Skip to content Skip to Chat

Bachelor of Science

Online Software Engineering Degree

3rd Party Certifications Included in this Degree

OVERVIEW

Build the Skills Behind Modern Software


 

WGU's online Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering program helps you develop the skills employers are looking for in today's technology landscape. Through hands-on projects and real-world development experience, you'll learn how to design, build, test, secure, and maintain modern software applications while gaining exposure to AI-informed tools and engineering practices.

Dedicated AI coursework explores how data is prepared for AI systems and how emerging AI technologies are shaping modern software engineering. You’ll also examine the technical, ethical, and professional considerations of applying AI in real-world development.

Through the Java-focused curriculum, you'll build practical experience in:

  • Full-stack software development.
  • Cloud-native development and deployment.
  • APIs, databases, and back-end systems.
  • Software security and quality assurance.
  • Agile workflows and DevOps practices.

You’ll also earn industry-recognized certifications from AWS and WGU that help strengthen your résumé before graduation.

Designed for Today's Software Engineering Careers

Whether you're starting your career or looking to move into a software-focused role, this degree prepares you to build technology that solves real-world problems.

You'll graduate ready to pursue opportunities such as:

  • Software Engineer
  • Software Developer
  • Full-Stack Developer
  • Application Developer
  • Cloud Developer
  • QA Engineer
  • DevOps Engineer

With experience in modern development practices, cloud technologies, and AI-informed engineering workflows, you'll be prepared to contribute from day one in today's evolving technology workforce.

Have questions? Attend our prospective student webinar to learn more about our programs.

ACCELERATED DEGREE OPTION

Earn Your Bachelor's and Master's Faster

Want to take your software engineering education even further? WGU offers an accelerated pathway that allows eligible students to earn both a Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering and a Master of Science in Software Engineering in less time.

By completing select graduate-level coursework as part of your bachelor's program, you can reduce the total time and cost required to earn both degrees while building advanced skills in areas such as:

  • AI engineering
  • DevOps
  • Software architecture
  • Domain-driven design
  • Advanced software development practices

Choose Your Path 

You have two options to earn your software engineering degree.

Technology
COMPARE

Software Engineering – B.S.

Build the software behind the next generation of AI....

Build the software behind the next generation of AI.

  • Time: 60% of graduates finish similar programs within 35 months.
  • Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 36 total courses in this program.

Certifications included in this program at no additional cost are:

  • CompTIA Project +
  • AWS Certified Developer – Associate 
  • ITIL®4 Foundation Certification

You can also accelerate your program and complete both a B.S. in Software Engineering and an M.S. in Software Engineering together, requiring less courses overall and saving you time and money. Learn more about this option.

Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:

  • Scripting and programming
  • Web development
  • Mobile application development 
  • User experience design
  • Software quality assurance
Technology
COMPARE

Accelerated Software Engineering Bachelor's and Master's Degree

Earn both your bachelor’s and master's in software engineering to give...

Earn both your bachelor’s and master's in software engineering to give your résumé and skillset a boost.

  • Time: Approximately 5 years.
  • Tuition: $4,375 per 6-month term for the bachelor's degree; $4,385 per term for the master's portion.
  • Courses: 38 total courses in this program.

Certifications included in this program at no additional cost:

  • ITIL® 4
  • AWS Certified Developer – Associate
  • WGU Front End Developer
  • WGU Back End Developer
  • WGU Full Stack Developer

Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:

  • Software design
  • Architecture
  • Project management
  • Testing
  • System integration

This program allows students to earn their bachelor's degree in software engineering and move directly into a master's degree in software engineering, cutting down on the total number of courses to complete.

60% of graduates finish within 

35 Months*

WGU lets you move more quickly through material you already know and advance as soon as you're ready. The result: You may finish faster.

*WGU Internal Data

Tuition per six-month term is

$4,125

Tuition charged per term—rather than per credit—helps you control the ultimate cost of your degree. Finish faster, pay less!

Certifications in this program

5

This online software engineering program includes two top industry certifications and three WGU microcredentials, helping enhance your résumé before you even graduate.

Ready to Start Your WGU Journey?

Next Start Date: {{startdate}}

Start Dates the 1st of Every Month

COURSES

Software Engineering Courses

Program consists of 36 courses

At WGU, we design our curriculum to be practical, relevant, and aligned with the skills employers need right now.

The Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering combines modern software development, cloud technologies, and AI-informed engineering practices to prepare you for today’s rapidly evolving technology landscape. Designed with input from industry experts, including WGU’s Information Technology Program Council, this program helps you build the technical skills employers expect in modern software engineering roles.

You’ll gain hands-on experience designing, building, testing, and maintaining scalable software applications while learning development practices used across today’s technology industry. The curriculum emphasizes full-stack development, cloud services, APIs, software security, quality assurance, and Agile and DevOps workflows.

This fully online program allows you to progress by demonstrating competency and working closely with WGU faculty. You’ll complete a set number of competency units each term while building practical experience through real-world projects and industry-relevant technologies.

Throughout the program, you’ll develop experience with programming languages, cloud platforms, and development tools used in modern software engineering environments—preparing you for careers in software development, application engineering, cloud development, and related technology fields.

