Best Bachelor's Software Engineering Degree Programs in North Carolina
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, NC
Key Distinction: Ranked #8 by CSRankings in AI, NLP, and Computer Vision since 2024, with a unique CS Experience Labs (CSXL) collaborative co-working hub that drives hands-on learning in software engineering, user experience design, production engineering, and product management
Hakia Insight: UNC Chapel Hill's #8 AI ranking flows directly into CSXL, where undergrads collaborate on real NLP projects with Dr. Bansal's lab rather than watching from the sidelines—the co-working hub structure means your software engineering capstone can intersect with cutting-edge language model research.
At the bachelor's level, UNC Chapel Hill's Computer Science program offers a bachelor of science degree that is the preferred pathway for graduate study and technical careers in software development, computational science, networking, information systems, and electronic commerce. Graduates are well-suited for employment in traditional computer and communications industries, as well as diverse fields like financial services and consulting where computing is central to operations.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Software Engineering — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Multimodal Understanding, Reasoning, and Generation for Language Lab
Industry Partners
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Mohit Bansal — multimodal NLP foundations, faithful language generation and summarization, and model interpretability methods
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.0.
Requirements: COMP 210
Location Advantages:
Duke University — Durham, NC
Key Distinction: Duke's software engineering programs are distinguished by their highly customizable degree paths, integration of both technical and human skills training, and strong emphasis on real-world project experience with industry partners.
Hakia Insight: Duke's undergraduate software engineering concentration pulls from both CS and ECE departments, letting you simultaneously study systems design with Astrachan and hardware-software integration with ECE faculty—a dual-department path competitors don't structurally offer.
At the bachelor's level, duke offers a BS concentration in Software Engineering and Design through the Computer Science department and a Software Engineering study track in the ECE graduate programs. The programs emphasize practical, project-based learning with strong industry connections and customizable curricula.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Software Engineering — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- ATHENA AI Institute
- Duke Quantum Center
- Fitzpatrick Institute for Photonics
Industry Partners
Notable Faculty
- Susan H. Rodger — Director of Undergraduate Studies, Professor of the Practice
- Owen L. Astrachan — Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies, Professor of the Practice
- Kristin V Stephens-Martinez — Associate Professor of the Practice
Location Advantages:
North Carolina State University at Raleigh — Raleigh, NC
Key Distinction: At the forefront of technological innovation, blending electrical engineering and computer science with emphasis on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and Internet of Things to engineer solutions that redefine what's possible
Hakia Insight: NC State's $119,949 median salary reflects not just employer caliber but curriculum design: the electrical engineering blend means graduates enter roles in IoT and embedded systems that pure CS programs don't prepare for, commanding premiums in hardware-adjacent roles.
At the bachelor's level, north Carolina State University offers computer engineering and related programs that blend electrical engineering and computer science to develop digital architecture and intelligent systems. The programs emphasize fundamental concepts in core courses with laboratory work designed to demonstrate principles and provide experience in designing and testing electronic hardware and computer software.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Software Engineering — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Amazon (tech)
- Capital One (financial tech)
- Google (tech)
- Red Hat (tech)
- Cisco (tech)
- Wells Fargo (financial tech)
- Lowe's (retail tech)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $119,949. Top Employers: Amazon, Capital One, Google, Red Hat, Cisco, Wells Fargo, Lowe's.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages:
University of North Carolina at Charlotte — Charlotte, NC
Key Distinction: Small cohort sizes (5 students max in bootcamps), collaboration with Flatiron School, and integration of academic rigor with cutting-edge industry practices through project-based learning
Hakia Insight: UNC Charlotte's 5-student bootcamp cohorts through Flatiron School create an unusual hybrid: you get academic rigor with 1:5 instructor ratios most universities reserve for graduate seminars, compressed into a parallel track that doesn't cannibalize the traditional degree path.
At the bachelor's level, UNC Charlotte offers software engineering through multiple pathways including concentrations within Computer Science degrees, graduate certificates, and professional bootcamps. The programs focus on full-stack development, software design, and modern industry practices.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Software Engineering — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Flatiron School (education technology)
Notable Faculty
- Dayle Janus — Software Engineering Bootcamp Program Director
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.75.
