Computer Software Engineering Technology
Get started today
About Computer Software Engineering Technology
Computers have become a major factor in the development and operation of the modern industry. From providing means of communications, to operating machines, to facilitating international commerce, to systems animation, computers and their related software programs makes things possible.
The Computer Software Engineering Technology program prepares students to design, develop, and build customized software programs for specific applications. Specifically, students will learn basic programming, how to interpret specifications, application of software architecture, verification and validation principles, and software performance standards. Students will create software programs which address known specifications. The program emphasizes a practical hands-on education as software projects are required each semester.
Upon completion of the program, graduates will find a wealth of employment opportunities in a variety of businesses and industries. Unlike some disciplines which are tied directly to a specific technical area, graduates of this program will work in small businesses, large industries, private organizations, software specialty businesses, IT Department, Government, and other agencies.
What you’ll learn
- Edit and modify existing software programs with the aim of upgrading and correcting errors.
- Improve the performance of software programs, or adapt it to new and old hardware and software.
- Analyze the needs of users for project design.
- Design and modify software systems for specific applications
- Analyze and recommend all necessary system layouts and modifications.
- Train users how to make use of new software.
Sample Job Titles
Application Developer, Application Integration Engineer, Developer, Infrastructure Engineer, Network Engineer, Software Architect, Software Developer, Software Development Engineer, Software Engineer, Systems Engineer
Essential Skills Needed
This program requires a variety of foundational skills for students to thrive. Click the button below to view the full list of essential skills you’ll need before enrolling.
Quick facts
Location
Griscom Education Center, Lobby Level
Type of program
Associate Degree
Job/Salary Outlook
See industry data
Length of program
2 years, 73 credits
Cost of program
$4,500/semester tuition
$3,105 – $3,623/semester housing
$1,915 – $2,417/semester meal plan
Tool List (PDF)
Program details
Courses
MODEL SCHEDULE FOR COMPUTER SOFTWARE ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
Semester 1
- CSET 105 Intro to Web Applications (3 credits)
- CSET 110 Web Development I (3 credits)
- CSET 115 Technical Requirements & Data Structures (3 credits)
- CSET 120 Software Project I (3 credits)
- General Education Elective (3 credits)
- ENG 221 Public Speaking (3 credits)
Semester 2
- CSET 155 Database Design (3 credits)
- CSET 160 Web Development II (3 credits)
- CSET 170 Security & Professional Ethics (3 credits)
- CSET 180 Software Project II (3 credits)
- MATH 137 Intermediate Algebra (or higher) (3 credits)
- ENG 106 English Composition (3 credits)
Semester 3
- CSET 205 Advanced Data Integration (3 credits)
- CSET 222 Database Management Systems (3 credits)
- CSET 210 Workplace Communications (3 credits)
- CSET 220 Software Project III (3 credits)
- ENG 216 Technical Report Writing (3 credits)
- CIS 111 Introduction to Computer Applications (3 credits)
Semester 4
- CSET 265 Software Principles (3 credits)
- CSET 270 Mobile Development (4 credits)
- CSET 280 Capstone Project OR CSET 290 CSET Internship (4 credits)
- PHYS 106 Physics for Everyday Life (OR any CHEM, BIO, SCI, or Higher PHYS) (3 credits)
Additional General Education Requirements
- Health/PE Elective (1 credit)
- Humanities Elective (3 credits)
Total Credits 73
Faculty
Fahim Shams
Instructor, Computer Software Engineering Technology, Second-Year Students shams@stevenscollege.edu
Md Mainul Chowdhury
Instructor, Computer Software Engineering Technology First-Year Students chowdhury@stevenscollege.edu
Mohammad Ashraful Huq
Instructor, Computer Software Engineering Technology, First-Year Students AshrafulHuq@stevenscollege.edu
Arafat Hassan
Instructor, Computer Software Engineering Technology, Second-Year Students hassan@stevenscollege.eduOccupational Advisory Committee
The Occupational Advisory Committee (OAC) serves as a vital link between the Program of study and industry, ensuring that the program remains aligned with current workforce needs, technological advancements, and best practices in the field. Composed of employers, educators, and other community members, the committee provides guidance, feedback, and recommendations to enhance the curriculum, instructional methods, and student learning experiences.
Purpose and Responsibilities:
- Curriculum & Industry Alignment
- Workforce Readiness
- Student & Faculty Support
- Internship & Employment Connections
- Accreditation & Program Evaluation
- Facilities & Equipment Recommendations
By fostering a strong relationship between academia and industry, the OAC helps ensure that Thaddeus Stevens College programs maintain the highest standards in CTE (career and technical education).
- Alexis Gosik, Technology Council of Central PA
- Brandon Green, Global Critical Logistics
- Trevor Kimble, Lancaster Design and Consulting
The outcomes speak for themselves
The Computer Software Engineering Technology program prepares students to design, develop, and build customized software programs for specific applications.
71%
employment
$67.5K
median first-year
salary
16.7%
cont. education
People of TSCT
Success stories
Performance Measures
Internal Key Performance Indicators (Sources: Internal data collections, and Post-Graduate Surveys)
Retention Rate
This rate reflects the continuous term-to-term persistence rate for certificate programs and the fall-to-fall retention rate for associate degree programs.
Graduation Rate
This rate reflects the number of freshmen who were officially enrolled in the fall semester and earned a certificate or degree within the expected timeframe.
Post Graduate Survey Response Rate
The post graduate survey is an annual on-line post graduate survey utilized by the college to gather vital information regarding career placement, starting salary, and level of satisfaction.
Employed Full Time Outside of Major
Percentage of graduates who reported being employed full-time outside their field of study.
Graduate Satisfaction
This is the median graduate survey response evaluating the level of preparation for workforce entry (based on a 5-Item Likert Scale).
Placement Rate
This is the percent of graduate survey respondents who reported being employed or continued their education on a full-time basis.
Employed Full Time Within Major
Percentage of graduates who reported being employed full-time within their field of study.
Annual Median Starting Salary
This number is based on the graduate survey response to the request to identify a starting salary from a range of options. This graph shows the median first-year annual salary. All calculations are based on the respondent’s self-reported first-year annual income.
Reported Hourly Rate
This number is determined by dividing the reported median salary by the number of hours in a traditional full-time work week (40), then the number of weeks in a year (52).
Our graduates work with the industry’s best
