Bachelor of Science in
Software Engineering
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the employment outlook for software developers is far above average for all occupations. A projected growth of 22 percent is estimated between 2012 and 2022. This rapid growth is attributed to the foreseeable increase in the demand for computer software in all sectors of the economy. The bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering at Embry-Riddle provides the foundation essential to enhance students’ math, analysis, and problem-solving skills to build software systems that can have immeasurable influence in our daily lives. At Embry-Riddle, students start with a hands-on experience from the first day. Working both individually and in teams, Software Engineering students progress through the discipline learning to develop computer and software systems.
Year after year, employers return to Embry-Riddle to meet with those who are approaching graduation from Software Engineering. They have enjoyed tremendous success from the level of preparation and the skills Embry-Riddle students have attained.
Software Engineering graduates are prepared to enter the workplace with teamwork experience, industrial-strength documentation knowledge, familiarity with design and development, and quality assurance processes, and employers know this.
Graduates in the Software Engineering program have a 100 percent effective placement rate, meaning that each graduate has found a position in his or her field or has opted to continue studies in a graduate program. Students often report multiple offers at the time of graduation.
In this program, students collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of engineers, and determine a customer’s requirements for a system to design, implement, build, and test the product. Students will learn to document the entire process, which will be essential in successfully completing your final capstone project.
Software Engineering students have access to the state-of-the-art tools and technology for which Embry-Riddle is known.
Students can also join academic competitions through the student branch of the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers or with hosted competitions such as the Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International.
The Software Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.
DEGREE DETAILS
This degree is offered at the following campuses. Select a campus to learn more.
About Software Engineering at the Daytona Beach, FL Campus
Housed in the Electrical, Computer, Software, and Systems Engineering Department of the College of Engineering, the B.S. in Software Engineering degree program prepares students to begin careers in industries ranging from aerospace to video game development. Using real-world, hands-on projects like flight control of an autonomous aircraft or power control in a hybrid automobile, Daytona Beach Campus students develop the knowledge, skills, and ways of thinking required to design and implement software for embedded computer systems. These technologies lie at the heart of everything from smartphones to the control systems of modern aircraft and spacecraft.
- Students begin by completing the College of Engineering’s Freshman Engineering Program, which includes a general education core of Speech and College Success, introductions to Engineering and Computing, plus courses in Calculus and Analytical Geometry and Physics for Engineers.
- The Daytona Beach Campus features a cybersecurity engineering lab, a digital systems lab, and a real-time systems lab so students have broad opportunities for hands-on learning such as designing embedded systems for aviation/aerospace applications, and even video game and smartphone application design.
- Qualified students earn the chance to begin graduate work in a master's program while finishing their bachelor's degree by enrolling in the Master of Science in Software Engineering’s accelerated option. Learn more about the accelerated programs.
The Bachelor of Science degree in Software Engineering is designed to prepare students for an entry-level software engineering position in industry that supports the design and implementation of software systems with the focus on real-time, embedded, and safety-critical applications. Such systems are critical in aviation, space, medicine, and other disciplines that rely on high-quality, dependable software.
In a few years of completing their undergraduate degree, graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering:
- Have established themselves in successful engineering careers in aviation, aerospace, and related fields and/or are pursuing advanced degrees.
- Are serving society and their professions as involved and responsible citizens, leaders, and role models.
- Are problem solvers, systems thinkers, and innovators.
The curriculum is designed to facilitate accomplishment of these objectives by program graduates. It provides a broad education, including fundamental knowledge about computer software and hardware. It also allows graduates to work in a team environment and to recognize the value of collaborative effort. The program lays a foundation for lifelong learning, professional growth, and ethical and responsible behavior in society.The Software Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.
Degree Requirements
The Bachelor of Science degree can be earned in eight semesters assuming appropriate background and full-time enrollment. Successful completion of a minimum of 127 credit hours is required. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 is needed for all required CEC, CS, EE, SE and EGR courses that fulfill any degree requirement.
Students entering this program should have demonstrated a competence in mathematics and science (preferably physics). They should be prepared to enter Calculus I, having demonstrated proficiency in algebra and trigonometry. Students can prepare for the program by taking MA 143 before taking MA 241. For those students who have not taken physics in high school, it is recommended that PS 103 be taken prior to PS 150.
The Software Engineering program is designed to prepare students to work as part of a team on the development of software systems. Software engineering concepts, methods, and techniques are integrated through the curriculum. The curriculum includes courses in general education, math and science, and computing. The latter is divided into computing fundamentals, advanced concepts, applied computing, and software engineering. In addition, a student can acquire a minor or a concentration in a domain area of interest. Students should be aware that several courses in each academic year may have prerequisites and/or corequisites. Check the course descriptions at the back of this catalog before registering for classes to ensure requisite sequencing.
