Software Engineer

Software Engineers develop computer systems and applications.

Significant growth in computer networking and the proliferation of emerging mobile and web-based technologies are just some of the factors contributing to the unprecedented demand for software engineers. The U.S. Dept. of Labor predicts the software engineer job market to grow by 32% through 2018, placing it among the nation's fastest growing occupations.

Software engineers design, develop, test and optimize the computer programs we use every day, including business apps, operating systems, video games, network control systems, social networking hubs and more. Software engineers are typically divided into two categories: Applications Software Engineers and Systems Software Engineers.

Applications software engineers analyze an end-user's computing needs and develop a custom computer application to meet those needs. They utilize a range of programming languages depending on the program's parameters and the platform on which the program runs. Programming languages commonly used by applications software engineers include Java, C, C++, PHP, Perl & Python. Mobile application developers are specialized applications software engineers who develop apps for smartphones and tablets.

Systems software engineers coordinate the construction, maintenance and expansion of an organization's internal computer systems. They organize the computing needs of each department, e.g., sales, inventory, billing & payroll, and steer the technical direction of the computer system's development. Systems software engineers may also be responsible for developing an organization's intranet and ensuring data assurance & software systems security.

Computer schools and universities offer a range of software engineering courses and accredited degrees in computer systems and applications development. Compare the top-rated software engineer training programs in the U.S. and online.

a.k.a. Computer Software Engineer | Applications Software Engineer | Systems Software Engineer | Software Developer

Software Engineer Training

Software Engineer Skills & Responsibilities

Typical day-to-day activities and in-demand skill sets for software engineers may include the following:

• Software engineers analyze end-users' needs and develop software solutions within time and cost constraints.
• Software engineers are fluent in object-oriented programming languages such as Java, C, C++, Perl & Python.
• Software engineers program, test, debug, monitor and document changes to computer systems & applications.
• Specialized software engineers, known as mobile developers, create applications for smartphones and tablets.
• Software engineers examine departmental goals and develop customized computer systems for organizations.
• Software engineers may setup an organization's intranet to help streamline interdepartmental communication.
• Software engineers adapt and upgrade existing computer applications to updated platforms or new specifications.
• Software engineers recommend changes and enhancements to existing software systems and computer applications.
• Software engineers coordinate system installation and monitor equipment functioning to ensure project specs are met.
• Software engineers are responsible for system security & data assurance across the systems that they're configuring.

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Software Engineer Salary

• Software Engineer average annual salary (U.S.): $90,000

Average starting salaries for software engineers and related positions:

• Software QA Engineer salary: $77,000
• C++ Software Engineer salary: $83,000
• Software Engineer salary: $90,000
• Applications Software Engineer salary: $91,000
• Systems Software Engineer salary: $91,000
• PHP Software Engineer salary: $91,000
• Firmware Engineer salary: $92,000
• Perl Software Engineer salary: $93,000
• Mobile Application Developer salary: $94,000
• Python Software Engineer salary: $94,000
• Ruby on Rails Software Engineer salary: $94,000
• Java Software Engineer salary: $95,000
• Objective-C Software Engineer salary: $96,000
• Senior Software Engineer salary: $96,000
• Android Software Engineer salary: $96,000
• Lead Software Engineer salary: $98,000
• iOS Software Engineer salary: $102,000
• Web UI Software Engineer salary: 104,000
• Principal Software Engineer salary: $104,000
• Senior Java Software Engineer salary: $109,000

The hourly pay rate for software engineers ranges from $20 to $140/hour, dependent upon geographic location, experience level and known programming language(s).

Deep dive comparison of software engineer salaries.

Sources: Indeed.com, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Software Engineer Education Requirements

Most employers require software engineers to hold at least a bachelor's degree in software engineering, computer programming, computer science or a similar programming-centric field of study. Hiring managers for software engineering positions may also require a portfolio with documented samples or links to your best applications and software engineering projects.

Marketable skills to look for in a software engineer education program include object-oriented programming, Java, C, Objective-C, C++, Perl & Python programming, user-interface (UI) design, web development, project management, network & database fundamentals, systems analysis, game development, interpersonal communication and technical writing. The subject matter in software engineer education programs works very well in the online learning format.

Research and compare the top-rated software engineer training programs in the U.S. and online.

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Software Engineer Training, Certificates & Degrees

Browse the top-rated undergrad & graduate degrees, professional certificates, online training programs and self-paced courses matching the software engineer education requirements and career path.

