Computer Science and Software Engineering Careers

A successful career in computer science software engineering means knowing how to use the right programming languages, platforms and architectures to develop everything from computer games to security systems. Software engineering careers are challenging, flexible — and fun.

Careers in computer science software engineering are virtually endless. From finance to entertainment to agriculture, every industry involves computer science software engineering on some level. In this article, we’ll discuss software engineering careers including education requirements and potential growth opportunities.

Computer Science Engineering Roles

Computer science software engineering jobs fall into two primary categories: systems developers and application developers.

Systems developers

Systems developers, also called backend engineers, build computer systems and networks for front-end applications. They do this by:

• Ensuring different types of software programs communicate with each other on the same platform.
• Creating and enforcing IT standards within an infrastructure.
• Maintaining documentation of IT systems.
• Updating to new technologies, as appropriate.
• Collaborating with development teams, senior systems architects, and data science professionals.

Application developers

Application developers are more client focused. They work on designing software for the end user. This work includes:

• Developing applications for iOS, Android, Windows, and other operating systems.
• Conducting an analysis of software requirements and adjusting as the project evolves.
• Releasing software updates.
• Working with all client-facing departments including graphic design, customer service, and project management.

Job Outlook for Careers in Computer Science Software Engineering

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 25% job growth through 2031. That’s more than four times faster than the average for all occupations, making this among the fastest growing careers in the nation. Depending on your education and industry, salary.com lists the salary range of $65,151 and $167,872 for a software engineering career in Montana.

Software Engineering Career Paths

While companies define roles by different titles, careers in computer science software engineering progress by common industry-accepted experience levels:

• Junior Software Engineer — You’ll develop software to meet client needs under the mentorship of your team leader. These roles are entry-level and provide you with the opportunity to hone your skills and gain experience.
• Senior Software Engineer — Once you have some experience, you’ll learn new programming languages to help you master the software development cycle. You’ll also have the opportunity to mentor junior engineers.
• Tech Lead — You’ll be responsible for the entire software development process, including assisting team members, and reporting progress and results to stakeholders.
• Team Manager — Your solid leadership skills will allow you to progress to a managerial role where you will oversee not only the projects but the software engineering career progression of each team member.
• Technical Architect — Your job will be to review the architecture and technical design with a critical eye. You’ll build processes and provide technically leadership.
• Chief Technology Officer (CTO) — You’ll oversee all the organization’s technological needs including research and development and spearhead product improvement.

Computer science software engineering jobs

Computer science software engineering candidates are in high demand. There are number of reasons driving demand including the need for innovation, limited life cycle of code, increasing complexity of needs, and accelerated technology growth. In demand jobs through 2031 include:

• Software engineer
• Software product developer
• Web developer
• Computer games developer
• Network administrator
• Computer programmer

Computer Science Software Engineering Skills

Careers in computer science software engineering involve building the right technical skills, as well as developing general workplace abilities. Some computer science software engineering jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree. Some request additional certification specific to the field of computer science software engineering.

Computer science software engineering skills

Since you’ll be designing software to help real-life problems technical skills on which you should focus include:

• Coding languages such as Python, Java, C, C++, or Scala.
• Object-oriented programming
• Database architecture
• Design testing and debugging
• Operating systems
• Cloud computing
• Agile and Scrum project management
• Version control

The ability to communicate about technical information is equally as important as technical skill. A successful career in computer science software engineering requires in-depth technical hard skills as well as strong soft skills such as time management and team collaboration.

Computer science software engineering certifications

Earning industry-recognized certifications signals to prospective employers that you are committed to learning all you can to advance your software engineering career. Since some jobs may require specific certifications, it’s advisable to research the roles that interest you before you sit for an exam.

Common industry exams include:

• Certified Software Development Professional (CSDP)
• Certified Software Engineer
• C Certified Professional Programmer (CLP)
• C++ Certified Professional Programmer (CPP)
• AWS Certified Developer
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals

Earn a Software Engineering Degree from UM

Earning your Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at the University of Montana means a successful career in computer science software engineering. Our program provides you with training that stresses practice over theory for the development, operation, and maintenance of software.

UM’s computer science software engineering program emphasizes hands-on application throughout your four years. You’ll participate in internships with local and national tech firms. You’ll also gain research experience by taking part in opportunities developing scientific software.

The faculty of UM’s computer science department have extensive experience in data science and the tech industry—which translates into wide ranging internship and employment opportunities for you.

While earning your computer science software engineering degree, you’ll benefit from clubs such as UM’s Computer Science Club. We also have active computer science alumni.

At the University of Montana, we are committed to helping you achieve your goals. The computer science software engineering degree program offers an array of scholarships, including the J.R. Scholarship and the Mike McGinley Scholarship. To learn more, visit our scholarship page.

UM offers several other computer science options that are worth exploring:

• Minor in Computer Science
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — Algorithm Design
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — Data Science
• Master of Science in Data Science
• Master of Science in Computer Science
• Big Data Analytics Certificate

To learn more about UM’s computer science options, visit the computer science department page. For details on computer science software engineering degree courses, see our catalog page.