Software Engineering

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Software engineers are in high demand. In fact, CNN/Money magazine named software engineering one of the best jobs for salary and available opportunities.

What does a software engineer do?
Software engineers work on cutting-edge technology. They design, construct, test, implement, and maintain software used in items ranging from cell phones, MP3 players, and video games to automobiles, airplanes, household appliances, and medical equipment.

Where do software engineers work?
As a software engineer, a number of career paths are available to you. You can work for large corporations, small contractors, government agencies, or other organizations. Alumni from Iowa State have gone on to work for many major Internet, avionics, health care, and software development companies, among others.

What’s the job outlook for software engineers?
Software engineering is one of the fastest growing careers in the United States, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In fact, each semester hundreds of employers come to Iowa State’s Engineering Career Fair and LAS/Business Career Fair to recruit our graduates.

How much money do software engineers make?
Software engineers with a bachelor’s degree earn a medium annual income of $60,000. With more experience and/or advanced degrees, the medium income is close to $90,000 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What career opportunities exist for software engineers?
Software engineers have gone on to senior management positions in many companies, as well as become entrepreneurs starting their own businesses.