Student Coding at Computer

What is Software Engineering Technology?

Software Engineering Technology is an engineering discipline that deals with all aspects of software production. Students learn to design software systems, write the code that implements those systems, and test systems to make sure they meet requirements. Our graduates are contributing to solutions in medical, industrial, communications, aerospace, business, and scientific fields.

By earning your B.S. in Software Engineering Technology from Oregon Tech, you will be prepared to begin or advance your career with the knowledge and skills that employers across the country and around the world are looking for in this high-demand field.

Throughout the program, you'll be exposed to many of the major Software Engineering Technology specialties, including:

  • Software development using C++ and other languages
  • Databases, Operating systems, and Networking
  • Software Design and Testing
  • Project Management
  • Software Quality Assurance

Hardware & Software Common First Year

The CSET Department's common first year allows you to take courses in all three modalities. This common core enables you to sample courses in the Computer Engineering Technology, Embedded Systems Engineering Technology, and Software Engineering Technology programs helping you make a more educated decision based on your experiences in your first year of college.

Oregon Tech’s Software Engineering Technology degree program places a strong emphasis on application, not just theory. The applied, hands-on curriculum prepares students for entry into the computer professions. Students will develop solid software engineering skills throughout all phases of the curriculum. You will begin developing software your first quarter at Oregon Tech. After laying a solid foundation your freshmen year, you will cover more advanced topics your sophomore year. Your junior and senior year will include year-long projects as well as classes in advanced topics. The early-start in our curriculum means that many students get quality (and well paid) internships following their sophomore year.

Software Engineering Internships and Co-ops

Even before students graduate, many choose to participate in internships and co-op programs. The SET program is a proud member of MECOP where students will complete two 6-month paid internships. Companies hiring Oregon Tech SET interns include Intel, Mentor Graphics, Garmin, HP, Boeing, OnSemiconductor and Fiserv. Other students will participate in less formalized internships at companies like Disney, Amazon, and JELD-WEN just to name a few.

Hardware/Software Concurrent Degree Offered

Students who are interested in both the hardware and software aspects of computers can either earn an Embedded Systems degree (that includes both) or they can earn bachelor's degrees in computer engineering technology and software engineering technology at the same time. The ability to be able to design both hardware and software is highly sought after in the industry since people with both skill sets can solve a wider range of technical problems.

Two Campus Sites Gives You Options

We listen to our students, who have communicated a need for maximum flexibility. Some are working full- or part-time, are place-bound and need an on-campus experience close to home; and some prefer a traditional residential campus with all of the amenities that come with it. That’s why we offer two location options: Klamath Falls Residential Campus (southern Oregon), and Portland-Metro Campus (in Wilsonville).

 

Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Science

Accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET

Accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org.

Jobs and Careers in Software Engineering

With over 90% of Oregon Tech CSET graduates either employed (median starting salaries over $60k) or seeking an advanced degree within six months of graduation, Oregon Tech graduates are successful in the workplace because of the unique, in-demand knowledge and skill set they gain in their program.

Our graduates work for:

SpaceX
Expedia
Amazon
Microsoft
International Game Technology
Intel Corporation
Garmin
Sandia National Laboratories
Portland-Metro
Derek Preston
Student, Class of 2026
“My future remains very open! I am planning now to potentially apply for the MECOP program this year and hopefully have two amazing internships before I graduate to get a realistic feel for the industry.”
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Employed stat icon
93%
Employed
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$69,500
Starting Graduate Salary