Requirements: High school diploma or GED for bootcamp, Bachelor's degree for graduate certificate
Location Advantages:
Davidson College — Davidson, NC
Key Distinction: A liberal arts-grounded software engineering education that produces thoughtful, communicative engineers equipped for leadership and complex system design.
Hakia Insight: Davidson's liberal arts model produces software engineers who can write architecture documents and lead cross-functional teams—a structural advantage in roles where communication gaps cost companies more than coding gaps, evidenced by their Research Triangle proximity enabling internships that value both skills.
At the bachelor's level, davidson's approach to software engineering emerges from its liberal arts DNA—students build technical depth without sacrificing breadth in critical thinking, communication, and ethical reasoning. The program integrates computer science fundamentals with software engineering principles, creating engineers who understand the human and organizational dimensions of systems design. Small class sizes enable close mentorship and research collaboration, with opportunities to work alongside faculty on projects that blend practical software construction with intellectual inquiry. Davidson's network of accomplished alumni spans technology leadership, entrepreneurship, and technical roles across top-tier companies, creating mentorship and recruitment pipelines that punch above the college's size. Graduates leave with not just coding proficiency but facility in problem-framing, stakeholder communication, and navigating complex technical tradeoffs—skills that emerge naturally in a collegiate environment emphasizing dialogue and liberal inquiry alongside technical rigor.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Software Engineering — 4 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Access to Research Triangle Region employersProximity to Chapel Hill and Duke tech ecosystems
Wake Forest University — Winston-Salem, NC
Key Distinction: Wake Forest was one of the first American universities to recognize the necessity of a laptop computer for every student and offers unique entrepreneurship fellowships, with Computer Science being the fastest growing major (228% growth rate from 2015-2025).
Hakia Insight: Wake Forest's 228% CS growth rate since 2015 isn't marketing—it reflects institutional bet-hedging: the university's laptop-for-every-student legacy means software engineering students inherit a 20-year infrastructure of digital integration that shapes how entrepreneurship fellowships actually function.
At the bachelor's level, wake Forest University offers both traditional Computer Science degree programs (BS, BA, and minor) and a 9-month online Software Engineering Bootcamp. The Computer Science program covers 10 distinct areas including mobile computing, computational biophysics, and big data, while the bootcamp focuses on full-stack development using the MERN stack.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Software Engineering — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Winston-Salem, NC locationWake Downtown campus for engineering programs
North Carolina A & T State University — Greensboro, NC
Key Distinction: North Carolina A&T is America's largest public HBCU and the top producer of African American engineers in the country, with specialized research centers including the Center for Trustworthy AI and designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education by NSA and DHS.
Hakia Insight: NC A&T's Center for Trustworthy AI and NSA CAE designation mean undergrads can contribute to peer-reviewed trustworthy AI research while satisfying information assurance credentials—the $126,830 median salary reflects employers recruiting directly from a pipeline that has produced more Black engineers than any peer institution.
At the bachelor's level, the Computer Science Department at North Carolina A&T State University offers comprehensive graduate programs in computer science with specializations in software engineering, cybersecurity, secure software engineering, and artificial intelligence. The department provides both Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees, with the MS program offering five specialized tracks including Software Engineering, Computational Science and Engineering, Information Assurance, Secure Software Engineering, and Artificial Intelligence, plus a general track. Research is funded by prestigious agencies including NSF, NASA, U.S. Air Force, NSA, and DOE. The program combines computer science fundamentals with practical knowledge and technical excellence in advanced technologies. Faculty research spans software engineering, cybersecurity, AI, computational science, distributed systems, multiagent systems, trustworthy cloud computing, and high-performance computing. The university is America's largest public HBCU and top producer of African American engineers.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Software Engineering — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Trustworthy AI (CTA)
- CASIS - Center for Academic Studies in Identity Sciences
- Center for Cyber Defense
- Cyber Defense and AI Lab
Industry Partners
- Lockheed Martin (corporate)
- Northrop Grumman (corporate)
- IBM (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Intel (corporate)
- SAS (corporate)
- National Science Foundation (government)
- National Security Agency (government)
- NASA (government)
- U.S. Air Force (government)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $126,830. Top Employers: Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, IBM, Microsoft, Intel, SAS.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Kaushik Roy — Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Trustworthy AI
- Dr. Xiaohong Yuan — Biometrics and Identity Sciences
- Dr. Huiming (Anna) Yu — Computer Science
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0.
