Software Engineering
A Software Engineer
in the Making
Software engineering is a key component in all that is surrounding you, impacting every part of your life. It’s in your cell phones, vehicles, homes and cities. Even in agricultural machinery, hospitals and agile factories, software engineers pave the way to higher productivity.
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92%
employed or continuing education within six months of graduation
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$85,000
average starting annual salary
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$29/hr
average earnings for internships and co-ops
A competitive advantage
Iowa State Engineers get hired. And we’re here to help connect you to internships and full-time jobs.
- 1,400 employers recruit engineering students each year
- One-on-one career advising
- Networking opportunities
Community and Support
College is more than just academics. Join the community and you’ll find friends, new perspectives and experiences—and support.
- Learning communites
- Clubs and student organizations
- Support resources and groups
So… what’s the difference?
Iowa State offers four computing-related engineering majors:
Computer, Cyber Security, Electrical and Software
The people here move for you. They don’t just tell you to do something, they show you the path to success.
Greg Carter, software engineering
What can I study?
Software engineers deliver projects through planning, designing and testing software. At each stage of product development, software engineers ensure programs are correct and reliable and interact seamlessly with technology and hardware developed by other engineers. Emerging trends support software reuse to enhance productivity. This requires abstraction layers that make software agnostic to the underlying hardware and systems. Not only does Iowa State University’s software engineering program prepare you for the existing world of software engineering, but we also work to foster skills necessary to learn and adapt to the future landscape of this discipline.
For the 2024-25 academic year, our software engineering students preferred these minors:
Software Engineering at Iowa State
One of the earliest developed programs in the country, our software engineering degree program continues to receive top rankings. As the largest computing major on campus, we offer fast-growing career options which afford students opportunities through impressive post-graduation job placement rates and salaries with top companies worldwide.
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Learn Multiple Skills
Learn Multiple Skills
In software engineering, learning involves combining skills in computer science, engineering and math while solving problems and managing projects. Whether working independently or on teams, this learning will help you effectively support both the business and technology sides of organizations to meet the needs of end users.
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Hands-on Experience
Hands-on Experience
As a leader in the advancement of software engineering education, we deliver hands-on experience for creating software from conception to assessment. Software engineering majors work with professors on research projects in areas such as modern secure software systems, design, configuration management, testing and safety.
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Career Demand and Options
Career Demand and Options
With a software engineering degree, you will be in high demand, and opportunities will evolve quickly with advancing technology. Software engineers work in all types of industries, building software in cars, airplanes, agricultural machinery, medical systems and more. Each year, top software companies come to Iowa State to recruit our students.
As a software engineer, you can:
- Develop new video games using advanced video game engines
- Design mobile apps for the iOS and Android operating systems
- Create and enhance software to run systems in cars, airplanes and robots
- Develop software for operating medical equipment, such as pacemakers and ultrasound machines
Code to Innovate
Software is everywhere. As the key component in all surrounding you, software impacts every part of your life. It’s in your cell phones, vehicles, homes and cities. Even in agricultural machinery, hospitals and agile factories, software is paving the way to higher productivity. It is at the heart of what makes our world more efficient and connected every day.
Each year, Iowa State awards millions of dollars in scholarships to students. Learn more about scholarship opportunities for:
More information about cost of attendance and other types of aid is available from the Office of Student Financial Aid.
Orientation is for students who have accepted admission to Iowa State and plan to enroll in an upcoming term. During orientation you will be provided the opportunity to:
- meet with an academic advisor
- register for classes
- obtain your ISU card
- become familiar with the campus
- increase knowledge of important policies and procedures
The basic program for engineering majors is a set of courses common to all engineering curricula. Students normally enroll in the majority of the basic program courses during their first year.
Learn more about new student orientation and the first-year engineering program.
- 8,225 engineering students (fall 2024), the largest college on the Iowa State campus, with the support of 500+ engineering faculty and staff dedicated to teaching, research and student achievement.
- 75% of Iowa State engineering students graduate with engineering work experience. Internships and co-ops, learning communities, study abroad, 90+ engineering organizations give the hands-on experience to help shape student success.
- Our bachelor of science degree programs are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.
- More college facts and highlights
What courses should I be taking in high school to prepare for a engineering degree?
Many high school students have access to college-level courses in high school. We know it’s in your nature to maximize your opportunities.
Learn more about what’s required, what’s recommended and what will transfer
What kind of a laptop computer will I need?
Iowa State University students are required to own or obtain a laptop computer appropriate to your discipline and program of study.
College of Engineering laptop computer recommendations
Can I study abroad?
Engineering International Programs can help you find study or work abroad experiences suited to your interests and goals. Expert staff can assist with course enrollment and transfers to keep you on track for graduation.
Learn more about Engineering International Programs
Are there ways to get practical work experience while at Iowa State?
Participation in a co-op or internship is a great way to gain real-world work experience. Students are employed by industry and government organizations in positions related to their major field of study. Unlike a typical part-time or summer job, an engineering co-op or internship must Involve the Practice of Engineering, and students must be paid. Co-ops and internships are not required by the college, but they are highly encouraged.
Learn more about Internships and Co-ops
There are also opportunities for students to work alongside professors doing research in areas related to their major field of study.
Learn more about Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Engineering Recruitment and Student Services
1300 Marston Hall, 533 Morrill Road, Ames, IA 50011
Phone: (515) 294-7186
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
