Software Engineers For Applications: Schools and Careers

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About Software Engineers For Applications

Application software engineers design, construct, modify and maintain computer applications software and specialized utility programs. They also create systems software and packaged systems and develop customized applications. Application software engineers examine the needs of the user and design software for the user with the goal of optimizing operational efficiency. They create the software that people use for their personal lives and at work.

Application software engineers utilize numerous programming languages to accomplish their tasks. The programming languages typically used are Java, C and C++. COBOL and Fortran are used less often.

They utilize various types of software including object or component oriented development software and varieties such as web platform development, database management system and program testing software.

Application software engineers should be knowledgeable with engineering, computers, technology, electronics, design techniques and telecommunication systems. A solid foundation in algebra, arithmetic, statistics, calculus, geometry and their applications is very useful. Being proficient with the English language is also helpful.

Those in the profession need good complex problem solving and troubleshooting skills and the ability to think logically. A talent for effectively analyzing the cost and benefits of specific actions is advantageous.

Application Software Engineer Responsibilities

Design, develop and modify software systems
Recommend and prepare computer specifications and layouts
Consult with engineers, programmers and systems analysts to design the system
Confer with co-workers regarding the performance requirements, interfaces and the capabilities and limitations of the system
Analyze needs and product requirements in order to produce a design
Make existing software compatible with new hardware
Perform systems analysis
Modify existing software to improve its performance or to correct errors
Coordinate the installation of software systems
Discuss software system design and maintenance with clients
Create and manage software systems validation and testing procedures

They typically work in comfortable offices or in computer laboratories. They spend a lot of time working with computers. Some application software engineers may be required to travel for meetings with clients. Some employers allow work to be done from home. The typical work week includes at least 40 hours. Sometimes evening and weekend work is required to solve technical problems or to meet deadlines.

They must be up-to-date with new technologies and the latest knowledge on the subject. Being proficient at analyzing information and evaluating results is very beneficial. Attention to detail, analytical thinking and being innovative are important aspects of the position. In addition, they often consult with co-workers face-to-face and by email and telephone.

Employment Outlook

Those with the appropriate education and experience have the best opportunities for advancement. Many employers prefer workers who have certifications and experience with particular programming languages and methodologies. College graduates without experience have opportunities for employment with large computer and consulting firms that provide additional training. In addition, in order to stay competitive in the field, an application software engineer needs to learn the newest technical skills utilized in the profession.

The median wage in 2007 was $83,130 and $39.97 per hour. The average salary for undergraduates entering the occupation in 2007 was $56,201. In 2006, there were an estimated 507,000 positions. The estimated growth rate from 2006 to 2016 is 21 percent which is significantly higher than the average for all occupations.

Software Engineering Degrees, Certification, and Licensing

Typically, application software engineers have a bachelor's degree in computer science or software engineering. Some have bachelor's degrees in electrical engineering or a similar technical field. Some employers hire people with graduate degrees for complicated jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2006 about 80% of employed application software engineers held at least a bachelor's degree. Students seeking a career as an application software engineer can improve their employment opportunities by participating in an internship.

Resources for Application Software Engineers

Major Employers of Application Software Engineers

The primary employers include software publishers, computer systems design and related services, insurance carriers, manufacturing companies and computer game design companies. Management, scientific and technical consulting services firms are also major employers.

Schools for Software Engineers For Applications are listed in the column to the left.

The Top Cities tab shows employment statistics for Software Engineers For Applications by major metro area.

The Top Industries tab shows which industries have the most jobs for Software Engineers For Applications, along with salary data by industry.

The Find Schools tab lets you search for schools by field of study, degree level, and location.