Requirements: Programming in high-level language (C, C++, or Java), Data structures, Computer architecture, Calculus I & II, Discrete Mathematics or Switching Theory
Accreditations and Certifications
- NSA CAE-CD (Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense)
- DHS CAE-CD
Location Advantages: Located in Greensboro, NCLargest public HBCU in America
University of North Carolina Wilmington — Wilmington, NC
Key Distinction: UNCW's Software Engineering program features a unique two-semester capstone where student teams implement software systems for external clients, combined with entrepreneurship training and industry expert seminars in a top-ranked startup ecosystem environment.
Hakia Insight: UNCW's two-semester capstone with external clients, paired with being ranked #2 globally in startup ecosystems, creates a rare structure: your software engineering final project has genuine market validation and founder mentorship built in, not grafted on.
At the bachelor's level, the University of North Carolina Wilmington's Software Engineering program is a Bachelor of Science degree that emphasizes creating high-quality software systems for real-world applications. The program begins with foundation skills in computer programming, version control, program verification, and software lifecycle using industry-standard tools. Students study advanced topics including software analysis, construction, and security, culminating in a two-semester capstone where teams implement software systems for external clients. The curriculum includes entrepreneurship introduction, industry expert seminars, and math and science courses required for ABET accreditation. The program prepares graduates for diverse careers including software development, systems analysis, DevOps engineering, and quality assurance testing. Located in Wilmington, which ranks 2nd globally in startup ecosystems among similar-sized municipalities, students benefit from strong industry connections and practical learning opportunities.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Software Engineering — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Virtual Reality Research Learning Lab
- Cyberdefense Research Lab
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $125,630.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Elham Ebrahimi — Virtual reality and interactive systems
- Dr. Lucas Layman — Cyberdefense research
Admissions
Acceptance Rate: not specified%. GPA Requirement: not specified. Application Deadline: not specified.
Requirements:
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Wilmington ranks 2nd globally in startup ecosystems among similar-sized municipalitiesAccess to coastal university setting with strong research opportunitiesProximity to growing technology sector
Elon University — Elon, NC
Hakia Insight: Elon's $72,000 median salary suggests a strong regional placement pattern rather than weakness—notable employers like Red Hat and Credit Suisse indicate the program feeds mid-market tech and finance, where hands-on labs in the HCI and Software Engineering research labs directly train students for roles competitors' curricula don't emphasize.
At the bachelor's level, elon University's Computer Science program emphasizes hands-on learning and practical application of software engineering principles. The program combines theoretical foundations with real-world project experience, preparing students for careers in software development and technology innovation. Students benefit from small class sizes and close faculty mentorship in a collaborative learning environment.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Software Engineering — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Software Engineering Research Lab
- Human-Computer Interaction Lab
Industry Partners
- IBM (Technology Partnership)
- Red Hat (Software Development)
- Credit Suisse (Financial Technology)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $72,000. Top Employers: IBM, Red Hat, Wells Fargo, Credit Suisse.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0.
Accreditations and Certifications
- Oracle Java Certification
- Microsoft Technology Associate
Appalachian State University — Boone, NC
Key Distinction: App State's Computer Science program combines R2 high research activity designation with top 5 innovation recognition, featuring a cutting-edge Robotics Lab and comprehensive MS concentrations from systems to visual computing.
Hakia Insight: App State's R2 classification and Robotics Lab combination means undergrads gain access to hardware-software integration research typically reserved for R1 institutions, while the top 5 innovation ranking reflects curriculum design that prioritizes emerging tech over canonical CS theory.
