Why should I study software engineering?

The field of software engineering is growing rapidly, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 17% national increase in the number of positions by 2024. In our software engineering degree program, you'll benefit from the expertise of highly qualified faculty from many disciplines and a broad base of learning. With business courses and communication concepts—as well as opportunities to complete industry-focused projects with students from a variety of majors—you'll be prepared to thrive in a variety of careers. While our bachelor's degree in software engineering overlaps with computer science, added engineering courses and greater hands-on experience will give you a solid foundation in applied computer science concepts. Bethel's varied computer science majors are symbiotic, and you'll benefit from other students' diverse perspectives and particular interests in shared courses.

What can I do with this degree?

As life and communication move increasingly online, software engineers and technology employees are becoming a vital part of every industry and workplace. From ministry to education, manufacturing to corporate settings, the software engineering major will equip students for success in many roles, including:

• Software engineer
• Network architect
• Senior database administrator
• Management consultant
• Project manager
• Technical account manager

Bethel alumni work as software engineers at:

• General Dynamics Mission Systems
• Parametric Technology Corporation
• Infinite Campus
• Spectrum Design Solutions
• Logic PD
• St. Jude's Medical
• Microsoft
• Thompson Reuters
• LSS Data Systems
• Siemens Energy

View a full list of where Bethel math and computer science graduates are currently working.

What skills will I develop?

• Computer architecture
• Networking
• Programming languages
• Web programming
• Several major languages, including C/C++ and Java
• Artificial intelligence
• Computer graphics
• Software engineering
• Database systems
• High-performance computing
• Operating systems
• Information technology
• Project management
• Cross-disciplinary collaboration

You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in the R.E.A.L. Experience—a program specifically designed to help you gain the relevant, hands-on experience employers desire—so that when you graduate, you’ll be as impressive in practice as you are on paper.

What unique experiences or opportunities will I have?

• Semester-long projects completed with cross-disciplinary groups
• Competitions in the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
• Membership in Bethel’s ACM chapter
• Internships for academic credit or to earn income
• Original research with faculty
• Communication and business courses to increase hireability

Recent News

The Beginning of a Beautiful Partnership

January 19, 2023 | 10:45 a.m.

Bethel Launches Anticipated Actuarial Science and Finance Major

December 16, 2022 | 11:30 a.m.

Upcoming Events

JUNE 20 2023

Computer Game Development Camp

The core of this camp is to introduce more advanced topics not typically covered in high school.

JUNE 21 2023

Computer Game Development Camp

The core of this camp is to introduce more advanced topics not typically covered in high school.

JUNE 22 2023

Computer Game Development Camp

The core of this camp is to introduce more advanced topics not typically covered in high school.

Bethel served as a launchpad for me to eventually discover my purpose in Jesus' kingdom, which includes my career as a budding entrepreneur founding Laminera, as well as how I've evolved in my faith and integrated the two.

Lauren Otto '12
Founder and CEO of Laminera

Mathematically-talented Christians need to think of mathematics as a path in which they may live out their faith. We can use our knowledge to further God's kingdom and live as lights in this world.

Megan Hawley '10
Current job: Data Scientist / Scientist III R&D, Honeywell Aerospace