Software Engineering

Start your standout story.

Software Engineering

Software developers are an integral part of a program’s life cycle—from planning and development to production and maintenance. As a software engineering major, you’ll learn to design, build and test code to create functional, large-scale software. As you grow in your technical knowledge, your liberal arts courses will further enhance your problem-solving abilities—teaching you the communication and critical thinking skills that employers want. You’ll also learn to view programming as an act of co-creation with God and a powerful tool for furthering God’s kingdom.

Major requirements

Software Engineering
Why NWC?

Why NWC?

Our program will equip you with the industry knowledge and experience necessary for success—whether you pursue a career in app development, data administration, quality assurance or systems development. Major course topics include databases, web development, cybersecurity and project management. Related study opportunities include a computer science major, computer programming minor and computer science career concentration.

CONTACT
Mark Haselhoff
Mark Haselhoff
Department Chair
100% GRAD PLACEMENT Since 2014, all grads from our department have found jobs or started grad school within six months of graduation.
REGION’S BEST NWC’s computer science students placed among the region’s top 20 teams at a 2022 programming contest.
8 TO 15 STUDENTS Average size of a software engineering class

Outcomes

Software developers seek to understand consumer needs and then create programs and applications that meet those needs. In an age when technology fulfills a variety of functions—especially in business and industry—software developers and quality assurance analysts are in high demand. With a median annual wage of $100,000 or more, these positions will account for nearly 410,000 new jobs by 2030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Join our standout alumni at employers such as:

Google
Mountain View, CA
Interstates
Sioux Falls, SD
Speedway Motors Inc.
Lincoln, NE

Experience

Association for Computing Machinery

Association for Computing Machinery

Make an impression on future employers by becoming a student member of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). You’ll connect with computing professionals from across the country and have the opportunity to compete in ACM’s programming contests. In 2022, a Northwestern team placed 16th among 95 schools in our region—the second-best finish for a school from Iowa and for a private liberal arts college.

Compass Center for Career & Calling

Compass Center for Career & Calling

The Compass Center for Career & Calling will connect you with internship experiences, whether you stick close to home or find opportunities further afield. The center also offers help writing resumes and cover letters, practice interview sessions, job shadowing and more.

Internships

Internships

Raider computer science majors have interned with:

  • Interstates Electric and Engineering Company Inc., Sioux Center, IA
  • JAARS (a Wycliffe Bible Translators partner), Waxhaw, NC
  • NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
  • Pella Corporation, Pella, IA
  • United Defense, St. Paul, MN 

Off-campus study

Off-campus study

Study abroad programs in dozens of other countries are a great opportunity to grow in your knowledge of software from around the world.

Association for Computing Machinery

Make an impression on future employers by becoming a student member of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). You’ll connect with computing professionals from across the country and have the opportunity to compete in ACM’s programming contests. In 2022, a Northwestern team placed 16th among 95 schools in our region—the second-best finish for a school from Iowa and for a private liberal arts college.

Compass Center for Career & Calling

The Compass Center for Career & Calling will connect you with internship experiences, whether you stick close to home or find opportunities further afield. The center also offers help writing resumes and cover letters, practice interview sessions, job shadowing and more.

Internships

Raider computer science majors have interned with:

  • Interstates Electric and Engineering Company Inc., Sioux Center, IA
  • JAARS (a Wycliffe Bible Translators partner), Waxhaw, NC
  • NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
  • Pella Corporation, Pella, IA
  • United Defense, St. Paul, MN 

Off-campus study

Study abroad programs in dozens of other countries are a great opportunity to grow in your knowledge of software from around the world.