Network and Security
Data Management
Web Development
Computer Science
Business of IT
Full Stack Engineering
Information Technology Management
General Education

36 Courses

Program consists of 36 courses

At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.

Capstone Project

Special requirements for this program

At the end of your program, you will complete a capstone project that represents the culmination of all your hard work—this project consists of a technical work proposal, the proposal’s implementation, and a post-implementation report that describes the graduate’s experience. 

WGU vs. Traditional Universities
Compare the Difference

Traditional Universities

Western Governors University

AVG. cost
For 3RD PARTY IT CERTIFICATIONS

$350*

Included with your tuition cost

TUITION STRUCTURE

Per credit hour

Flat rate per 6-month term

SUPPORT

Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors

Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one

EXAMS

Scheduled time

Whenever you feel ready

SCHEDULE

Professor led lectures at a certain time and place

Courses available anytime, from anywhere

TIME TO FINISH

Approximately 4 years, minimal acceleration options

As quickly as you can master the material, typically less than 3 years

TRANSFER CREDITS

Few accepted, based on certain schools and specific courses

A generous transfer policy that is based on your specific situation

*The cost of valuable industry certification exams can range from $150 to $400. At WGU, we offer vouchers for certification exams, so the cost is included in your tuition price. Students may have to pay additional fees for membership to complete the certification requirements.

Traditional Universities

Western Governors University

AVG. cost
For 3RD PARTY IT CERTIFICATIONS

$350*

AVG. cost
For 3RD PARTY IT CERTIFICATIONS

Included with your tuition cost

TUITION STRUCTURE

Per credit hour

TUITION STRUCTURE

Flat rate per 6-month term

SUPPORT

Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors

SUPPORT

Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one

EXAMS

Scheduled time

EXAMS

Whenever you feel ready

SCHEDULE

Professor led lectures at a certain time and place

SCHEDULE

Courses available anytime, from anywhere

TIME TO FINISH

Approximately 4 years, minimal acceleration options

TIME TO FINISH

As quickly as you can master the material, typically less than 3 years

TRANSFER CREDITS

Few accepted, based on certain schools and specific courses

TRANSFER CREDITS

A generous transfer policy that is based on your specific situation

*The cost of valuable industry certification exams can range from $150 to $400. At WGU, we offer vouchers for certification exams, so the cost is included in your tuition price. Students may have to pay additional fees for membership to complete the certification requirements.

Why WGU?

Earning Potential

According to a 2024 Harris Poll, just two years after graduation, WGU grads report earning $14,671 more per year, and that amount increases to $30,300 four years after graduation.

On Your Schedule

No class times, no assignment deadlines. You are in charge of your learning and schedule. You can move through your courses as quickly as you master the material, meaning you can graduate faster.
 

Entirely Online

The software engineering bachelor's degree at WGU is 100% online, which means it works wherever you are. You can do your coursework at night after working at your full-time job, on weekends, while you're traveling the world or on vacation—it's entirely up to you.

Accredited, Respected,
Recognized™

One important measure of a degree’s value is the reputation of the university where it was earned. When employers, industry leaders, and academic experts hold your alma mater in high esteem, you reap the benefits of that respect. WGU is a pioneer in reinventing higher education for the 21st century, and our quality is institutionally recognized.

IT CERTIFICATIONS

Certifications Included with Your Degree


 

As part of your B.S. in Software Engineering, you’ll earn valuable certifications that demonstrate your ability to build, develop, and support modern software applications using industry-relevant tools and technologies.

Included certifications:

  • AWS Certified Developer – Associate
  • ITIL® 4 Foundation
  • WGU Front-End Developer
  • WGU Back-End Developer
  • WGU Full-Stack Developer

These certifications complement your degree by helping validate practical skills in software development, cloud technologies, application architecture, Agile workflows, and full-stack engineering. By graduation, you'll leave with both a degree and a portfolio of credentials that demonstrate you're ready to contribute in modern software development environments.

ITIL®*^ Foundation Certification

*Subject to vendor availability.
^ITIL® is a registered trade mark of AXELOS Limited, used under permission of AXELOS Limited. All rights reserved.

COST & TIME

An Affordable Online Software Engineering Degree

By charging per six-month term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees. The faster you complete your program, the less you pay for your degree.

Tuition Calculator
Pay less by completing your program faster
TOTAL COST:
$
0
.
5
1
1
.
5
2
2
.
5
3
3
.
5
4
YEARS

A College Degree Within Reach

There is help available to make paying for school possible for you:

The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2023 (among those who borrowed) was less than half* the national average.

Most WGU students qualify for financial aid, and WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits. 

Many scholarship opportunities are available. Find out what you might be eligible for.

*WGU undergraduate students have approximately half the debt at graduation compared to the national average, according to the College Board and WGU Data (2023).

FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE

A Different Way to Learn: Degree Programs Designed to Fit Your Life—and All the Demands on Your Time

Professional responsibilities. Family obligations. Personal commitments. At WGU, we understand schedules are tight and often unpredictable for adult students. That’s why we offer a flexible, personalized approach to how education should be. No rigid class schedules. Just a solid, career-focused teaching program that meshes with your current lifestyle. You'll be challenged. You'll work hard. But if you commit yourself and put in the hours needed, WGU makes it possible for you to earn a highly respected degree as a busy working adult.

