It’s no secret: The digital transformation sweeping across industries has created a massive demand for skilled software engineers. If you're passionate about problem-solving, innovation, and building technology that shapes the future, a software engineering degree could be your gateway to a thriving career in one of today's most dynamic fields.
What is Software Engineering?
Software engineers are the architects of our digital world.
What is software engineering? The field of software engineering combines technical expertise with creative problem-solving, offering professionals the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects that impact millions of users worldwide.
From developing mobile applications that connect people across the globe to building secure systems that protect sensitive data, software engineers are the architects of our digital world.
Why Choose a Career in Software Engineering?
Software engineering offers exceptional career prospects with:
- Strong job security
- Competitive salaries
- Opportunities for continuous growth
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers is projected to grow 17% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.
This growth is driven by the continued expansion of software development for artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, and other automation applications.
The field offers remarkable versatility, allowing professionals to work in diverse sectors from healthcare and finance to entertainment and aerospace. Software engineers can also enjoy:
- The flexibility of remote work
- The satisfaction of solving complex problems
- The ability to see their code impact real users
Software engineering opens doors to numerous specialized career paths, each offering unique challenges and growth opportunities:
Top Careers for Software Engineering Majors
Software Developer
Median Pay: $133,080
Jobs: ~1,692,100
Outlook: 17% ↑
Employment Change: +303,700 jobs
Cybersecurity Engineer (Information Security Analyst)
Median Pay: $124,910
Jobs: ~168,900
Outlook: 33% ↑
Employment Change: +55,700 jobs
DevOps Engineer (Software Developers, QA & Testers)
Median Pay: $133,080
Jobs: ~1,692,100
Outlook: 17% ↑
Employment Change: +303,700 jobs
AI / Machine Learning Engineer (Research Scientist)
Median Pay: $140,910
Jobs: ~36,600
Outlook: 26% ↑
Employment Change: +9,400 jobs
Data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Industries Hiring Software Engineers
Software engineers find opportunities across virtually every industry sector, reflecting the universal need for digital solutions:
- Technology and Software Companies remain the largest employers, offering roles from startups developing innovative solutions to established companies like Google, Microsoft, and Adobe.
- Healthcare and Biotechnology sectors increasingly rely on software for patient management systems, medical devices, and research platforms. San Diego's thriving biotech industry offers unique opportunities to work on life-saving technologies.
- Financial Services companies need software engineers to build secure trading platforms, mobile banking applications, and fraud detection systems that handle millions of transactions daily.
- Defense and Aerospace industries, with significant presence in San Diego, require software engineers to develop mission-critical systems for national security and space exploration.
- Entertainment and Media companies create streaming platforms, gaming experiences, and digital content management systems that entertain millions of users worldwide.
San Diego's technology sector has grown significantly, with companies like Qualcomm leading the charge. According to the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation, Qualcomm alone had an economic impact of approximately $4 billion in the San Diego economy in 2018 — and created approximately 1,600 job postings that year.
Qualcomm employs roughly 12% of the region's total tech talent and demonstrates the job multiplier effect — for every job at Qualcomm, an additional 1.8 jobs are supported elsewhere in the San Diego economy. This growth creates opportunities for software engineering graduates to join innovative companies making a global impact.
What Makes PLNU Software Engineering Graduates Stand Out?
Point Loma Nazarene University's software engineering programs combine rigorous technical education with a values-based approach that produces well-rounded professionals, offering both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in Software Engineering.
PLNU’s B.A. program emphasizes a broader liberal arts foundation alongside technical skills, preparing graduates for roles that require strong communication and critical thinking abilities. Our B.S. program provides deeper technical focus with advanced mathematics and science coursework, ideal for students pursuing highly technical specializations.
Both of PLNU's programs emphasize hands-on learning through project-based coursework, internship opportunities, and collaborative team projects that mirror real-world software development environments. Students work with current industry technologies and methodologies, ensuring they graduate with relevant, marketable skills.
Small class sizes encourage personalized attention from experienced faculty who bring both academic expertise and industry experience to the classroom. Our mentorship approach helps students develop not only technical skills but also professional competencies essential for career success.
Prime Location
California, particularly the San Diego region, presents exceptional opportunities for software engineering graduates. Today, San Diego is emerging as a major technology hub, with companies like Qualcomm generating more than 130,000 patents and patent applications in recent years and employing thousands of tech professionals.
The Southern California region hosts numerous tech companies, innovative startups, and established organizations that engage not only the technology industry but also marketing, accounting, legal services, consulting, environmental, and engineering industries, creating diverse career pathways for software engineers.
Salary Expectations in California
California offers some of the most competitive software engineering salaries in the nation.
- The average salary for a software engineer in California is $147,979 per year.
- Entry-level software engineers earn an average of $70,264 per year in California.
- More experienced professionals can expect significantly higher compensation. According to Glassdoor, the estimated total pay for a Software Engineer is $181,649 per year in California (base salary of $132,074 per year and additional pay of $49,575)
Various industries offer diverse opportunities for specialization and career growth.
How to Get Started in Software Engineering at PLNU
Starting your software engineering journey at PLNU begins with choosing the program that best fits your interests and career goals.
Both options offer a strong foundation in programming languages like Java, Python, and JavaScript, along with software design principles and modern development tools. Students gain real-world experience through internships with local tech companies, often leading to full-time roles in San Diego’s thriving tech ecosystem.
PLNU also provides robust career support, from resume building to job placement, and access to a strong alumni network for mentorship and connections.
Whether you're drawn to app development, cybersecurity, or AI innovation, a software engineering degree from PLNU equips you for success in a dynamic and rewarding field.