At the bachelor's level, appalachian State University's Computer Science program offers comprehensive education in software engineering, analytics, and cloud computing with both undergraduate BS and graduate MS degrees. The program emphasizes hands-on learning with expert faculty, covering areas like data structures, programming languages, software engineering, and system design. Students gain skills in front-end design, back-end development, network security, and artificial intelligence. The program features specialized MS concentrations including Data Science and Visual Computing, Systems, Web and Mobile, and Theoretics. With R2 Carnegie Classification for high research activity and recognition as a top 5 innovation school by U.S. News for nine consecutive years, the program provides strong industry connections and research opportunities. The newly established Robotics Lab, directed by Dr. Yeganeh Madadi, focuses on AI, machine learning, and human-robot interaction for real-world applications.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Software Engineering — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
Industry Partners
- Amazon (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- IBM (corporate)
- Bank of America (corporate)
- Duke Energy (corporate)
- Red Hat Software (corporate)
- SAS (corporate)
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (government)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $114,000. Top Employers: Amazon, Google, Microsoft, IBM, Bank of America, Duke Energy, Red Hat Software, SAS.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Yeganeh Madadi — Artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, computer vision
- Dr. Jay Fenwick — Computer Science
- Dr. Rahman Tashakkori — Computer Science
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0. Application Deadline: Fall: July 1, Spring: November 1, Summer: April 1.
Requirements: Students without undergraduate CS degree may need prerequisite coursework
Location Advantages: Boone campus locationR2 Carnegie Classification for high research activityTop 5 innovation recognition by U.S. NewsBest college for value according to Money.com
Best Master's Software Engineering Degree Programs in North Carolina
North Carolina State University at Raleigh — Raleigh, NC
Key Distinction: At the forefront of technological innovation, blending electrical engineering and computer science with emphasis on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and Internet of Things to engineer solutions that redefine what's possible
Hakia Insight: NC State's master's program at $119,949 salary reflects a rare advantage: the electrical engineering blend creates graduates who can architect embedded systems and IoT platforms at scale, a specialization most pure software engineering master's programs don't develop despite surging industry demand.
At the master's level, north Carolina State University offers computer engineering and related programs that blend electrical engineering and computer science to develop digital architecture and intelligent systems. The programs emphasize fundamental concepts in core courses with laboratory work designed to demonstrate principles and provide experience in designing and testing electronic hardware and computer software.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Software Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Software Engineering — 1-2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Amazon (tech)
- Capital One (financial tech)
- Google (tech)
- Red Hat (tech)
- Cisco (tech)
- Wells Fargo (financial tech)
- Lowe's (retail tech)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $119,949. Top Employers: Amazon, Capital One, Google, Red Hat, Cisco, Wells Fargo, Lowe's.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages:
University of North Carolina at Charlotte — Charlotte, NC
Key Distinction: Small cohort sizes (5 students max in bootcamps), collaboration with Flatiron School, and integration of academic rigor with cutting-edge industry practices through project-based learning
Hakia Insight: UNC Charlotte's 5-student maximum bootcamp cohorts with Dayle Janus create an unusual advantage for master's students: personalized code review and mentorship at a scale typically reserved for PhD programs, compressed into accelerated timelines.
At the master's level, UNC Charlotte offers software engineering through multiple pathways including concentrations within Computer Science degrees, graduate certificates, and professional bootcamps. The programs focus on full-stack development, software design, and modern industry practices.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Software Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Software Engineering — 1-2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Flatiron School (education technology)
Notable Faculty
- Dayle Janus — Software Engineering Bootcamp Program Director
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.75.
Requirements: High school diploma or GED for bootcamp, Bachelor's degree for graduate certificate
Location Advantages:
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, NC
Key Distinction: Ranked #8 by CSRankings in AI, NLP, and Computer Vision since 2024, with a unique CS Experience Labs (CSXL) collaborative co-working hub that drives hands-on learning in software engineering, user experience design, production engineering, and product management
Hakia Insight: UNC Chapel Hill's #8 CSRankings standing in AI and NLP masks its real differentiator—the CS Experience Labs hub lets master's students ship production code alongside Dr. Mohit Bansal's multimodal NLP research, bridging the gap between academic papers and deployed systems.
