When you decide to search for the fastest online software engineering degree, you can get started on a career quickly. Online degrees are a popular choice in any field, given that seven million undergraduate students enrolled exclusively in distance education in 2020. An accelerated online software engineering degree will teach you analytical skills and prepare you for industry certifications.
When you enroll in one of the fastest online software engineering degree programs, your dream of becoming a software engineer is closer than you can imagine. This article will show you the best schools and programs to get an online software engineering degree fast.
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What Is an Accelerated Software Engineering Degree?
An accelerated software engineering degree is a program that reduces the time it takes to acquire your software engineering degree. You will get more hands-on experience in less time and graduate faster than the average student. Accelerated software engineering degrees can come in the form of intensive courses or taking classes that satisfy the requirements for two degrees at once.
How Do Accelerated Degrees Work?
Accelerated degrees at colleges and universities work by offering a structure of compressed classes with a much shorter duration, reducing the traditional 16-week terms to between five and 12 weeks. Through this intensive course format, accelerated degrees help online students learn the necessary fundamental concepts and technical skills faster.
Another type of accelerated degree is a dual degree, where students earn college credit for two degrees at the same time. Students attend traditional length classes and earn the same number of credits for both traditional degrees, but the overall time to graduation is shorter because one course can count towards two different degrees.
Types of Accelerated Software Engineering Degrees
There are four major types of accelerated software engineering degrees you can choose from. They are associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and combined bachelor’s and master’s degrees. While it can be possible to complete an accelerated degree program on a part-time basis, it would be wise to focus your energy on being a full-time student. We’ll explain the difference between these types of programs below.
Accelerated Associate Degrees
With an accelerated associate degree program, you earn both an associate degree and a smooth pathway towards your bachelor’s degree and, consequently, other advanced degrees. A traditional associate degree typically takes two years to complete, and an accelerated associate degree takes between one and one and a half years to finish.
Accelerated Bachelor’s Degrees
An accelerated bachelor’s degree program enables you to earn your four-year undergraduate degree in three years or less. It is a relatively popular option. One pathway for students to accelerate their bachelor’s degree timeline is to take advantage of most schools’ generous credit transfer policies and transfer credits from an associate degree program from a previous institution.
Accelerated Master’s Degrees
In comparison to the standard two years required to complete most STEM master’s degree programs, an accelerated master’s degree program enables you to complete the program in 12 to 18 months. These programs are typically taught by expert faculty who are industry experts and have years of professional experience.
Combined Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees
A combined bachelor’s and master’s degree program leads to two degrees in five years, rather than the traditional six years. These programs are sometimes called “4+1” degree programs, referring to the four years in the bachelor’s program and one year in the master’s program.
Students will take graduate courses in the final years of their bachelor’s degree programs that count towards both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Getting an advanced software engineering degree faster means that you can start looking for roles in software development even sooner.
Who Should Get an Accelerated Software Engineering Degree?
People who want to change careers to software engineering, want to finish their education faster, or have more life experience and are older than traditional-aged students should get an accelerated software engineering degree. Incoming students who have just gotten their high school diploma and want a traditional college experience might find it hard to balance an accelerated degree and make connections in on-campus life.
These fast-paced, online programs take your full attention. You might be able to work part-time while earning your accelerated degree, but the workload makes it extremely difficult to work full-time and earn an accelerated degree. There are a few exceptions, however, as some accelerated master’s degree programs are designed for working adults.
Best Accelerated Degrees
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How to Get a Software Engineering Degree Fast
- Transfer your credits. If you have already taken college-level courses at an accredited institution, you may be able to transfer those credits to your current degree progress. Check the school website and send your transcripts to the program administrator to see if you can get credit for your previous work.
- Take summer classes. Many programs take a break during the summer, which adds time to your overall program. Earning required credits during summer can cut down on your overall time to graduation.
- Test out of introductory college classes. Taking standardized exams like the College Level Exam Program (CLEP), Advanced Placement exams (AP), and Excelsior College Exams (ECE) can help you earn additional credits for college courses. Check with your school to learn which exams are accepted for credit.
- Arrange your schedule to increase study hours. Accelerated programs move fast. Make sure you leave yourself enough time every week to study so you don’t fall behind. Having to retake a class will delay your graduation date and, ultimately, your entrance into the job market.
- Meet with your academic advisor. Talk with your academic advising office and explain your graduation timeline goal. They will help you optimize your class schedule.
What Is the Fastest Online Software Engineering Degree?
The fastest online software engineering degree is the Master of Science in Computer Science with a Software Engineering concentration at Nova Southern University. This online software engineering program takes only a year to complete, with 30 credit hours required.
Fastest Online Software Engineering Degrees: The Basics
| Degree Title | School | Required Time |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Science in Computer Science | Capitol Technology University | 1 year |
| Master of Science in Computer Science, Software Engineering Concentration | Lewis University | 1 year |
| Master of Science in Computer Science, Software Engineering Concentration | Nova Southeastern University | 1 year |
| Master of Computer Science | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | 1 year |
| Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science | University of Colorado Boulder | 12-18 months |
| Master of Science in Computer Science | Syracuse University | 15 months |
| Master of Science in Computer Science, Software Engineering Concentration | Colorado Technical University | 17 months |
| Master of Science in Software Engineering | Arizona State University | 18-24 months |
| Master of Science in Computer Science | Franklin University | 20 months |
| Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Computer Science | University of North Dakota | 5 years |
The Fastest Online Software Engineering Degrees, Explained
In the next section, we’ll explain a little more about each of the fastest online software engineering degrees. You’ll learn how long each program takes, the graduation rate, tuition costs, and some general information about each program’s curriculum.
- School Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Tuition: $630/credit
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- Required Time: 1 year
This online computer science degree program, with a core course in Software Engineering, is a 30-credit program that can be completed in a year. Students finish the program with a capstone project of their own design. Capitol Technology University helps online students connect with DC-area recruiters to provide great employment opportunities for graduates.
- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition: $820/credit hour
- Graduation Rate: 60%
- Required Time: 1 year
This program is designed to be completed in just a year through intensive 8-week terms. Adults working full-time can fit this degree program into their schedules since classes take place at night. This Lewis University program teaches students the necessary skills in software processing, evolution, and architecture, in addition to project management for software development.
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Tuition: $955/credit hour
- Graduation Rate: 61%
- Required Time: 1 year
Students in Nova Southeastern University’s online computer science master’s degree can complete the program in one year and focus their studies on software engineering. Its curriculum includes courses in subjects like programming languages, object oriented design, interaction design, and software testing and verification.
- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition: $670/credit hour
- Graduation Rate: 85%
- Required Time: 1 year
The University of Illinois online Master of Computer Science degree program is offered through Coursera’s massive open online course (MOOC) platform. Through Coursera, students complete 32 credits in one to five years. Students will cover topics in programming languages and software engineering in addition to classes in statistics and cloud computing.
- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition: $762/credit hour (in state); $872/credit hour (out of state)
- Graduation Rate: 74%
- Required Time: 12-18 months
This accelerated post-baccalaureate online degree program at University of Colorado Boulder is a 45-credit program for students who already have a bachelor’s degree and want to earn an applied computer science bachelor’s degree. This program has an industry-focused curriculum, interactive online class sessions, and a high level of schedule flexibility.
- School Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Tuition: $1,802/credit
- Graduation Rate: 82%
- Required Time: 15 months
Syracuse University's online Master of Science in Computer Science program is a 30-credit program that takes 15 months to complete. Prospective students can choose between four yearly start dates. This online degree program requires 15 credits in core courses and 15 credits in elective courses like Mobile Applications Programming and Object Oriented Programming.
- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition: $610/credit
- Graduation Rate: 23%
- Required Time: 17 months
Students in Colorado Technical University’s Master of Science in Computer Science program can choose a concentration in software engineering. It’s a 48-credit program that can be completed in around 17 months. This program gives students a strong foundation in software development, computer programming, data science, and cyber security engineering.
- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition: $8,804/9-credit semester
- Graduation Rate: 26%
- Required Time: 18-24 months
This online degree program at Arizona State University is a 30-credit program that provides expert knowledge in core areas of software engineering such as programming languages, project management, and software systems. Like other advanced degree programs, students will complete a portfolio capstone project that they can use to show off their practical skills after graduation when applying for jobs.
- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition: $670/credit
- Graduation Rate: 25%
- Required Time: 20 months
This online Master of Science in Computer Science at Franklin University teaches students to use computer science techniques to solve real-world problems. Students take courses in subjects like algorithms, database management, and software and app security for mobile devices. There are three optional specializations in subjects like data analytics, cyber security, and software systems.
- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition: $643.95/credit (undergraduate); $798.08/credit (graduate)
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Required Time: 5 years
With the University of North Dakota’s accelerated combined BS/MS students earn both a Bachelor’s and Masters of Science in Computer Science in five years. For the Master’s in Computer Science part of the program, students have the option of completing a research thesis or an independent study. This gives them real-world learning opportunities in the computer science field as well as the chance to perfect their communication skills when they have to present their thesis.
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Fastest Software Engineering Degree Completion Programs
A degree completion program is for students who have some undergraduate college credits but who haven’t completed a bachelor’s degree. This group includes students who learned the basic concepts of software engineering when they earned an associate degree. Many schools offer degree completion programs online, giving students more freedom. Adult learners especially can benefit from the fastest degree completion programs we’ve listed below.