Suggested Plan of Study
Students should be aware that several courses in each academic year may have prerequisites and/or corequisites. Please check the course descriptions at the back of this catalog before registering for classes to ensure requisite sequencing.
See the Common Year One outline in the Engineering Fundamentals Program Introduction. CS 223 is a required course for this degree program.
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Credits | ||
| See the Common Year One outline in the College of Engineering introduction. | 32-33 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 32.0-33.0 | |
| Year Two | ||
| AS 120 | Principles of Aeronautical Science | 3 |
| CEC 220 | Digital Circuit Design | 3 |
| CEC 222 | Digital Circuit Design Laboratory | 1 |
| CEC 320 | Microprocessor Systems | 3 |
| CEC 322 | Microprocessor Systems Laboratory | 1 |
| COM 221 | Technical Report Writing | 3 |
| CS 222 | Introduction to Discrete Structures | 3 |
| CS 225 | Computer Science II (3 credits lecture, 1 credit laboratory) * | 3-4 |
or COM 219
|
Speech | |
| CS 315 | Data Structures and Analysis of Algorithms | 3 |
| PS 250 | Physics for Engineers III | 3 |
| PS 253 | Physics Laboratory for Engineers | 1 |
| SE 300 | Software Engineering Practices (3 credits lecture, 1 credit lab) | 4 |
| Credits Subtotal | 31.0-32.0 | |
| Year Three | ||
| CEC 450 | Real-Time Systems | 3 |
| CEC 470 | Computer Architecture | 3 |
| CS 317 | Files and Database Systems | 3 |
| CS 332 | Organization of Programming Languages | 3 |
| CS 420 | Operating Systems | 3 |
| EC 225 | Engineering Economics | 3 |
| MA 412 | Probability and Statistics | 3 |
| SE 310 | Analysis and Design of Software Systems | 3 |
| SE 320 | Software Construction | 3 |
| Humanities or Social Sciences Elective | 3 | |
| MA Upper-Level Elective ** | 3 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 33.0 | |
| Year Four | ||
| SE 410 | Software Modeling | 3 |
| SE 420 | Software Quality Assurance | 3 |
| SE 450 | Software Team Project I (2 credits lecture, 1 credit lab) | 3 |
| SE 451 | Software Team Project II (1 credit lecture, 2 credits lab) | 3 |
| CEC/CS/SE Upper-Level Elective | 3 | |
| Humanities or Social Sciences Upper Level Elective | 3 | |
| Open Elective | 3 | |
| Specified Electives *** | 9 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 30.0 | |
| Credits Total: | 127 | |
| * | Students in the Software Engineering program are encouraged to take CS 225 during the first year, postponing COM 219 until the second year. |
| ** | Math elective to be selected from an approved list of courses maintained by the program coordinator. |
| *** | Courses to be selected, with the approval of the program coordinator, to support acquiring a minor, an identified concentration of domain knowledge (aerospace, aviation, business, communications, human factors, mathematics, etc.), or further depth in software engineering or related disciplines. |
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Degree Summary
127 Credits
Estimate your tuition by using the Tuition Calculator
View Financial Aid Information
Learn about our General Education
Find out about transferring credits to this degree
Learn more about our Veterans & Military benefits
View our Academic Calendar
The Engineering Programs
Daytona Beach, FL Campus
Embry-Riddle Expands Free, For-Credit Online Courses for Florida and Arizona High School Students
To Keep Students Safe, Embry-Riddle Migrates Most Classes Online
Student Body President on Leadership, Cybersecurity, and Black History Month
Super Bowl Fans: Tweet About Embry-Riddle Alumna Nicole Stott’s Commercial, Raise Funds for Women in STEM
Management Expert Dr. Shanan Gwaltney Gibson Joins Embry-Riddle as Dean of the Renowned David B. O’Maley College of Business
U.S. News & World Report Ranks Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University among the Nation’s Top Five Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Students Design Autonomous Robot to Clean Microplastics from Beaches
Prof. Eduardo Rojas Wins NSF Early Career Award to Develop Smaller, More Versatile Antennas
- Embry-Riddle Expands Free, For-Credit Online Courses for Florida and Arizona High School Students
- To Keep Students Safe, Embry-Riddle Migrates Most Classes Online
- Student Body President on Leadership, Cybersecurity, and Black History Month
- Super Bowl Fans: Tweet About Embry-Riddle Alumna Nicole Stott’s Commercial, Raise Funds for Women in STEM
- Management Expert Dr. Shanan Gwaltney Gibson Joins Embry-Riddle as Dean of the Renowned David B. O’Maley College of Business
- U.S. News & World Report Ranks Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University among the Nation’s Top Five Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs
- Students Design Autonomous Robot to Clean Microplastics from Beaches
- Prof. Eduardo Rojas Wins NSF Early Career Award to Develop Smaller, More Versatile Antennas
About Software Engineering at the Prescott, AZ Campus
The Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering degree program prepares students for a software engineering positions in industries ranging from aerospace to video game development. With real-world, hands-on projects like flight control for autonomous aircraft or power control in a hybrid automobile, this program gives students a chance to develop the knowledge and skills they need to create, test, and evaluate software applications and systems. They also gain a clear understanding of network integrity and learn about the technical aspects of cyber security to keep those systems safe.
The Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering degree is housed in the Department of Computer, Electrical, and Software Engineering in the College of Engineering.
This degree features an optional focus on cyber-security. Students who select this focus will be prepared to support government and industry needs for people skilled in software development as well as in cyber-security.
Students have access, and will use in their coursework, specialized and high-tech labs and facilities specific to the engineering field.
The curriculum includes courses in general education, math and science, and computing. The latter is divided into computing fundamentals, advanced concepts, applied computing, and software engineering. In addition, a student can acquire a minor or a concentration in a domain area of interest.
The Bachelor of Science degree in Software Engineering is designed to prepare students for an entry-level software engineering position in industry that supports the design and implementation of software systems with the focus on real-time, embedded, and safety critical applications. Such systems are critical in aviation, space, medicine, and other disciplines that rely on high-quality, dependable software. The objectives of the Software Engineering program are that our graduates:
- Demonstrate achievements in their chosen profession
- Contribute to the development of the profession
- Engage in professional growth
- Contribute to the welfare of society through service
The curriculum is designed to facilitate accomplishment of these objectives by program graduates. It provides a broad education, including fundamental knowledge about computer software and hardware. It also allows graduates to work in a team environment and to recognize the value of collaborative effort. The program lays a foundation for lifelong learning, professional growth, and ethical and responsible behavior in society.
The Software Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.
Cyber-Security Focus
The degree features an optional focus on cyber-security. Students who select this focus will be prepared to support government and industry’s need for people skilled in software development as well as in cyber-security.
For the cyber-security focus, the technical elective is replaced with CS 304 Introduction to Computer Forensics (3) and the two open electives are replaced with CI 450 Computer Forensics (3) and CS 303 Network Security (3).
Degree Requirements
The Bachelor of Science degree can be earned in eight semesters assuming appropriate background and full-time enrollment. Successful completion of a minimum of 128 credit hours is required. Students entering this program should have demonstrated a competence in mathematics and science (preferably physics). They should be prepared to enter Calculus I, having demonstrated proficiency in algebra and trigonometry. Students can prepare for this program by taking MA 143, Pre-calculus Essentials, prior to taking MA 241. For those students who have not taken physics in high school, it is recommended that PS 113, Introductory Physics I, be taken prior to PS 150. The Software Engineering program is designed to prepare students to work as part of a team on the development of software systems. Software engineering concepts, methods, and techniques are integrated through the curriculum. The curriculum includes courses in general education, math and science, and computing. The latter is divided into computing fundamentals, advanced concepts, applied computing, and software engineering. In addition, a student can acquire a minor or a concentration in a domain area of interest.
Students should be aware that several courses in each academic year may have prerequisites and/or corequisites. Check the course description section of this catalog before registering for classes to ensure requisite sequencing. The B.S. degree requires that students have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00 in all CEC, EE, SE, CS, and EGR courses that fulfill any degree requirement.
The Software Engineering degree includes a Space Option in which, AE 427 and AE 445 substitute for SE 450 and SE 451, and EP 394 is taken as one of the technical electives.
