The best software engineering schools in Texas offer degree programs designed to prepare students for successful careers in software engineering. These schools will help you gain the relevant knowledge and skills required to join the information technology industry. If you’re considering a software engineering career path, read on.
The information in this comprehensive guide to Texas software engineering school rankings can help you find a school that fits your specific situation and educational needs. You’ll learn all about available academic programs, tuition rates, acceptance rates, and graduation rates. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about software engineering schools in Texas.
How to Choose a Good Software Engineering School in Texas
To choose the best software engineering school in Texas for you, you should consider your academic standing, the school’s acceptance and graduation rates, and the program’s cost. Carefully considering all of these factors will ensure that you at least have a general idea of what a school has to offer.
Determine Your Academic Standing
You should know your academic standing before choosing a software engineering school in Texas. Some schools require or prefer a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Some schools have higher or lower requirements or even no GPA requirement at all. Knowing your position can help you save time by quickly identifying schools that you can get into.
Research the School’s Acceptance and Graduation Rates
Researching a school’s acceptance rate helps you estimate your chance of admission, while the graduation rate shows you how many students complete their programs. The graduation rate is important to consider as it indicates whether or not the majority of students had the resources and support they needed to finish their programs.
Consider the Program’s Cost
The cost of tuition and fees is one of the most important factors to consider during the school search process. You should compare the costs of all the programs you’re interested in, keeping in mind the factors previously discussed and any other measures of quality of education that are important to you. You should also research financial aid options for your preferred schools.
Texas Software Engineering School Rankings: What Schools Have the Best Software Engineering Programs in Texas?
| Software Engineering School | Top Undergrad Program | Top Grad Program | US News Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rice University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Master of Computer Science | 17 |
| Southern Methodist University | Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering | Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Engineering | 68 (tie) |
| Texas A&M University | Bachelor Of Science – Computer Engineering | Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Engineering | 68 (tie) |
| The University of Texas at Dallas | Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering | Doctor of Philosophy in Software Engineering | 136 |
| Texas Tech University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering | Master of Science in Software Engineering | 213 |
| The University of Texas at Arlington | Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering | Master of Software Engineering | 288 |
| Texas State University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Concentration in Computer Engineering | Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science | 299 – 391 |
| The University of Texas at El Paso | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Master of Science in Software Engineering | 299-391 |
| St. Mary’s University – San Antonio, Texas | Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering | Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering | 10 (Regional Universities) |
| LeTourneau University | Bachelor Of Science In Computer Science & Engineering | N/A | 30 (Regional Universities) |
Texas Software Engineering Schools Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Software Engineering Schools in Texas
To rank the best software engineering schools in Texas, we used US News & World Report’s breakdown of the best computer science programs as a guide. We also took into consideration the subject-specific rankings conducted by Times Higher Education, as well as factors such as graduation rate, acceptance rate, and affordability.
Best Software Engineering Schools in Texas Explained
In this section, we go over the best software engineering schools in Texas and unpack Texas software engineering school rankings. We look at accreditation, acceptance rates, graduation rates, and more. We also break down each school’s software engineering degree programs.
Best Undergraduate Software Engineering Schools in Texas
This section has information about some of the best undergraduate software engineering schools in Texas. If you’re looking for more options for undergraduate degrees, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to learn more about Texas schools that have associate degree and bachelor’s degree programs in software engineering.
Best Software Engineering Associate Degree Schools in Texas
- Lee College | Associate of Science in Computer Science. Lee College is a public community college in Baytown, Texas. The computer science degree will prepare graduates to start careers in the field or to continue to bachelor’s programs.
- Texas State Technical College | Associate of Science in Computer Science. TSTC is a public two-year institution in Waco, Texas. It offers certificate and undergraduate degree programs, including an Associate Degree in Computer Science. This program is offered both on-campus and online.
- San Jacinto College | Associate of Science in Computer Science. San Jacinto is a two-year college that offers online and in-person certification programs and associate degrees. The computer science associate degree program is designed for students who want to transfer to four-year universities to earn bachelor’s degrees.
- Northwest Vista College | Associate of Science in Computer Science. Northwest Vista College is a public community college in San Antonio, Texas. The computer science program at NVC is designed to prepare students to become professional software developers through hands-on training.
- McLennan Community College | Associate of Science in Computer Science. McLennan Community College is a two-year institution in Waco, Texas that offers certificates and degrees in multiple fields of study. This computer science degree will prepare students to transfer to four-year colleges for further study in the field.
Best Software Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Texas
- Rice University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. Rice University is one of the top universities in the country. It is highly ranked and offers some of the best programs in various fields. The Bachelor of Science program has a curriculum that equips students with the skills required to succeed in the industry.
- Texas A&M University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering. Texas A&M University is a public institution and the flagship of the Texas A&M University System. It offers various undergraduate to graduate-level programs and has a highly ranked college of engineering.
