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We depend on software and computer technology every day as we work, go to school, shop, and chat with friends. When users open a mobile or desktop app, they expect it to load quickly and work as advertised. Online customers expect that their orders will not be lost. And business owners rely on secure and efficient software to keep their business running smoothly.
Software engineers ensure that these programs and applications remain secure and easy to use. Different types of software engineers focus on mobile, web and desktop applications, software architecture and game development.
If you are considering a career in software engineering, you may have some questions. In this article, we explore how to become a software engineer, including the educational requirements and job prospects for this in-demand field.
What is a software engineer?
Software engineers play a key role in software design and development teams. They include engineering principles and methodology for developing applications, websites, programs and operating systems.
Software engineers write code, implement new features, identify and fix bugs, test solutions, and optimize product performance. They also create documentation, troubleshoot and upgrade systems and comply with quality and security standards. Software engineers often collaborate with product researchers, user experience designers, quality assurance testers, and project managers.
While the specific responsibilities of software engineers vary depending on their jobs, they typically require skills such as scripting and programming, mobile app development, web development, quality assurance testing, and user experience design. However, they often specialize in one of these areas.
How to become a software engineer
You can become a software engineer without a degree, but you must have specialized training and relevant work experience. Below, we explore common paths to getting a job as a software engineer.
Earn a degree
Educational requirements for software engineer jobs vary. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employers typically prefer a bachelor’s degree in software engineering, computer and information technology, mathematics, engineering or a related discipline. Advanced or leadership roles may require a master’s degree.
As a software engineer, you must understand coding, application development, database management, cybersecurity principles, testing, usability, and related concepts. An in-person or online software engineering degree can help you develop these skills, but there are other paths you can take.
If you want to enter the workforce quickly, consider completing a certification program or coding bootcamp that aligns with your career goals. However, some certifications still require a degree. We will discuss these options in more detail later.
You can also enroll in a certificate at the undergraduate or graduate level. These programs cover the principles of coding, software design, and engineering. Earning a software engineering certificate typically takes anywhere from a few months to a year and a half, but this time frame depends on the program’s requirements.
To gain experience
Gaining relevant work experience is key to launching your career as a software engineer. Although these jobs are more lenient in terms of formal education, employers still expect you to perform to industry standards. Build a strong coding portfolio by completing real-world projects on your own, during an internship, or through a bootcamp or certification program. Expect to learn more on the job as well.
Software Engineer Bootcamps
If you want to enter the job market quickly, consider completing a software engineering bootcamp. Specialized boot camps allow you to learn valuable skills in a short period of time. They typically take a few weeks to a year to complete, but bootcamps vary significantly in cost, duration, and scope.
For example, you can enroll in a bootcamp that will help you develop your coding skills, learn web development, or master common programming languages, tools, and processes.
Certifications for software engineers
Software engineers can obtain many different certifications. They usually require passing an exam to demonstrate knowledge and skills in a specific area.
Some certifications target specific industries or careers, such as Google Professional Cloud Developer and Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Developer. Look for a certification that aligns with the type of position you want. We discuss several popular certification options below.
Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP)®
The CSSLP exam covers eight domains, including secure software concepts, requirements, implementation, and testing. You must have a minimum of four years of related work experience, but one year may be substituted with an appropriate bachelor’s or master’s degree.
You must complete a training course before taking the exam. Online self-paced training costs $920, plus a $599 exam fee. For instructor-led and classroom-based pricing information, contact IISC2.
Professional software developer certification
The Professional Software Developer Credential, offered by the IEEE Computer Society, validates your knowledge of software requirements, design, development, and testing. To qualify, you need at least two years of college studies in a related field and two years of work experience.
This online exam lasts three hours and includes 160 questions. The exam costs $390 for members and $485 for non-members. Candidates can combine the test with prep courses for $595 or $775, depending on membership. Students receive a $345 discount. Candidates must complete the course or exam within one year.
Certified Software Engineer (CSE)
The Institute for the Certification of Computer Professionals (ICCP) administers the CSE exam, which covers computer systems engineering, project planning, design, programming languages and coding, quality assurance, testing, and maintenance and configuration management.
ICCP offers certification at five levels, from entry level to executive. The core or “subsidiary” certification requires candidates to pass two 60-minute exams and adhere to the ICCP Code of Ethics. ICCP charges $469.60 for an exam package that includes a study guide.
At the second level, called “practitioner”, you must have at least two years’ work experience and pass three 90-minute exams. Different packages include exam retakes, study materials, or an instructor-led course. These cost around $950 to $1,950.
Software Engineer Salary and Job Outlook
The BLS provides salary and job outlook data for many careers. Although the BLS does not publish specific data on software engineers, it includes these workers in the categories of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers. Software developers earned a median annual salary of $127,260 in May 2022.
The job outlook for these positions is excellent, with employment expected to increase by 26% from 2022 to 2032. This high demand is due to several factors, such as ongoing computer security threats and the continued development of the Internet of Things (IoT). and artificial intelligence (AI).
Types of software engineers
While software engineers need a broad understanding of different programming languages and platforms, they often specialize in a particular career path. Below are some common types of software engineers.
- Front-end developer
- Background developer
- Full-stack engineer
- Cloud Architect
- Software engineer in test (QA engineer)
- Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)
- DevOps (Development and Operations) Engineer
- Data engineer
- Safety engineer
- Android or iOS mobile developer
- Game developer
Professional organizations for software engineers
Professional organizations usually offer membership benefits that contribute to the growth and development of your career. Consider the following popular professional organizations for software engineers.
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
ACM offers a number of benefits for IT professionals. These benefits include networking opportunities, a career center, a digital library, a speaker program, and discounts on products and services. The organization also offers access to thousands of books, publications, courses and training videos.
Association for Women in Computing (AWC)
AWC serves women in all computing professions. Member benefits include a mentorship program, leadership opportunities, local and national activities, continuing education, networking and professional development.
IEEE Computer Society (IEEE CS)
IEEE is a global community of computer professionals. Members can access a digital library, author services, career resources, networking opportunities, scholarships, educational opportunities, a career center, salary information, local activities and conferences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Software Engineers
What does a software engineer do?
Software engineers create desktop and mobile applications, computer programs, and websites. They develop effective software solutions for users by writing, testing and editing code. They sometimes collaborate with researchers, designers, QA testers and managers to meet stakeholder objectives.
What degree do you need to be a software engineer?
Many positions require a bachelor’s degree in software engineering, computer science, information technology, or a related field. Some positions may require a master’s degree. However, not all software companies enforce a degree requirement. Some developers learn through certification programs, bootcamps, or self-study.
Can you become a software engineer without a degree?
While some employers require a bachelor’s degree, you can get a job in tech without formal education. If you don’t want to commit to a four-year program, you can build your knowledge and skills through appropriate training, such as boot camps, certificate programs, or focused certifications.
How long does it take to become a software engineer?
It depends on the educational path you choose. Earning a bachelor’s degree takes approximately four years, but the timeframe varies depending on your institution and course load. It may only take a few months if you choose a bootcamp or certification program, which can qualify you for some jobs in the field.