At the master's level, UNC Chapel Hill's Computer Science program offers a bachelor of science degree that is the preferred pathway for graduate study and technical careers in software development, computational science, networking, information systems, and electronic commerce. Graduates are well-suited for employment in traditional computer and communications industries, as well as diverse fields like financial services and consulting where computing is central to operations.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Software Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Software Engineering — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Multimodal Understanding, Reasoning, and Generation for Language Lab
Industry Partners
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Mohit Bansal — multimodal NLP foundations, faithful language generation and summarization, and model interpretability methods
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.0.
Requirements: COMP 210
Location Advantages:
Duke University — Durham, NC
Key Distinction: Duke's software engineering programs are distinguished by their highly customizable degree paths, integration of both technical and human skills training, and strong emphasis on real-world project experience with industry partners.
Hakia Insight: Duke's integration of human skills training into the master's curriculum, guided by Professors Rodger and Astrachan (both Professors of Practice, not pure researchers), signals an unusual institutional bet: that software engineering mastery requires design thinking and communication parity with technical depth.
At the master's level, duke offers a BS concentration in Software Engineering and Design through the Computer Science department and a Software Engineering study track in the ECE graduate programs. The programs emphasize practical, project-based learning with strong industry connections and customizable curricula.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Software Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Software Engineering — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- ATHENA AI Institute
- Duke Quantum Center
- Fitzpatrick Institute for Photonics
Industry Partners
Notable Faculty
- Susan H. Rodger — Director of Undergraduate Studies, Professor of the Practice
- Owen L. Astrachan — Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies, Professor of the Practice
- Kristin V Stephens-Martinez — Associate Professor of the Practice
Location Advantages:
Wake Forest University — Winston-Salem, NC
Key Distinction: Wake Forest was one of the first American universities to recognize the necessity of a laptop computer for every student and offers unique entrepreneurship fellowships, with Computer Science being the fastest growing major (228% growth rate from 2015-2025).
Hakia Insight: Wake Forest's 228% growth in CS majors since 2015 isn't just enrollment momentum—it reflects institutional confidence that supported a 9-month bootcamp option, giving master's candidates a rare choice between traditional rigor and industry-paced acceleration under one accredited roof.
At the master's level, wake Forest University offers both traditional Computer Science degree programs (BS, BA, and minor) and a 9-month online Software Engineering Bootcamp. The Computer Science program covers 10 distinct areas including mobile computing, computational biophysics, and big data, while the bootcamp focuses on full-stack development using the MERN stack.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Software Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Software Engineering — 1-2 years, online
Location Advantages: Winston-Salem, NC locationWake Downtown campus for engineering programs
North Carolina A & T State University — Greensboro, NC
Key Distinction: North Carolina A&T is America's largest public HBCU and the top producer of African American engineers in the country, with specialized research centers including the Center for Trustworthy AI and designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education by NSA and DHS.
Hakia Insight: N.C. A&T's median salary of $126,830 and placement at Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Microsoft reflects deeper institutional strength: NSA/DHS recognition as a National Center of Academic Excellence means master's students gain security clearance pathways that most programs don't unlock.
At the master's level, the Computer Science Department at North Carolina A&T State University offers comprehensive graduate programs in computer science with specializations in software engineering, cybersecurity, secure software engineering, and artificial intelligence. The department provides both Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees, with the MS program offering five specialized tracks including Software Engineering, Computational Science and Engineering, Information Assurance, Secure Software Engineering, and Artificial Intelligence, plus a general track. Research is funded by prestigious agencies including NSF, NASA, U.S. Air Force, NSA, and DOE. The program combines computer science fundamentals with practical knowledge and technical excellence in advanced technologies. Faculty research spans software engineering, cybersecurity, AI, computational science, distributed systems, multiagent systems, trustworthy cloud computing, and high-performance computing. The university is America's largest public HBCU and top producer of African American engineers.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Software Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Software Engineering — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Trustworthy AI (CTA)
- CASIS - Center for Academic Studies in Identity Sciences
- Center for Cyber Defense
- Cyber Defense and AI Lab
Industry Partners
- Lockheed Martin (corporate)
- Northrop Grumman (corporate)
- IBM (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Intel (corporate)
- SAS (corporate)
- National Science Foundation (government)
- National Security Agency (government)
- NASA (government)
- U.S. Air Force (government)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $126,830. Top Employers: Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, IBM, Microsoft, Intel, SAS.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Kaushik Roy — Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Trustworthy AI
- Dr. Xiaohong Yuan — Biometrics and Identity Sciences
- Dr. Huiming (Anna) Yu — Computer Science
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0.
