in length depending on the school:

• Traditional 4-Year Format: Although some flexibility could be allowed in scheduling, many colleges & universities will require you to enroll in a set number of courses each semester. You’ll have an advisor to review your coursework and constant interaction with fellow students & your professors. Like their on-campus counterparts, traditional online BS degrees typically take four years.
• Self-Paced: Certain schools will allow you to work at your own pace throughout your enrollment. This self-paced format means you begin a new course immediately after completing the prior one. If you are interested in graduating as soon as possible, a self-paced degree from a regionally accredited school like Western Governors University is possible.
• Accelerated: Some schools have developed unique accelerated online programs for students who have existing qualifications. For instance, Bellarmine University offers a one-year curriculum for a bachelor’s in software and data engineering. To enroll in this program, you must already hold a bachelor’s degree in a different field (unrelated to computer science or computer information systems).

Online Program Delivery Options

Online BS in software engineering programs in our listings can be delivered in two ways:

• 100% Online: In a 100% online bachelor’s degree, you never have to visit the campus. You’ll study remotely throughout the entire length of the program and complete all assignments & coursework in the place where you live.
• Hybrid: Hybrid BS in software engineering degrees will require you to attend some on-campus classes and complete in-person coursework (e.g. labs). The other portion of your degree will remain online. Check the program website to learn how the school divides up remote & onsite work. You may even be close to a campus offshoot. For instance, the University of Maryland provides more than 20 U.S. locations for its hybrid courses.

Asynchronous vs. Synchronous Learning

Online BS in software engineering programs will be offered in two kinds of instructional formats:

• Asynchronous: With an asynchronous format, no classes occur in real time. You’ll be allowed to review material and complete assignments on your schedule. Online programs typically offer this format for most (or all) of their classes. The online BS at Southern New Hampshire University, for example, is entirely made up of asynchronous courses.
• Synchronous: The synchronous format involves real-time instruction—students and professors engage in live online lectures, scheduled for a specific day and time. Synchronous learning isn’t an especially popular format for online programs. But you’ll find some schools like to include virtual opportunities for students to work together.

How to Choose an Online Software Engineering Program

School & Program Accreditation

At a minimum, you should apply to a college or university with regional accreditation (e.g. HLC, NWCCU, SACSCOC, etc.). Regional accreditation means that schools have passed a rigorous process validating their educational standards. With a regionally accredited online degree, you’ll be able to apply for entry-level jobs and graduate programs in software engineering fields.

Ideally, your school of choice will also possess accreditation through the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET). ABET accredits undergraduate programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology. But it’s not a “must-have.” A number of sturdy schools have decided not to pursue this credential.

Accreditation is one of the most important considerations for an online degree. Be aware that most employers & graduate schools will discount online degrees from nationally accredited or non-accredited universities!

Institutional Quality / Reputation

You won’t be surprised to hear that elite schools like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and California Polytechnic State University do not offer online software engineering programs. This may change as virtual learning becomes more acceptable in post-pandemic years.

In the meantime, highly reputable schools such as Penn State and Arizona State University provide online bachelor’s programs in software engineering that are equivalent to the quality of an on-campus experience. These are two schools among many that possess the highly regarded ABET accreditation.

Program & Faculty Quality

Consider some of the following questions when assessing the quality of an online BS program:

1. Is the online faculty the same as the on-campus program, or are primarily adjuncts and others brought in to meet demand?
   You can visit a school’s software engineering website to learn about its faculty members. Arizona State University states that “online students learn from the same faculty and receive the same course content as in-person students.” Champlain College provides faculty who are “expert practitioners in the field”—that is, a mixture of full-time faculty and industry professionals.
2. Are there any reviews or online discussions pointing to student satisfaction with the program?
   Some schools provide testimonials from former students. If you’re looking for unbiased feedback, search for commentaries on Quora or Reddit—such as this Arizona State University discussion. Post a question about a school’s program to get input from current or former students. You can also ask the online BS program coordinator if you can speak to recent alumni.
3. Are there any accolades from publications like U.S. News & World Report?
   U.S. News & World Report assesses schools & individual degrees, including online software engineering programs, on an annual basis. You’ll often find that Schools of Engineering or Departments of Computer Science will list accolades on their websites. For instance, Champlain College displays several awards for its program.

