Welcome to the Information Systems and Software Division
Established in 1996, CSS offers degrees in computer science and computer systems applications. The Division of Information Systems and Software offers high academic standards and expectations with a reputation characteristic of the University of Washington. The Bothell campus offers the advantages of a small campus with excellent teaching and research opportunities, and a sense of community that comes from its comfortable size and friendly atmosphere.
This page
- graduation options
- graduate options
- learning goals
- mission and vision
- Contact
We offer software engineering-oriented computer science degrees that emphasize how to think about, design, and build quality software-enabled systems that have real impact on organizations and the world. Our degrees provide a broad academic background valued by employers and IT professionals seeking rewarding careers. Our goal is a transformative educational experience that not only provides fundamentals and technical skills, but also the perspective of understanding how to be an effective, confident, and respected member of our profession.
As an undergraduate student, you can choose between:
- Bachelor of Arts in Applied Computing, which emphasizes the connections between computing and other fields.
- Bachelor of Computer Science and Software Engineering, which focuses on software development. Within this program, you can also choose theCyber Security and Information Assurance Option, which will appear on your transcript.
- Bachelor of Computer Engineering, which combines education in hardware and software development.
- Bachelor of Arts in Interactive Media Design, which is run by the School of STEM and the School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences (IAS).
As a graduate:
If you are changing careersyou can take ourto immediately move into a new job or to prepare you for success in graduate school.
You can conduct studies at the forefront of computing research and implementation through ourMaster's Degree in Computer Science and Software Engineeringor oursMaster in Cybersecurity Engineering.
Whichever path you choose, you can expect a world-class University of Washington education in a small-scale setting that offers close student-faculty interactions.
learning goals
The learning objectives of the Bachelor of Applied Computing and the Bachelor of Computer Science and Software Engineering are described in terms of competencies achieved by students in the CSS programs. The basic level includes very broad skills found in all basic CSS courses. The technical level is a broadly important set of competencies specific to the software engineering and computer science professions, to be developed in every undergraduate CSS education, through the core set of required courses. Skills specific to each student's interests and needs are achieved in CSS advanced elective courses.
The Fundamental and Technical competencies are listed below, which are achieved by all CSS undergraduate students:
Basic level
Analysis and problem solving
- Information gathering:Effectively searches and organizes pertinent information before making decisions or taking action.
- Efficiency:Identifies ways to solve problems or complete tasks smoothly and effectively; choose the optimal solution form and a set of alternative possibilities.
- Systemic thinking:Follows a logical and well-ordered approach to analyzing problems, organizing work, and seeking solutions.
- I complete it:Ensures that work is done correctly, completely, on time and to the highest standards.
- Creativity:Challenge existing assumptions, propose new alternative ways of framing or solving a problem, push the limits of knowledge.
- Learning by doing:Demonstrates the ability to continually learn, capitalize on mistakes, exploit new knowledge, increase productivity over time.
interpersonal skills
- Collaboration and teamwork:Effectively collaborate with others to achieve a common goal, create an environment that promotes and sustains successful teamwork.
- Leadership:Champion new ideas, convince and influence, break deadlocks, and promote the drive to solve problems.
- Write and speak:Express ideas accurately and convincingly in reports, memos, and other forms of written communication
- Managing change and uncertainty:Adapts to changing circumstances, positively faces uncertainties and contingencies, manages crises effectively.
Management skills
- Proyect Management:Plan, monitor and control projects; ensures efficient use of resources; Keeps projects on time and within budgeted resource allocation.
- Project administration:Manages and maintains projects, using appropriate monitoring tools and complying with relevant standards and reporting requirements.
- Risk management:Anticipate and act proactively in anticipation of future problems and opportunities.
- User's guide:Gain understanding of users' needs by immersing yourself in the users' environment; carefully study the user's requirements; It puts itself in the place of the user.
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technical level
General business, social and technical.
- Justification of the business case:Justifies the expenses of the project, equipment, and other resources in terms of costs, benefits, and business risks.
- Evaluation and selection of technology:Evaluates and selects the appropriate software and hardware for the application, architecture, and resource constraints; maintains awareness and understanding of emerging technology.
- Process reengineering:Performs business requirements analysis, using appropriate tools and methodologies to maximize organizational performance.
- Mathematical Principles and Techniques:Understands the theory and application of numerical, statistical, set, and other mathematical techniques in the context of applications and systems programming.
- General software systems:Has a general understanding of the principles and applications of software development and design; understands the relationship between software development and other functions in the business organization.
- Social implications of science and technology:Understands the interaction between science and technology and the broader social, political and organizational environment; critically assesses the ethical implications of computer technology.
- Technical writing:Designs and writes effective guidelines, standards, procedures, processes and applications using appropriate methods, tools and delivery options.
apps programming
- Definition and Analysis of Requirements:Clearly elicits and defines user needs, weighing possible solutions against benefits and risks; uses the right tools to analyze the requirements and create appropriate data and workflow models.
- Program development life cycle:Understands and effectively manages the process of developing, designing, testing, and delivering a software application.
- Functional design:Identifies the system platform, components, inputs, interface requirements, and dependencies that ensure the system achieves its goals.
- Proof:Plans, executes, and validates unit, system, and acceptance test results to ensure compliance with user requirements.
- Implementation:Plan and execute the seamless integration of an application into the computing environment.
- Timeline:Understands and applies programming principles; effectively translates design specifications into appropriate software components.
- Collaborative programming techniques:It uses methods and tools that support cooperative software development between users in different locations.
- Quality guarantee:Employs appropriate quality assurance standards and procedures to ensure delivery of error-free applications that meet user needs.
Infrastructure/Operations
- Technology integration:It integrates multiple technologies, systems, applications, databases, and components on multiple platforms.
- hardware architecture:Understands hardware components, architecture, and the interrelationship between hardware, software, and operating systems.
- Performance Measurements and Tuning:Use appropriate performance metrics to monitor, optimize, and troubleshoot system performance.
- Operational systems:Understands the fundamentals of operating systems, including: file systems, processes, and memory management.
- System Administration:Understands the proper procedures and techniques for managing and administering a network, data center, or other computer system; Manages changes in the computing environment.
- Training and Technical Support:Provides user support through problem analysis and resolution to facilitate the installation, implementation, maintenance, education, and documentation of computer hardware and software systems.
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Mission
Our goal is to be a collaborative community that provides interdisciplinary education and research in computer science and software engineering, which will result in lifelong personal growth for our graduates, impact on our profession, and economic growth and social justice in our communities. communities.
Vision
The fulfillment of our mission results in the following:
- Our community of faculty, staff, and students is known for its collaborative and caring spirit.
- Our curriculum is intellectually rigorous, includes a healthy balance of theory and application, and prepares students for interdisciplinary work.
- Our research is known for its academic excellence, interdisciplinary nature, social relevance, and connection to our students' education.
- Our graduates are lifelong learners who continually seek to make an impact in their businesses and communities.
- Our industry partners and the local community value us as true contributors to helping drive economic and social change.
Opportunities for students and alumni
Learning in the UW Bothell CSS program takes place both inside and outside of the classroom. Part of the students' educational experience is participation in professional and technical organizations. These organizations develop leadership skills, help students connect course knowledge to broader professional and technical issues, and maintain valuable peer networks throughout their careers.
Alumni can consult the following resources:
- Check theUW Bothell Alumni Associationto see what your fellow alumni are up to!
- Visit a UWalumni association.
graduate student
See the Final Exams Calendar for Graduation Thesis/Graduation Projects
briefings
Do you have questions about our exciting graduate programs?Join one of our graduate advisors for a detailed description of the program.
range for STEM
range for STEM
FAQs
What can you do with a computer systems engineering degree? ›
The most common career choices are: application software developer, computer hardware engineer, and systems software developer.
Who makes more money computer science or software engineer? ›On average, computer scientists in the United States earn higher salaries than computer engineers. Many computer scientists have master's degrees, while a higher percentage of computer engineers have only bachelor's degrees.
Is computer systems engineering a good degree? ›Yes. Not only does it pay well, but it is also high in demand, and offers a good work-life balance. The skills and knowledge needed to be a systems engineer is also high in demand in other fields such as manufacturing and aerospace industries.
Which is harder computer science or software engineering? ›Is Software Engineering Easier Than Computer Science? It depends on the individual's skills and experience. Software engineering is often more practical than computer science, so it may be easier for some people who have more experience with coding and software development.
What is the salary of computer science and systems engineering? ›System Engineer salary in India ranges between ₹ 2.1 Lakhs to ₹ 8.4 Lakhs with an average annual salary of ₹ 4.4 Lakhs. Salary estimates are based on 58.1k latest salaries received from System Engineers.
How do computer engineering degrees make money? ›- Video Game Designer.
- Software Developer.
- Web Developer.
- Network Administrator.
- Database Administrator.
- Computer Programmer.
- Software Engineer.
- Information Security Analyst.
Yes, software engineering can be somewhat hard to learn initially – especially for those without programming or coding skills or any background or knowledge of tech – but there are many courses, tools, and other resources available to help people learn to become a Software Engineer.