Metro Area	Jobs	Salary (2008)	Relative Popularity
ALABAMA
Huntsville	1,290	$86,880	1.5
Mobile	270	$64,480	0.4
Birmingham	720	$71,610	0.3
Montgomery	200	$80,430	0.3
Florence	40	$44,330	0.2
Decatur	40	$56,640	0.2
ALASKA
Fairbanks	40	$48,260	0.3
Anchorage	190	$81,040	0.3
ARIZONA
Phoenix	6,150	$73,790	0.8
Tucson	1,160	$86,360	0.8
Flagstaff	70	$83,160	0.3
Prescott	40	$83,120	0.2
ARKANSAS
Little Rock	900	$68,150	0.6
Fayetteville	340	$67,590	0.4
Jonesboro	70	$49,930	0.4
Hot Springs	50	$54,550	0.4
Fort Smith	120	$60,650	0.3
CALIFORNIA
San Jose	17,990	$108,170	4.6
San Francisco	10,830	$102,140	2.6
Oakland	7,530	$102,360	1.7
Oxnard	1,690	$85,220	1.4
San Diego	6,220	$86,560	1.1
Santa Ana	6,850	$102,300	1.1
Sacramento	3,410	$81,950	0.9
Santa Barbara	600	$86,650	0.9
Santa Rosa	620	$97,350	0.8
Santa Cruz	260	$80,710	0.8
Bakersfield	550	$92,480	0.5
Vallejo	230	$81,440	0.5
Salinas	230	$123,180	0.4
Redding	80	$44,960	0.3
Fresno	340	$80,010	0.2
Riverside	1,270	$79,800	0.2
Modesto	140	$94,980	0.2
Chico	50	$92,010	0.2
Stockton	150	$80,990	0.2
Napa	40	$96,570	0.2
Visalia	80	$86,360	0.1
COLORADO
Boulder	2,790	$98,500	4.3
Denver	10,680	$90,960	2
Colorado Springs	1,650	$89,830	1.6
Fort Collins	400	$87,170	0.8
Greeley	120	$82,630	0.4
Grand Junction	60	$96,430	0.3
CONNECTICUT
Hartford	4,120	$83,440	1.7
Norwich	690	$94,530	1.4
Bridgeport	2,380	$95,500	1.3
Danbury	280	$84,870	1
New Haven	690	$83,250	0.6
Waterbury	110	$84,960	0.4
DELAWARE
Wilmington	1,280	$89,670	0.9
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Washington	26,650	$94,850	2.7
FLORIDA
Palm Bay	1,620	$87,620	2
Fort Walton Beach	300	$75,370	1
Tampa	4,730	$79,950	0.9
Jacksonville	1,920	$86,310	0.8
Fort Lauderdale	2,310	$77,290	0.7
Orlando	3,220	$74,750	0.7
Tallahassee	390	$95,370	0.6
West Palm Beach	980	$85,720	0.4
Gainesville	160	$88,690	0.4
Miami	1,370	$68,750	0.3
Sarasota	300	$67,430	0.3
Cape Coral	230	$89,410	0.3
Pensacola	160	$63,560	0.3
Naples	120	$82,970	0.3
Deltona	150	$63,390	0.2
Lakeland	170	$71,490	0.2
Panama City	50	$54,900	0.2
Ocala	60	$95,950	0.2
GEORGIA
Warner Robins	190	$76,360	1
Atlanta	10,070	$93,160	1
Columbus	390	$77,980	0.9
Dalton	170	$100,700	0.6
Augusta	250	$69,010	0.3
Athens	80		0.3
Macon	60	$54,040	0.2
HAWAII
Honolulu	670	$73,580	0.4
IDAHO
Coeur d'Alene	100	$84,450	0.5
ILLINOIS
Chicago	14,140	$88,330	0.9
Champaign	180	$74,520	0.5
Peoria	130	$78,620	0.2
INDIANA
Columbus	290	$70,180	1.9
Fort Wayne	830	$83,210	1
Muncie	130	$59,350	0.8
Indianapolis	2,830	$73,210	0.7
South Bend	340	$65,290	0.6
Evansville	390	$46,870	0.6