- The University of Texas at Dallas | Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering. The University of Texas at Dallas is one of the largest universities in the state and is ranked highly for the quality of research that its faculty and students conduct. The software engineering program will teach students the skills they’ll need to start rewarding careers.
- The University of Texas at Arlington | Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering. The University of Texas at Arlington is a public four-year institution and a member of the University of Texas System. The school offers various degrees including a Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering.
- Southern Methodist University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering. Southern Methodist University is a highly ranked private school that is well known for its research. It offers a computer engineering program that will prepare graduates to work in the computer science field.
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Best Graduate Schools for Software Engineering in Texas
This section outlines some of the best graduate software engineering schools in Texas. It includes both software engineering master’s degree programs and doctoral degree programs. Keep in mind that the ranking below is just based on the graduation rate.
Best Schools for Master’s in Software Engineering in Texas
- Rice University | Master of Science in Computer Science. Rice University is ranked highly for having one of the best graduate computer science programs in the country, according to US News & World Report. The Master of Science in Computer Science will give students advanced knowledge in the field.
- Texas A&M University | Master of Science in Computer Science. Texas A&M University has an outstanding college of engineering that trains students to become experts in their fields and solve real-life problems. This master’s program will prepare its students to excel in the professional world.
- The University of Texas at Dallas | Executive Master of Science in Software Engineering. The Executive Master of Science in Software Engineering offered by the University of Texas at Dallas is designed especially for working professionals who want to grow in their field. The program will equip them with knowledge of the latest industry trends.
- The University of Texas at Arlington | Master of Science in Software Engineering. This program trains software engineers by providing opportunities for career development and advanced study.
- Southern Methodist University | Master of Science in Computer Engineering. The Master of Science in Engineering at SMU program covers the courses and topics necessary for students to join and succeed in the workforce.
Best PhD in Software Engineering Universities in Texas
- The University of Texas at Dallas | Doctor of Philosophy in Software Engineering. The PhD program offered by the University of Texas at Dallas is designed to accommodate each student’s individual needs. Course programs are designed by the student so that learning is based on specific areas of interest.
- Rice University | Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science. Students in this PhD program will work with one or more faculty members who will help them throughout the program. Coursework, research, a written thesis, and a public oral thesis defense are all requirements.
- Texas Tech University | Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science. This program requires students to conduct independent research. Students who complete the program will have a strong foundation in computer computer science and expert knowledge in their focus area.
- Southern Methodist University | PhD in Computer Science. Students in this program conduct research in the computer science field and work to find solutions to real-life problems.
- Texas State University | PhD in Computer Science. This program has two tracks, a concentration in information management and a concentration in software systems. Students who want to focus on software engineering are encouraged to take the software systems track.
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Admission Requirements for Software Engineering Schools in Texas
The basic admission requirements for software engineering schools in Texas are different for undergraduate and graduate students and for each institution. Some of these requirements include an online application, an application fee, and a bachelor’s or master’s degree. You may also have to submit official high school transcripts, GRE scores, or letters of recommendation.
Software Engineering Schools in Texas: Undergraduate Admission Requirements
- Online application
- Application fee
- Official high school transcripts
- Minimum GPA (varies)
- SAT/ACT scores
- Personal essay
- IELTS or TOEFL score (for international students)
Software Engineering Schools in Texas: Graduate Admission Requirements
- Online application
- Application fee
- Official transcripts
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field from an accredited university
- GRE scores
- Letter(s) of recommendation
- Personal essay or statement of purpose
- Resume
- IELTS or TOEFL score (for international students)
Is It Hard to Get Into a School for Software Engineering in Texas?
No, it isn’t hard to get into a school for software engineering in Texas. This is because the majority of these schools have relatively high acceptance rates. Some of them also have open admissions, meaning all students who apply are accepted. However, these schools may have lower value in the job market.
Easiest Colleges to Get Into in Texas for Software Engineering
- Lee College | Acceptance Rate: 100%. Lee College is a public two-year institution that has a significantly higher acceptance rate than its peers. Lee accepts all students who apply. This school offers an Associate of Science in Computer Science program that prepares students to join four-year schools or for entry-level work in the field.
- Texas State Technical College | Acceptance Rate: 100%. This public community college also has an open admission system. This means that all students who meet the very general requirements are accepted. Texas State Technical College has an Associate of Science in Computer Science degree to prepare students for a career or further study.
- The University of Texas at El Paso | Acceptance Rate: 100%. This institution has the highest acceptance rate among all four-year institutions on this list. This means that it accepts almost all applicants who apply to the school. The school offers multiple computer science and computer engineering degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
- The University of Texas at Arlington | Acceptance Rate: 88%. With an 88 percent acceptance rate, the University of Texas at Arlington is one of the easier schools to get into in Texas. It offers computer science and computer engineering degree programs from the baccalaureate to doctorate level.
- Texas State University | Acceptance Rate: 85%. Texas State University is a pretty easy university to get into. It accepts 85 percent of the students that apply, which means your chances of acceptance are high. It offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral Degrees in Computer Science and a Master’s in Software Engineering.
