Software Engineering Programs in Oklahoma

Software Engineering Degree Programs in Oklahoma: Your Complete Guide

Oklahoma’s growing tech industry offers exciting opportunities for aspiring software engineers. This comprehensive guide explores degree programs, career prospects, and everything you need to know about pursuing software engineering education in the Sooner State.

What Career Opportunities Await Software Engineers in Oklahoma?

Software engineering presents a promising career path in Oklahoma, with employment projected to grow 21% from 2020 to 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Entry-level software engineers can expect starting salaries around $75,000, with significant potential for growth. Major employers like IBM, Oracle, and Microsoft maintain strong presences in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, creating a robust job market for graduates.

Which Universities Offer Software Engineering Programs in Oklahoma?

Two major institutions offer ABET-accredited programs:

University of Oklahoma (Norman)

• Program: Bachelor of Science in Software Development and Integration
• Focus: Practical programming skills, data management, and DevOps
• Features:
  • Hands-on project experience
  • Integration with cutting-edge technologies
  • Strong industry connections

Oklahoma State University (Stillwater)

• Program: Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering with Software Engineering Focus
• Features:
  • Comprehensive electrical and computer engineering foundation
  • Software engineering principles
  • Capstone design projects

What Are the Admission Requirements?

General requirements include:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• SAT or ACT scores
• Competitive GPA

Transfer students need:

• Associate degree or 24 credit hours from an accredited institution
• Specific course prerequisites (varies by program)

How Can You Finance Your Education?

The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (www.okhighered.org) offers various financial aid options:

• State scholarships and grants
• Federal financial aid
• Work-study programs
• Institution-specific scholarships

What Professional Development Opportunities Exist?

Students and graduates can pursue:

Professional Certifications

• Certified Software Development Associate (CSDA)
• Certified Professional in Software Engineering (CPSE)

Professional Organizations

• Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) (www.acm.org)
• IEEE Computer Society (www.computer.org)

Where Are the Major Tech Hubs in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma City

• Home to IBM and Oracle
• Focus on technology and software development
• Growing startup ecosystem

Tulsa

• Microsoft and Google presence
• Emerging technology center
• Strong support for tech innovation

What Internship Opportunities Are Available?

Major companies offering internships include:

• IBM
• Oracle
• Microsoft

Both OU and OSU maintain robust co-op programs connecting students with industry partners.

How Can You Advance Your Career After Graduation?

Career advancement opportunities include:

• Pursuing advanced degrees (Master’s or Ph.D.)
• Obtaining professional certifications
• Joining professional organizations
• Participating in continuing education programs

What Resources Support Software Engineering Students?

State Resources

• Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
  • Phone: 405.225.9100
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Website: www.okhighered.org

National Resources

• U.S. Department of Education (www.ed.gov)
• Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov)
• ABET Accreditation Board (www.abet.org)

Why Choose Oklahoma for Software Engineering?

Oklahoma offers several advantages for aspiring software engineers:

• Strong job market with major tech employers
• Competitive starting salaries
• Lower cost of living compared to other tech hubs
• Growing technology sector
• Quality ABET-accredited programs

For detailed salary and employment statistics, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics Software Developers page.