B.S. in Software Engineering

Overview

Software Engineering is concerned primarily with the systematic and disciplined approach to developing software systems. It requires the application of both computer engineering and computer science principles and practices to the creation, operation, and maintenance of software systems and applications. Software systems are becoming increasingly complex, and emerging technologies are pushing the boundaries of reusable components and software quality assurance. The growth of software use in all areas and aspects of everyday life has increased over the past decades and has now become an integral part of society. The reliance on software in critical areas including infrastructure, transportation, utilities, national security, and defense has resulted in the need for properly trained and motivated individuals. ACM along with IEEE, has also indicated in their Computing Curricula 2020 (Dec 31^st. 2020), that there has also been a shift away from knowledge-based learning to competency-based learning. They define competency as a combination of Knowledge (know-what) + Skills (know-how) + Disposition (know-why). This program brings together these areas using fundamental software courses to provide base knowledge, mid-level and advanced application areas with practical examples to build the competencies and the communication, intellectual, social and moral dispositions needed in this field.

This Program prepares students for successful careers in various software related jobs such as Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, Computer Programmers, Web Developers, Database Administrators, Information Security Analyst and Testers. This program will not satisfy the licensure requirements for professional engineering registration.

To prepare students to meet these challenges, this Program establishes a solid foundation of software system fundamentals, coupled with strong hands-on experience and an understanding of professional practice and conduct. In addition to the core curriculum in software engineering, students are introduced to the paradigms of real-time, adaptive, and collaborative software systems, through a wide range of technical elective courses from  the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Students may also use courses from other departments with academic advisor approval. The technical electives allow students to apply the knowledge they have gained to different application areas. This provides valuable hands-on experience in contemporary application areas, which enhances the students’ potential career development opportunities.

Domain Areas

The program includes optional additional domain area concentrations as a guide for elective selection. These allow students to gain more depth in various domain areas of interest by taking advanced undergraduate courses in these areas. Each concentration provides courses that students should take to further their competency in the selected domain area. The domain area concentrations are Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity.

Curriculum Requirements

Sample Plan of Study

Program Mission

Program Educational Objectives

We expect that the alumni of the Software Engineering Program will exhibit the following:

1. Successful careers in dynamic and multidisciplinary fields with the ability to apply software engineering practices within societal, global, and environmental contexts in an ethical manner.
2. Demonstrating life-long learning through activities such as completion of graduate degrees and/or professional development.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
2. An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
3. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
4. An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
5. An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
6. An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
7. An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.