Do software engineers do coding? ›Software engineers use the scientific method and have advanced mechanical skills in addition to basic coding skills.
Are software engineers wealthy? ›Software engineering is one of the best paid fields to work in. It's definitely possible for Software Engineers to become millionaires.
What computer science engineering is highest paying? ›- Front-end developer.
- Java developer.
- Software engineer.
- Network security engineer.
- Mobile developer.
- Data scientist.
- DevOps engineer.
- Software architect.
Is computer systems engineering in demand? ›
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for future computer engineers looks stable. Based on their data, Computer Engineering jobs are expected to grow 2% by 2029.
Are computer system engineers in demand? ›The growing electronics and computer industries make the need for data processing, wireless technology, electronic records, and information security more necessary than ever. As this demand exploits these areas, the higher the demand for recruiting these engineers.
Is computer science a high demand job? ›Job Outlook
Employment of computer and information research scientists is projected to grow 21 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 3,300 openings for computer and information research scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Software engineers do complex work and design solutions that IT support engineers are unable to. In a nutshell, they are responsible for designing and implementing software. Being aware of the differences helps ensure that we get the best person to solve our tech related issues.
What is the easiest engineering degree? ›- Environmental Engineering. Environmental engineers are focused on developing machines and structures that will cause minimal harm to the environment. ...
- Industrial Engineering. ...
- Architectural Engineering.
A degree in computer science can lead to roles in a variety of industries outside big tech, such as healthcare, postsecondary education, telecommunications, and business. While salaries can vary greatly by degree level and occupation, the median salary for computer science professionals is roughly $97,430.
Are computer science jobs paid well? ›Computer science salaries vary from employer to employer. This can be due to the industry and size of the company, but also its area of expertise. Large tech companies, such as Adobe, are among the highest-paying employers, with an average salary of $139,916, while Apple pays $169,960 on average [7, 9].
Is computer science one of the highest-paying jobs? ›Some of the highest-paying careers with a computer science degree include computer network architects, software developers, and computer and information research scientists. Computer scientists earn $68,000 in entry-level positions, $100,000 in mid-career positions, and $121,000 in advanced positions.
What does a Computer Engineer do on a daily basis? ›Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer systems and components such as circuit boards. Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer systems and components such as processors, circuit boards, memory devices, networks, and routers.
Do computer engineers enjoy their job? ›Computer engineers are typically satisfied with their professions since they encounter exciting challenges and continually acquire new abilities. Career satisfaction plays a vital role in your working experience and life. So, it is a happy job.
Is computer engineering a good major for the future? ›
Since nearly every industry depends on computer hardware and software, computer engineers can choose to work in any sector they like, as they'll always be in demand. For students of color, a computer engineering degree is a great way to gain a stable, well-paid career.
Why are software engineers paid so much? ›Software engineers are paid so much because there is high demand, they are highly specialized, and they work in high-earning industries. Software engineers, on average, make more than $25,000 more than the average salary in the United States.
Is software engineering a lot of math? ›Despite its name, software engineering does not require math. At least, it doesn't require as much math as you might think. There are numbers and problem-solving, but you won't have to break out your AP Calculus certificate or trigonometry textbook to program—or engineer—software.
Can a software engineer easily get a job? ›If you're looking to become a software engineer, it can be hard to land your first job. Many factors go into getting an interview—and even more come into play when you're trying to land the job offer itself. The good news is that there are ways you can increase your chances of success.
Who is the highest paid software engineer? ›DevOps Engineer
DevOps engineering is among the highest paying software engineering jobs because it has a high demand and low supply. DevOps engineers are experienced in programming and scripting languages and cloud-based platforms like Amazon Web Services or Azure and have strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Though most software engineers usually do not write code, they need a strong background in programming skills to communicate properly with programmers. The software engineering profession requires candidates to have (at a minimum) a bachelor's degree in software engineering, computer science, or a related field.
Do software engineers really make 500k? ›Yes, a software engineer can make $500,000 a year.
Software engineers typically earn a salary that falls within the range of $60,000 per year to $130,000 per year. It would be very unlikely for an entry-level software engineer to start out at a salary that exceeds this range.
While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $296,000 and as low as $43,000, the majority of Software Engineer 300K salaries currently range between $100,000 (25th percentile) to $212,000 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $275,500 annually across the United States.
Do software engineers really make 200k? ›Software Engineering is a very well paid career field. It's definitely possible to make $200k as a Software Engineer. Salaries are very high, especially in the US, because venture capital puts so much money into startups.
What is the highest paid computer job? ›
- Big data engineer.
- DevOps Engineer.
- Systems security manager.
