Software Engineering Major

Mathematics, Statistics & Computer Science Department

Brent Strunk, Chair
(440) 826-5944, bstrunk@bw.edu

OVERVIEW

The fast-paced, innovative career field of software engineering offers outstanding opportunities to apply creativity and strategic thinking to complex technology needs that increase productivity, improve systems and contribute to organizational success.

BW's software engineering major is a rigorous program combining comprehensive coursework and labs.

Developed in coordination with leading software companies, the program teaches you the mechanics of effective software engineering-programming, computer applications, mathematics and database technology. You'll learn to design, analyze and maintain software.

The program provides a strong foundation for addressing current technologies as well as adapting to emerging ones.

A required internship provides real-world experience and resume-enhancing benefits. BW's proximity to Cleveland puts you within a 20-minute drive to outstanding opportunities.

Also impressive is a two-semester required capstone experience. Working with a small team, you will learn to analyze, design, develop, test and maintain large-scale software systems. The projects are mostly from industry partners and give students the opportunity to work on real-world problems. You'll apply strategic thinking, creative brainstorming and problem-solving skills to tackling complex engineering principles.

Software Engineering

Career Opportunities

Software Engineer
Software Developer
Software Architect
Applications/Systems/Web Developer
Computer Systems Analyst
Database Administrator
Quality Assurance
Technical Consulting
IT Project Manager
Technical Business Analyst

Employment in software engineering is projected to grow 24 percent from 2016 to 2026.

Rapid-Growth Career Field

Software engineers are employed in industrial, scientific, technical and educational settings. The profession is expected to increase by 24 percent from 2016-2026. For local residents, Cleveland is one of the fastest growing technology regions in the nation.

Combined BS/MBA

An optional five-year BS/MBA program combines a computer science major with a minor in business administration and an MBA degree. This program prepares graduates for positions in computer and information systems management that require a strong technical background, good communication skills and in-depth understanding of the business world.

Expand Your Studies

Students interested in the software engineering major may also be interested in computer science and cybersecurity analyst.

CURRICULUM

Offered as a major and a minor, software engineering prepares you for immediate employment and graduate programs.

The common core of all the programs in BW's computer science department includes programming and problem solving, as well as exposure to the mathematics, computer architecture, paradigms and the theory that underlie the computing discipline.

In addition, software engineering students take requirements, testing and project management courses to better understand the full software development life cycle. Software engineering students also complete at least one summer internship. A highlight of BW's software engineering program is the capstone project where students complete a two-semester, team-based software engineering project for a client.

Senior Capstone

The Mission Guatemala (MG) Medical Clinic Senior Project is a faculty-guided software engineering practicum. Operated like a consulting practice, the MG teams are responsible for all aspects of the software development life cycle. While maintaining the live software running in Guatemala, the team works from the U.S. to add new features to meet client requests. This multi-lingual, multi-year project presents exciting opportunities and challenges for each team. During odd-numbered years, team members have the opportunity to travel to Guatemala to gain a better understanding of the environment, meet the medical staff, provide training, gather new requirements and offer back-office support.

Course Descriptions

Course descriptions, requirements for the major and additional information can be found in the University Catalog.

STUDENT EXPERIENCES

Small class sizes, individual attention and faculty mentoring are at the core of BW's computer science program.

Experiential learning bridges classroom study with real-world opportunities. You can enhance your studies through internships, co-curricular activities and other learning opportunities that include:

Internships and Field Experiences

BW's 20-minute proximity to Cleveland puts you within easy access to technology firms, corporations, government agencies and nonprofit organizations. Students often secure internships early in their academic careers, sometimes as soon as the summer following freshman year. Most students have multiple internships prior to graduation.

UX Research and Testing Experiences

BW's User Experience (UX) Research Lab provides hands-on experiences for computing students to learn about research and testing that is critical for the success of today's software applications and websites. Using various research methods including observation, interviews, click-stream analysis and eye-tracking, UX researchers help uncover how users feel, think and use technology. Internal and external clients provide projects for BW's UX student researchers to evaluate.

Baldwin Wallace student using UX eye tracking

Independent Study

Independent study offers students enrichment opportunities beyond the classroom for individualized and advanced study. Students work one-on-one with a faculty member.

Research

In addition to curriculum-based research opportunities, students can get involved with ongoing research through the Faculty Student Collaborative program.

Choose Ohio First STEM Scholars Program

The BW Choose Ohio First STEM Scholars Program is open to Ohio residents who are entering Baldwin Wallace in the fall as a first-year student or transfer student and are interested in software engineering. Students are eligible to apply to the program which also offers the Choose Ohio First scholarship, awarding substantial annual, renewable scholarships.

Student Clubs and Organizations

Personally and professionally rewarding, student organizations and activities foster skills in leadership and teamwork. Opportunities include:

ACM Student Chapter

This is a chartered student chapter of ACM, the world's largest educational and scientific computing society. This computer club sponsors an annual High School Programming Competition each April at Baldwin Wallace, hosts speakers and organizes several social events, including LAN parties and more.

ACM-W Student Chapter

This is a chartered student chapter of ACM that focuses on diversity, equity and inclusion welcoming everyone to our profession. This computer club sponsors Java Hangouts and other events to create a comfortable and supportive computing community for all.

Programming Team

Student teams compete in several intercollegiate programming contests each year.

Cyber Defense Team

This organization is comprised of students interested in network issues. They meet regularly with a faculty member to discuss topics of interest and work on special projects related to computer networks. Members of this group compete in the Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition.

Student Achievements

Software engineering students are regularly recognized for their achievements:

On campus through scholarships and awards at the annual Honors Ceremony
Off campus by the UPE National Computer Science Honorary, a national organization for juniors and seniors who have excelled in their computer studies

Study Abroad Boosts Career Marketability

The opportunity to experience another culture and gain an international perspective is invaluable to your professional development and will add to your career options. Benefits include:

Understanding computing issues from an international perspective
Expanding cross-cultural communication and problem-solving skills
Preparing for an increasingly diverse and international workplace
Broadening academic horizons
Improving language skills (although most classes are taught in English)
Experiencing a different culture
Building an international network of contacts

ALUMNI SUCCESS

Baldwin Wallace has long championed the success of its students. Evidence of this can be seen in the extraordinary achievements of its alumni spread throughout the United States and the world.

Dana Rabung '23

Software Developer, Medical Mutual of Ohio

"The software engineering program at Baldwin Wallace helped launch me into my career with the skills that I needed to succeed. The capstone project was a key part of my experience because it accurately simulated what I would encounter when I entered the business world. The project exposed me to working in a team setting on a much larger codebase, allowed me to participate in long term agile development, and helped me to develop crucial communication and leadership skills."