Bloomington	120	$75,110	0.5
Michigan City	70	$64,450	0.5
Lafayette	100	$61,030	0.3
Gary	240	$74,140	0.2
Elkhart	30	$59,600	0.1
IOWA
Cedar Rapids	1,630	$74,530	3
Iowa City	450	$64,480	1.6
Des Moines	1,280	$76,590	0.9
Sioux City	110	$85,730	0.4
Davenport	180	$74,920	0.2
Dubuque	40	$61,640	0.2
Waterloo	60	$50,440	0.2
KANSAS
Topeka	230	$78,190	0.5
Wichita	620	$59,780	0.5
KENTUCKY
Louisville	2,350	$69,530	0.9
Lexington	820	$80,420	0.8
Bowling Green	50	$56,550	0.2
LOUISIANA
Monroe	180	$52,600	0.6
Baton Rouge	390	$68,280	0.3
New Orleans	440	$80,830	0.2
Lafayette	80	$53,180	0.1
Shreveport	30	$63,960
MAINE
Portland	660	$64,210	0.8
Bangor	60	$63,530	0.2
Lewiston	30	$63,240	0.2
MARYLAND
Bethesda	4,400	$99,100	1.8
Baltimore	4,860	$94,870	0.9
Hagerstown	140	$75,240	0.4
MASSACHUSETTS
Lowell	2,150	$105,840	4.5
Framingham	2,290	$103,470	3.5
Boston	16,370	$100,240	2.2
Lawrence	190	$93,240	0.9
Worcester	840	$85,480	0.8
Haverhill	240	$104,760	0.8
Springfield	880	$78,040	0.7
Pittsfield	80	$75,160	0.7
Leominster	50	$84,650	0.3
New Bedford	40	$76,290	0.2
Barnstable	60	$125,650	0.2
Brockton	30	$63,640	0.1
MICHIGAN
Ann Arbor	580	$76,040	0.9
Detroit	2,570	$88,420	0.9
Warren	3,850	$80,560	0.8
Jackson	110	$72,480	0.6
Lansing	390	$63,930	0.5
Bay City	50	$63,130	0.4
Kalamazoo	190	$72,300	0.3
Grand Rapids	460	$68,340	0.3
Saginaw	60	$75,300	0.2
Flint	40	$69,590	0.1
MINNESOTA
Rochester	880	$85,620	2.4
Minneapolis	13,410	$88,260	1.8
St. Cloud	230	$67,950	0.6
Duluth	200	$69,320	0.4
MISSISSIPPI
Jackson	640	$63,600	0.6
Gulfport	180	$61,240	0.4
Pascagoula	70	$53,220	0.4
Hattiesburg	50	$71,550	0.2
MISSOURI
Jefferson City	490	$63,050	1.9
St. Louis	5,880	$82,020	1
Kansas City	3,510	$75,650	0.8
Springfield	580	$52,350	0.7
Columbia	40	$57,230	0.1
NEBRASKA
Omaha	2,990	$78,810	1.5
Lincoln	930	$60,550	1.4
NEVADA
Reno	300	$77,240	0.4
Las Vegas	890	$77,230	0.2
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Nashua	2,410	$91,130	4.3
Portsmouth	630	$88,530	3
Manchester	810	$83,740	2
Rochester	130	$77,260	0.6
NEW JERSEY
Trenton	2,900	$91,130	3.3
Edison	10,270	$89,930	2.3
Newark	5,050	$90,360	1.2
Camden	2,120	$80,970	1
Atlantic City	430	$73,930	0.7
Vineland	40	$81,690	0.2
NEW MEXICO
Las Cruces	180	$74,890	0.8
Albuquerque	960	$80,910	0.6
NEW YORK
Ithaca	340	$74,430	2.2
New York	26,410	$95,570	1.2
Rochester	2,190	$84,670	1
Binghamton	410	$84,150	1
Albany	1,560	$74,500	0.8
Buffalo	1,260	$72,140	0.6
Utica	270	$75,940	0.5
Syracuse	680	$82,240	0.5
Poughkeepsie	490	$96,120	0.5
Nassau	2,130	$93,590	0.4