Computer School	Software Engineer Training Program	Course Highlights & Certifications
Request More Info	B.S.I.T. - Software Method: Online Degree Degree Level: Bachelor Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes	Includes Certification Prep & Exams for: Oracle OCP: Java SE 7 Programmer CIW Perl Specialist CIW Web Foundations Associate CIW Web Design Specialist CIW JavaScript Specialist CIW Database Design Specialist CIW Web Development Professional A+ | Network+ | Security+ | Project+ MTA Windows OS Fundamentals MTA Windows Server Administration MTA Networking Fundamentals MTA Security Fundamentals MTA Web Development MTA Software Development MTA Database Administration Hands-On Courses in Software Engineering Java, Perl, SQL, C and C++ Programming HTML, CSS and JavaScript Web Scripting Database Development & Security Training Networks Design & Administration Training Systems Administration & Security Training Study the Essential Microsoft Technologies Team Leadership & IT Project Management Technical Writing, Portfolio & Resume Review WGU is a Microsoft and Oracle IT Academy Option to Create Custom Online Semesters
Request More Info	Master's of Software Engineering Method: Online Degree Degree Level: Master Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes Prerequisite: Bachelor's Degree	Learn to Analyze & Solve Business Problems with Strategic Software Engineering Solutions Examine Emerging Technology Trends inc. Cloud-Computing & Mobile Device Integration Software Engineering Team Management Advanced UI Design and Software Usability Graduate-Level Java Programming Course Examine Networking and OS Fundamentals Study Database Concepts and Capabilities Software Application Planning and Strategy CTU Virtual Campus won Computerworld Honors "Best of the Best" Academia Award Option to Attend Individual Online Courses
Request More Info	Associate of IT in Application Development Method: Online Degree Degree Level: Associate Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes	Design & Develop Graphical User Interface-Based (GUI) Applications in Visual Studio Use C# Programming to Develop Software Applications that Solve Business Problems Learn how to Analyze, Design & Implement Software Engineering Solutions using Java Develop Object-Oriented VB .Net Programs that Interact with the Corporate Database Application Developer Portfolio Assembly Custom Core IT Curriculum and Electives Kaplan University Job Placement Services Option to Attend Individual Online Courses
Request More Info	B.S.I.T. Software Systems Engineering Method: Online Degree Degree Level: Bachelor Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes	Enterprise Software Systems Engineering Harness the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) to Solve Complex Business Problems Computer Networks and the Role of Network Management Software in Organizations Study Human-Computer Interaction, Usability Principles & User-Interface (UI) Design Learn Software Testing: Unit, Operational, Integration, Usability, Stress & System Testing Master One or More OOP Programming Languages: Java, C++, C# or Visual Basic Database Design & Development Training Software Engineering Project Management Create and Design Enterprise Architectures Option to Attend Individual Online Courses
Request More Info	B.S.I.T. Software Application Programming Method: Online Degree Degree Level: Bachelor Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes	Develop Innovative Software Applications Based on Analysis of End-Users' Goals Computer Networks and the Role of Network Management Software in Organizations Advanced Java Application Programming User Interface Design & Usability Testing Develop Captivating Web Applications Examination of Object Oriented Methods Computer Application Security Assurance Software App Team Project Management Intro to PC and Mobile Operating Systems Database Design and Management Training Develop a Requirements Traceability Matrix CTU Virtual Campus won Computerworld Honors "Best of the Best" Academia Award Option to Attend Individual Online Courses
Request More Info	Bachelor's in Mobile App Development Method: Online Degree Degree Level: Bachelor Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes	Learn the Programming, Business & Creative Skills to Achieve a Mobile Developer Position iPhone Application Development Training Android Application Development Training Mobile Game and Simulation Programming User Interface (UI) and Usability Testing Mobile Application Design & Art Direction Mobile Apps Deployment and Distribution Mobile App Business & Marketing Strategy Mobile Developer Portfolio & Resume Review Java, Objective-C, MySQL and PHP Coding Full Sail's Online Platform won 2011 Distance Learning Association Best Practices Award Option to Attend Individual Online Courses
Request More Info	Associate of Arts in IT / Programming Method: Online or On-Campus Degree Level: Associate Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes	Object-Oriented Programming Training C, C# & C++ Application Development Advanced Java SE Software Engineering Develop Web Pages & Web-Based Apps using HTML, CSS, DHTML & JavaScript Use Adobe Photoshop, Dreamweaver and Flash to Manipulate Digital Images & Design Multimedia Interactive Web Pages Online, Campus & Blended Class Formats Option to Attend Individual 6-Week Courses
Request More Info	Software Engineering Executive Certificate Method: Online or On-Campus Degree Level: Graduate Certificate Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes Prerequisite: Bachelor's Degree	Advanced Software Engineering Training Learn to Develop Strategic Business Apps IT Project Management and Strategy Strategic Database Systems Planning Examine Modern Enterprise Architectures Software Systems Analysis and Design Mix & Match 3 Flexible Learning Formats Option to Attend Individual Online Courses
Request More Info	Bachelor's of IT in Mobile Computing Method: Online Degree Degree Level: Bachelor Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes	Learn the Skills & Technical Competencies to Become a Mobile Application Developer Java Programming Training for Blackberry and Android Application Development Learn Objective-C Programming for iOS Application Development (iPhone & iPad) Mobile Database Administration Training Mobile Operating System Administration Build Basic .Net Framework Apps in C# Mobile App Developer Portfolio Assembly Acclaimed Core IT Curriculum & Electives Kaplan University Job Placement Services Option to Attend Individual Online Courses
Request More Info	B.S. Game Software Development Method: Online or On-Campus Degree Level: Bachelor Accredited College: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes	Beginner to Advanced Programming Training Engineer Software Apps for Game Consoles, Mobile Devices & Emerging Technologies 2D Game Programming & Collision Detection 3D Graphics, Meshes, Texturing and Lighting Build Dynamic 3D Game Engine Architectures Video Game Scripting, Level & Terrain Editing Game Artificial Intelligence & Neural Networks Video Game Scene Hierarchy & Texture Mgmt. Video Game Software Development & Testing Senior Project Game Build: Planning & Review, Character Animations, Sound Production, Design Vehicles, Weapons, Items & Structures Attend Individual Campus or Online Courses
Request More Info	Associate in Java Programming Method: Online Degree Degree Level: Associate Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes	Introduction to Logic and Programming Advanced Java Programming Training Java Software Application Programming Learn C++ Object Oriented Programming C++ Application Design and Development VisualBASIC Programming Concepts Write Database-Integrated Applications Manage and Design Databases with SQL PC & Mobile Operating Systems Training Multi-Level Career Placement Assistance Option to Attend Individual Online Courses
Request More Info	B.S. Game & Simulation Programming Method: Online or On-Campus Degree Level: Bachelor Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes	Video Game Design for Mobile Devices, Consoles & Emerging Technologies Artificial Intelligence (AI) Programming Online Multiplayer Game Development Graphics Development using OpenGL Produce Video Game Audio & Sound Learn Object-Oriented Programming Advanced Java Programming Training Cross-Platform Mobile App Development Option to Attend Individual Online Courses