- Bachelor of Computer Information Systems with Software Engineering Concentration Degree Completion Program | MidAmerica Nazarene University. This online Bachelor of Computer Information Systems degree completion program with a concentration in software engineering can be completed in two years. The degree prepares students to work as software engineers, software developers, and applications developers.
- Computer Science Online Degree Completion | California State University Monterey Bay. This two-year program for online learners equips each computer science student with computer science skills and design skills. Students will graduate with the advanced technical abilities needed for a career in technology project management, mobile application development, or any other career in the software engineering field.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science | Lewis University. This accelerated online program for adults teaches students popular programming languages like Python, Java, C#, Javascript, and Ruby, as well as introducing them to topics in computer networks and cyber security. Students can get college credit for relevant work experience to reduce the number of classes they need to take to graduate.
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Simmons University. This online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program requires students to transfer in at least 17 credits. Simmons University is a women’s college.
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Online Degree Completion | DePaul University. This online degree completion program is for students who have at least 30 semester hours of transfer credits and who have taken one semester of either Java or C++. You’ll need to complete any general education requirements in addition to computer science core courses.
Do Employers Respect Online Degrees?
Yes, employers respect online degrees. These days most employers realize that online degrees aren’t any different from on-campus degrees. Given that software developers work online, employers of software developers in particular respect online degrees. Online learners can also take professional certification exams for additional proof of technical skills.
What Jobs Can You Get with an Accelerated Software Engineering Degree?
- Computer and Information Systems Manager | $159,010
- Software Developer | $110,140
- Information Security Analyst | $102,600
- Computer Systems Analyst | $99,270
- Web Developer | $77,200
Best Accelerated Software Engineering Degree Jobs
The best accelerated online software engineering careers are computer and information systems manager, software developer, and information security analyst. These careers have a good job outlook and a high annual salary. More of the best prospects for software engineer degree holders are explained below.
- Average Salary: $159,010
- Job Outlook: 11% growth from 2020 to 2030
Most computer and information systems manager job opportunities require a computer-related bachelor’s degree or master’s degree, and an accelerated online degree meets that education requirement. In this role, you’ll assess and upgrade operating systems and use critical thinking skills to optimize your organization’s computer systems.
- Average Salary: $110,140
- Job Outlook: 22% growth from 2020 to 2030
Software developers create computer applications or programs and identify and solve software-related problems. Earning an online accelerated degree in software engineering is a flexible way to meet the education requirement of a bachelor’s degree. Obtaining a professional certification in different programming languages can help with the job search.
- Average Salary: $102,600
- Job Outlook: 33% growth from 2020 to 2030
Information security analysts develop standard security protocols to keep data and computer networks secure for their organization. Information security analysts need a bachelor’s degree or higher in a computer science-related field, and an accelerated online degree can help you meet that job requirement.
- Average Salary: $99,270
- Job Outlook: 7% growth from 2020 to 2030
Computer systems analysts optimize computer systems for a company or organization. They research new software options and configure network hardware. You need at least a bachelor’s degree in a computer related field, but some roles will also require a Master of Business Administration or MBA.
- Average Salary: $77,200
- Job Outlook: 13% growth from 2020 to 2030
Web developers create and maintain business websites, personal websites, blogs, and advertising-supported sites by writing and editing code. Web developers can work on the user interface, the behind-the-scenes computer code, or both. You typically need a bachelor’s degree, but associate degree holders with a great portfolio of projects can also land web developer jobs.
Are Online Software Engineering Degrees Worth It?
Yes, online software engineering degrees are worth it because they help transform students into qualified software engineers. There can even be access to networking opportunities that you wouldn’t normally have because you’re taking classes with students all over the country. Online learners have access to quality education on a flexible schedule at a reduced tuition rate. If you want a degree program that you can fit into your daily life, an online education in software engineering is a great choice.
Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees
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Fastest Online Software Engineering Degrees FAQ
Yes, software engineering is a very good career. There are many job prospects with high median salaries for software engineering degree holders. You can be a website developer or designer, computer systems analyst, software developer, or software engineer. It’s such an in-demand and lucrative career that jobs for software developers are expected to grow by up to 22 percent in the next several years according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
According to US News & World Report, the best online computers science master’s degree programs are offered by Columbia University, University of California Los Angeles, and Purdue University. However, any accredited institution with an online software engineering program that fits your budget and schedule will provide you with a solid online education.
Yes, software engineering is an interesting curriculum, particularly if you are detail-oriented and enjoy solving puzzles. Computer science courses in general involve a lot of learning through hands-on experiences, and you will spend a lot of time working on solving problems in code.
A software engineering degree can be hard to earn for people who don’t like numbers or paying close attention to detail. Fortunately, many universities have made it easier by providing great online software engineering tutoring and other student support services.
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