Requirements: Programming in high-level language (C, C++, or Java), Data structures, Computer architecture, Calculus I & II, Discrete Mathematics or Switching Theory
Accreditations and Certifications
- NSA CAE-CD (Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense)
- DHS CAE-CD
Location Advantages: Located in Greensboro, NCLargest public HBCU in America
Appalachian State University — Boone, NC
Key Distinction: App State's Computer Science program combines R2 high research activity designation with top 5 innovation recognition, featuring a cutting-edge Robotics Lab and comprehensive MS concentrations from systems to visual computing.
Hakia Insight: App State's R2 research designation with top-5 innovation ranking creates an unusual master's profile—the Robotics Lab and concentrations in systems/visual computing let students contribute to published research while building industry-ready portfolios, a combination rare outside R1 institutions.
At the master's level, appalachian State University's Computer Science program offers comprehensive education in software engineering, analytics, and cloud computing with both undergraduate BS and graduate MS degrees. The program emphasizes hands-on learning with expert faculty, covering areas like data structures, programming languages, software engineering, and system design. Students gain skills in front-end design, back-end development, network security, and artificial intelligence. The program features specialized MS concentrations including Data Science and Visual Computing, Systems, Web and Mobile, and Theoretics. With R2 Carnegie Classification for high research activity and recognition as a top 5 innovation school by U.S. News for nine consecutive years, the program provides strong industry connections and research opportunities. The newly established Robotics Lab, directed by Dr. Yeganeh Madadi, focuses on AI, machine learning, and human-robot interaction for real-world applications.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Software Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Software Engineering — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
Industry Partners
- Amazon (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- IBM (corporate)
- Bank of America (corporate)
- Duke Energy (corporate)
- Red Hat Software (corporate)
- SAS (corporate)
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (government)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $114,000. Top Employers: Amazon, Google, Microsoft, IBM, Bank of America, Duke Energy, Red Hat Software, SAS.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Yeganeh Madadi — Artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, computer vision
- Dr. Jay Fenwick — Computer Science
- Dr. Rahman Tashakkori — Computer Science
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0. Application Deadline: Fall: July 1, Spring: November 1, Summer: April 1.
Requirements: Students without undergraduate CS degree may need prerequisite coursework
Location Advantages: Boone campus locationR2 Carnegie Classification for high research activityTop 5 innovation recognition by U.S. NewsBest college for value according to Money.com
University of North Carolina at Greensboro — Greensboro, NC
Key Distinction: UNCG's Computer Science program is one of only six doctoral programs in North Carolina and one of just seven public universities in the state with ABET accreditation, ranked 4th statewide by C.S. Rankings.
Hakia Insight: UNCG's ranking as 4th statewide by C.S. Rankings and one of only six doctoral programs in North Carolina positions its master's as a credential that bridges: ABET accreditation signals engineering rigor, while the AI and Data Analytics Lab offers specialization depth competitors lack.
At the master's level, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro's Computer Science program is one of only seven North Carolina public universities accredited by ABET and offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate education in computer science. The program emphasizes fundamental computing principles over specific technologies, preparing students to adapt to changing technology landscapes. The B.S. program includes an optional Data Science and Big Data concentration, while graduate offerings include M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. Faculty have received over $800,000 in research grants from NSF, NIST, and Department of Defense. The program is ranked 4th in North Carolina by C.S. Rankings and operates in a Carnegie-designated 'High Research Activity' doctoral university environment. Research strengths include algorithms, artificial intelligence, data science, machine learning, database systems, networking, security, and image processing, with state-of-the-art laboratories supporting cutting-edge research.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Software Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Software Engineering — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- AI and Data Analytics (ADA) Lab
- Graph Intelligence and Image Analysis (GAIA) Lab
- Network Information Lab (NIL)
Notable Faculty
- Jing Deng — Networks, Security and Cryptography, Graph Analysis
- Lixin Fu — Database Systems, Online Social Networks
- Minjeong Kim — Artificial Intelligence, Data Science and Machine Learning, Image Processing
- Yingcheng Sun — Artificial Intelligence, Data Science and Machine Learning
- Shan Suthaharan — Artificial Intelligence, Networks, Security and Cryptography
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.0.
