Software Engineering

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

United States of America, Lincoln

University Rank:#711

Duration4 year(s)

Tuition Fee

USD 830 / credit

Next IntakeAugust 21, 2026

Software Engineering

About

Website: https://computing.unl.edu

Email: [email protected]

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln School of Computing offers Nebraska's only comprehensive program of higher education, research, and service outreach in computer science, computer engineering, and software engineering.

The School of Computing offers a unique and challenging baccalaureate degree program in software engineering, incorporating hands-on learning and an integrated computer science and software engineering core curriculum to prepare graduates for professional practice in a wide range of industries and for post-graduate education.

Software engineers work on multidisciplinary teams to identify and develop software solutions and to maintain software intensive systems of all sizes. The focus of this program is on the rigorous engineering practices necessary to build, maintain, and protect modern software intensive systems. Consistent with this focus, the software engineering baccalaureate program consists of a rigorous curriculum of science, math, computer science, and software engineering courses.

Students completing the major will have the ability to:

Apply disciplined software engineering practices and principles to the design, architecture, development, analysis, testing, and maintenance of complex software systems to meet the desired needs of the stakeholders within realistic constraints.
Identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems using computational resources.
Contribute their expertise by effectively collaborating and communicating with other stakeholders in multidisciplinary teams.
Adapt to rapid advances in computing and software engineering tools, technologies, principles, and practices.

Students will also have:

The background and perspective for post-graduate education. Studies develop skills in the application of theory, experimentation, and lifelong learning/professional development.
Insight into the world of practicing professionals for collaborations, mutual support, and representing the profession to government and society. Studies include teamwork, communication, and hands-on experience, plus students are provided with multiple opportunities for involvement in organizations such as ACM, UPE, and IEEE.

The School of Computing also offers a degree of bachelor of science in computer engineering and a bachelor of science in computer science. All students with a major in the School of Computing should see their advisor during the first semester to ensure they understand the requirements for each School of Computing undergraduate degree program. Majors should consult with their advisors each semester for registration advising.

Introductory Courses. Entering students take SOFT 160 Software Engineering I, the first course in the software engineering core series. The software engineering core courses (SOFT 160, SOFT 161 Software Engineering II, SOFT 260 Software Engineering III, SOFT 261 Software Engineering IV) provide an introduction to fundamental software engineering concepts and foundational computer science topics to prepare students for more advanced software engineering and computer science courses.

Graduate Programs. The School of Computing offers several graduate degree programs: master of science in computer science, master of science in computer science with a computer engineering specialization, master of science in computer science with a bioinformatics specialization, doctor of philosophy in computer science, doctor of philosophy in engineering with computer engineering specialization, doctor of philosophy in computer science with bioinformatics specialization, and joint doctor of philosophy in computer science and mathematics. See the Graduate Studies Catalog for details.

Students are expected to meet minimum college entrance requirements. After being admitted to the college, students desiring to pursue a degree in software engineering must go through the Professional Admission process, which is automatically performed for qualifying students at the end of the sophomore year. In order to be considered for Professional Admission to the software engineering program, students must receive at least a C+ in SOFT 260 Software Engineering III (RAIK 283H Honors: Software Engineering III), SOFT 261 Software Engineering IV (RAIK 284H Software Engineering IV), and CSCE 235 Introduction to Discrete Structures (RAIK 184H Honors: Software Development Essentials) and a GPA of at least 2.5 (semester and cumulative). If a student's cumulative GPA drops below 2.4, the student may be placed on restricted status, may be removed from the College, and may not be able to graduate.

Graduates of the software engineering program will have:

An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

The above student outcomes have been approved by the ABET Engineering Area Delegation for use beginning with the 2019-20 academic year, and have been adopted by the School of Computing faculty.

Graduates of the software engineering program will have:

An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

The above student outcomes have been approved by the ABET Engineering Area Delegation for use beginning with the 2019-20 academic year, and have been adopted by the School of Computing faculty.

Disciplines

Engineering

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Application Fee

There is a $45 application fee payable online with a credit card.

Deadlines

Summer/Fall – May 1

Spring – December 1

Additional Documents

In addition to the online application, International First-Year students are required to submit:

Final secondary school transcript, preferably officially signed and stamped by a principal of secondary school
Secondary school certificate/diploma
English proficiency scores
Bank statement
Passport copy

English Proficiency Deadlines

To be fully-admitted, you must meet English proficiency by the following deadlines:

Fall Term – July 15

Spring Term – December 1

Summer Term – May 1

Thanks for your interest in the University of Nebraska–Lincoln! All admissions materials are to be uploaded via MyRED to complete your application.

You can contact the University of Nebraska–Lincoln to apply for admission by yourself. You are not required to use an agent to apply for admission or enroll at the University of Nebraska. If you chose to use someone to assist you in applying for admission or enroll for classes, that is your responsibility.

Completed Coursework Requirements

A broad section of course work in English
Native language courses
Math
Natural Sciences
Social Sciences

English Proficiency

Non-native English speakers must submit an IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo score demonstrating proficiency in English. Contact your IELTS testing center or TOEFL to have your official scores sent directly to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

If you do not meet proficiency requirements, you can still be offered conditional admission.

For more detailed information, see the English Proficiency requirements on this page.

ACT/SAT Requirements

ACT/SAT tests are not required for admission to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln but may be required for entry into specific colleges.

Colleges that require ACT/SAT scores:

College of Architecture
College of Engineering

Bank Statement Requirements

In order to be issued I-20, you must submit a bank statement to your MyRED account to show sufficient support for the first year of study.

