Software Engineering Degrees in Minnesota

With a supportive state government and a history of innovation, Minnesota excels in several key industries, including healthcare, education, and finance. With Minneapolis gaining a reputation as one of the fastest growing tech cities in the United States, Minnesota is building on its rich legacy with pro-technology policies, innovative breakthroughs, and some of the nation’s best universities.

For software engineers, there are few states better than Minnesota to earn a valuable education and start a lucrative new career.

Software Engineering Landscape in Minnesota

Minneapolis has been a healthcare leader for decades, with hundreds of organizations working to drive the future of medicine. However, Minnesota is also rapidly growing in technology and innovation, with many breakthroughs occurring in both healthcare and other essential industries.

Launch Minnesota is a “statewide collaborative effort to accelerate the growth of startups and amplify Minnesota as a national leader in innovation.” Comprising a vast network of regional hubs and program partners, Launch Minnesota is driving economic growth and innovation in clean technology, edtech, retail, and Internet of Things.

In the private sector, Minnesota also boasts several groups that are pushing the state forward. The Minnesota Technology Association is committed to growth statewide through legislative advocacy, job development and talent recruitment, and community engagement.

In Minneapolis specifically, key efforts are underway to improve adoption and access of technology. Minneapolis 2040, a comprehensive plan to drive innovation, focuses on key policy issues such as Technology in the Economy, Innovations in Transportation and Infrastructure, and Shared Mobility.

In light of the massive support given to technology and innovation statewide, software engineering is projected to be one of the fastest growing job markets in Minneapolis and across Minnesota. Software engineers with a bachelor’s degree will find high paying, rewarding career opportunities at some of the country’s leading tech companies.

Software Engineering Education in Minnesota

Minnesota is home to exceptional colleges and universities, with software engineering students earning undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as professional certifications.

Undergraduate Programs

St. Cloud State University offers a BS in Software Engineering that combines engineering principles, computing skills, project management, and software development. Throughout the program, students apply their training to real-world scenarios, giving them extensive experience while preparing them to enter the workforce after graduation.

At Bethel University, students can earn a BS in Software Engineering, which has been thoughtfully designed to ensure graduates are ready to begin their tech-focused careers. Bethel students have the opportunity to conduct original research with faculty mentors, participate in competitions through the Association for Computing Machinery, and complete semester-long projects in a field of their choosing.

Herzing University offers a BS in Software Development that is fully online, flexible, and career-focused. The 120-unit program includes lifelong career coaching as well as preparation for various industry-best certifications. Herzing also offers to pay the exam fees for many of the certification tests that students take before entering their chosen career field.

Graduate Programs

University of Minnesota’s MS in Software Engineering prepares working professionals for leadership positions. The program can be completed in four semesters and includes access to the university’s vast alumni network, enabling graduates to connect with other industry leaders and seek new job opportunities. Former students have gone on to work at some of the largest corporations in the world, including Apple.

University of St. Thomas offers a two-year MS in Software Engineering for experienced professionals who want to elevate their career or students entering software engineering for the first time. The program features a strong core curriculum enhanced by specific areas of focus, including systems and application development, database management, and enterprise architecture.

Certificate Programs

At Rasmussen University, students choose from several technology certificate programs, selecting the field that best fits their career goals. Rasmussen offers certificate programs in IT Project Management, Network Support, and Cyber Security.

Dakota County Technical College offers two software development tracks for students seeking professional certification: Desktop Programming and Web Programming. Each track can be completed in two years.

Software Engineering Jobs in Minnesota

Software engineers will find many job opportunities in Minnesota, with the option to work at major corporations or to begin their careers at a fast-paced startup.

Branch is revolutionizing the way businesses manage payments, delivering a free mobile app that seamlessly handles on-demand pay, cashless tips, digital payouts, and more. They have already partnered with industry leaders including Uber, making Branch a company on the rise. They are currently hiring software engineers for their expanding staff, with many of the positions offering flexible remote options.

Optum is a division of UnitedHealth Group, making healthcare easier with a “one-stop shop” of service options. Users can fill prescriptions, schedule doctor visits, and gain valuable mental and physical support tools. Optum currently has several software engineering positions available in Minneapolis and around the country.

Flywheel helps research scientists, clinical researchers, and AI developers accelerate innovation with data-driven support and strategy. Their software solutions are helping to improve research outcomes across the globe, including serving as a platform for understanding pediatric brain development in low- and middle-income countries. As they continue to grow, they are searching for talented software engineers to join their company, with many remote work options available.

With outstanding universities as well as software engineering jobs available in finance, healthcare, and scientific research, Minnesota offers wonderful opportunities for both new graduates and mid-career professionals.