Top Reasons Why a Software Development Degree Is Worth It
Published on: May 4, 2023
Those who are looking to launch a dynamic career in an ever-changing industry will love the possibilities in the software development field. A software development degree will provide you with the foundation you need to kickstart a career that can be personalized to accommodate your interests. By combining your passion for technology with a skills-based degree program, you will be uniquely suited for success in this field.
What Degree Do You Need to Be a Software Developer?
The vast majority of software developer positions require applicants to have a bachelor's degree in software development. Fortunately, earning a software development degree provides you with the knowledge and skills-based training that you need to gain an entry-level position, compared to other fields where additional work-related experience is needed to be hired.
Is Software Development a Good Career?
Software development is an ideal career choice for self-motivated individuals who enjoy independent work and are passionate about technology. It is also a growing field, with plenty of employment opportunities and more jobs expected in the coming decade. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of software development positions should increase by more than 25 percent between 2021 and 2031, adding more than 400,000 jobs to the market.
In addition to being one of the fastest-growing fields, it is also a lucrative industry. The BLS notes that the average annual salary for a software developer or quality assurance analyst is about $109,000.
Reasons to Earn a Degree in Software Development
As you explore your career path options in computer science, it's worthwhile to consider specializing as a software developer. These are a few of the reasons why you should consider earning a degree in software development:
Solid Foundation in Software Development
A software development degree is a specialized program that focuses exclusively on creating and developing software programs for different types of technology. Compared to a more generalized computer science degree, this degree program will provide you with the in-depth knowledge and specialized skill set that you need for a career as a software developer. A software development degree program may cover a variety of topics, including:
- Database design
- System analysis
- Information technology
- Algorithms
- Programming
- Workflow management
Get to Be Creative
The software development sector, by its very nature, is one of the more creative fields within the computer science industry. During your software development degree program, you will have the ability to input your own personality and ideas into the programs you create. This is your chance to play around with the technology and discover how you can make an impact in this growing field.
High-Demand Field
By investing in a software development degree program, you are making yourself a marketable professional. There is an increasing demand for skilled and qualified software developers, as organizations across all industries seek to incorporate the latest technology into their daily operations. The software development sector is expected to grow much faster than average over the course of the next decade, so you should have an easy time finding a job after graduation.
Higher Earning Potential
When compared to other entry-level positions in various industries, the software development field has a much higher earning potential. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary in 2021 was around $109,000 — equating to about $52 per hour. While the salary for starting positions may vary, recent graduates can expect that their earning potential will increase year after year in this productive industry.
Exposure to Cutting-Edge Technologies
Ever-changing technology is a hallmark of the software development field, and it's critical that you stay on top of the latest trends in the industry. Exposure to the most recent technology during your degree program will allow you to develop the skills needed to enter the competitive workforce and to incorporate the latest advancements into your software-based applications in the future. In addition, it will allow you to adapt to the fast-paced nature of the industry and to become comfortable relying on new technology in order to improve your final product.
Networking Opportunities
One aspect of the software development industry that most people do not consider is that it's an interconnected niche sector of the computer science industry. Most software developers can improve their job prospects and forge their own career path based on the industry connections that they have.
When you are enrolled in an online software development degree program, you can begin the process of building that pivotal professional network. Not only will you be able to meet and connect with your professors who have been involved in the industry for decades, but you also can network with your classmates who may have their own opportunities and experiences to share. Ultimately, this web of professionals will become the foundation for your career, so it's important to craft it carefully during your degree program.
Continuous Learning
There are endless continuous learning opportunities that will extend beyond your degree program. The software development field is never stagnant— in fact, new advancements and innovative technology are almost constantly changing the game. For those who are passionate about the field and always thinking of ways to improve the applications they are working on, software development is the perfect choice. Whether you are learning about an up-and-coming industry trend or trying to accommodate a recent algorithm update, you will find yourself constantly discovering new aspects of the software development industry. Professional development and continuous learning are an integral part of the job.
Flexibility
One of the facets of the field that software developers love the most is that it is incredibly flexible. You could pursue a job that would allow you to work independently, or one that features a team-based environment. In many cases, you also will be able to customize your hours, allowing you to achieve a sense of work-life balance that is difficult to find in other, more rigid fields. Of course, another thing to consider is that remote work is a very real possibility. While many other industries are working to get back into the office, the software development field offers many opportunities to work remotely.
So, Is a Software Development Degree Really Worth It?
A software development degree is more than just an investment in your career — it's a commitment to ongoing personal growth. When you complete your degree in software development, you will feel ready to take on new challenges and become a pioneering force in the technology industry.
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