Program Overview

Program Course Delivery
Software Engineering - Major On-Campus & Online

Online program details

Explore the software engineering program

Immerse yourself in game design, virtual reality, and software application. Software engineering is one of the fastest-growing industries, and it touches nearly every aspect of our lives and every sector of our economy. Students have a chance to work directly with some of the most advanced visualization and computer graphics available, not to mention vast career opportunities and open doors to some of the top tech companies in the world.

Software Engineering is a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree.

Software Engineering Major

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As technology penetrates every sector of the economy, software needs are becoming increasingly complex. This need has seen the evolution of a relatively new area of study, software engineering. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics states computer software engineering will be among the fastest-growing occupations for the next 10 years.

The software engineering program combines the theory behind good software engineering practices along with applied projects throughout the standardized curriculum. This approach provides graduates with the knowledge and skills to be successful in the workplace or in graduate studies.

Upon completing the program, graduates will:

  • Show mastery of the software engineering knowledge and skills to begin working as a software engineer.
  • Work as an individual and as part of a team to develop and deliver quality software artifacts.
  • Solve conflicting project objectives, finding acceptable compromises within limitations of cost, time, knowledge, existing systems, and organizations.
  • Design appropriate solutions in one or more application domains using software engineering approaches that integrate ethical, social, legal, and economic concerns.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of and apply current theories, models, and techniques that provide a basis for problem identification and analysis, software design, development, implementation, verification, and documentation.
  • Understand and appreciate the importance of negotiation, effective work habits, leadership, and good communication with stakeholders in a typical software development environment.
  • Learn new models, techniques, and technologies as they emerge and appreciate the necessity of such continuing professional development.

Software Engineering Major Courses

Program Description

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  • Areas of emphasis:
    • Financial And E-commerce Systems
    • Network-centric Systems
    • Gaming, 3D Modeling, and Simulation
  • Gain knowledge in our Undergraduate Collaborative Learning and Experiential Applied Research Lab.
  • Get access to industry-leading software.
  • Prepare yourself to work in one of the fastest-growing industries and explore careers in management, data warehousing, game development, and much more, while learning the necessary skills to succeed in today’s technology-driven society. With knowledge in the areas of programming, database management, and networking standards, your opportunities for working in your favorite technology industry are at your fingertips. Take part in a strong and technology-inspired curriculum. Electives include, but are not limited to: 
    • E-Business
    • Data Warehouse and Mining
    • Gaming and Game Development
    • 3D Simulation Programming
    • Website Development
  • Students in this program can also seek a minor in information technology management or a minor in cybersecurity and information assurance.

Awards & Accreditation

The University of Minnesota Crookston is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Student Experiences

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Two students having a conversation while looking at a laptop
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Average Cost After Aid

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$13,436

Average amount of grants & scholarships received (2022-2023 data)

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$12,894

Average net price after grants &
scholarships (2021-2022 data)

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$22,883

Average TOTAL student loan debt after
graduation (2022-2023)

Scholarship and Funding Options

The University of Minnesota Crookston provides quick and easy access to over $1 million worth of scholarship opportunities for new and returning students!

Your Future Professors

Jaafar Alghazo
Associate Professor
Silvia Preston
Teaching Specialist

What is Campus Life Like?

Residential Life

University of Minnesota Crookston's residence halls are ranked #1 public college dorms in Minnesota by Niche. The residential halls are clean, safe, spacious and modern. There is a mix of traditional style rooms, suites, and apartments available on-campus which include amenities such as ensuite bathrooms, walk-closets, and full size kitchens with all major appliances. There are also beautiful common spaces in every residential building that are great places to hangout, play games, study, or relax. Schedule a tour to see for yourself why they're ranked #1!

Students gathered together playing cards in their dorm room located in Centennial Hall.
Photo of a dorm room in Evergreen Hall
Living room in Heritage Hall.
A photo of a dorm room in McCall Hall
A photo of a dorm room in Skyberg Hall
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Students ordering food at Eagles Nest.
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Student Stories

Torchlight eNewsletter Winter Socks and Fire

Student Feature: Tseten Gurung, Tsebaot Getachew, and Madeleine Schneider

University of Minnesota Crookston is lucky enough to have a wide variety of international students and three of those students include Madeleine Schneider, Tseten Gurung, and Tsebaot Getachew. These three come from their own unique backgrounds, and have formed a strong friendship that is sure to last a lifetime.
Changle Li Headshot

U of M Crookston Graduate Changle Li received Technical Skills and Training that Help Set Him up For Success

Software engineering grad Changle Li “misses the snow” all the way from China as the University of Minnesota Crookston helps him capture two promising internships.
Vinayak Sharma

U of M Crookston Junior Vinayak Sharma Breaks New Ground for His Family

Vinayak Sharma, a native from New Delhi, India, never truly saw himself pursuing his undergraduate career in the United States. Continuing his education in a country other than his own was a thought that had not crossed Sharma’s mind until he flew halfway across the world in the 8th grade. Looking back, Sharma appreciates the steps he took that led