Have you ever had a great idea for a computer program or smartphone app but didn't know how to create it? Major in Computer Software and Applications and you can make your ideas a reality.
Computer Software and Applications majors work to create, test, and develop new computer programs to meet customers' demands. They also work to maintain older software and ensure it runs properly. Through classes like computer engineering, computer science, game and interactive media design, software engineering, mathematics, and statistics, students will gain the skills to create unique and useful software.
While students have the option to major in general Computer Software and Applications, they can also specialize in areas, such as Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design, Data Modeling and Warehousing and Database Administration, Computer Graphics, and Virtual Environments and Simulation Modeling.
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Computer Software & Applications Degrees Trends
#84Most Popular Major
14.3kDegrees Awarded
239Schools Offering Degrees
In 2021-2022, computer software & applications was the 84th most popular major nationwide with 14,312 degrees awarded.
Our 2025 Best Computer Software & Applications Schools ranking analyzes 116 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for computer software & applications students. Explore this or one of our many other custom computer software rankings further below.
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What Are The Requirements For a Degree in Computer Software & Applications
A strong background in computer programming is necessary for a career in Computer Software and Applications. Professionals must be familiar with codes and up to date on tools and computer languages. Analytical and problem-solving skills along with creativity are necessary when developing new software. Successful professionals also pay close attention to detail and have strong communication and customer service skills.
A career in Computer Software and Applications is a full time job. Professionals often work over 40 hours a week during the testing and development phases of projects. Most professionals work in an office setting.
Internships and summer jobs in this field are suggested because they will give students exposure to computer programming and give them hands-on experience working with software and applications.
ADBLOCK #171
Computer Software Degree Program Entry Requirements
New students will need to have completed high school or a GED program and each school will have their own minimum GPA and SAT/ACT test requirements. In addition to these basic computer software & applications program qualifications, to serve in some computer software careers, special certification may be required outside of your degree.
Types of Computer Software & Applications Degrees
Computer Software degree levels vary. You can get anything from a in computer software & applications to the highest computer software degree, a . Computer Software & Applications programs can take anywhere between one to four or more years for a full-time student to complete.
Degree
Credit Requirements
Typical Program Length
Associate Degree
60-70 credits
2 years
Bachelor’s Degree
120 credits
4 years
Master’s Degree
50-70 credits
1-3 years
Doctorate
Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation
At least 4 years
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to computer software, with approximately 63.0% of workers getting one. People currently working in careers related to computer software tend obtained the following education levels.
Level of Education
Percentage of Workers
Bachelor’s Degree
64.4%
Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree)
8.2%
Some College Courses
8.0%
Master’s Degree
6.4%
Post-Secondary Certificate
4.2%
ADBLOCK #172
Most workers in computer software have at least a bachelor's degree. The chart below shows what degree level those who work in computer software & applications have obtained.
The education level required is different depending on the computer software career you are seeking.
Career Opportunities for A Degree In Computer Software Graduate
Above AverageNumber of Jobs
$42kAverage Starting Salary
17% GrowthJob Outlook 2016-26
Computer Software and Applications graduates are typically hired by software development companies or software publishers. Other graduates have gone on to work for computer and other electronic product companies. There is a high demand for computer software along with the increase in smartphone applications use.
High Growth Projected for Computer Software Careers
Want a job when you graduate with your computer software degree? Computer Software & Applications careers are expected to grow 16.6% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to computer software & applications.
Occupation Name
Projected Jobs
Expected Growth
Software Applications Developers
1,086,600
30.7%
Graphic Designers
277,400
4.2%
Computer Programmers
273,600
-7.2%
Web Developers
187,200
14.9%
Database Administrators
133,200
11.5%
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How Much Money Do People With a Computer Software Degree Make?
Computer Software & Applications graduates between <nil> reported earning an average of $42,042 in the <nil> timeframe. Earnings can range from as low as $14,786 to as high as $134,800. As you might expect, salaries for computer software graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
High Paying Careers for Computer Software Majors
Salaries for computer software & applications graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers computer software grads often go into.
Occupation Name
Median Average Salary
Computer and Information Research Scientists
$123,850
Software Applications Developers
$108,080
Database Administrators
$92,030
Computer Programmers
$89,580
Multimedia Artists and Animators
$78,230
ADBLOCK #173
Getting Your Computer Software & Applications Degree
With over 1,512 different computer software degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased computer software school rankings to help you with this.
Top Ranking Lists for Computer Software & Applications
by our College Data Analytics Team