How to Get Into the Best Colleges and Universities
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Best Online Schools for Software Engineering in Texas
The best online software engineering schools in Texas are Rice University, Baylor University, Texas Tech University, St Mary’s University, and LeTourneau University. The schools are ranked based on their graduation rates obtained from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
| School | Graduation Rate | Top Online Software Engineering Program |
|---|---|---|
| Rice University | 94% | Master of Computer Science |
| Baylor University | 76% | Master of Computer Science |
| Texas Tech University | 62% | Master in Science in Computer Science |
| St. Mary’s University-San Antonio, Texas | 61% | Master of Science in Software Engineering |
| LeTourneau University | 51% | Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems |
The Most Affordable Colleges for Software Engineering in Texas
The most affordable colleges for software engineering in Texas are Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University, The University of Texas at Dallas, The University of Texas at Arlington, and Texas State University. If you’re not sure where to begin in your school search, the cost of tuition and fees is always a great place to start.
How to Attend the Top Software Engineering Schools in Texas With Financial Aid
Multiple financial aid options are available to you if you want to attend one of the top software engineering schools in Texas. These include federal and state-funded financial aid, school-funded financial aid, and private financial aid. There are also some Texas-specific options available to help Texans and international students attend college easily.
Best Software Engineering Scholarships for Texas Students
- License Plate Insignia Scholarship | Amount: varies. This form of financial aid is offered by the state of Texas. Funds for this scholarship are obtained from the purchase of automobile license plates that carry insignias of certain organizations in the state. Students who are residents of Texas and who are enrolled in eligible higher education institutions can apply for this scholarship.
- Eppright Outstanding International Student Award | Amount: varies. This scholarship is awarded by Texas A&M University to international students who have excelled in academics and leadership positions and who have participated in extracurricular activities. The award is disbursed annually.
- Good Neighbor Scholarship | Amount: 12 months of tuition. This scholarship is designed for international students studying at Texas universities who are from eligible countries in the Western Hemisphere other than the US and Cuba and intend to return home after completion of their program. These students will have to meet several other requirements. This scholarship covers 12 months of tuition.
Texas Employment Outlook for Software Engineering
The Texas employment outlook for software engineering is fairly strong. There are various employment opportunities available to graduates of software engineering programs in Texas. According to the Texas employment outlook provided by BLS, graduates of these programs can find various job opportunities in many industries.
Those who pursue careers in professional and business services, education and health services, government, leisure and hospitality, and transportation have higher job opportunities. While these are not tech fields, they are fields that do have tech needs, meaning software engineers can potentially find employment and enjoy rewarding and stable careers.
Highest-Paying Software Engineering Careers in Texas
| Software Engineering Job | Software Engineering Degree | Average Salary in Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Applications Architect | Bachelor’s degree | $144,726 |
| Software Developer | Bachelor’s degree | $111,830 |
| Software Engineer | Bachelor’s degree or master’s degree | $102,648 |
| Mobile Applications Developer | Bachelor’s degree | $95,284 |
| Quality Assurance Engineer | Bachelor’s degree or master’s degree | $87,146 |
Best Software Engineering Jobs in Texas Explained
Next we’re going to look at the best software engineering jobs in Texas. These jobs have high job growth rates, high salaries, and high employment rates. Find more information about each of these great jobs below.
Does It Matter What Software Engineering School in Texas I Go To?
Yes, it does matter what software engineering school in Texas you go to. Many schools offer this program, and as we’ve shown in this article there are many good choices. To get the best education possible, you should choose one with a strong faculty and the right program and resources for you.
If you do, you’re guaranteed to get good training that will prepare you for the industry. The best schools will equip you with the relevant knowledge and skills to ensure that you meet the expectations of employers. This will set you up to have a rewarding and even enjoyable career.
Additional Reading About Software Engineering
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Best Software Engineering Schools in Texas FAQ
The colleges with the best software engineering programs in Texas are Rice University, Southern Methodist University, Texas A&M University, The University of Texas at Dallas, and Texas Tech University. However, if you want a degree in software engineering and are not able to attend any of these schools, don’t worry, as there are lots of options in Texas.
No, software engineering is not too hard. However, you will need a lot of hands-on experience and experienced instructors to make learning easier. You can get these resources from one of the best software engineering schools in Texas or from a coding bootcamp in Dallas, for example. Coding bootcamps offer software engineering programs of shorter duration and lower fees.
Yes, Texas Tech is a good school for computer engineering. It’s affordable and it has a high graduation rate and a great faculty. It prepares students to start careers by equipping them with relevant knowledge and skills.
Yes, a software engineering degree is worth it. It will prepare you for various careers in the tech industry and it will give you a chance to earn high a high salary. If you don’t have time for a software engineering degree, you can try a coding bootcamp in Austin, Houston, or Dallas and get similar results.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
