The demand for flexible, career-focused education in software engineering continues to grow. As the tech sector expands and diversifies, more working professionals and adult learners are seeking online degrees that can help them advance or pivot into software-focused careers without stepping away from their current responsibilities.
One important consideration when researching accredited software engineering programs is whether a program holds ABET accreditation. In traditional engineering disciplines, ABET accreditation is often considered a hallmark of academic quality and industry alignment. However, when it comes to software engineering, the situation is more nuanced—and the number of fully online, ABET-accredited programs remains extremely limited as of 2025-2026.
In this article, we’ll highlight these accredited options while also presenting several reputable non-accredited alternatives. We’ll provide guidance on how to evaluate your choices thoughtfully, depending on your career goals, employer expectations, and educational priorities.
What Is ABET Accreditation, and Why Does It Matter?
When exploring accredited software engineering programs, it’s important to understand what ABET accreditation actually signifies. ABET, which stands for the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, is a nonprofit organization that accredits college and university programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology.
An ABET-accredited program meets defined standards for curriculum quality, faculty qualifications, student outcomes, and continuous program improvement. In fields like civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering, ABET accreditation is often essential—particularly for graduates who plan to pursue licensure as Professional Engineers (PEs).
In software engineering, however, the role of ABET accreditation is somewhat different. Because software engineers are typically not required to become licensed in the same way civil or mechanical engineers are, industry hiring practices often focus more heavily on a candidate’s skills, experience, and portfolio rather than on accreditation alone. That said, graduating from an ABET-accredited software engineering program can still offer distinct benefits:
- It signals that your education meets rigorous industry-aligned standards.
- It may enhance your competitiveness for certain employers, particularly in defense, aerospace, or government-related sectors.
- It can provide a stronger foundation if you plan to pursue graduate study in technical fields.
Choosing an ABET-accredited program can offer additional assurance about the consistency and depth of your education, but it is not the only pathway to success in the software engineering profession. The best program for you will ultimately depend on your individual career goals, learning preferences, and professional aspirations.
Note: Software engineering is just one of many specialized branches within the broader field of engineering. Students considering this path might also explore other types of engineering degrees, including other online ABET-accredited engineering degree programs, depending on their technical interests and long-term career goals.
Why Are ABET-Accredited Online Software Engineering Programs So Rare?
While online education has expanded dramatically across many disciplines, fully online accredited software engineering programs remain relatively rare. Several factors help explain why:
Software Engineering Is a Newer Academic Field
Compared to traditional engineering disciplines like civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering, software engineering is a relatively young academic specialty. Many universities only began offering formal bachelor’s degrees in software engineering within the past two to three decades. As a result, the number of programs — both in-person and online — is still growing.
Because ABET accreditation requires programs to demonstrate a history of student achievement, curriculum strength, and continuous improvement, newer programs often take time to qualify. Expanding into online delivery adds an additional layer of complexity to that process.
Licensure Is Not a Requirement for Software Engineers
In most traditional engineering fields, obtaining a Professional Engineer (PE) license is a career-critical milestone. ABET accreditation is typically a prerequisite for licensure eligibility. In contrast, software engineers generally do not need a PE license to work in the tech industry.
Since licensure is not an industry standard for software roles, many employers focus more on a candidate’s skills, experience, and project portfolio than on whether their degree is ABET-accredited. This difference has historically reduced pressure on universities to seek ABET accreditation for software engineering programs—especially for online formats.
Online Accreditation Adds Additional Challenges
ABET accreditation evaluates not just the curriculum, but also how programs deliver education, assess learning, support students, and foster community. Meeting these standards in a fully online environment requires:
- Robust course design and interaction.
- Virtual access to project-based experiences and team collaboration.
- Strong academic support and faculty oversight.
Some institutions prioritize ensuring these elements for on-campus students first before expanding them effectively into the online space. As a result, the number of accredited online programs grows more cautiously compared to other fields.
ABET-Accredited Online Software Engineering Programs (2025–2026)
While fully online accredited software engineering programs remain rare, there are options for students seeking the assurance of ABET-accredited quality combined with the flexibility of distance learning. The following universities offer fully online programs in software engineering that are accredited by ABET as of the 2025:
Arizona State University
Online Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering
- Format: Online
- Accreditation: ABET
- Length: 41 classes, each lasting 7.5 to 15 weeks
- Total Credit Hours: 120
- Diploma: Does not indicate online format
Program Highlights
Arizona State University’s online Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering offers a project-driven curriculum designed to develop skills in coding, software architecture, and system optimization. Coursework includes programming fundamentals, database management, computer systems, cybersecurity, physics, and calculus for engineers. Group projects are a central component, giving students real-world, collaborative experience. The program concludes with a two-semester capstone project, providing practical application of skills. As the first online software engineering program accredited by ABET, it ensures graduates are well-prepared for a variety of in-demand careers in software development, systems administration, and beyond.
