Which Degree Is Best for Software Engineering Careers

Choosing the right degree can shape your entire journey as a software engineer. While a bachelor’s degree in software engineering is the most common path, it’s not the only one. Many successful engineers have started with degrees in computer science, information technology, or even mathematics—each offering unique strengths that fit different career goals. And here’s the interesting part: some professionals enter the field without any traditional degree at all, relying instead on coding bootcamps, self-study, and hands-on projects to prove their skills. In this guide, we’ll explore the five best majors for aspiring software engineers, compare technical and non-technical routes, and share how real-world experience can sometimes outweigh a diploma.

The 5 Best Degrees for Aspiring Software Engineers

1. Bachelor’s in Software Engineering

A Bachelor’s in Software Engineering—whether pursued on-campus or online—is the most direct and structured path for anyone aiming to build a career in this field. This degree equips you to handle every stage of the software development life cycle (SDLC), from gathering user requirements to delivering fully functional applications.

Imagine being the architect of a skyscraper, where you not only design the structure but also ensure that every brick is placed correctly. A bachelor’s in software engineering similarly prepares you—helping you design large-scale applications while also developing the skills to manage, test, and optimize them.

Skills You’ll Gain

Through this program, you’ll learn how to:

• Apply engineering principles to architect complex software systems.
• Build applications with a strong command of programming languages, databases, networking concepts, and web development tools.
• Step into project management responsibilities, balancing deadlines, teamwork, and client expectations.

Why This Degree is a Great Fit

This degree doesn’t just teach coding—it teaches you how to think like an engineer. You’ll gain experience in root cause analysis, code reviews, and system design, which makes you highly valuable in collaborative environments. Many students say this degree gave them the confidence to move from “just writing code” to building real-world solutions that impact businesses and users.

Career Opportunities with This Degree

With a software engineering degree, your career path is flexible. Beyond traditional roles like software engineer or software developer, you can explore specialized areas such as:

• Quality Assurance Analyst – ensuring software works flawlessly.
• Cybersecurity Engineer – protecting systems from growing digital threats.
• Mobile Engineer – building apps that reach millions of users worldwide.
• Cloud Engineer or Data Engineer – mastering cutting-edge technologies that power today’s global platforms.

Many graduates also step into leadership roles, such as project manager or solutions architect, as they gain experience. The strong foundation built during your bachelor’s makes it easier to adapt as technology continues to evolve.

2. Bachelor’s in Software Development

A Bachelor’s in Software Development is designed for students who want to focus directly on creating and maintaining applications. While software engineering covers the entire software life cycle, this degree dives deeper into the hands-on process of coding, testing, and refining applications that meet user needs.

Think of it this way: if a software engineer is the architect who designs the entire building, a software developer is the skilled builder who ensures that every wall, floor, and system is constructed perfectly to plan. This degree equips you with the technical expertise to transform ideas into functional software.

Skills You’ll Gain

By pursuing a software development degree, you’ll build strong foundations in:

• Writing code for web, mobile, or game applications using languages like Java, C++, Python, and JavaScript.
• Designing and connecting with databases to store, retrieve, and secure user data efficiently.
• Applying algorithms and data structures to solve real-world programming challenges.
• Testing applications with various tools and techniques to ensure performance, speed, and reliability.

Why This Degree is a Great Fit

Software development is essentially a subset of software engineering. It gives you a deep dive into the coding and application-building process, making it an excellent choice if you love problem-solving and hands-on programming. Many students find that this degree allows them to easily transition into software engineering roles, especially in small to mid-size projects where developers often wear multiple hats.

Career Opportunities with This Degree

Graduates with a bachelor’s in software development have a variety of paths to explore, including:

• Programmer – writing efficient, user-friendly code for different platforms.
• Web Developer – creating websites and online applications.
• Database Administrator – managing and optimizing large sets of critical data.
• Quality Assurance Analyst – testing and improving applications before they reach users.

Over time, many software development graduates move into specialized fields or leadership positions, especially as they gain experience with large-scale projects. This degree can be a strong stepping stone, whether you’re aiming to work in startups, established tech companies, or even freelance as an independent developer.

