A software engineering degree teaches you how to design, maintain, and integrate computer software in the ever-expanding technology field.
Software engineering blends coding and computer programming essentials with the principles of engineering. A software engineering degree trains students in programming languages, software design and development, and information systems technology, while emphasizing how to design, build, and integrate software into systems and networks. Software engineering programs also build communication, critical thinking, and analytical abilities. With a software engineering degree, students learn the skills to work in software development, network engineering, system security engineering, and software project management. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 13% growth in computer and information technology occupations to 2030. To find out how to get into this expanding field, check out these rankings of the best online software engineering degrees below. We used ZDNet’s ranking methodology to assess online software engineering degrees based on curricula, convenience, cost, and overall outcome. By exploring the best online software degrees, you can find the program that best meets your needs and overall goals. Unless otherwise indicated, data is drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Scorecard. Anthony Girolamo leads the product and engineering organization at Flexe. His teams are responsible for the development of the Flexe Logistics Platform. Prior to joining Flexe, Anthony spent nine years at Amazon as a senior technical leader of Amazon Fulfillment Technologies and Supply Chain Optimization Technologies. He also held senior software engineering positions at Microsoft, and received both his BSE and MSE in computer science at the University of Michigan. ZDNet: What are the most rewarding aspects of your career? What are the most challenging aspects of your career? Anthony Girolamo: I currently lead product and engineering teams at Flexe, a Seattle based technology company that delivers omnichannel logistics programs for the world’s largest retailers and brands. I value the opportunity to build something new from the ground up. Working at a startup is like having an open canvas to create and innovate, and that excites me even 20+ years into my career. I continue to learn and face new challenges in the world of logistics. When I dipped my toe into the industry during my early days at Amazon, I underestimated the intricate process of moving goods from point A to point B. Every day holds the potential for countless disruptions –– from inventory delays to inclemate weather to labor shortages. Writing software to manage complex supply chain operations is difficult, but it’s also an incredibly compelling engineering challenge to solve. ZDNet: What was the most challenging, rigorous course you took in your software engineering program? What advice would you give to students who are about to start this course? AG: “Introduction to Algorithms,” which was named after a book by Thomas H. Cormen. During the course, I learned how to rigorously formulate my thoughts into simple step-by-step instructions, and then prove their correctness and run-time performance. It was humbling, challenging, and exciting. I highly recommend that software engineering students form a solid study group. In addition to the practical benefits –– understanding the curriculum and working through problems as a team –– my study group grew into a circle of close friends. Turns out doing hard things is just more fun with great people. Also, remember to be kind to yourself. It took me a long time to realize that I should focus inwards, not outwards, when benchmarking my progress.