- Mobile applications developer.
- Applications architect.
- Data architect.
- Database manager.
- Data security analyst.
Data Scientist
Data science is, without a doubt, the highest-paying job and a great career in technology. Demand for data scientists has grown by 29 percent a year and 344 percent since 2013.
While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $398,500 and as low as $30,000, the majority of Computer Engineer salaries currently range between $60,000 (25th percentile) to $100,000 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $128,500 annually across the United States.
Do systems engineers make a lot of money? ›The average salary for a Systems Engineer in US is $123,299. The average additional cash compensation for a Systems Engineer in US is $14,555. The average total compensation for a Systems Engineer in US is $137,854.
Do systems engineers get paid more? ›The jobs requiring this certification have increase by 7.32% since 2018. System Engineers with this certification earn +12.81% more than the average base salary, which is $99,770 per year.
Is computer system a good career? ›The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 13% job growth between 2020 and 2030 for computer and IT professionals — nearly three times faster than the national average. Moreover, the field's median annual salary of $88,240 is more than double the median annual salary for all occupations in the U.S.
What type of companies do computer system engineers work for? ›Computer systems engineers may work in the government, telecommunications, manufacturing, transportation, or other commercial industries.
Are computer software engineers happy? ›Roughly 70% of working developers are happy at work right now, with over 90% saying it is important for them to be happy at work.
Is system engineer a stressful job? ›High. Stress is not uncommon amongst systems engineers, with daily work sometimes being quite demanding.
What are the cons of computer science? ›- Analysis. Technology occupations involving computer science require analytical skills to detect potential issues and develop solutions for them. ...
- Commitment. ...
- Cost. ...
- Creativity. ...
- Developments. ...
- Education. ...
- Health. ...
- Inactivity.
Are computer science jobs stressful? ›
The job can be stressful at times, but computer programmers are compensated well for any anxiety they might experience. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects -10.2% employment growth for computer programmers between 2021 and 2031. In that period, an estimated 17,800 jobs will be lost.
Where do computer systems engineers work? ›Nature of the Work
Computer Engineers work in a variety of environments: universities; research; industry; government and private business organizations. You may be finding solutions to problems, formulating and testing devices, or working in teams to develop new products.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for future computer engineers looks stable. Based on their data, Computer Engineering jobs are expected to grow 2% by 2029.
Is systems engineering a good career? ›ranks Systems Engineering as one of the top 50 jobs in the U.S (in terms of pay and quality of life), and the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a faster-than-average 10-percent growth rate in employment opportunities for Industrial engineers, including System Engineers, by 2026.
Where do computer engineers get paid the most? ›According to the BLS, the top two cities with the highest mean salary for computer engineers are San Jose, CA and Seattle, WA.
What state pays computer engineers the most? ›| Total Computer Engineer Jobs: | 2,415 |
|---|---|
| Average Annual Salary: | $114,524 |
| Lowest 10 Percent Earn: | $82,000 |
| Highest 10 Percent Earn: | $158,000 |
| Location Quotient: | 1.83 You can read more about how BLS calculates location quotients here |
System engineers are in high demand in both the national and international markets. They are an essential component of practically any business. According to reports, Systems Engineering is one of the top 50 jobs in the world (in terms of pay and quality of life).
Are computer engineers highly paid? ›With an average salary of ₹ 23,46,700 per annum, software engineers are among the highest-paid jobs for candidates with a computer science degree. Software engineers are largely responsible for maintaining and monitoring the technical aspects of the company.
Does computer engineering make a lot of money? ›Advanced computer engineering degree-holders can land high-paying roles in computer and information systems management, earning a median salary of $159,010 as of 2021. High-paying roles in computer and information systems management can earn a median salary of $159,010 as of 2021.
Is IT hard to get a job as a computer engineer? ›If you're looking to become a software engineer, it can be hard to land your first job. Many factors go into getting an interview—and even more come into play when you're trying to land the job offer itself. The good news is that there are ways you can increase your chances of success.
Which engineering has highest salary? ›
Petroleum Engineer tops our list of the highest paying engineering jobs. The primary responsibility of petroleum engineers is to design and develop ways to extract natural resources oil and gas from Earth.
Is systems engineering a hard major? ›A System Engineer has to study different technologies and various application areas. That's the reason, System Engineering is a very difficult and challenging role. As a system engineer in a software developer team, the day-to-day tasks involve creating and managing complex systems.
Is there a lot of math in systems engineering? ›What do you think it takes to be a “successful” systems engineer? It requires gaining a strong foundation in applied mathematics and statistics, which you can then use to build a toolbox of skills from many disciplines within engineering.