Software Engineering

Software Engineering

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Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering

Certificates / Endorsements

Computational Biology, Automotive Engineering, Energy, Entrepreneurship, Information Assurance (Cyber Security), Materials

Top 5 Reasons to Study

01

Build the Technology People Use Daily: Design apps, platforms, and systems.

02

High Salaries and Job Demand: Software engineers are needed everywhere.

03

Creative Problem Solving: Turn ideas into working solutions.

04

Flexible Work Options: Opportunities for remote and hybrid work.

05

Fast-Paced Career Growth: Constant learning and advancement opportunities.

Core
Skills

  • Programming
  • Source Control
  • Software Development Life Cycle
  • AI and Machine Learning
  • Problem Solving and Analytical Thinking

Sample
Jobs

  • Software Engineer
  • Full-Stack Engineer
  • UI Engineer
  • Web Developer
  • Machine Learning Engineer

Successful Career Outcomes

87% of MSU software engineering graduates reported a successful career outcome within six months after finishing their degree.

Top
Employment
Industries

  • Tech / Software
  • Finance
  • Healthcare and Life Sciences
  • Manufacturing and Industrial Tech
  • Energy and Utilities

Brag
Points

  • Built for real-world development: systems, teams, and full project lifecycles.
  • Our students graduate fluent in both theory and applied software design.
  • Our undergraduates gain experience through real projects—not just coursework.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Co-ops and Internships

Co-ops and internships allow you to alternate semesters of paid, full-time work with academic study, giving you extended, hands-on experience before you graduate. You’ll apply what you learn in the classroom to real engineering projects, build professional skills, and often graduate with a stronger resume, industry connections, and a clearer sense of your career goals.

Spotlight

Thrive in Five Program

Academically talented juniors may apply for the Thrive in Five program, which allows you, as an undergraduate, to take classes at the graduate level for dual credit in both your undergraduate program and for graduate credit. A maximum of nine credit hours may be applied. 

Software Engineering

2025-2026 Major Map

Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering

Get the Courses You Need

1st Year

Building Your Foundation

You’ll begin with programming, calculus, discrete structures, and science courses that build logical thinking and problem-solving skills. This year helps you understand how software systems are built from the ground up.

2nd Year

Expanding Your Knowledge

You’ll move into data structures, systems programming, and technical electives while finishing math and science requirements. This is when your coding skills become more sophisticated and versatile.

3rd Year

Craft Your Expertise

This is when software engineering comes into focus. Courses in software engineering, ethics, and professional communication help you design, build, and explain complex systems. Technical electives like artificial intelligence allow you to explore areas that interest you.

4th Year

Knowledge Meets Experience

Your final year centers on a multi-term project and advanced topics like software architecture, testing, operating systems, and algorithms. Together, these experiences prepare you for industry or graduate school.

Hands-On Learning

1st Year

The Journey Begins

This is your time to explore. You’ll get a feel for campus life by checking out student organizations and volunteer opportunities that help you start building teamwork and communication skills.

2nd Year

Additional Experience

As you settle in, you can begin exploring undergraduate research and taking on small leadership roles. This is also a great year to find organizations that support both your technical interests and professional growth.

3rd Year

Lead

With more experience under your belt, you may present research, pursue internships, or step into leadership roles. These opportunities help you connect what you’re learning in class to real-world applications.

4th Year

Master and Launch

Your final year is about pulling it all together. You’ll polish your resume, highlight your capstone work, and practice talking confidently about your projects as you prepare for interviews and what comes next.

Connect with Community

1st Year

Get Involved

This is a great year to start finding your people. You can build community through summer programs, such as Bagley’s Summer Bridge, MSU’s College Ready, or New Maroon Camp, or through volunteer opportunities and campus clubs that match your interests. Opportunities may be found through MSU’s Cowbell Connect.

2nd Year

Grow and Lead

As you get more comfortable, you might explore Bagley College of Engineering or Computer Science and Engineering ambassador roles or get more involved in professional student organizations that help you grow your confidence and skills.

 

3rd Year

Mentor and Inspire

With experience behind you, leadership roles, honor societies, and mentoring opportunities give you a chance to support others while continuing to develop professionally. Join Tau Beta Pi (Engineering Honor Society), Eta Kappa Nu (IEEE Honor Society), and/or Upsilon Pi Epsilon (Computing Honor Society) if invited. This year, consider being a Supplemental Instruction (SI) Leader for engineering courses or a Co-op Ambassador.

4th Year

Professional Pathways

By your final year, you’ll be ready to share your leadership and service experiences as part of your career story and next steps.

Explore the World

1st Year

This is a great time to start thinking globally. You can explore language courses, learn about international programs, and consider whether the global engineering leadership (GENL) minor fits your interests and long-term goals.

2nd Year

Now you can dig a little deeper. Study abroad fairs and advising help you compare options and figure out which global experiences align with your goals.

3rd Year

Experience and Lead

This year, consider studying abroad or participating in another international experience, continue working toward your GENL minor requirements, or consider serving as an MSU Office of Study Abroad Ambassador or a GENL Minor Ambassador while building leadership skills.

4th Year

Showcase and Expand
As you get ready to graduate, you’ll highlight your international experiences in interviews, on LinkedIn, and in your professional story — showing employers you’re ready to work in a global environment. This year, you will complete the GENL minor. 

Launch Your Career

1st Year

Chart Your Course

You can start exploring what’s out there by attending Career Expos and Career Center workshops, where you’ll learn about opportunities designed for students like you. If you’re still figuring out which major fits you best, the Career Center is a great place to talk through options and explore possible paths. This is also a good time to begin updating your resume each year, with help available whenever you need it.

2nd Year

Gain Real Experience

This is a great time to update your resume and set up a Connections account through the Career Center’s website. Connections is where you’ll find job openings, internships, and co-op opportunities, so it’s worth getting comfortable with early. You’ll also want to keep attending Career Expos to meet employers and learn what they’re looking for. You can also sign up for Co-op and Internship Days, which give you the chance to interview directly with companies that are actively recruiting students.

3rd Year

Target Your Path

After updating your resume, attend Career Expos and on-campus recruiting events to explore career options and connect with employers. Use Connections to find additional opportunities, and join LinkedIn to start building your professional presence. As you look ahead, research career and graduate school options, align electives and research with your interests, and consider programs like Thrive in Five or graduate school information sessions to guide your next steps.

4th Year

Make Your Move

With an updated resume, attend Career Expos and apply for full-time roles while continuing to explore opportunities through Connections. If graduate school is part of your plan, begin applications and look into assistantship options. Stay connected by joining LinkedIn groups, and plan to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam if licensure fits your goals.

Learn More

CurriculumApply NowBagley College of EngineeringDepartment of Computer Science and Engineering