3. Bachelor’s in Computer Science

A Bachelor’s in Computer Science (CS) is one of the most versatile and respected degrees in the tech industry. It allows you to explore multiple technical areas—from software systems, like building applications for mobile devices, to computational theory, such as creating algorithms that solve complex computing problems. This balance of theory and practice makes it a popular choice for aspiring software engineers.

Picture this: while some students are building mobile apps that can run smoothly on millions of devices, others are diving into the logic behind why those apps work—studying algorithms, data structures, and the mathematics that make software reliable. This combination gives computer science graduates both the practical coding skills and the analytical mindset to thrive in software engineering.

Why This Degree is a Great Fit

A computer science degree provides a solid foundation for a career in software engineering. On the practical side, you’ll gain hands-on experience in programming languages, software development, and networking—skills directly applicable to designing and deploying software. On the theoretical side, you’ll learn about algorithms, data structures, and computational problem-solving, which are critical when building scalable and efficient applications.

While some theoretical aspects of CS extend beyond software engineering, they still provide a competitive advantage. For instance, understanding algorithmic efficiency can help you design apps that handle thousands of users without crashing, while knowledge of data structures can make your code run faster and use fewer resources.

Career Opportunities with This Degree

One of the biggest strengths of a computer science degree is its flexibility. After graduation, you can pursue roles such as:

• Software Engineer – designing, developing, and maintaining applications.
• Software Developer – coding applications tailored to user needs.
• Data Scientist – analyzing large datasets to create data-driven solutions.
• Systems Analyst or Database Manager – optimizing systems that support organizations.

Additionally, this degree serves as a strong foundation for graduate-level studies in areas like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computational theory. Many students who start with CS later move into cutting-edge fields, contributing to innovations that shape the future of technology.

4. Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering

A Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering offers the best of both worlds by combining the study of computer hardware and software applications. The curriculum blends computer science with electrical engineering, giving you the ability to design devices where hardware and software work seamlessly together. From smartphones and tablets to gaming consoles and digital cameras, computer engineers are the minds behind the technology we use daily.

Think of it this way: while a software engineer writes the code for an app, a computer engineer makes sure the device running that app is built to support it. This degree helps you understand not just how to create programs, but also how they interact with processors, memory, and circuits.

Why This Degree is a Great Fit

The software-focused part of this degree equips you with skills in coding, testing, and program design, all of which are directly applicable to software engineering. At the same time, your hardware knowledge sets you apart in industries where software must run flawlessly on physical devices. This broader perspective allows you to see the “bigger picture”—something many pure software professionals miss.

For example, a computer engineer working at Apple might design not only the iOS apps but also the chip architecture (like Apple’s M-series processors) that ensures those apps run faster and more efficiently.

Career Opportunities with This Degree

A computer engineering degree opens doors to a wide range of roles across the tech industry, such as:

• Computer Architect – designing the blueprints for next-generation systems.
• Circuit Designer – developing the hardware components that power devices.
• Hardware Engineer – improving processors, memory, and chips.
• Software Developer – coding applications that leverage your hardware expertise.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), computer hardware engineering jobs are expected to grow by 5% between 2021 and 2031, showing steady demand for professionals who can bridge the gap between hardware and software. This makes computer engineering one of the most future-proof degrees for anyone looking to work at the cutting edge of technology.

5. Bachelor’s in Information Technology

A Bachelor’s in Information Technology (IT) is an excellent choice for students who want to specialize in the management and security of digital systems. This degree typically covers topics such as networking, cybersecurity, database management, programming, and algorithms. With this knowledge, graduates are prepared to design secure systems, maintain large databases, and ensure networks operate efficiently.

Think about the role of IT professionals in today’s world: every time you log in to your bank account, stream a video, or use a cloud service, IT specialists are working behind the scenes to make sure the data is stored safely, transferred securely, and accessed without interruption. This makes IT skills highly valuable in industries that rely on sensitive data and large-scale applications.

Why This Degree is a Great Fit

An IT degree gives you a focused perspective on information flow and security, setting it apart from broader software engineering degrees. While you’ll still learn programming and application development, the emphasis on data management, cybersecurity, and networking makes you uniquely valuable in modern organizations.

