Software Engineer Degree Pathways: What You Need to Know

As a software engineer, you can work on the design and development of software systems that power everything from computer games to secure government systems. As computer programs play a prominent role in our everyday lives, software engineers remain in high demand, often enjoying flexible work environments and diverse opportunities, making it an exciting opportunity for those interested in computer systems and new technologies. If you’re considering a career in software engineering, a variety of educational pathways into the field may be available depending on your goals. 

To determine the best fit for you, explore software engineering and how each degree or non-degree pathway compares. Then, learn about software engineer salary details and the job outlook in this field.

What is software engineering?

Software engineering belongs under the broad umbrella of computer science, and it focuses on designing, developing, maintaining, and ensuring the quality of software applications. As a software engineer, you use your knowledge of computer programming and engineering to create software applications and programs for a variety of use cases.

In this field, you might focus on one or both of the common areas, which include applications development and systems development. As an applications developer, you design computer applications, some of which include computer software, mobile applications, and computer games. As a systems developer, you create operating systems that work behind the scenes to ensure computers function as intended and allow users to interact with devices and applications. 

Computer science vs. software engineering

While computer science and software engineering overlap, they have distinct differences. The field of computer science is more broad, including topics such as computer theory and computer hardware design, which focuses on understanding how each component connects to and interacts with another. 

Software engineering is a discipline that focuses on the design and development of software specifically, including each stage of software planning, testing, and implementation. While software engineers use computer science principles, they work within a more narrow scope and have a more specialized set of skills. 

Software engineer degree pathways

Many job listings for software engineers seek candidates with a degree in software engineering or a related field, but the type of degree that’s right for you will depend on how specialized your position is, your long-term goals, and your related experience. Common degree options you can choose from include:

Associate degree in software engineering

Earning an associate degree in software engineering prepares you to enter the workforce in entry-level positions. If you’re looking for a quicker path to your first position, earning an associate degree can help you enter the field as an associate software engineer, software tester, electronics technician, network support specialist, or data entry clerk.

Associate degrees typically take one to two years and can act as a stepping stone to a four-year degree, which is what you may want to pursue eventually for more advanced roles. You’ll learn fundamentals related to programming, operating systems, computer organization, and digital logic and may even have the opportunity to specialize in a specific area. This option can also save you money, as the average annual tuition for public two-year institutions is $4,027 while the average tuition for a private two-year insitution is $16,301 [1].

Bachelor’s degree in software engineering

A bachelor’s degree in software engineering is the most common entry point if you’re looking to establish a long-term career in this field. This type of program typically takes four years to complete and builds a comprehensive foundation in software development methods, computer programming, data structures, engineering principles, and computer algorithms. Through coursework, internships, and co-op opportunities, you may also have the opportunity to take part in hands-on projects to help you put theory into practice. 

With a bachelor’s degree, you may find more opportunities for positions as a software engineer, software developer, cybersecurity manager, software architect, and more. While you will likely earn more than your counterparts with an associate degree, it’s important to note that a full-time bachelor’s degree typically costs more. The average in-state learner attending a public university paid $27,146 per year in 2024, with tuition costs even higher for out-of-state students or private institutions [2].

Master’s degree in software engineering

If you want to secure a more senior position, such as a senior software engineer, or a specialized position, such as a DevOps engineer, you might choose to pursue a master’s degree in software engineering. Earning an advanced degree helps you qualify for higher-paying positions, such as leadership roles, within your organization.

When choosing a master’s program, you can often tailor your coursework to your area of interest. For example, you might choose electives (or a program specialization if offered) in cybersecurity, data visualization, big data, computer systems architecture, or cloud computing. This type of degree typically takes one to two years and costs an average of $61,380 per year in science-related fields [3].

PhD in software engineering

The highest degree you can earn in this field is a PhD in software engineering. In this degree, you can go beyond practical skills to research novel systems, critically analyze existing research in the field, assess the impact of new innovations, present research to colleagues, and teach in university programs. 

