Software engineering stands as the bedrock of modern innovation, a discipline where creativity merges with systematic design to solve real-world challenges. Unlike pure science, software engineering is about building—constructing intricate, software-driven systems that address societal needs. It’s the application of scientific and mathematical principles to create complex software solutions across diverse industries.
In an era defined by rapid technological evolution, the ability to engineer robust, secure, and scalable software is paramount. From the proliferation of digital media and mobile platforms to the rise of cloud computing, e-commerce, social networks, and crowdsourcing, software is reshaping business landscapes and driving unprecedented innovation.
The Pervasive Impact of Software: From Smartphones to Self-Driving Vehicles
The reach of computer software extends into every facet of contemporary life, transforming industries and fundamentally altering daily experiences. Consider the automotive sector, where software has revolutionized everything from manufacturing processes to navigation systems. The concept of autonomous vehicles, once relegated to science fiction, is rapidly becoming a tangible reality, poised to redefine transportation. Imagine a world without the intelligent software that powers our interconnected devices, manages global logistics, and enables groundbreaking technologies. The evolution of autonomous navigation, for example, highlights just how profoundly software has reshaped our world.
The impact is not limited to personal transportation. High-end manufacturing, mass transit systems, the development of clean energy solutions, advancements in agriculture, the entertainment industry, and global communication networks all rely heavily on sophisticated software systems. Software engineering has undeniably turned our world “upside down,” creating opportunities and disruptions in equal measure.
Why ECU for Software Engineering?
East Carolina University’s (ECU) Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering (BSSE) program is designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders and innovators in this transformative field. The program is committed to providing students with the skills and knowledge necessary to not only participate in the software revolution but to drive it forward, contributing to both technological advancement and economic growth. By focusing on rigorous engineering principles and industry-standard practices, ECU ensures its graduates are well-equipped to tackle the complexities of modern software development, including the burgeoning field of autonomous systems.
High Demand for Software Engineers, Especially in Cutting-Edge Fields
The demand for skilled software engineers is exceptionally strong and continues to grow as software permeates every industry. This demand is further fueled by the emergence of specialized computing disciplines like cybersecurity, cognitive systems, big data analytics, data science, and the Internet of Things (IoT). The sheer volume of data being generated globally is staggering, with over 90 percent of all data created in just the last few years. Businesses and organizations across all sectors are increasingly reliant on software expertise to leverage this data, gain a competitive edge, and develop innovative products and services, including within the rapidly expanding autonomous vehicle market.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics confirms this robust outlook, reporting a median salary for software developers of $110,140 in 2020 and projecting a 22 percent job growth rate from 2020 to 2030 – significantly faster than the average for all occupations. This rapid growth is primarily driven by the escalating demand for computer software across all sectors, including the automotive industry as it races towards full autonomy. A Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering, like the one offered at ECU, is the standard entry-level qualification for these in-demand roles.
Admission and Degree Path at ECU
To be considered for the BSSE program at ECU, prospective students should meet the following admission criteria: an unweighted high school GPA of 3.0 and an ACT composite score of 27 (or SAT equivalent) with a minimum math score of 24 (or SAT equivalent).
Specific requirements vary depending on student status:
- Freshmen: Must be eligible for MATH 1065 as determined by ECU’s Department of Mathematics.
- Current ECU Students (Change of Major): Require a 2.5 cumulative ECU GPA and eligibility for MATH 2119 or MATH 2171.
- Transfer Students: Need a 2.5 cumulative transfer GPA and eligibility for MATH 2119 or MATH 2171.
- Second Degree Students: Must have a 2.5 cumulative GPA from prior institutions and eligibility for MATH 2119 or MATH 2171.
The BSSE degree requires a minimum of 120 semester hours, encompassing core courses (42 s.h.), concentrations (9 s.h.), electives (18 s.h.), science cognates (12 s.h.), math cognates (6 s.h.), and General Education (33 s.h.). Detailed course information is available in the ECU course catalog.
Connect with ECU Software Engineering
For more information about the Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering program at ECU, please contact the Department of Computer Science directly.
Department of Computer Science
Phone: 252-328-9680
Email: [email protected]
Stay connected with ECU’s College of Engineering and Technology through social media for the latest updates and news.
This ECU program provides a strong foundation for graduates aiming to contribute to cutting-edge fields, including the development of Ecu Autonomous Car technologies, by equipping them with comprehensive software engineering skills and knowledge.