Software engineering majors are required to have a grade of C or better in all prerequisite courses for courses with the CS, CEC, EE, EGR, ES, or SE prefixes
Suggested Program of Study
| Freshman Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Credits | ||
| CEC 220 | Digital Circuit Design | 3 |
| CEC 222 | Digital Circuit Design Laboratory | 1 |
| COM 122 | English Composition | 3 |
| COM 219 | Speech | 3 |
| CS 125 | Computer Science I | 4 |
| EGR 101 | Introduction to Engineering | 2 |
| EGR 115 | Introduction to Computing for Engineers | 3 |
or CS 118
|
Fundamentals of Computer Programming | |
| Humanities Lower-Level | 3 | |
| MA 241 | Calculus and Analytical Geometry I | 4 |
| MA 242 | Calculus and Analytical Geometry II | 4 |
| PS 150 | Physics for Engineers I | 3 |
| UNIV 101 College Success *** | (1) | |
| Credits Subtotal | 33.0 | |
| Sophomore Year | ||
| COM 221 | Technical Report Writing | 3 |
| CS 225 | Computer Science II | 4 |
| CS 315 | Data Structures and Analysis of Algorithms | 3 |
| HU 330 | Values and Ethics | 3 |
| Humanities or Social Science Lower-Level Elective | 3 | |
| MA 225 | Introduction to Discrete Structures | 3 |
| MA 243 | Calculus and Analytical Geometry III | 4 |
| PS 160 | Physics for Engineers II | 3 |
| PS 250 | Physics for Engineers III | 3 |
| PS 253 | Physics Laboratory for Engineers | 1 |
| SE 300 | Software Engineering Practices | 3 |
| Credits Subtotal | 33.0 | |
| Junior Year | ||
| CEC 320 | Microprocessor Systems | 3 |
| CEC 322 | Microprocessor Systems Laboratory | 1 |
| CEC 470 | Computer Architecture | 3 |
| CS 317 | Files and Database Systems | 3 |
| CS 332 | Organization of Programming Languages | 3 |
| CS 420 | Operating Systems | 3 |
| MA 345 | Differential Equations and Matrix Methods | 4 |
| MA 412 | Probability and Statistics | 3 |
| SE 310 | Analysis and Design of Software Systems | 3 |
| SE 420 | Software Quality Assurance | 3 |
| Technical Elective** | 3 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 32.0 | |
| Senior Year | ||
| CEC 450 | Real-Time Systems | 3 |
| CEC 460 | Telecommunications Systems | 3 |
| CS 415 | Human-Computer Interfaces | 3 |
| CS 432 | Information and Computer Security | 3 |
| EC 225 | Engineering Economics | 3 |
| Open Elective | 6 | |
| SE 320 | Software Construction | 3 |
| SE 450 | Software Team Project I | 3 |
| SE 451 | Software Team Project II | 3 |
| Credits Subtotal | 30.0 | |
| Credits Total: | 128.0 | |
Footnotes
| * | Embry-Riddle courses in the General Education categories of Humanities and Social Sciences may be chosen from those listed below, assuming prerequisite requirements are met. Courses from other institutions are acceptable if they fall into these broad categories and are at the level specified above in the Software Engineering vertical outline. |
| ** | Technical electives include EGR 200 and any AE, CEC, CS, EE, EP, ES, MA, ME, PS, SE, or SYS course 300 level or above. Other courses may be approved by the CE/SE department chair. |
| *** | UNIV 101 is taken in excess of degree requirements or meets open elective credit. |
General Education Electives
| Humanities | ||
| Lower-Level | ||
Any course in the HU/RS series under 300 level | ||
Any Language course 300 level or above | ||
| Social Sciences | ||
| Lower-Level | ||
Any EC/SIS/SS/PSY course under 300 level | ||
Get Started Now:
Degree Summary
128 Credits
Estimate your tuition by using the Tuition Calculator
View Financial Aid Information
Learn about our General Education
Find out about transferring credits to this degree
Learn more about our Veterans & Military benefits
View our Academic Calendar
The Engineering Programs
Prescott, AZ Campus
Aerospace Engineering Sophomore Contributes Designs to Suborbital Research Payload
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University AFROTC Programs Named Among the Nation’s Best
‘White Hat’ Hacking Challenge in Spain Illustrates Aviation Cybersecurity Threats
Embry-Riddle Safety Science Program Receives Donated Aircraft from Honeywell
The Blue Origin of Aerospace Engineer Matt Boban
Are You Cyber-Safe at Hotel Business Centers?
Military Times Names Embry-Riddle One of the Nation's Best for Veterans
Embry-Riddle Flight Team Wins Regional Competition for 33rd Consecutive Year
- Aerospace Engineering Sophomore Contributes Designs to Suborbital Research Payload
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University AFROTC Programs Named Among the Nation’s Best
- ‘White Hat’ Hacking Challenge in Spain Illustrates Aviation Cybersecurity Threats
- Embry-Riddle Safety Science Program Receives Donated Aircraft from Honeywell
- The Blue Origin of Aerospace Engineer Matt Boban
- Are You Cyber-Safe at Hotel Business Centers?
- Military Times Names Embry-Riddle One of the Nation's Best for Veterans
- Embry-Riddle Flight Team Wins Regional Competition for 33rd Consecutive Year