Software Engineering Degrees in California

California is home to some of the largest technology companies in the world, with new startups seemingly ready to launch every day. With so many software development firms in operation—and major California cities investing massively in new technology—the time has never been better for individuals seeking a steady career in software engineering.

Fortunately, California also features many exceptional software engineering and computer science programs, offering high-quality educational options for young adults as well as experienced professionals looking to change careers.

Software Engineering Landscape in California

California is well-known for its prominence in the technology sector, with the job outlook slated to improve considerably over the next decade. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers are expected to grow 25% by 2031, much faster than the average.

And it is not only software development companies and tech firms that are hiring new software engineers. An exciting sector is emerging within major metropolitan cities themselves.

Some of California’s most populated areas are investing heavily in IoT and wireless technology in an effort to create smart cities. The demands of a growing population, coupled with immense influx from tourists and visitors, have established a greater need for efficiency and elegance in city planning. Smart cities allow city planners to more effectively make critical decisions, manage traffic, enhance safety and security, and improve the overall experience within urban areas.

Sacramento has launched several initiatives in recent years, partnering with Verizon to provide “private-sector small cell infrastructure investment, technology and implementation expertise as well as streamlined permitting processes to install this technology efficiently.”

They have also announced a collaboration with Deepen AI and Foresight AI to build high-definition, 3D maps for three demonstration routes of their 1.2-mile autonomous vehicle shuttles.

Los Angeles also has established ambitious goals to become a smart city by 2028. As former Mayor Eric Garcetti announced in his 2020 State of the City speech: ”The soul of our recovery will shape the contours of our City’s future for decades to come . . . . We have a blueprint for the city of the future.”

Software Engineering Education in California

For students considering a software engineering degree in California, there are many excellent options to earn a bachelor’s, a master’s, or even a PhD.

UC Irvine

Consistently ranked one of the top colleges in California, UC Irvine offers an unparalleled software engineering program. In addition to rigorous academics and a faculty that boasts some of the top minds in the field, UC Irvine provides students with incredible research opportunities through their Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP).

UC Irvine is also home to the ICS Honors Program, rewarding the top computer science students with additional opportunities to build their portfolio and position themselves for an exciting post-graduation career.

San Diego State

Offering a BS in Computer Science, San Diego State stands apart with six different labs for hands-on study, collaborative projects, and innovation. Research facilities include the Intelligent Machines and Systems Laboratory, the Cyber Innovation Group, which works heavily in the fields of IoT technology and multimedia applications, and the Computer Vision Lab, which has worked with government agencies and private corporations in the innovative fields of security surveillance, robotics, autonomous driving, and other applications.

San Diego State also proudly supports women and first-generation students with their MESA Program, which is designed to encourage STEM education for historically underserved populations.

Loyola Marymount

As one of the most prestigious private universities in California, Loyola Marymount offers a rigorous academic program steeped in its Catholic roots. The school’s software engineering program provides research opportunities for students through each year of their university career, including senior projects—a requirement for graduation.

Because of its emphasis on research and hands-on learning, Loyola Marymount inspires students to look beyond the classroom and build solutions to real-world problems. LMU students proudly announced the recent launch of an app that helps legal teams exonerate wrongly incarcerated inmates.

DeVry University

With locations throughout California and an easy application process, DeVry University is an excellent option for students looking to specialize in a particular field of software engineering. Students are welcome to begin the program by developing their skills in software development before choosing one of DeVry’s three specializations:

• Big data and analytics
• Software design and programming
• Web and mobile application development

Software Engineering Jobs in California

With a degree in software engineering, graduates will find a robust job market and many options to make an immediate contribution. CalCareers, a leading job site for government positions, lists over 900 available opportunities for software engineers and those with a background in computer science.

For those seeking careers in the private sector, Clutch recently released its 2022 rankings of the top software developer companies in California. Working within these companies will provide software engineers with the chance to use their skills on cutting-edge projects and initiatives.

It will require the work of thousands of people to deliver on these initiatives, which is why a software engineering degree in California may be more lucrative now than ever before.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that starting salaries for software engineers are well above the national average. Whether it is in the private sector, for the government, or through partnerships with major cities, software engineers will be in high demand for many years to come.