^WSU _{Academic Programs}

Majors, minors & more

Software Engineering

Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture

Offered as:: Major; Graduate program

Overview

Software engineering is the application of engineering practices to software. The WSU software engineering program prepares students for developing and maintaining large and complex software by focusing on advanced courses in software development, testing and validation, maintenance, security, and management and integration—all specialties of high demand among the state’s computing and IT industries. Graduates can pursue a career as a software developer, software engineer, requirements engineer, quality assurance engineer, or project manager in a wide variety of high-tech industries.

This major is also offered at WSU North Puget Sound at Everett.

Strengths of the program

Gain knowledge in all phases of the development and maintenance of complex software.
High and continuously growing demand for people with Software Engineering skills.
Software Engineers typically earn six-figure salaries.
Receive assistance on career goals with the engineering school's industrial advisory board and numerous internship and career contacts.
Receive a solid technical background in math, science, and engineering.
You can join a math, science, and engineering community residence hall at WSU Pullman—share classes with your neighbors, study together, get free tutoring, and use the hall’s computer lab.

Requirements and sample courses

The bachelor of science in software engineering curriculum includes a solid foundation in mathematics and sciences, 28 credits of required core computer science courses, and 21 advanced software engineering and computer science courses.

Certifying into the major

Certification into the software engineering degree program is a formal acceptance to pursue a professional academic training program. Students who have completed 26 semester hours, including the prerequisite courses that are listed in the WSU catalog, may apply for certification, which is based on cumulative grade point average and courses taken.

Featured courses

Here are some of the courses that software engineering majors can expect to complete during their time at WSU:

Software Engineering Principles I and II
Software Requirements
Software Design and Architecture
Software Construction and Maintenance

For more information on current course offerings, approved electives, and requirements, see the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) website.

Graduation requirements

See the WSU Catalog for degree requirements and talk with your academic advisor about planning and scheduling your courses. All students must meet requirements as outlined in the catalog in order to graduate.

Transfer information

To certify your major in the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture, you will need to complete specific prerequisite courses. Use our list of transfer equivalencies to make sure you take the right transfer courses at your current college. Also check out the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) website and the University's transfer student guide for more information on transferring to WSU.

Scholarships and financial aid

For Software Engineering students

The University has set aside scholarships specially for software engineering students at WSU North Puget Sound. Contact our academic coordinators for more details.

For EECS students

The College of Engineering and Architecture offers more than 300 scholarships a year to students in their first and second years of study. Incoming freshmen and transfer students have the opportunity to receive scholarship money from the college that will be continued by the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

For all students

A variety of state, federal, and university-sponsored programs are available to help students with educational costs. Washington State University awards millions of dollars in financial aid and scholarships to students every year based on financial need, academic merit, or a combination of the two.

Students should complete the Washington State University general scholarship application and the FAFSA to ensure their eligibility for the widest range of scholarships and need-based financial aid.

For information or to apply for financial aid and scholarships from WSU, see the Scholarships and Finances section of the WSU website.

Suggested strengths, interests, and preparation

Strong aptitude in mathematics and logical thinking
Enjoy riddles, puzzles, and problem solving
Drawn to computers and software applications
Good at mastering some of the more involved strategy games
Aptitude for analytical thinking, such as high school math or science classes
Ability to stick with a difficult problem through its ultimate resolution

Careers: Employment in software engineering is growing rapidly. In Washington, jobs for software development engineers, developers, and software engineers grew by 87%, 56% and 74%, respectively in 2013 with continued expected growth through 2020. Software Engineers typically earn six-figure salaries. Graduates can pursue careers as a software developer, software engineer, requirements engineer, quality assurance engineer, project manager, and many others.