For example, a software engineer with an IT background might design not only a mobile app but also implement the secure data architecture that keeps user information safe from hackers—a skill in very high demand today.

Career Opportunities with This Degree

The skillset from an IT degree opens doors to several career paths, including:

• Network Administrator – ensuring communication systems remain reliable and secure.
• Information Security Analyst – protecting companies against cyber threats.
• Computer Programmer – developing software applications tailored to business needs.
• Database Administrator – managing and securing large sets of organizational data.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs in computer and information technology are projected to grow by 15% between 2021 and 2031, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth reflects the rising importance of cybersecurity and data management, making IT graduates highly sought after across industries.

Other Technical Degrees Related to Software Engineering

Cybersecurity

A Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity focuses on teaching students how to protect computer systems and networks from malicious attacks such as viruses, ransomware, and malware. Coursework often includes subjects like Malware Reverse Engineering, Advanced Network Security, and Hacker Techniques & Tools, alongside training in security awareness, risk management, and vulnerability analysis.

In simple terms, cybersecurity professionals act as digital bodyguards—protecting sensitive information from hackers and cybercriminals. For example, banks rely on cybersecurity specialists to secure online transactions, while hospitals depend on them to protect patient data from breaches.

Why Cybersecurity Fits Software Engineering

Cybersecurity and software engineering go hand in hand. Companies building large-scale applications—especially in finance, healthcare, and e-commerce—are constantly seeking professionals who can not only write code but also integrate security into software design. This means a cybersecurity degree can provide a competitive edge, making you an asset to teams that develop secure software solutions.

Career Outlook

The demand for cybersecurity professionals is skyrocketing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for information security analysts is projected to grow by an incredible 35% from 2021 to 2031—one of the fastest growth rates in the tech industry. This growth reflects the global rise in cyberattacks and the urgent need for professionals who can defend against them.

For aspiring software engineers, a cybersecurity degree doesn’t just open doors to roles like Information Security Analyst or Penetration Tester, but also strengthens your ability to build secure, future-proof applications.

Computer Programming

A degree in Computer Programming prepares you to turn software specifications into robust, scalable code. Programmers are highly analytical problem solvers who fill a crucial niche within the software development life cycle (SDLC). Early in your career, you’ll likely work closely with software developers, writing code that brings their designs to life. This collaboration not only builds your technical expertise but also gives you the hands-on experience to transition into broader roles such as software engineering.

For instance, many programmers start by coding specific modules of an application and, over time, move into positions where they design and manage entire projects.

Web/Application Development

A Web or Application Development degree trains you to design, build, test, and maintain websites and applications. Similar to computer programmers, web developers specialize in one part of the SDLC, but their focus is on creating user-friendly digital products. You’ll learn how a web application evolves from concept to final product, gaining expertise in both front-end and back-end development.

As your skills grow, you’ll gain the versatility to manage larger software projects, making it easier to transition into software engineering roles. For example, many successful software engineers today began their careers building small websites before advancing to large-scale application development.

Data Science

A degree in Data Science combines mathematics, statistics, and computer science to make sense of vast amounts of data. Data scientists don’t just crunch numbers—they help organizations gain insights that shape strategic decisions. For example, a retail company might use data science to predict customer buying trends, while a healthcare company might use it to improve patient care outcomes.

This degree qualifies you for a wide range of positions, including Financial Analyst, Market Research Analyst, and Survey Researcher. More importantly, the technical overlap with computer science provides many of the skills needed to build software applications. With added experience in project management and software development, many data science graduates successfully move into software engineering careers.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), data science jobs are expected to grow by 36% between 2021 and 2031—an exceptionally high growth rate. This makes data science not only one of the most in-demand fields but also a valuable stepping stone into software engineering.

Non-Technical Degrees for Future Software Engineers

Not every software engineer starts with a traditional technical degree. In fact, some professionals enter the industry from non-technical academic backgrounds and succeed by gaining additional skills through self-study, online training, coding bootcamps, or industry certifications.