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Software Engineer Certifications

Highly desirable certifications for software engineers may include the following:

• Oracle Certified Associate (OCA): Java SE 7 Programmer
• Oracle Certified Professional (OCP): Java SE 7 Programmer
• Oracle Certified Professional (OCP): Java ME 1 Mobile Application Developer
• CIW Perl Specialist
• CIW Web Foundations Associate
• CIW Web Design Specialist
• CIW JavaScript Specialist
• CIW Database Design Specialist
• CIW Web Development Professional

Software Engineer Certification Prep

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Software Engineer Jobs

Your software engineering education & experience qualifies you for a variety of in-demand positions including:

• Software Engineer: Browse and apply to software engineer jobs
• Systems Software Engineer: Browse and apply to systems software engineer jobs
• Applications Software Engineer: Browse and apply to applications software engineer jobs
• Application Developer: Browse and apply to application developer job openings
• Web Application Developer: Browse and apply to web application developer jobs
• Mobile Application Developer: Browse and apply to mobile application developer jobs
• Java Application Developer: Browse and apply to Java application developer jobs
• Python Software Engineer: Browse and apply to Python developer and engineer jobs
• C++ Software Engineer: Browse and apply to C++ software engineer job openings
• PHP Software Engineer: Browse and apply to PHP developer and engineer jobs
• Perl Software Engineer: Browse and apply to Perl developer and engineer jobs
• Ruby on Rails Software Engineer: Browse and apply to ROR software engineer jobs
• Objective-C Developer: Browse and apply to Objective-C developer job openings
• Businesses & Hiring Managers: Post jobs and find candidates at a discount

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Software Engineer Job Outlook

Employment for software engineers is expected to increase by at least 32% from 2008 to 2018 - almost three times as fast as the 11% average for all occupations - making it one of the nation's fastest growing career paths. Demand for software engineers will increase along with computer networking growth, for example, expanding Internet technologies will create demand for applications software engineers who can develop web-based applications and corporate intranets. Likewise, electronic data-processing systems in business, government, healthcare, telecommunications and other industries continue to become more sophisticated and complex; implementing, safeguarding and updating these systems will fuel demand for systems software engineers for years to come.

The proliferation of wireless and mobile technologies will play a big part in job market growth for software engineers. As mobile devices continue to become increasingly capable and widespread, the demand for new and innovative mobile applications – and talented & educated software engineers to develop them – will continue to rise. As smartphones and tablets continue to become more integral in the business environment, software engineers will be needed to integrate existing computer systems with these new mobile technologies. Mobile application development is home to one of the largest skills gaps in the global job market, meaning there are currently more mobile software development job opportunities than skilled developers to fill them.

Source: United States Department of Labor - Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Software Engineer Related Careers

• Mobile Application Developer
• Video Game Designer
• Web Developer
• IT Security Specialist
• Database Administrator

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