This degree focuses on the systematic application of engineering principles to the design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance of software systems. It goes beyond programming to cover the entire software development lifecycle (SDLC), emphasizing processes, methodologies (like Agile), teamwork, and building reliable, efficient, and scalable software that meets user needs.
The program integrates liberal arts foundations with advanced training in software design, programming, and systems engineering. It prepares graduates to build reliable, scalable, and secure software solutions while considering ethics, teamwork, and emerging technologies.
Strong foundations in math, programming, and systems thinking
Courses aligned with ACM/IEEE Software Engineering Curriculum Guidelines
Electives allow specialization in AI, mobile, web, or cloud
Capstone integrates real-world development projects
Supports WHU’s mission to produce innovative, ethical, and skilled software engineers
Our comprehensive curriculum is structured into different blocks. Each block combines theoretical foundations and practical applications:
Essential liberal arts competencies to support critical thinking, communication, ethics, and quantitative reasoning
| Code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG 101 | Writing and Composition | 4 | Core |
| ENG 102 | Professional Writing | 4 | Core |
| MATH 120 | Calculus I | 4 | Core |
| STAT 210 | Discrete Mathematics & Probability | 4 | Core |
| HUM 210 | Critical Thinking | 4 | Core |
| PHIL 240 | Ethics in Software & Technology | 4 | Core |
| ECON 102 | Microeconomics | 4 | Core |
| MGMT 210 | Global Technology and Society | 4 | Core |
| --- | Natural Sciences or Arts | 4 | Core |
| Credits required: 32 - 36 | |||
| Code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE 201 | Fundamentals of Programming (Python/Java) | 4 | Core |
| SE 210 | Data Structures & Algorithms | 4 | Core |
| SE 220 | Software Engineering Principles | 4 | Core |
| SE 230 | Database Systems & Design | 4 | Core |
| SE 230 | Database Systems & Design | 4 | Core |
| SE 240 | Software Architecture & Design Patterns | 4 | Core |
| SE 250 | Operating Systems & System Programming | 4 | Core |
| SE 260 | Software Testing & Quality Assurance | 4 | Core |
| Credits required: 28 | |||
Students select 5 courses based on specialization interests
| Code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE 301 | Agile Project Management & DevOps | --- | Elective |
| SE 302 | Web Application Development (Full Stack) | --- | Elective |
| SE 303 | Mobile Application Development (iOS/Android) | --- | Elective |
| SE 304 | Cloud Computing & Scalable Systems | --- | Elective |
| SE 305 | Cybersecurity for Software Engineers | --- | Elective |
| SE 306 | Artificial Intelligence in Software Systems | --- | Elective |
| SE 307 | Human-Computer Interaction & UX Design | --- | Elective |
| Credits required: 20 | |||
Senior Capstone Project — choose one
| Code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE 400 | Applied Software Engineering Internship (industry partner) | 4 | Core |
| SE 400 | Directed Research Project (software systems innovation) | 4 | Core |
| Credits required: 4 | |||
| Component | Credits |
|---|---|
| Foundation & General education | 32 - 36 |
| Core Software Engineering courses | 28 |
| Advanced Software Engineering electives | 20 |
| Capstone experience | 4 |
| Total credits: 128 | |
As part of the program, students have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications:
Validates understanding of Agile and Scrum methodologies, focusing on facilitating team productivity
Demonstrates proficiency in developing and maintaining applications on the Amazon Web Services platform
Validates skills in designing, building, testing, and maintaining cloud applications on Microsoft Azure
Industry-recognized credential proving advanced Java programming skills and understanding of core APIs
Foundational certification for QA engineers, covering standardized principles of software testing
Graduates of this program have pursued various rewarding career paths:
Designs, codes, tests, and maintains software applications and systems
Automates software delivery and infrastructure processes; bridges development and operations
Creates software applications for mobile devices (iOS or Android)
To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the following requirements: