Best Computer Software Engineering colleges in California 2024
Software engineering is a rapidly growing field with job opportunities that provide competitive salaries, flexible remote work, and lucrative opportunities. Specialists in the field of software engineering are versed in computer code like Java and Python and work closely with hardware specialists to develop apps, computer programs, and websites. They can be employed at the organizational level as software generalists, or work for tech companies like Meta, Amazon, and even Tesla.
Students interested in becoming software engineers should note many schools recommend completing a Bachelor in Science in Software Engineering or Computer Science before applying to internships post-graduation. Programs typically emphasize mathematics, statistical analysis, and data management, and prepare students to enter the field ready to apply these in-demand skills in a professional setting.
Students can earn their degree in software engineering in-person or online due to the digital nature of the role. California residents should note that some of the largest software engineer employers are located in the Bay Area, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports over 250,000 software engineering positions in the state with competitive salaries that exceed those of many other sectors.
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The University of Southern California is a Los Angeles based institution that offers two computer software engineering programs at the graduate level. With more than 40,000 students, this elite west coast school provides students with the theoretical and technical skills they need to expand career options.
Santa Clara University is a private Jesuit institution established in 1851. Situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, Santa Clara has an enrollment of around 9,000 students and offers undergraduate and graduate programs where students can hone their computer science and software engineering skills.
The University of California-Irvine is a sizeable public research institution with more than 30,000 students. Alongside other tech-based degrees is a Bachelor's in Software Engineering that students typically complete in about four years. Core classes include topics like introduction to programming, introduction to software engineering, project management, and introduction to data management.
Located in the Golden State's central coast, California Polytechnic State University is a public institution that's home to more than 20,000 students. Among its substantial roster of STEM-based degrees is a Bachelor's in Software Engineering. In addition to core software engineering classes, students can tailor their curriculum to focus on areas like operating systems, computer networks, and artificial intelligence.
San Diego State University offers 2 Computer Software Engineering degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 1 Computer Software Engineering students graduated with students earning 1 Certificate.
University of California-Merced offers 2 Computer Software Engineering degree programs. It's a medium sized, public, four-year university in a outlying rural area. In 2022, 11 Computer Software Engineering students graduated with students earning 10 Doctoral degrees, and 1 Master's degree.
California State University-Fullerton offers 1 Computer Software Engineering degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2022, 69 Computer Software Engineering students graduated with students earning 69 Master's degrees.
California State University-Sacramento offers 1 Computer Software Engineering degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 4 Computer Software Engineering students graduated with students earning 4 Master's degrees.
San Jose State University offers 2 Computer Software Engineering degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 414 Computer Software Engineering students graduated with students earning 256 Master's degrees, and 158 Bachelor's degrees.
Loyola Marymount University offers 1 Computer Software Engineering degree programs. It's a large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city.
Find local colleges with Computer Software Engineering majors in California
List of all Computer Software Engineering colleges in California
| School | Average Tuition | Student Teacher Ratio | Enrolled Students | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA | 23 : 1 | 48,945 | |
|
Santa Clara University Santa Clara, CA | 15 : 1 | 9,178 | |
|
University of California-Irvine Irvine, CA | 25 : 1 | 35,937 | |
|
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo, CA | 25 : 1 | 22,000 | |
|
San Diego State University San Diego, CA | 37 : 1 | 37,402 | |