Software Engineering Major
Our B.S. in Software Engineering degree program is built on Bethel's thriving programs in math, computer science, physics, and engineering. You'll gain a broad knowledge base and become a well-rounded thinker while honing specialized skills in programming languages and software-related project management. While similar to our B.S. in Computer Science, the software engineering major specifically focuses on the practical applications and real-world challenges of software development.
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
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
$87,276
average salary for recent computer science alumni
- U.S. Census Bureau9
full-time faculty in the department
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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 '10Current job: Data Scientist / Scientist III R&D, Honeywell Aerospace
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 '12Founder and CEO of Laminera
