International study programs: Software engineering
For international students studying in the U.S., an education in software engineering can open the door to a lucrative and fulfilling career. Postgraduate study abroad programs in software engineering build your technical and soft skills, helping you secure higher-paying leadership and management positions in your field.
Here’s what to expect from an international postgraduate program in software engineering, the benefits and challenges of a software engineering career and potential job options to explore.
What’s it like to study software engineering in the U.S.?
Postgraduate study abroad programs in software engineering develop student mastery at all levels of the software creation process and take at least two years to complete. Students develop skills such as object-oriented programming, software architecture and cloud computing.
Software engineering is a popular choice for international students studying in the U.S. According to the Institute of International Education’s 2024 Open Doors Report, 24.9% of all international students study a math or computer science-related discipline like software engineering.
An advanced degree in software engineering can be expensive, but financing your international education with an MPOWER Financing loan can make it easier. MPOWER’s no-cosigner international student loans ease the financial burden of your degree so you can focus on your studies.
What do software engineers do?
Software engineers create the technologies we use every day, from business applications to computer games. They write and test code, collaborate with others to build products, find intricate solutions to difficult problems, and work with engineers to implement new features.
Is software engineering challenging?
Studying software engineering in the U.S. is hard, but those who enjoy thinking analytically, working with data and integrating new information in an evolving industry will find the work highly engaging and rewarding.
How much can you make with an international education in software engineering?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage for software engineers is US$132,270. The overall employment of software engineers is predicted to grow 17%, much faster than average, between 2023 and 2033.
Five MPOWER-eligible schools with postgraduate study abroad programs in software engineering:*
Once you commit to pursuing an international education in software engineering, MPOWER can help you navigate the best postgraduate programs. Here are five MPOWER-eligible schools with some of the strongest U.S. software engineering programs:
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- Arizona State University
- Stevens Institute of Technology
- Villanova University
- University of Maryland
- Texas Tech University
MPOWER considers universities that demonstrate strong graduation rates and alumni earnings. To jumpstart your dream of studying in the U.S., check out MPOWER’s eligible schools today.
Three jobs you can secure by studying software engineering in the U.S.
Senior software engineer
Annual base pay range: US$130,000-US$171,000
Senior software engineers write and review high-level code, coordinate with project stakeholders and mentor junior engineers. They assess software development projects for potential risks and serve as the in-house software solutions expert. They must be excellent computer programmers delivering high-quality, client-focused output.
Computer and information research scientist
Annual base pay range: US$94,000-$157,000
Computer and information research scientists explore new uses and improvements for computing technology by analyzing the outcomes of experiments. In addition to computer science fundamentals, they must be well versed in research methodology, theory development and data analysis.
Software engineering manager
Annual base pay range: US$155,000-$US235,000
Software engineering managers supervise an organization’s engineering team. They collaborate with company leadership and stakeholders and stay up-to-date on emerging technologies and best practices.
Software engineering managers recruit and train junior engineers, conduct performance reviews and facilitate career development. They must have strong strategic planning, team-building and project management skills.
High-ranking software engineering positions are highly selective, but MPOWER’s free Path2Success program for approved students can give you a competitive edge. MPOWER’s job search workshops and directory of F-1 eligible jobs will accelerate you on your hunt for your dream job.
Final thoughts on studying software engineering in the U.S.
If you hope to be on the leading edge of software development in the U.S., a postgraduate study abroad program in software engineering can strengthen your technical skills and help you ascend the career ladder.
With low interest rates, eligibility that considers the best educational institutions in the U.S. and career services for after you graduate, an MPOWER loan can get you there. Learn what MPOWER Financing student loans can do for you.
*Schools mentioned in this post do not endorse MPOWER’s loans, and MPOWER is not affiliated with the schools noted in this message.
