Jump to navigation

The University of Arizona Wordmark Line Logo White
College of Engineering
Home
  • Home
  • Give Today
  • Contact Us

Search form

  • About
    • Welcome
    • Contact Us
  • Undergrad Programs
    • Admissions
    • Degrees
    • Courses
    • Advising
    • Scholarships & Financial Aid
    • Research & Internships
    • Student Clubs & Organizations
    • ABET Accreditation
  • Grad Programs
    • Admissions
    • On-Campus Degrees
    • Online Degrees
    • Courses
    • Advising
    • Research Focus Areas
    • Funding
  • Research
    • Focus Areas
  • Faculty & Staff
    • Faculty Directory
    • Staff Directory
    • Employee Resources
    • Open Positions
  • Alumni
    • Give Today
  • News & Events
    • SIE News Archive
    • Events
News & Events
Home / News & Events / Software Engineering Program Prepares Students for Growing Industry

Software Engineering Program Prepares Students for Growing Industry

Thursday, December 15, 2022

Global demand for software engineers is exploding. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 10-year growth for this career at a remarkable 22%. Now in its second year, the software engineering program is jointly administered by the Departments of Systems and Industrial Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering.

“There is an increasing need for software engineers as the world becomes more connected and technological advances continue to rely heavily on software to deliver the functionality that has become an integral part of modern lifestyles,” said Sharon ONeal, professor of practice and director of the newest undergraduate degree program in the College of Engineering.

Software engineers are developing the technology to advance economies, keep nations safe, build smart cities, automate manufacturing, treat and cure diseases, and explore and command space.

“Software engineers are some of the most highly sought-after career professionals today,” added ONeal.

Industry has been involved in the degree program from the early days of curriculum planning and continues to play an instrumental advisory role. ONeal brought to the table more than 35 years of experience with Raytheon Technologies, including as software engineering director charged with overseeing more than 550 employees.

In addition to Raytheon, several companies and organizations – Hill Air Force Base, Intel, Jet Propulsion Lab, Microsoft, Northrop Grumman Corp., Oakridge National Labs, Sandia National Labs, Snap Inc. and UA Data Science Institute – have supported the program. They are all involved for much the same reason: to ensure students are well prepared for the workforce.

The built-in industry perspective is one big reason courses are highly relevant to modern software engineering practices.

“Throughout their four years in the undergraduate program, students are immersed in real-world projects that use tools and practices mimicking what students will encounter in their careers,” ONeal said.

  • NEWS & EVENTS
  • SIE News Archive
  • Events
  • Employee Resources
The University of Arizona
Department of Systems & Industrial Engineering
1127 E. James E. Rogers Way
P.O. Box 210020
Tucson, AZ 85721-0020
520.621.6551

Facebook LinkedIn Instagram

 


University Privacy Statement

© 2023 The Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of The University of Arizona.