Bachelors of Software Engineering

Program Overview

The Software Engineering program at Franklin College is designed to provide students with a comprehensive skill set encompassing application development, user experience (UX), project management, and web design. It goes beyond mere coding to immerse students in the entire software development lifecycle, from gathering requirements and designing systems to coding, testing, delivering solutions, and providing user training. The program's partnership with Microsoft ensures access to state-of-the-art technologies, giving graduates a competitive edge. Students are actively engaged in developing software for real clients, culminating in a senior capstone project that is nationally recognized and highly regarded by employers.

STEM-designated: Yes, the Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering at Franklin College is unequivocally a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) designated program. Software engineering, by its nature, involves the systematic application of scientific and mathematical principles to design, develop, and maintain software systems. This classification is particularly beneficial for international students, as it typically allows for an extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) period in the U.S. after graduation, providing more time to gain valuable professional experience in their field.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the BS in Software Engineering is comprehensive and practical. Students gain in-depth knowledge of computer hardware and applications, alongside advanced mathematics, which empowers them for careers in programming and network administration. Core coursework includes fundamental programming skills, data structures, algorithms, database management systems, and object-oriented programming. Crucially, the program emphasizes software architecture and design, testing, verification, and quality assurance, as well as project planning and management. Students learn and sharpen their coding and software development skills each semester through in-class and out-of-class projects that foster conceptual knowledge, problem-solving, and technical expertise in collaborative environments.

Research Focus: While the Software Engineering program at Franklin College is heavily focused on practical development, it inherently integrates elements of "applied research." Students are challenged to analyze real-world client needs, research existing solutions, design innovative software systems, and then rigorously test and verify their products. The senior capstone project, where students "analyze, design, develop, and deliver large-scale software systems to real-world clients," is a prime example of this applied research. This process requires students to investigate, problem-solve, and iterate, mirroring the discovery and innovation found in traditional research, but within a development context.

Industry Engagement: Franklin College demonstrates exceptional industry engagement for its Software Engineering students. The program is built with a strong focus on preparing students for direct entry into the workforce. This is evident through several key initiatives: a partnership with Microsoft to integrate leading technologies, faculty who use "programming languages and tools that are the most popular and widely used in the industry," and a senior capstone project where students develop solutions for "real-world clients." The college's computing program is highly "recognized as one of the best in the country by leading employers like Geico, Allegiant, and Cummins," which actively recruit on campus. Most students also complete "one or more internships" during their studies, providing invaluable practical experience and networking opportunities that often lead directly to full-time employment.

Global Perspective: The field of software engineering is inherently global, with development teams, user bases, and technological innovations spanning the world. While Franklin College's Software Engineering program is based in the U.S., its curriculum and institutional initiatives foster a broader global perspective. The program's emphasis on preparing students for a "high-tech world" and "diversifying their career options" implies readiness for an interconnected professional landscape. Furthermore, Franklin College encourages a general global fluency through its liberal arts foundation and study-away opportunities. For instance, a software engineering major from Zimbabwe participated in Deloitte's Future of Work Institute™ at Franklin College, exploring AI applications across industries and highlighting the global impact of technology and transferable skills, demonstrating the college's commitment to preparing students for a globally connected career.