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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

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

Academic Plans and Course Catalog

See plans

100+

students in the department

Top 10 college math team

- COMAP Mathematical Contest in Modeling

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JUNE 20 2023

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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.