Software engineers create the programs that make our digital world possible. From startups to giant corporations, organizations depend on software for their businesses to run efficiently, securely and cost-effectively.
As a software engineering major, you'll learn to develop complex systems and solve real-world problems. As more and more of us rely on smart devices, the number of openings for software engineers will only increase, with the job outlook predicted to grow 25 percent by 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Our low student-to-faculty ratio allows our professors to get to know you personally while you engage in research together. This unique level of interaction is the hallmark of the Clarkson educational experience. Our curriculum combined with research, internships, co-op opportunities and career placement services separates us from other programs.
Our faculty experts engage in the development of technology and innovation in areas such as next-generation identification, advanced cybersecurity for a safer world, metamaterials that can bend waves and cutting-edge renewable energy systems for a greener tomorrow.
Our program balances hardware, software and systems concepts, along with a robust set of communication and teamwork skills that industry leaders are looking for. For a capstone design project, you'll have the chance to showcase the knowledge you've accumulated. Some design projects give students opportunities to conduct research with professors and graduate students and present their work at conferences.
Clarkson’s Software Engineering program prepares you to design, build and manage the complex software systems that power today’s digital world, using an engineering-driven approach that spans the full software lifecycle. Through a collaborative curriculum connecting computer science and electrical and computer engineering, you’ll gain hands-on experience developing real systems while working closely with faculty on projects and research. These experiences evolve alongside emerging technologies like AI and cybersecurity, ensuring your skills stay relevant in a rapidly changing field. You’ll graduate ready to harness AI as a tool while bringing the creativity, teamwork and critical thinking that technology alone can’t replace.
Clarkson's BS in Software Engineering combines software and hardware topics through a streamlined course sequence emphasizing software engineering technology and engineering design.
This interdisciplinary curriculum draws from computer science and electrical and computer engineering. This collaborative approach focuses on:
Our students are taught with state-of-the-art industry tools and get introduced to programming languages C/C++, Java, Python and JavaScript, among others.
For more information, view the course catalog for current program requirements, course numbers and credit hours
Students are required to complete the following courses:
Software Engineering
Professional Experience
Students are required to complete the following Professional Experience:
Students must complete the following courses in their first year:
Students must complete the following courses:
Computer Science/Electrical Science
Mathematics
Professional Electives
Knowledge Area/University Course Electives
Free Electives
Our software engineering professors are also active researchers. Access undergraduate research opportunities through projects sponsored by agencies like the National Science Foundation, U.S. Air Force Research Lab and New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, as well as by private companies. Past student projects have involved the construction of web and mobile apps, data analysis using Python, machine learning applications, biometrics and cybersecurity.
As a software engineering major, gain professional experience through an internship or co-op. Find placements with companies, government offices and other organizations, including through on-campus Career Fairs. Twice a year, nearly 200 employers come to campus to recruit undergraduate Clarkson students for internships, co-ops and full-time positions, including many looking for software engineers.
Our students have recently completed internships for:
Software engineering students can get involved outside the classroom through over 200 clubs and organizations on campus, including several related to software engineering.
These include:
Software Engineering Minor Core I
Students are required to complete the courses in one of the following options:
Option 1
Option 2
Software Engineering Minor Core II
Students must complete one of the following courses:
Students must complete one of the following courses:
Software Engineering Minor Core III
Students must complete one of the following courses:
Become a Solinsky Engineer.
The Solinsky Engineers Program is designed to give future engineers a community, a $20,000 scholarship to attend Clarkson for four years, and a variety of incredible benefits to enhance their educational and co-curricular college experience.
We are transforming and elevating our industry-driven engineering education. How? Through scholarship offerings, game-changing facility upgrades and unmatched hands-on learning opportunities. Clarkson will give you the skills, confidence and experience to lead the future of engineering and manufacturing.
Being a Solinsky Engineer opens doors to real experience, camaraderie, and accelerated career growth. We'll choose up to 100 first-year engineering majors annually to be a part of this exciting initiative. Find out how to apply.
Almost all organizations require some form of software engineering to support their operations. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has consistently ranked software engineer at the top of its job list for many years and predicts 25-percent growth between 2021 and 2031. Demand for software engineers spans many sectors, such as:
Graduates have recently gone on to work for companies such as:
2021 software engineering graduate Kristen Printup shares her favorite aspects of Clarkson's software engineering program, including excellent academic support and abundant high-paying career opportunities.
Clarkson University's undergraduate aerospace, chemical, civil, computer, electrical, environmental, mechanical and software engineering programs and undergraduate engineering and management program are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org. Read more on Engineering Program Objectives.
Clarkson's software engineering degree gives you the knowledge and the confidence you need to succeed in this in-demand, creative field. Find out more today.
