Software Engineering, BS

The BS in Software engineering involves applying a systematic, disciplined, quantifiable approach to software development, operation, and maintenance-the application of engineering discipline to developing large, complex software systems (IEEE 2010).

The program equips students with a mastery of software development theory, practices, and processes. The Software Engineering discipline builds on the foundations of computer science in the same way that other engineering disciplines are based on the application of physical or life sciences. However, Software engineering emphasizes requirements, process, design, measurement, analysis, and verification, thus providing a strong foundation in engineering principles and practice as applied to developing software systems. 

The BSU program is unique in that it uses modern active-learning pedagogy to emphasize the fundamentals of software engineering; incorporates sound, modern approaches to increase student engagement and retention; includes team-based learning and project-based learning for all levels of students; integrates emerging topics such as mobile systems, web computing, and DevSecOps; encourages and prepares students to obtain summer internship experiences between the sophomore and junior year; and exposes students to state-of-the-art technologies for developing complex software applications for business corporations, government systems, mobile systems, web systems, and embedded systems making them industry ready. 

The program provides the key preparation for a career as a quality assurance engineer, video game designer, software integration engineer, security engineer, front-end engineer, full-stack engineer, 3D graphics developer, mobile developer, DevOps engineer, and back-end engineer.

 

Program Educational Objectives

Three to five years after graduation, the graduates will be resourceful practitioners who:

1. Are capable of filling leadership roles and become effective collaborators to advance professional and organizational goals
2. Are capable of utilizing their software engineering skills in the industry, nonprofit organizations, or in the pursuit of graduate education;
3. Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively and professionally, individually and in team environments, with colleagues and clients of varying backgrounds
4. Are capable of assuming leadership positions for the betterment of their profession and/or communities

 

Student Outcomes

The program equips students to be able to attain the ability to: 

1. Identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics; 
2. 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. Communicate effectively with a range of audiences; 
4. 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. Function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives; 
6. Develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions; and 
7. Acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies