Department rolls out new graduate programs
The college’s Software Engineering Wildcats club is an avenue for career preparation and networking, offering coding workshops, career fairs and social events for students at all levels.
The College of Engineering has added postgraduate degrees to its undergraduate programs in computer science and engineering and software engineering to help fill workforce gaps and accelerate careers. Demand for computer science and software engineers is sky-high, with starting salaries between $65,000 to $125,000.
In fall 2024, the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering launched master’s and PhD programs in computer science and engineering. And, SIE – after rolling out master’s and accelerated master’s options in January 2024 – began a PhD program in software engineering.
As a founding faculty member of the software engineering program, professor of practice Sharon ONeal led the college’s approval process with the University of Arizona and the Arizona Board of Regents.
“A graduate degree expands and enhances the undergraduate’s technical foundation and work experience,” said ONeal, who instructs software engineering students at all levels. “It’s a critical credential that can accelerate moving up the technical ladder more quickly.”
A graduate degree differentiates a candidate in the job market because it demonstrates their willingness to keep advancing knowledge and skills, she said.