For Problem Solvers
Do you enjoy putting your mind to complex puzzles? Are you ready to figure out how to make things work? Curiosity is pivotal for software engineers. In the BS in Software Engineering degree program, you'll be inspired to build, improve, and perfect essential software that advances businesses and enhances lives.
Virtually every industry worldwide, from law enforcement to financial systems, manufacturing, and entertainment, will need your software development and analytical skills. The computer science industry continues to grow rapidly. Armed with IUP's workforce-ready training, you'll graduate prepared to work and earn in a wide variety of roles.
Why Major in Software Engineering at IUP?
Our experienced faculty members share one major commitment: teaching their students, so your classes are taught by IUP professors, not graduate students. You'll be immersed in small learning communities where you'll learn to work within teams and be introduced to like-minded peers who are also passionate about computer science.
We have a network of businesses that mentor our students—they're ready and waiting for you to be their next software engineer intern. And you can also gain hands-on experience in faculty-supervised research projects.
IUP can help you achieve your goal of landing employment in top tech companies, government labs, and more, such as:
- Air Force Research Lab
- Amazon
- Apple
- Comcast
- National Security Agency
- Naval Supply System Command
- Netflix
- Oak Ridge National Lab
- PNC Bank
- US Department of Defense
As a software engineer from IUP, you can also find jobs in regional and hometown companies seeking your in-demand programming skills.
What You'll Learn
IUP's software engineering program builds on the Department of Mathematical and Computer Sciences' core computing fundamentals, with specialized upper-level courses for software engineering.
- Algorithms
- Data structures
- Database design
- Problem solving
- Programming
- Software engineering
- Web services
You'll have opportunities to go to events and seminars on various technical topics.
In your capstone course, you’ll work in teams to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems. Your capstone project demonstrates to employers that you’ve got more than academic qualifications—it shows your leadership, work ethic, and ability to get the job done.
Imagine Your Future
With a bachelor's degree in software engineering, you'll have the critical skills you'll need to adapt to future technologies and rapidly changing trends in computer science. With 22 percent growth in computer science jobs across the decade, you'll find a career in software development or in analytical and computer-dependent areas of business, government, and industry.
Along with proficiency in coding, you'll also gain skills in systems modeling and creative problem solving. Recent IUP software engineering graduates have started their careers with positions in:
- Application development
- Database and systems administration
- Programming or business applications
- Scientific and applied mathematical programming
- Software and web development
- Systems analysis
Similar Occupations
- Software developers
- Quality assurance analysts
- Testers
Classes and Requirements
You'll take your software engineering classes in computer classrooms. This hands-on approach lets you:
- Gain workforce-ready skills by working in small learning communities.
- Learn and apply theory by connecting it with supervised practice.
As a student in the Software Engineering BS program, you'll complete a minor in a complementary field to better prepare you to start your career. You'll gain in-depth skills to:
- Analyze complex problems.
- Identify interdisciplinary solutions.
- Manage software implementations.
You'll put your skills to practical use during your coursework. Depending on the program you choose, you'll be responsible for conducting team projects in either a single three-credit course or by taking a six- to eight-month paid internship in a relevant field.
Alumni also pursue graduate degrees across a wide range of institutions.
Full Academic Catalog Listing
The course catalog is the official reference for all our degree and course offerings. Check it out for a full listing of the classes available and requirements for this degree.
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Computer Science Tracks
There are several tracks within the computer science program that can add to your knowledge and skills:
- Cyber Security
- Languages and Systems
- Software Engineering
All of the computer science programs cover core computer fundamentals, such as:
- Algorithms
- Data structures
- Database design
- Problem solving
- Programming
- Software engineering
Progressing through the computer science core gives you time to identify the right track for your interests and goals. The broad foundation you'll gain—along with the addition of a specialization—will teach you to be agile so you'll be ready to adapt to rapidly changing trends in the computer science field.
Amazingly Interactive Student Experience
From contests and competitions to internships and research with faculty, computer science at IUP is engaging and dynamic.
- Student competitions—Our IUP Programming Team was highly successful at the PACISE competition.
- PACISE activities—IUP is a PACISE member, so you can join in on conferences, programming contests, and security competitions, including a capture the flag event with topics spanning stack overflow, heap overflow, and kernel overflow.
- Internships—You'll get guidance from a faculty member dedicated to mentoring students through the internship search and application process.
- A small student cohort and a close sense of community.
- Opportunities for publication.
- One-on-one research with faculty—Past research projects span anomaly detection, blockchain, internet of things (IoT), development and implementation of machine learning algorithms, embedded cyber-physical systems, and cybersecurity systems.
Research Opportunities
IUP's computer science professors are passionate about—and active in—the field. They bring years of industrial experience and global perspective to your classes.
Your professors will:
- Give you personal attention.
- Guide you so you meet your goals.
- Help you secure paid internships with local and national employers.
- Supervise you in undergraduate research.
Along with earning numerous awards and recognition, faculty members regularly participate in well-regarded professional groups, such as:
- Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
- Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
You'll learn from Department of Mathematical and Computer Sciences faculty who are industry experts as well as expert teachers. Learn more about their expertise in many areas.