"The rise of AI can be intimidating, but it's important to adapt and learn how to use AI tools. Believe in yourself and don't give into ‘imposter syndrome.’ Right now, it can be a tough industry to get hired in, but persistence and a positive attitude will pay off.”

– Deirdre S., B.S. Software Engineering  

CAREER OUTLOOK

Become the Expert Software Engineer Your Team Relies On

Software engineers are the creative and technical geniuses behind the applications and programs we can’t live without. A software engineering degree from WGU is key in helping you gain the critical skills and experience you need to thrive in the information sector. Increase your earning potential, boost your résumé with valuable credentials, and find a career you love with the help of a software engineering degree.

The demand has never been higher for skilled software engineers and developers. In fact, for every qualified software engineer in today’s job market, there are 10 posted job openings. WGU’s online Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering degree program will provide you with everything you need to confidently enter this in-demand career field.

Return on Your Investment

Many WGU graduates may see an increase in income post-graduation

Average income increase in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary from all degrees. Source: 2024 Harris Poll of 1,655 WGU graduates.

Survey was sent to a representative sample of WGU graduates from all colleges. Respondents received at least one WGU degree since 2017.

17%

The projected job growth for software developers and engineers is 17% through 2033.

—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Learn About All the Job Opportunities in Software Engineering

Some of the industries and job titles a graduate of this software engineering bachelor’s degree program are qualified for include:

Job Titles

  • Software Engineer
  • Software Developer
  • Forward Deployed Engineer
  • Application Analyst
  • Systems Programmer

Diverse Industries

  • Consulting Firms
  • Technology Companies
  • Public Sector
  • Communications/Telecom

Major Employers

  • Booz Allen Hamilton
  • U.S. Army
  • Oracle
  • U.S. Department of Justice

WGU Grads Hold Positions with Top Employers

ADMISSIONS

Software Engineering Admission Requirements

To be considered for enrollment into this program, you must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent AND demonstrate program readiness through one of the following:

  • Option 1: Submit all transcripts documenting completion of college-level coursework with a minimum of 2.25 cumulative GPA or higher. 
  • Option 2: Possess a bachelor's or associate degree (A.A, A.S. or A.A.S. acceptable) from an accredited post-secondary institution.
  • Option 3: Submit official record of completion of a transferable IT certification, some of which may provide transfer credit  into various programs.
  • Option 4: Submit all high school transcripts with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75
  • Option 5: Submit all transcripts documenting completion of previous IT coursework. IT coursework must be 300 level or higher.

NOTE: You do not need to take the ACT or SAT to be admitted to this program. Learn why we don't require these tests.

Get Your Enrollment Checklist

Download your step-by-step guide to enrollment.

Get Your Questions Answered

Talk to an WGU Enrollment Counselor.

Transfer Credits

If you’ve taken courses, have earned certifications, or received a degree from a community college or another university, you're likely already well on your way to a WGU degree. You can almost always transfer credits when you send accredited bachelor's or associate degree transcripts.

WGU’s curriculum structure is competency-based, allowing you to apply your existing knowledge and skills to your education. Students with an Associate of Arts (A.A.) or Associate of Science (A.S.) degree usually qualify for upper-division standing at WGU.

Depending on your degree program, you may qualify for additional requirement waivers. If you have completed some college coursework but have not earned a degree, WGU will conduct  a transcript evaluation. Your experience may waive some of your requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions about Software Engineering at WGU

  • First, there’s system software. System software bridges the gap between hardware and applications, runs behind the scenes to enable device functionality, and is not typically visible to the user.
  • Second is application software. Application software is designed to carry out a specific task or function. Users typically interact with application software through a graphical user interface.
  • Third is programming languages. Software engineers and developers use programming languages, like Java and C#, to write code that directs computer action.

Learning a programming language is a lot like learning a spoken language. No one’s going to say it’s easy, but with time and practice it will get easier and eventually become second nature. That’s just one part of being a software engineer, but it’s a career that people of all backgrounds can pursue.

A software engineer—in a lot of ways—is a problem solver. They develop software that carries out a specific task or achieves a certain goal. Software engineers might bring their own software ideas to life or collaborate with others to fulfill a larger vision.

Software engineering is consistently ranked as one of the top careers in the U.S. due to the flexibility, autonomy, satisfaction, and competitive pay it provides.

The base education required to become a software engineer is typically a bachelor’s degree in software engineering or computer science. Additional certifications can also be earned to expand your skill set and open new opportunities.

As of 2022, the starting salary of a software engineer is about $72,000 per year. Starting salaries can vary greatly by location.

AI is helping engineers code, test, debug, and build software more efficiently. It also makes responsible data use, security, and ethical decision-making increasingly important.

The program combines core software engineering skills with dedicated AI coursework. Students explore how AI can be incorporated into software architecture, testing, security, deployment, and feedback loops while considering responsible and ethical use.

Ready to Start Your WGU Journey?