JANUARY 23, 2025 — With the growth of software development careers projected to outpace most other professions over the next decade, UTSA is taking bold steps to prepare the next generation of tech leaders.
The UTSA Department of Computer Science is launching a new B.S. in Software Engineering this spring to address workforce needs regionally and across the nation. The novel program will provide students with technical training, collaboration and project management, and an introduction to emerging industry trends.
“We've designed this program to build on UTSA's expertise in making computer science pathways accessible to our diverse student body,” said Fred Martin, professor and chair of the UTSA Department of Computer Science. “Our new program creates more flexibility for students and strengthens experiential learning, which is so essential for students to begin their careers.”
The Software Engineering program provides an accessible pathway to undergraduate students who may have limited programming skills but are interested in the design, development and maintenance of complex software systems. The degree will help students acquire the technical skills they need to find employment in professional roles as software engineers, computer programmers, software developers, software quality assurance analysts, database administrators and more.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, software developers and related careers are expected to grow at 17% from 2023 to 2033, which is significantly faster than average.
Martin adds that he expects these careers to continue to have strong growth potential in the future and that the computer science department is taking an innovative approach to its curriculum by integrating instruction in artificial intelligence (AI) throughout all of its undergraduate coursework.
“Everyone will be using AI, and I expect that AI will lead to more creativity in our field, further increasing the need for talented software developers," he said.
Beyond working closely with AI, UTSA software engineering students will take courses on a wide range of topics, including algorithms, data structures and programming.
Students will apply their knowledge outside of the classroom to solve real-world challenges. The coursework features a Software Capstone Design course, where students will collaborate closely with industry partners such as H-E-B, ITron and the National Security Agency on project-based coursework. This valuable, hands-on experience will make UTSA students more competitive job candidates when they graduate.
Additionally, the program’s partners will provide feedback and guidance throughout the capstone course to help students gain exposure to industry standards and expectations while also expanding their professional networks.
“The new software engineering program at UTSA is an innovative initiative that combines project-based learning with industry collaboration to prepare students for real-world challenges,” said Palden Lama, undergraduate advisor of record and associate professor of the Department of Computer Science. “By incorporating cutting-edge tools like large language models, the program goes beyond traditional teaching, equipping graduates with the practical expertise and the tools to shape the future of technology.”
Last month, UTSA announced additional details around its new College of AI, Cyber and Computing, an important step in its strategic vision to integrate emerging technologies with interdisciplinary approaches. This innovative college will build on UTSA’s leadership in AI, cybersecurity, data science and related disciplines to address the demands of an increasingly digital and interconnected world. The college will house a department focused on computer science and software engineering.
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