Penn State University (Penn State World Campus)
Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering
- Format: 100% online
- Accreditation: ABET
- Length: 126 credits
- Cost: $632–$678 per credit (2025)
Program Highlights
Penn State World Campus offers a fully online Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering designed for students interested in coding, computer programming, mathematics, and the physical sciences. The program emphasizes project-based learning, culminating in a senior-year industry-sponsored design project. Coursework spans discrete mathematics, probability, statistics, and key areas in computer science, preparing students to create, maintain, and enhance software systems across industries such as aerospace, medical, and communications. The ABET accreditation ensures that the curriculum meets rigorous standards to prepare students for technical careers in software development and systems design.
Online Software Engineering Programs That Are Not ABET-Accredited
While ABET accreditation is a meaningful marker of quality in engineering education, it is not the only factor that matters when selecting a software engineering program. In fact, many well-respected, regionally accredited universities offer online software engineering degrees that are not ABET-accredited. These programs can still provide strong academic preparation, particularly for students aiming to enter or advance in the tech industry, where real-world skills and project experience often weigh more heavily than formal accreditation.
It’s also worth noting that fully online software engineering programs are more common at the master’s level, where many universities offer advanced degrees in software development, engineering, or related technical fields. However, because this article focuses specifically on ABET-accredited online software engineering degrees—which are currently limited to the bachelor’s level—we’ve also limited the non-ABET-accredited examples below to undergraduate programs to provide an appropriate and consistent comparison.
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
Online Software Engineering Degree
- Format: Online
- Accreditation: SNHU is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Length: 40 courses
- Total Credit Hours: 120
- Cost: $330 per credit (2025)
- Term Length: 8 weeks
Program Highlights
Southern New Hampshire University offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a concentration in Software Engineering, delivered entirely online. This program emphasizes key areas such as UI/UX design, secure coding, reverse engineering, and emerging systems architecture. Students work through an industry-relevant curriculum while building a portfolio of software development projects. The flexible format features eight-week terms and 24/7 online support, allowing students to progress at their own pace while developing skills in full-stack development, mobile architecture, and software security.
University of Arizona
Software Engineering
- Format: Online
- Accreditation: UA is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Length: 120 credits
- Cost: $525 per credit (2025)
Program Highlights
The University of Arizona Online offers a Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering designed to meet the needs of commercial, industrial, and federal sectors. The curriculum integrates core principles from systems, electrical, and computer engineering with software development best practices, including Agile methodologies, continuous integration, and Software DevOps. Students build a strong foundation in calculus, physics, and discrete math while developing essential skills in coding, software architecture, project management, and quality assurance. Graduates are prepared for diverse career paths such as cloud computing, system security engineering, and applications development.
Western Governors University
Online Software Engineering Degree Bachelor of Science
- Format: Online
- Accreditation: WGU is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Length: 36 or 38 courses, depending on the selected track
- Cost: $4,085 per six-month term (2025)
- Pace: Students complete coursework at their own pace; 60% of graduates finish in 35 months
Program Highlights
Western Governors University’s online Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering is designed for flexibility, offering a choice between Java or C# programming tracks. The curriculum covers scripting, programming, mobile app development, software quality assurance, user experience design, and more. Students complete a capstone project and earn multiple industry-recognized certifications (including AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, CompTIA Project+, and ITIL® Foundation Certification) as part of the program. WGU’s flat-rate tuition model allows students to complete courses at their own speed, potentially reducing overall costs by finishing faster.
Should You Choose an ABET-Accredited Program for Software Engineering?
Choosing among accredited software engineering programs can feel overwhelming, especially when weighing the value of ABET accreditation against other factors like flexibility, cost, and career goals. While ABET accreditation can signal a strong academic foundation, it is not the only measure of a program’s quality — particularly in the field of software engineering.
Pros of Choosing an ABET-Accredited Program
- Curriculum assurance: ABET-accredited programs meet established standards for technical depth, breadth, and rigor.
