Software engineers design and develop many types of software, including computer games, business applications, operating systems, network control systems, and middleware. They must be experts in the theory of computing systems, the structure of software, and the nature and limitations of hardware to ensure that the underlying systems will work properly.
Related job titles are: Software Engineer, Application Integration Engineer, Network Engineer, Programmer Analyst, Software Development Engineer, Computer Consultant, Software Architect, Software Developer, Applications Developer, or Business Systems Analyst.
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Important Computer Software Engineer Degree Information -Top of Page-
- Computer software engineers are among the occupations projected to grow the fastest and add the most new jobs over the 2008-18 decade, resulting in excellent job prospects.
- Job prospects will be best for applicants with a bachelor's or higher degree and relevant experience.
How much does a Computer Software Engineer make in Salary? || Computer Software Engineer Pay -Top of Page-
In May 2008, median annual wages of computer applications software engineers were $85,430. The middle 50 percent earned a salary of between $67,790 and $104,870. The lowest 10 percent earned a salary of less than $53,720, and the highest 10 percent earned a salary of more than $128,870.
In May 2008, median annual wages of computer systems software engineers were $92,430. The middle 50 percent earned a salary of between $73,200 and $113,960. The lowest 10 percent earned a salary of less than $57,810, and the highest 10 percent earned a salary of more than $135,780.
Median annual wages of computer programmers were $69,620 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned a salary of between $52,640 and $89,720 a year. The lowest 10 percent earned a salary of less than $40,080, and the highest 10 percent earned a salary of more than $111,450.
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, starting salary offers for graduates with a bachelor’s degree in computer science averaged $61,407 in July 2009.
What is a Computer Software Engineer? || What does a Computer Software Engineer do? || Job Descriptions -Top of Page-
Computer software engineers begin by analyzing users' needs, and then design, test, and develop software to meet those needs. During this process they create flowcharts, diagrams, and other documentation, and may also create the detailed sets of instructions, called algorithms, that actually tell the computer what to do. They also may be responsible for converting these instructions into a computer language, a process called programming or coding, but this usually is the responsibility of computer programmers.
Computer software engineers can generally be divided into two categories: applications engineers and systems engineers. Computer applications software engineers analyze end users' needs and design, construct, deploy, and maintain general computer applications software or specialized utility programs. These workers use different programming languages, depending on the purpose of the program and the environment in which the program runs. The programming languages most often used are C, C++, Java, and Python. Some software engineers develop packaged computer applications, but most create or adapt customized applications for business and other organizations. Some of these workers also develop databases.
Systems software engineers also work for companies that configure, implement, and install the computer systems of other organizations. These workers may be members of the marketing or sales staff, serving as the primary technical resource for sales workers, or providing logistical and technical support. Since the selling of complex computer systems often requires substantial customization to meet the needs of the purchaser, software engineers help to identify and explain needed changes. In addition, systems software engineers are responsible for ensuring security across the systems they are configuring.
Working Conditions for Computer Software Engineers -Top of Page-
Computer software engineers and programmers normally work in clean, comfortable offices or in laboratories in which computer equipment is located. Software engineers who work for software vendors and consulting firms frequently travel to meet with customers. Telecommuting is becoming more common as technological advances allow more work to be done from remote locations.
How to become a Computer Software Engineer || Computer Software Engineer Classes and Degree Programs -Top of Page-
A bachelor's degree commonly is required for software engineering jobs, although a master’s degree is preferred for some positions. A bachelor’s degree also is required for many computer programming jobs, although a 2-year degree or certificate may be adequate in some cases. Employers favor applicants who already have relevant skills and experience. Workers who keep up to date with the latest technology usually have good opportunities for advancement.
For software engineering positions, most employers prefer applicants who have at least a bachelor's degree and broad knowledge of, and experience with, a variety of computer systems and technologies. The usual college majors for applications software engineers are computer science, software engineering, or mathematics. Systems software engineers often study computer science or computer information systems. Graduate degrees are preferred for some of the more complex jobs.
Many programmers require a bachelor's degree, but a 2-year degree or certificate may be adequate for some positions. Some computer programmers hold a college degree in computer science, mathematics, or information systems, whereas others have taken special classes in computer programming to supplement their degree in a field such as accounting, finance, or another area of business.
Where are the Computer Software Engineer Jobs? -Top of Page-
Computer software engineers and computer programmers held about 1.3 million jobs in 2008. Approximately 514,800 were computer applications software engineers, about 394,800 were computer systems software engineers, and about 426,700 were computer programmers. Although computer software engineers and computer programmers can be found in a wide range of industries about 32 percent were employed in computer systems design and related services. Many also worked for software publishers, manufacturers of computers and related electronic equipment, financial institutions, and insurance providers. About 48,200 computer software engineers and computer programmers were self-employed in 2008.
Computer Software Engineer Job Opportunities and Outlook -Top of Page-
Overall, employment of computer software engineers and computer programmers is projected to increase much faster than the average for all occupations. Job prospects should be best for those with a bachelor's degree and relevant experience. Employment of computer software engineers is expected to increase by 32 percent from 2008-2018.