Career Aspirations

Many software-related degrees will contain coursework in software engineering principles. However, undergraduate programs in majors like software development, computer science, and computer programming will address topics & coursework that are specific to their objectives. For example, an online degree in software development will focus on a portion of a software application’s life cycle. In contrast, an online software engineering degree will cover the entire process. See our section on Types of Online Software Degrees for more info on each major.

Tuition & Costs

Online bachelor’s degrees in software engineering have similar prices to on-campus programs. Examples of affordable online programs include Middle Georgia State University, Western Governors University, and Champlain College. Annual tuition for these schools might range from $3,500-$9,500. Programs at more expensive schools like Penn State University and Arizona State University will cost roughly $16,000-$20,000 per year.

To keep your tuition expenses low, you may wish to:

• Apply for financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Ask about scholarships & awards for online undergraduate students at your prospective school. Be aware that some schools may only offer certain scholarships to on-campus students.
• Research online programs at public universities within your state. Schools may still be able to offer in-state tuition rates to distance learning students.
• Look into tuition discounts for military service members, veterans, children of military members, employees of partner companies, and the like.

Is an Online Software Engineering Degree Right for You?

Are You Self-Motivated? Can You Stay on Track Without Physically Being on Campus or in Class?

Dedication is important for all online students, but it’s critical for individuals who choose technical fields in software. Theoretical content is an integral part of an online BS in software engineering. You’ll need diligence and self-discipline to work independently on abstract concepts and technical courses like the Design and Analysis of Data Structures & Algorithms.

Are You Comfortable Communicating via Email and Zoom?

Online bachelor’s degrees in software engineering will require you to work collaboratively on projects. Most schools in our listings offer a program orientation and virtual support for your computing needs. And new communication technologies make group work convenient for remote students. However, already possessing basic computing skills will help ease your transition into online studies.

Furthermore, you need to prioritize robust internet service. Poor internet connections & speeds create massive challenges for software engineering students, who rely heavily on instruction through videos and tutorials for technical content.

Online BS Programs are Technical—Are You Prepared to Complete Coursework Remotely?

Online software engineering undergraduates need discipline and motivation to handle the continuous hours of independent and technical coursework. As you apply concepts, you’ll have many questions about your work. Being prepared during remote visits with professors & fellow students can help you make productive use of your time. Solid organizational skills will ensure you get speedy answers to your technical questions.

The good news is that becoming proficient in a remote setting will provide you with a valued skill set in the software engineering industry. Numerous companies now allow software engineers to work part- or full-time from home.

Can You Balance an Online Bachelor’s Degree with Prior Commitments (e.g. Job, Family, etc.)?

Time management skills are critical for handling the technical elements of an online BS in software engineering. Before committing to an undergraduate program in our listings, consider the flexibility in your current schedule.

Some weeks will demand more hours of study than others due to a) the extra time demand for understanding more technical material; b) completing a capstone project; or c) solving unexpected issues with your computer code. Be sure to designate specific times and days of the week for your online coursework and allow some room for unanticipated technical challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Competitive is Admission to Online BS in Software Engineering Programs?

Requirements varies, but most online BS in software engineering programs are open to a wide range of candidates. For instance, Arizona State University requires a GPA minimum of 3.0, a SAT minimum of 1210 or an ACT minimum of 24, and official high school or GED transcripts. As a less selective school, Southern New Hampshire University requires prior transcripts but no test scores.

Is an Online Software Engineering Degree Harder than an On-Campus Program?

An online software engineering degree challenges you in the same ways as an on-campus degree. Courses and expectations do not vary between the two types of programs. Most schools’ websites make the equivalence of their programs a point of emphasis. For instance, Kennesaw State University states, “an online student can expect to spend at least as much time in an online course as they would in a face-to-face course.”

Is an Online Bachelor’s in Software Engineering Worth It?

An online BS in software engineering is equal to an on-campus degree—all schools award their diplomas for a degree in the same way. For instance, Arizona State University states that diplomas do not specify whether the degree was online or in-person.

If you have the discipline to finish your program, an online bachelor’s degree in software engineering will set you up for many well-paid job opportunities in a growing industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), professionals in the field of software engineering earned a median annual salary of $109,020 in 2021. Economic indicators project job growth of 25% from 2021–2031.