Requirements: CSC 130, CSC 230, CSC 330
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Carnegie High Research Activity designationOne of only 50 doctoral universities with both higher research activity and sustained community engagement
East Carolina University — Greenville, NC
Key Distinction: ECU has the first MS degree in software engineering in North Carolina and offers both face-to-face and online delivery. The program emphasizes practical engineering principles with required capstone projects and thesis work under faculty supervision.
Hakia Insight: ECU claims the first MS in Software Engineering in North Carolina and still leads on a metric most overlook: both face-to-face and online delivery under the same faculty (Qin Ding, Nic Herndon), meaning remote master's students access engineering-school rigor typically siloed in on-campus cohorts.
At the master's level, east Carolina University's Software Engineering program is a comprehensive discipline that brings the rigor of traditional engineering to software design, production, and maintenance. The program offers both Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees, with ECU being the first to offer an MS in Software Engineering in North Carolina. The BS program emphasizes developing large-scale, high-quality, and secure software systems through systematic application of engineering principles and proven industry practices. The curriculum provides extensive opportunities to design and build complex software-intensive systems using computing and engineering technologies. The MS program is available both face-to-face and online, featuring specializations for new software engineers and practicing professionals. Students complete capstone projects or thesis work under faculty supervision, enhancing the degree's value. The program focuses on software architecture, construction, verification and validation, and project management while developing both technical and professional skills including communication, teamwork, and lifelong learning.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Software Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Software Engineering — 1-2 years, online
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $131,450.
Notable Faculty
- Qin Ding — Software Engineering
- Nic Herndon — Software Engineering
- Mark Hills — Software Engineering
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0.
Requirements: MATH 1065 eligibility for BS, Discrete mathematics and data structures for non-computing backgrounds in MS
Location Advantages:
Best Doctoral Software Engineering Degree Programs in North Carolina
North Carolina State University at Raleigh — Raleigh, NC
Key Distinction: At the forefront of technological innovation, blending electrical engineering and computer science with emphasis on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and Internet of Things to engineer solutions that redefine what's possible
Hakia Insight: NC State's doctoral emphasis on IoT, augmented reality, and emerging AI architecture—paired with top employer placement at Amazon, Google, and Red Hat—signals a program designed around infrastructure problems that will define the next decade, not last decade's research agendas.
At the doctoral level, north Carolina State University offers computer engineering and related programs that blend electrical engineering and computer science to develop digital architecture and intelligent systems. The programs emphasize fundamental concepts in core courses with laboratory work designed to demonstrate principles and provide experience in designing and testing electronic hardware and computer software.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Software Engineering — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Software Engineering — 4-6 years, online
Industry Partners
- Amazon (tech)
- Capital One (financial tech)
- Google (tech)
- Red Hat (tech)
- Cisco (tech)
- Wells Fargo (financial tech)
- Lowe's (retail tech)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $119,949. Top Employers: Amazon, Capital One, Google, Red Hat, Cisco, Wells Fargo, Lowe's.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages:
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, NC
Key Distinction: Ranked #8 by CSRankings in AI, NLP, and Computer Vision since 2024, with a unique CS Experience Labs (CSXL) collaborative co-working hub that drives hands-on learning in software engineering, user experience design, production engineering, and product management
Hakia Insight: UNC Chapel Hill's #8 CSRankings standing in AI, NLP, and Computer Vision at the doctoral level is sharpened by Dr. Mohit Bansal's focus on model interpretability—a research direction that prioritizes explainability over raw benchmark performance, attracting doctoral students concerned with responsible AI deployment.
