Degree:  Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering

What is Software Engineering?

Computer software engineers help businesses and other organizations adopt and integrate new technologies and maximize the efficiency of their computer systems. Software engineering emphasizes topics such as software design, software quality assurance, software requirements analysis, software project management, software maintenance, and formal methods for software development.

What are the features of Miami’s program?

Unique program

Miami’s software engineering program is a unique offering in the state of Ohio.

Focus on teaching

As a university, Miami’s focus is on undergraduate education. This is also true in the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering, where professors are committed to helping you grow academically and personally. Professors, not graduate assistants, teach all classes that are specifically for software engineering majors. More than half of our professors have been nominated for outstanding teaching awards either by current students or alumni. You will be encouraged to meet with your professors outside of class to discuss class work and professional opportunities.

Specialization area

Students choose a specialization in a particular application area from such diverse fields as bioinformatics, scientific systems, computer security, e-business systems, and other areas.

Related major

For both software engineering and computer science, the courses you take the first two years are almost identical. Since you don’t need to choose your major until the end of your sophomore year, you can explore where your interests are strongest. Because so many requirements are the same, it’s also easy to double-major in both software engineering and computer science.

Team assignments

You’ll learn in a team environment that prepares you for your professional career, where collaborative skills are essential.

Work experience

On- and off-campus opportunities are available for students to gain practical and professional experience. Benton Information Technology Solutions (BITS) is a student-run technology consulting business providing computer solutions to on- and off-campus clients. Other campus options include research with faculty members and jobs in our computer labs. Many students also participate in summer internships. Miami’s Career Services, with guidance from the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering, will help you set up an internship in business or industry.

Top-notch facilities

The home of the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering has recently undergone complete renovation as part of a new state-of-the-art complex for the School of Engineering and Applied Science. Great new spaces for students and faculty include 24/7 lab areas with student commons, additional labs for building and experimenting with software and hardware systems, and rooms for group meetings and team projects.

Are there special admission requirements?

There are no additional admission requirements for this program.

What courses would I take?

The curriculum integrates course work in software engineering (architecture, construction, quality assurance, requirements analysis, and human computer interaction), computer science, database, project management, mathematics, statistics, science, oral and written communications, and the liberal arts. You will complete 12 hours (about four courses) in a specialization area, which is an area of application in software engineering. Examples are digital game design, computer security, business, network computing, and many others. In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to do independent research with a professor.

This program also provides the opportunity for high-achieving students to complete both a bachelor’s degree (Software Engineering) and a master’s degree (Computer Science) in an accelerated manner. Students admitted to the combined degree program may take graduate courses and apply up to six graduate credit hours toward both degrees.

What can I do with this major?

Graduates are employed as software engineers, software developers, programmers, systems analysts, and database analysts. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer software engineering promises to be one of the fastest growing occupations between 2004 and 2014 and that many opportunities will exist for graduates with a least a bachelor’s degree in the field. Software engineering also remains among some of the top career choices based on salaries and job satisfaction.

Who can I contact for more information?

Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering
205 Benton Hall
Miami University
Oxford, OH 45056
513-529-0340
computerscience
www.eas.muohio.edu/departments/cse