• Programming: The degree in software engineering typically has some programming within the degree, but many universities will offer a separate programming specialization.
• Computer Science: This specialization allows students to take more courses in data structures and algorithms.
• Advanced Computer Networking: Networking is one of the hottest fields, especially with the increase in wireless network technologies, so this specialization is a very wise choice for students in the software engineering degree.

• Associate Degree: 2 years to complete
• Bachelor's Degree: 4 years to complete
• Master's Degree: 2 years to complete

While there is an associate degree in software engineering, most companies prefer to hire applicants with at least a bachelor's degree, which is the standard for this field. As this profession has become more popular, it also brings more competition and higher standards that companies set for new hires. Many years ago, an associate degree would have been sufficient, but in today's ever-changing and advancing world of technology, there is simply too much to learn to try and squeeze it into a two-year degree.

The bachelor's degree in software engineering is the degree that most students seek out since it is the degree that employers almost always require for new hires. For those who wish to advance in the field, they can pursue the master's degree in software engineering, which typically prepares graduates for management positions. In addition, voluntary certifications also increase the job prospects and advancement potential. (BLS)

While there are not any particular certifications that students must take upon graduating with their software engineering degree, it does help increase their hirability if they choose to be certified. Cisco Certifications is one agency that offers these kinds of voluntary certifications.

The salary expectations for graduates depend on where the graduate works, what his or her demographics are, experience level, and educational degree. In 2008 the salary for software engineers ranged from $67,790 to $104,870, which coincides with bachelor's-level graduates. Master's degree holders that worked in management earned approximately $135,780 annually in 2008. (BLS) Many individuals with associate degrees will find little work in the field of engineering, but they may find work in other IT professions, such as a computer technical support analyst, a career that earned $33,680 to $55,990 in 2008. (BLS)

Computer software engineers will see at least a 32 percent increase in job growth through the year 2018. There is expected to be approximately 300,000 new jobs added between the years 2008 and 2018. The main reason for the increased demand is due to networking and its continued growth. This is why it makes sense to have a specialization or certification in networking since this area is going to see the most demand for new hires.  Moreover, with the rise of the Internet also comes the need for network security; therefore, software engineers will be needed to create various software applications to keep environments safe from hackers and viruses. (BLS)

Computer hardware engineers search for ways to integrate various hardware products with software applications. Hardware engineers develop, design, and manage various hardware systems for various working environments, and they are also involved in the hardware aspects of computer networking. (BLS)

Engineering is a related field focusing on either electrical, mechanical, civil, and industrial issues. Each subdivision deals with a specific function, building structures (civil engineering), machines that businesses use to such in factories and production plants (mechanical engineering), working with aesthetics, such as buildings and neighborhoods (industrial engineering), and those that deal with telecommunications design (electrical engineering). (BLS)

Technical managers oversee entire IT departments or sections of a very large IT area, such as telecommunications or operations. These professionals must have not only management skills, but they must also have the technical skills and know-how to lead a group of technically advanced employees. (BLS)