At the doctoral level, UNC Chapel Hill's Computer Science program offers a bachelor of science degree that is the preferred pathway for graduate study and technical careers in software development, computational science, networking, information systems, and electronic commerce. Graduates are well-suited for employment in traditional computer and communications industries, as well as diverse fields like financial services and consulting where computing is central to operations.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Software Engineering — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Software Engineering — 4-6 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Multimodal Understanding, Reasoning, and Generation for Language Lab
Industry Partners
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Mohit Bansal — multimodal NLP foundations, faithful language generation and summarization, and model interpretability methods
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.0.
Requirements: COMP 210
Location Advantages:
Duke University — Durham, NC
Key Distinction: Duke's software engineering programs are distinguished by their highly customizable degree paths, integration of both technical and human skills training, and strong emphasis on real-world project experience with industry partners.
Hakia Insight: Duke's doctoral programs through both Computer Science and ECE departments with customizable paths and emphasis on human skills training, mentored by Professors of Practice Rodger and Astrachan, suggest a doctoral experience structured around producing faculty-ready researchers *and* industry-ready technologists simultaneously.
At the doctoral level, duke offers a BS concentration in Software Engineering and Design through the Computer Science department and a Software Engineering study track in the ECE graduate programs. The programs emphasize practical, project-based learning with strong industry connections and customizable curricula.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Software Engineering — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Software Engineering — 4-6 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- ATHENA AI Institute
- Duke Quantum Center
- Fitzpatrick Institute for Photonics
Industry Partners
Notable Faculty
- Susan H. Rodger — Director of Undergraduate Studies, Professor of the Practice
- Owen L. Astrachan — Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies, Professor of the Practice
- Kristin V Stephens-Martinez — Associate Professor of the Practice
Location Advantages:
North Carolina A & T State University — Greensboro, NC
Key Distinction: North Carolina A&T is America's largest public HBCU and the top producer of African American engineers in the country, with specialized research centers including the Center for Trustworthy AI and designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education by NSA and DHS.
Hakia Insight: N.C. A&T's Center for Trustworthy AI and NSA/DHS National Center designation creates a doctoral pathway unavailable elsewhere: research in AI safety and cybersecurity with immediate clearance-eligible credentials, positioning graduates for roles in national security research labs.
At the doctoral level, the Computer Science Department at North Carolina A&T State University offers comprehensive graduate programs in computer science with specializations in software engineering, cybersecurity, secure software engineering, and artificial intelligence. The department provides both Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees, with the MS program offering five specialized tracks including Software Engineering, Computational Science and Engineering, Information Assurance, Secure Software Engineering, and Artificial Intelligence, plus a general track. Research is funded by prestigious agencies including NSF, NASA, U.S. Air Force, NSA, and DOE. The program combines computer science fundamentals with practical knowledge and technical excellence in advanced technologies. Faculty research spans software engineering, cybersecurity, AI, computational science, distributed systems, multiagent systems, trustworthy cloud computing, and high-performance computing. The university is America's largest public HBCU and top producer of African American engineers.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Software Engineering — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Software Engineering — 4-6 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Trustworthy AI (CTA)
- CASIS - Center for Academic Studies in Identity Sciences
- Center for Cyber Defense
- Cyber Defense and AI Lab
Industry Partners
- Lockheed Martin (corporate)
- Northrop Grumman (corporate)
- IBM (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Intel (corporate)
- SAS (corporate)
- National Science Foundation (government)
- National Security Agency (government)
- NASA (government)
- U.S. Air Force (government)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $126,830. Top Employers: Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, IBM, Microsoft, Intel, SAS.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Kaushik Roy — Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Trustworthy AI
- Dr. Xiaohong Yuan — Biometrics and Identity Sciences
- Dr. Huiming (Anna) Yu — Computer Science
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0.
Requirements: Programming in high-level language (C, C++, or Java), Data structures, Computer architecture, Calculus I & II, Discrete Mathematics or Switching Theory
Accreditations and Certifications
- NSA CAE-CD (Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense)
- DHS CAE-CD
Location Advantages: Located in Greensboro, NCLargest public HBCU in America
