Ph.D. in Software Engineering
Brandon Mario D’Souza
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FacebookBrandon is a registered social worker with Social Work England. He obtained his master’s in social work (personnel management & industrial relations) and used it in fields such as water treatment, construction, software, and education. Then he transitioned to the health and social care sector with an M.Sc. in health psychology. Brandon loves to write, cook, and play musical instruments (piano, guitar, melodica, ukulele, and kazoo) and enjoys the calmness and serenity of nature.
Degrees
Master of Social Work, Master of Health Psychology
Areas of Expertise & Credentials
None to disclose in particular; the basics are covered in the short bio.
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The goal of the Ph.D. in software engineering is to train the next generation of highly influential software engineering researchers, developers, and educators who will find solutions to the challenges posed by creating large and vital software systems. This doctoral degree prepares students for careers in academia, applied research, private industry, and government. It is a gateway to making new discoveries and inventions through research in various sub-fields of software engineering. A doctorate in software engineering can lead to senior positions in a variety of industries and allows students to make significant contributions to the profession. This guide covers the Ph.D. in software engineering curriculum, timeline, specializations, etc., and several important points that prospective students should be aware of.
Best Ph.D. in Software Engineering
Programs
Finding a good Ph.D. program in software engineering is not as easy as one may imagine. When selecting a college, prospective students should evaluate infrastructure, lab and research facilities, the qualification and expertise of the teaching staff, easy access to research mentors and guides, accreditation, graduation rates, and other considerations. FBD teams have created a list of some of the best Ph.D. in software engineering programs in the country based on these and other factors: *
Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page.
What to Expect from Ph.D. in Software
Engineering Programs
Areas of Specialization in Ph.D. in Software
Engineering Programs
Why should I do a Ph.D. in Software
Engineering?
Free Courses for Ph.D. in Software
Engineering Students
Several free software engineering courses are available on the internet from reputed platforms. Unfortunately, many of these free courses rarely lead to certification recognized by academic institutions or employers. Still, they provide additional software engineering information that may be useful for research, assignments, or exams. Here are a few to explore:
| Course | Description | Provided by |
|---|---|---|
| Topics Related to Software Engineering | edX provides free courses from popular companies and universities such as IBM, Microsoft, Dartmouth, and Harvard on topics such as DevSecOps, intelligent and integrated energy systems, human-computer interaction, etc. | edX |
| Topics Related to Software Engineering | Udemy offers several reasonably priced and some free courses on topics such as Kubernetes for developers, quantum computing, virtualized development environments, etc. | Udemy |
| Topics Related to Software Engineering | Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) OpenCourseWare offers graduate-level courses and non-credit courses in various topics related to software engineering, such as natural language and the computer representation of knowledge, advanced symbolic programming, etc. | MIT OpenCourseWare |
How to get into the Ph.D. in Software
Engineering Program?
Ph.D. in Software Engineering No
GRE Programs
How Long does it take to complete the Ph.D. in
Software Engineering Program?
Accelerated Ph.D. in Software Engineering
Programs
Accreditations for Ph.D. in Software
Engineering Programs
How to Pay for a Ph.D. in Software
Engineering Program?
Fully-Funded Ph.D. in Software
Engineering Programs
Finding a university that provides a fully supported Ph.D. program in software engineering is difficult. Universities must offer top-notch research facilities and online resources because Ph.D. programs are among the most specialized degrees. Therefore, one will seldom come across fully funded online Ph.D. programs in software engineering or other computer science-related fields. Still, many universities offer tuition waivers to excellent and promising students. Some colleges also provide minimum tuition support, in which students pay only a fraction of the tuition charge.
FAQs Related to the Ph.D. in Software
Engineering Program
Is there Ph.D. in software engineering online?
How much can I make with a Ph.D. in software engineering?
How long is a Ph.D. in software engineering?
What can I do with a Ph.D. in software engineering?
Software Engineering Ph.D. or Computer Engineering Ph.D. – which is better?
Should I get a Ph.D. in software engineering??
How do you get a Ph.D. in software engineering?