These alternative paths prove that if you’re passionate about technology and willing to learn, your degree doesn’t have to limit your career opportunities. Many employers value practical skills, problem-solving ability, and hands-on project experience just as much as a computer science or engineering degree.

Below are some of the most common non-technical degrees that can still lead to a thriving career in software engineering.

Mathematics/Statistics

A degree in Mathematics or Statistics builds strong skills in quantitative reasoning, data analysis, and problem-solving—all of which are highly valued in the software industry. In today’s digital world, where applications collect and process vast amounts of data, these analytical skills directly support the development of efficient and accurate software systems.

For example, a graduate with a math background who learns programming can contribute to building algorithms that power search engines, financial models, or machine learning applications. With additional training in coding or project management, math graduates often qualify for roles in software development or software engineering, especially in areas that require strong analytical expertise.

Physics

A degree in Physics emphasizes mathematics, modeling, and problem-solving to explain real-world phenomena. These skills naturally extend into technology fields such as robotics, aerospace, and engineering software. Physics graduates often bring a unique perspective to software engineering, since they’re trained to analyze complex systems and translate theory into practical solutions.

For instance, a physics graduate working in aerospace might begin by modeling simulations but, with additional programming skills, transition into developing the very software that controls aircraft or spacecraft systems. As your experience with computer systems grows, moving into software engineering becomes not just possible but a natural progression.

Business Administration

A degree in Business Administration may not require extensive coding, but it encompasses essential areas such as management, marketing, finance, mathematics, and technology applications. With additional studies in programming or certifications in project management, business graduates can become excellent candidates for software project management roles.

This degree provides a unique edge: while technical professionals focus on writing code, business graduates with tech knowledge understand how to align projects with company goals, budgets, and customer needs. For example, a business graduate who learns to code could manage the development of enterprise software, bridging the gap between technical teams and executive decision-makers.

Do You Need a Degree to Become a Software Engineer?

The short answer is no—you don’t always need a degree to build a career as a software engineer. Many professionals in the industry have carved out successful paths without formal education in computer science or engineering. What matters most is your ability to demonstrate real-world skills and prove your value to employers.

If you choose this route, you’ll need to be highly self-motivated. Instead of following a structured curriculum, you’ll rely on online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or edX, coding bootcamps, and industry-recognized certifications. As you gain experience through entry-level roles or freelance projects, you’ll build a portfolio that showcases your strengths in software development, project management, and even software architecture.

For example, some well-known developers started out by contributing to open-source projects or building small apps before moving into full-time engineering roles. This hands-on experience often carries as much weight as a bachelor’s degree, especially with companies that value practical results over formal credentials.

That said, this path isn’t for everyone. If you thrive on structure and step-by-step learning, a bachelor’s degree in software engineering, computer science, or a related field may still be the better fit. But if you’re organized, technically minded, and determined to learn independently, the self-directed path can be just as rewarding—sometimes even faster.

(FAQs): Software Engineering Degrees

1. Which degree is best for becoming a software engineer?
A Bachelor’s in Software Engineering is the most direct route, but Computer Science, IT, Software Development, and Computer Engineering are also excellent options.

2. Can I become a software engineer without a degree?
Yes. Many professionals enter the field through bootcamps, self-study, and hands-on projects. A strong portfolio often matters more than a diploma.

3. Is Computer Science better than Software Engineering?
Both are valuable. Computer Science emphasizes theory, while Software Engineering focuses on practical application. The best choice depends on your career goals.

4. What are the fastest-growing career opportunities?
Mobile Development, Cybersecurity, Cloud Engineering, and Data Science—all with higher-than-average growth rates.

5. Do non-technical degrees help?
Yes. Degrees in Math, Physics, or Business can be powerful when combined with technical training.

6. What skills matter most?
Beyond coding: problem-solving, teamwork, project management, communication, and system design.

7. Are online degrees or bootcamps worth it?
Yes. They offer flexibility and faster entry into the industry but require discipline and self-motivation.

8. Which industries hire software engineers?
Tech, finance, healthcare, e-commerce, aerospace, education, and government—all rely on skilled engineers.