How to Become a Software Engineer

As technology becomes increasingly essential in our daily lives, it’s no surprise that tech jobs remain in demand in 2025.

One such role is a software engineer. This role designs and maintains the computer programs that keep apps, websites and other operating systems functional. It’s a role you’ll find in almost every industry — in fact, software engineer jobs are predicted to grow 17% from 2023 to 2033, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

With this rosy outlook for the position, you may wonder how to become a software engineer. Here’s everything you need to know about the career path, including necessary skills and education.

What Do Software Engineers Do?

You’re likely reading this article on a computer or phone, courtesy of a software engineer who designed the codes that make your devices operational! Software engineers create the instructions that make a computer program run, also known as the software. An app on your phone, a computer’s operating system, a video game — they all need software to make them work, and a software engineer builds that.

A software engineer’s job isn’t just writing new code, though. They must also continually run tests on codes to ensure programs are operational and running smoothly, think of ways to add new features and upgrades and handle any bugs or other issues that may come up. It’s a role that requires creativity and problem-solving skills. Without software engineers, computer programs would remain stagnant and eventually become unusable.

What Are the Different Types of Software Engineering Jobs?

There are different kinds of software engineers. It’s an umbrella title that encompasses many different roles, including:

Front-end engineers design the part of websites and applications that users experience, dealing with issues like website functionality, user interface and design.
Back-end engineers focus on the unseen elements of websites and apps, handling the servers and databases that comprise the software’s structure.
Full-stack engineers are involved in every stage of software development, with knowledge encompassing both front-end and back-end development.
DevOps engineers, as their name suggests, are involved in both development and operations. This role works on improving the software development process, focusing on efficiency and speed.
Mobile engineers focus on apps and software that runs on phones and other mobile devices.
Database administrators keep an organization’s database secure, private and running efficiently.
Game developers create gaming experiences, like video games and apps.
Security engineers focus on cybersecurity — this job entails troubleshooting and mitigating security threats, running tests and updating protocols to minimize security risks.

There are many types of software engineer jobs, some of which are not listed here. Positions also vary based on your industry and level of experience.

How Much Does a Software Engineer Make?

Software engineering jobs generally offer good pay and opportunities for growth. The median salary for a software engineer was $130,160 in 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, a software engineer’s salary is based on many factors, including location, years of experience, level of education, industry and more.

What Skills Do You Need to Be a Software Engineer?

Aspiring software engineers should acquire several key skills. Software engineers are expected to know multiple programming, scripting and markup languages, such as Java, C, HTML and Python. However, specific languages vary based on the type of software engineering job you’re aiming for. Aspiring software engineers should also be comfortable with web development tools and have a deep understanding of how databases, data structures and operating systems work.

And while these hard skills are a must to break into the software engineering field, there are other soft skills you’ll be expected to bring to the table, too. A good software engineer isn’t just skilled with numbers and technology but is also a critical thinker who can come up with smart, creative ways to solve problems.

A successful software engineer will be good at communicating with their team and with colleagues who may not have the same background in technology. Patience, an eye for detail and a passion for learning are also musts in this field.

Do You Need a Degree to Become a Software Engineer?

While you don’t necessarily need a specific degree to become a software engineer, most software engineering jobs require a bachelor’s degree. Most people who know they want to become a software engineer will study computer science, software engineering, data science or another tech-focused area for their undergraduate degree. However, you can also pivot from another career without a bachelor’s degree: Many people pick up the knowledge they need to succeed as a software engineer through a coding boot camp or other online programming courses.

While many jobs don’t require a master’s degree, they can be a great way to develop the skills required of software engineers. A graduate degree can also help you practice soft skills like leadership and communication, stand out in the job market and bring home a higher salary.

The USC Viterbi School of Engineering offers a variety of online graduate degrees and certificates that can help prepare students for a future in software engineering, including:

How to Become a Software Engineer

There is no one set path for becoming a software engineer, but most jobs will look for both education and experience. If you’re interested in becoming a software engineer, consider pursuing a computer science-related bachelor’s degree. If you’ve already completed your undergrad studies, don’t worry — you can get the tech know-how you need from online courses, a coding boot camp or a graduate program like the ones offered at USC.

Once you have a grasp of the technical skills required in this kind of role, you’ll need experience. Start by looking at possible internships or other entry-level roles, which will help you get a foot in the door and network with others.

One of the great things about computer programming is you can also demonstrate your knowledge by building your own projects. Creating your own app, designing websites for friends, contributing to open-source projects on GitHub and completing other freelance gigs can expand your portfolio and impress future employers.

Ultimately, becoming a software engineer is all about taking classes to learn the skills, putting in the work and spending time building valuable connections. By devoting yourself to learning and practicing, you’ll be able to become a software developer in no time!

Learn more about online graduate programs from the USC Viterbi School of Engineering today.