Career Opportunities and Salaries after obtaining
a Ph.D. in Software Engineering
A master’s degree in software engineering improves job prospects, opens doors to more specialized work, and often results in higher salaries, even though many positions only require a bachelor’s. On the other hand, earning a doctorate in software engineering that covers fields like cyber security, software development, hardware development, database administration, or network security will likely lead to higher pay and senior positions in academia, research, and the government.
It is difficult to identify job titles and assess pay for software engineers with a doctorate because they typically find work in upper-level management or as research scientists, and the compensation varies by industry. However, to give an idea of what Ph.D. holders can expect in the field of software engineering, listed below are some examples of jobs in the field, along with their median annual salaries and projected job growth, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). It is essential to keep in mind that the mentioned salaries are more typical for software engineers with bachelor’s or master’s degrees. The earning potential for Ph.D. holders is higher because of their higher education level and expertise.
| Occupation | Job Description | Skills Required | Median Annual Salary | Job Growth (up to 2030) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Executives | Top executives devise strategies and policies to ensure an organization’s objectives are met. They coordinate and direct the work activities of businesses and organizations and direct and supervise the financial and budgetary activities of a company. | Communication skills, problem-solving skills, leadership skills, decision-making skills, time-management skills | $98,980 | 8% (as fast as average) |
| Postsecondary Teachers | Postsecondary teachers impart education to students in a wide range of academic subjects beyond high school. In addition, they may conduct research, write scholarly papers and books, plan lessons and assignments, and supervise graduate teaching or research assistants. | Speaking skills, writing skills, interpersonal skills, critical-thinking skills, resourcefulness | $79,640 | 12% (faster than average) |
| Information Security Analysts | Information security analysts design and implement security safeguards for a company’s computer networks and systems. They create security standards and test computer and network systems for vulnerabilities. | Creative skills, problem-solving skills, analytical skills, communication skills, detail-oriented | $102,600 | 33% (much faster than average) |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | Computer and information scientists create new applications for existing and emerging technology. They research and develop solutions to complex computing problems in science, medicine, business, and other fields. | Logical thinking, problem-solving skills, math skills, analytical skills, communication skills, interpersonal skills, detail-oriented | $131,490 | 22% (much faster than average) |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | Computer and information systems managers, also known as information technology (IT) managers or IT project managers, plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities within an organization. They help determine an organization’s information technology goals and are in charge of putting those goals into action through computer systems. | Organizational skills, communication skills, analytical skills, business skills, decision-making skills, leadership skills | $159,010 | 11% (faster than average) |
Certifications and Licensing for Ph.D. in Software
Engineering Students
Additional Resources for Ph.D. in Software
Engineering Students
Author Bio:
Brandon Mario D’Souza
Brandon is a registered social worker with Social Work England. He obtained his master’s in social work (personnel management & industrial relations) and used it in fields such as water treatment, construction, software, and education. Then he transitioned to the health and social care sector with an M.Sc. in health psychology. Brandon loves to write, cook, and play musical instruments (piano, guitar, melodica, ukulele, and kazoo) and enjoys the calmness and serenity of nature.
Degrees
Master of Social Work, Master of Health Psychology
Areas of Expertise & Credentials
None to disclose in particular; the basics are covered in the short bio.
Disclaimer:
The average tuition (based on degree type for in-state students), average graduation rates, and rankings are based on data from various sources, including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and are variable over time. All rankings and statistics are subject to change. The rankings are solely the opinion of Find Best Degrees (FBD) and are based on our proprietary methodology. They do not represent the views of the institutions or organizations mentioned, nor do they represent any official government census or survey. Furthermore, any views or opinions expressed on this page are of FBD’s researchers and teams. Unless otherwise specified, they do not represent the thoughts and opinions of the individuals, institutions, or organizations mentioned. This page’s content is provided solely for informational purposes, with data drawn from various sources, including IPEDS. FBD and its employees make no guarantees regarding the accuracy or completeness of any information found on this page or by following any link. FBD will not be held liable for any errors or omissions in this material nor any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from the exposure or use of this information. Although the information on this page is/was correct at the time of publication, readers should exercise caution because some or all of the provided information may have changed over time, potentially resulting in inaccuracies. For more information, please read our Terms of Service. Trademarks and logos are the property of their registered owners. | Page last updated: Dec 2023.