You will still be evaluated for admission without submitting the bank statement, but admission letters and I-20s will not be sent until the bank statement requirement has been met.

Statements must include:

Student's name
NUID Number

NOTE: Scholarship letters can be used in place of bank statements.

Items not Required

Letters of recommendation and essays are NOT required for admission.

English Requirements

IELTSMin 6
TOEFLMin 70

Fee Information

Application Fee 45

How to Apply

Review the materials you'll need before starting an application. Complete the application online. You can also apply through the Common App.

Check Your Application Status

Check MyRED to check your application status and verify all documents have been submitted to complete your application.

Pay Enrollment Deposit

Once you're admitted, pay the $250 enrollment deposit to reserve your place at Nebraska.

Enrollment Deposit

All First-Year, Transfer and International students, including students in the Intensive English Program, who have received notification of their admission to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln pay the $250 Enrollment Deposit.

What is the Enrollment Deposit?

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln requires a $250 Enrollment Deposit to be paid by the deadlines below to finalize your admission and secure your space in the incoming class.

Spring Deposit Deadline: December 1
Fall/Summer Deposit Deadline: May 1

The Enrollment Deposit is not a new fee. The $250 deposit applies directly toward students' first expenses at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, such as orientation programs and more.

Who is Required to Pay the Enrollment Deposit?

The Enrollment Deposit is required for all new First-Year, Transfer and International students, including students enrolling in the Intensive English Program, who are admitted.

Why Do I Need to Pay the Enrollment Deposit?

The Enrollment Deposit :

Allows the University to more effectively plan for class offerings and student resources in preparation for your arrival.
Provides an incentive for students to actively consider their college choice on an appropriate timeline, which increases their selection in housing, New Student Enrollment dates and classes.
Allows the University to more accurately report new student class data as part of the budgeting process.

Refund

The Enrollment Deposit is fully refundable prior to the deposit deadlines below:

Spring Deposit Deadline: December 1
Fall/Summer Deposit Deadline: May 1

If a student chooses not to attend the University and did not request a refund on or before the deadline, the student forfeit's the full amount of their Enrollment Deposit.

To request a refund, please email the Office of Admissions.

Requesting Reinstatement

Admitted students who do not pay the deposit prior to the deadline forfeit their admission and aid. Students may request reinstatement by sending a letter to the admissions committee at:

University of Nebraska–Lincoln Admissions Committee
1410 Q St
Lincoln, NE 68588-0417

OR email the committee at: [email protected]

Reinstatement of admission cannot be guaranteed.
Reinstatement of federal, state, and university aid is not guaranteed.
Please indicate in the circumstances surrounding your late payment in your reinstatement request.

NOTE: The Enrollment Deposit is not waived under any circumstance. The Enrollment Deposit is Non-Transferable.

Obtain I-20

After you are notified of your admission status, we will email instructions about obtaining your I-20 or visa.

Obtain I-20

If you need an I-20 and F-1 student visa to study at Nebraska, submit the following:

A bank statement showing the support that is greater than or equal to the cost of attendance for the program. In addition, be sure:

It includes the name of the account holder in English.
Is printed on official bank letterhead.
You write your NU ID # on the top of the bank statement.
It is signed and stamped as official by a bank representative.
Statement must be dated and be no older than 1 year old.
Statement must include a currency type.

You may also submit a scholarship letter that indicates support from a government or private scholarship. This letter must include:

Your name.
An outline of expenses the scholarship will cover.

Submit the bank statement and scholarship letter to your MyRED account.

SEVIS Transfer

If you are currently studying at a high school or university in the United States you may transfer your SEVIS record to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

Transferring your SEVIS record allows you to maintain your current record and obtain a University of Nebraska–Lincoln I-20 which can be used to obtain a new student visa if traveling overseas prior to your enrollment at Nebraska.

When you have been admitted to Nebraska and are ready to transfer, contact the international advisor at your previous institution and ask to have your SEVIS record released to Nebraska. Our institution code is: OMA214F00217000.

Sign Housing Contract

After you pay your enrollment deposit, you can sign up for on-campus housing through MyRED.

Complete New Student Enrollment

NSE is a required student orientation program.

Submit English Proficiency Scores

If you're conditionally-admitted, you may submit English proficiency scores up until your term's deadline to become fully-admitted.

Prepare for Arrival

There are a few health requirements to complete and prepare for before you arrive on campus.

Pre-Enrollment Health Requirements & Information

All incoming students must submit the Pre-Enrollment Health Requirement Form through MyRED.

In addition, all international students must complete the following health requirements at the University Health Center:

Provide proof of two rubeola/measles MMR immunizations or positive rubeola lab result
Undergo a tuberculosis test

For students who have the University of Nebraska's StudentBlue Insurance Plan, the cost of the Pre-Enrollment Health Requirement is covered 100%.

Health Insurance

The University will automatically enroll all international students (F1 and J1) in StudentBlue Health Insurance.
You may waive the insurance plan if you show documentation of a comparable medical insurance plan. Proof consists of a plan in your name and the document must be in English.
Deadline to waive the health insurance is the 14th day of class each semester.

Meningococcal Vaccine

Meningococcal disease is a rare infection with potentially devastating results. The vaccine is recommended for first year students living in university residences but is not required by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

Once you get to Lincoln...

International Orientation is a required event for all new international students when you arrive on campus.

Software Engineering

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

United States of America, Lincoln