5 Best Degrees for a Software Engineering Career
The best degree for aspiring software engineers to start now is computer science, followed by software engineering, computer engineering, IT and mathematics. While a bachelor degree in any of these fields may be valuable, CompSci provides the broadest route into software development and growing fields.
To rank the best bachelor degrees for a software engineering career, we mapped each major to the largest and fastest-growing job areas. Computer science came first because it opens the widest range of employment options.
By studying computer science or, to a lesser extent, software engineering, you prepare for the large software development market. You also keep open growing fields such as artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity and cloud computing.
1. Computer science
A Bachelor of Computer Science ranks first on this list of the best degrees for a software engineering career. Employers recognise it widely, and the curriculum provides the broadest technical foundation for software work.
Pros: University students study programming, algorithms, data structures, operating systems and computing theory. The degree prepares graduates for general software development as well as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, systems development and software architecture.
Cons: Some courses are highly theoretical and devote less attention to team development, software testing and project delivery than a software engineering major. Internships and personal projects may be needed to gain more experience with real development work.
Related: Computer Science vs Software Engineering
2. Software engineering
A Bachelor of Software Engineering concentrates on the design, development, testing and maintenance of software systems. Compared with computer science, it usually places more emphasis on team projects, development methods and the full software lifecycle.
Pros: The major provides direct preparation for software engineering work. Students gain experience in coding, software architecture, testing, version control and collaborative development.
Cons: Software engineering may provide less depth in algorithms, computing theory and some specialist fields than computer science. SWE qualifications can also be less widely offered by universities.
3. Computer engineering
A Bachelor of Computer Engineering prepares college students for software roles involving hardware, embedded systems, robotics and connected devices. The curriculum combines programming and computer science with electronics, processors and digital systems.
Pros: Computer engineering develops a strong understanding of how software interacts with hardware. Graduates commonly work in firmware, operating systems, telecommunications, automation and other engineering-intensive fields.
Cons: The degree usually devotes less time to web development, databases and large software applications than computer science or software engineering. Students targeting mainstream software jobs may need extra coding projects and relevant electives.
4. Information technology
A Bachelor of Information Technology provides a solid foundation for software engineering when the course includes substantial study in programming, application development, databases and systems design. The subjects and major selected are important because IT degrees vary in technical depth.
Pros: Information technology degrees often combine software development with databases, cloud systems, networks and business technology. The broader curriculum works well for students who want programming skills alongside knowledge of how organisations use and manage technology.
Cons: Some IT degrees contain limited advanced programming or software engineering content. Graduates may need to choose development electives and build a strong portfolio to compete for software engineering roles.
Related: Is Information Technology Hard to Study?
5. Mathematics
A Bachelor of Mathematics provides an alternative route into software engineering, particularly in fields that rely on algorithms, modelling, cryptography or complex data analysis. Graduates usually need to develop their programming skills through electives, personal projects or further study.
Pros: Mathematics builds excellent problem-solving, logical reasoning and analytical skills. The qualification can be especially valuable for careers in artificial intelligence, financial software, scientific computing and other technically demanding areas.
Cons: Most mathematics degrees provide less training in software design, testing, databases and collaborative development than computer science or software engineering. Graduates may need a stronger coding portfolio to demonstrate that they are ready for software work.
Software Engineer Employment Trends
Software engineering is a large and growing profession. The United States employed about 1.69 million software developers in 2024. Employment is projected to grow by 16% over the next decade, adding around 267,700 jobs.
| Career area | US jobs in 2024 | Growth to 2034 | Median pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software development | 1,693,800 | 16% | $133,080 |
| Data science | 245,900 | 34% | $112,590 |
| Information security | 182,800 | 29% | $124,910 |
| Software testing | 201,700 | 10% | $102,610 |
| Computer hardware engineering | 76,800 | 7% | $155,020 |
| Computer programming | 121,200 | -6% | $98,670 |
Software development will create the most new jobs. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 267,700 additional software developer positions between 2024 and 2034, compared with 82,500 for data scientists and 52,100 for information security analysts.
Data science and information security will grow faster in percentage terms, at 34% and 29%. Demand will also rise in artificial intelligence, automation, robotics, connected devices, electric vehicles and security software.
Software testing and computer hardware engineering will expand more slowly. Computer programmer employment is projected to fall by 7,200 jobs.
Best Degrees for Future Software Jobs
With swelling demand for software developers in the future, computer science and software engineering are good degrees to be undertaking now. Computer science reaches the widest range of expanding technology careers, while software engineering provides more specialised preparation for building and maintaining software.
| Future job field | Ideal degree | Degree advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Software development | Computer science or software engineering | Computer science provides broad technical knowledge. Software engineering gives greater attention to software design, testing and development projects. |
| Artificial intelligence and data science | Computer science or mathematics | Computer science develops programming and algorithm skills. Mathematics provides the statistics, probability and modelling used in machine learning. |
| Information security | Computer science or information technology | Both degrees can develop knowledge of software, operating systems, networks and databases. IT is a stronger option when the course includes programming and cybersecurity subjects. |
| Software testing and quality assurance | Software engineering | Software engineering usually gives more attention to testing methods, quality control and the full software lifecycle. |
| Embedded systems and firmware | Computer engineering | Computer engineering combines programming with electronics, processors and hardware design. |
General software development will create the largest number of new jobs. Computer science and software engineering therefore provide access to the biggest employment market, including backend, full-stack, mobile, cloud and application development.
Computer science has an additional advantage in fast-growing specialist fields such as artificial intelligence, data science and cybersecurity. Computer engineering is the clearer choice for hardware-linked software. Mathematics becomes more valuable for AI, algorithms and quantitative development.