You’ll likely be conducting your own research and have a specialized focus area. Earning a PhD typically takes four to five years to complete, and costs vary widely depending on the university and the length of your program. Though not guaranteed, many doctoral students do qualify for scholarships or aid.

Do you need a degree to become a software engineer?

While a degree is often considered the baseline qualification for software engineers, many positions will accept alternative qualifications or experience. The cost and duration of these pathways vary widely, but they are typically less expensive and shorter than formal degree options. Pathways you can take to build practical skills include:

Boot camps

If you want to build a certain skill set in a limited amount of time, a bootcamp can be a great investment. Bootcamps are typically cost-effective and time-efficient, meaning you can target a specific area of expertise and fast-track your way into a certain career area. Because the field of software engineering rapidly evolves, this can be a great way to stay up-to-date with emerging skill needs. 

Certifications

If you don’t want to earn a full graduate degree but want to go beyond your undergraduate education—or switch fields from your current area—earning a software engineering certification can help your resume stand out. You can choose a more general certification, such as the Professional Software Engineering Master Certification (PSEM), or specialize in a specific area with options such as the Oracle Database SQL Certified Associate certification. 

Experience

You can often enter software engineering positions without a formal degree, though it may be more challenging to prove you have the necessary skills and foundational knowledge. Through online courses, books, videos, and online tutorials, you can learn fundamental skills tailored to your role of interest. It’s also helpful to note that many employers in this field focus more on subject-matter expertise than formal qualifications.

Salary and job outlook for software engineers

The salary and job outlook for software engineers are positive, with rates that exceed the national average. From 2023 to 2033, the overall demand for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers is expected to grow 17 percent, compared with 4 percent across all occupations [4]. 

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for software developers in the United States was $132,270, with about 140,100 new openings projected each year on average over the next decade [5]. 

Pros and cons of earning a software engineering degree

Earning a software engineering degree takes time and financial commitment but can lead to exciting career opportunities in diverse areas. To decide whether a degree pathway is right for you, consider the advantages and disadvantages compared to non-degree pathways:

Advantages

• Structured learning: Gain a strong foundation in theory and practical applications

• Access to internships and networking: Utilize university career support resources

• Competitive job opportunities: You may stand out in job applications and qualify for higher-paid opportunities

Disadvantages

• Higher cost: University programs often cost more than bootcamps or certifications

• Increased time commitment: University programs take longer to complete

• May not always be necessary: In some cases, skills take precedence over education levels

How to determine which educational pathway is right for you

Determining the right path forward is a personal decision that requires considering several factors. Start by assessing your learning style: Do you learn best in shorter, faster-paced environments or in more comprehensive, structured classes? Bootcamps rapidly teach you key information, while college degree programs offer more methodical approaches. Other considerations include time and resources: What type of financial commitment are you willing to make toward your educational goals? What is your available time commitment?

You may also want to evaluate your career goals. While bootcamps can help you enter a career more quickly, more senior or specialized positions may place more value on a degree and offer more competitive pay. If you’re looking for a long-term career in software engineering, it may be worth it to pursue a formal degree program, though experience can sometimes make up for this difference.

Learn more about software engineering on Coursera

You can enter an exciting career in software engineering through several degree and non-degree pathways, including bootcamps, certifications, associate degree programs, undergraduate degree programs, and graduate study. If you’re ready to take the next steps toward a career in this field, consider flexible online degree programs offered on Coursera. For instance, you might begin with an undergraduate program, such as the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science offered by the University of London, or earn a Master of Science in Computer Science from the University of Colorado Boulder to cover more advanced topics. 

Alternatively, you can gain practical experience and a solid knowledge base with programs like the Meta Front-End Developer Professional Certificate, which can take you from beginner to job-ready by helping you develop in-demand programming and software engineering skills.