- Industry recognition: Some employers — particularly in government, defense, or aerospace sectors — may prefer candidates from accredited programs.
- Foundation for future study: If you plan to pursue a graduate degree in engineering, attending an ABET-accredited undergraduate program may strengthen your academic credentials.
- Professional certification paths: Although rare in software engineering, some specialized certifications or roles may value or require an ABET-accredited degree.
Situations Where Non-Accredited Programs Are Perfectly Acceptable
- Most software industry jobs: Many employers focus more on practical skills, coding ability, project portfolios, and internships than on whether a degree is ABET-accredited.
- Career flexibility: In fields like app development, web services, and cloud computing — particularly at start-ups or in fast-paced tech companies — employers often prioritize practical skills, coding portfolios, and project experience over the formal accreditation status of your degree. In these cases, a strong regionally accredited program without ABET accreditation can still prepare you effectively for success.
- Faster or more flexible options: Non-ABET programs sometimes offer more flexible schedules, competency-based learning, or credit for prior experience—valuable benefits for working adults.
Practical Advice: Align Your Choice with Your Career Goals
When choosing between accredited software engineering programs, ask yourself:
- What kind of employers am I targeting? (Large government contractors might prioritize accreditation more than tech startups.)
- Is future graduate study part of my plan? (Some graduate engineering programs may prefer an ABET-accredited undergraduate degree.)
- Do I need maximum flexibility and affordability right now? (A reputable, regionally accredited program without ABET accreditation could be a better fit.)
Ultimately, accreditation is one important piece of a larger puzzle. Look for programs that combine strong faculty, supportive services, relevant curriculum, and good career outcomes — whether or not they carry ABET accreditation. Exploring different types of engineering careers can help you better understand how a software engineering background might position you in the broader job market.
FAQ
What is ABET and why is it important for engineering degrees?
ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) is a nonprofit organization that accredits college and university programs in engineering, computing, and related fields. Accreditation by ABET ensures that a program meets established standards for curriculum quality, faculty expertise, and educational outcomes. For traditional engineering fields—such as civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering—ABET accreditation is often essential, particularly for graduates who plan to pursue professional licensure. It signals that the education provided aligns closely with industry expectations.
Is ABET accreditation necessary for software engineering careers?
Not necessarily. In software engineering, most employers do not require a degree from an ABET-accredited program. Instead, hiring managers tend to prioritize skills, coding experience, project portfolios, internships, and relevant certifications. However, having a degree from an ABET-accredited program can still be advantageous, especially when applying for roles with government contractors, defense industries, or highly structured corporate environments where formal educational standards are emphasized.
How does software engineering differ from traditional engineering fields?
Unlike traditional engineering disciplines, software engineering typically does not involve licensure requirements such as the Professional Engineer (PE) license. The field is focused on the systematic design, development, testing, and maintenance of software systems. While it applies engineering principles like process control, quality assurance, and systems thinking, the hiring practices and professional standards in software engineering are more flexible and skill-driven than in many other branches of engineering.
Can I land a good job without an ABET-accredited degree?
Yes. Many successful software engineers hold degrees from regionally accredited programs that are not ABET-accredited. Whether you attend an ABET-accredited program or not, building strong technical skills, gaining project experience, and developing a portfolio are key steps toward a successful career as a software engineer. What matters most to many employers is your demonstrated ability to code, solve problems, and work collaboratively on real-world software projects. Building a strong technical portfolio, gaining internship experience, and mastering in-demand programming languages can have a greater impact on your career prospects than accreditation status alone.
Explore Your Options Thoughtfully
Choosing among accredited software engineering programs is an important step toward building a successful career in technology — but accreditation is just one part of the bigger picture. Choosing the right software engineering bachelor’s degree program — whether ABET-accredited or not — is an important decision that should reflect both your educational priorities and your career aspirations. It’s essential to evaluate the full range of factors that will shape your educational experience and career readiness.
Look closely at each program’s:
- Curriculum depth and relevance to your career goals
- Faculty expertise and industry connections
- Student support services, such as tutoring, career advising, and internship placement
- Flexibility and learning format, particularly if you are balancing work, family, and school
An ABET-accredited degree can offer additional assurance of educational rigor, but many non-ABET-accredited programs are equally committed to preparing students for real-world success. Your best choice will be the program that aligns not only with industry standards, but also with your individual aspirations, strengths, and learning needs.
By researching thoughtfully and understanding the role accreditation plays, you can move forward with confidence toward a rewarding future in software engineering.