NORTH CAROLINA
Durham	3,140	$94,160	2.8
Raleigh	4,390	$85,760	2
Burlington	230	$71,310	1
Charlotte	2,640	$91,380	0.7
Winston-Salem	520	$96,540	0.6
Greensboro	740	$85,890	0.5
Wilmington	210		0.4
Asheville	160	$54,520	0.2
Rocky Mount	40	$84,460	0.2
Hickory	90	$67,310	0.1
NORTH DAKOTA
Bismarck	210	$52,710	1
Fargo	380	$66,970	0.8
OHIO
Columbus	7,000	$81,320	1.8
Dayton	2,320	$78,230	1.4
Cleveland	4,610	$78,430	1
Cincinnati	4,320	$79,400	1
Akron	1,020	$78,740	0.7
Canton	250	$77,760	0.4
Sandusky	40	$55,860	0.3
Mansfield	50	$90,490	0.3
Toledo	320	$68,720	0.2
Springfield	40	$82,230	0.2
Lima	30	$61,220	0.2
OKLAHOMA
Tulsa	950	$67,980	0.5
Oklahoma City	1,160	$67,040	0.5
OREGON
Portland	7,290	$90,470	1.7
Corvallis	140	$82,440	1.3
Bend	130	$77,410	0.5
Medford	130	$65,340	0.4
Salem	90	$66,580	0.1
PENNSYLVANIA
Harrisburg	1,920	$72,350	1.5
State College	240	$83,890	1.1
Philadelphia	5,850	$91,550	0.7
Pittsburgh	3,240	$79,250	0.7
Allentown	450	$87,690	0.3
Lancaster	260	$75,500	0.3
Erie	120	$73,820	0.2
Altoona	50	$74,910	0.2
Scranton	230	$69,890	0.2
Williamsport	40	$63,430	0.2
Reading	90	$87,670	0.1
York	80	$57,380	0.1
RHODE ISLAND
Providence	1,080	$85,710	0.5
SOUTH CAROLINA
Greenville	580	$75,060	0.5
Columbia	510	$74,690	0.3
Charleston	310	$73,060	0.3
Spartanburg	110	$65,550	0.2
Florence	40	$71,870	0.1
SOUTH DAKOTA
Sioux Falls	370	$68,560	0.7
Rapid City	100	$75,010	0.4
TENNESSEE
Knoxville	510	$71,320	0.4
Johnson City	60		0.2
Clarksville	60	$62,060	0.2
Kingsport	80	$55,610	0.2
Memphis	450	$72,440	0.2
Chattanooga	120	$69,180	0.1
TEXAS
Austin	6,660	$93,240	2.1
Dallas	12,550	$91,800	1.4
Houston	8,490	$89,270	0.8
San Antonio	2,690	$74,530	0.8
Fort Worth	1,620	$87,660	0.4
College Station	120	$83,710	0.4
Midland	70	$91,920	0.3
Killeen	120	$89,200	0.3
Waco	70	$73,010	0.2
Amarillo	70	$75,890	0.2
Lubbock	80	$79,260	0.2
Corpus Christi	60	$73,510	0.1
El Paso	70	$71,510	0.1
UTAH
Provo	1,190	$81,340	1.8
Salt Lake City	2,890	$78,210	1.1
Logan	80	$52,720	0.5
Ogden	310	$72,870	0.4
VERMONT
Burlington	490	$80,020	1.1
VIRGINIA
Charlottesville	660	$79,030	1.8
Richmond	3,790	$88,520	1.5
Blacksburg	290	$55,320	1.3
Virginia Beach	3,150	$77,690	1
Harrisonburg	110	$86,260	0.6
Lynchburg	170	$82,140	0.4
Roanoke	270	$72,220	0.4
Winchester	50	$83,350	0.3
WASHINGTON
Olympia	2,520	$72,290	6.9
Seattle	21,250	$93,510	3.5
Spokane	490	$69,490	0.6
Bremerton	160	$84,710	0.5
Kennewick	160	$89,680	0.5
Bellingham	140	$72,610	0.5
Tacoma	390	$75,320	0.4
WEST VIRGINIA
Weirton	50	$67,280	0.3
Morgantown	50	$72,330	0.3
Wheeling	60	$64,060	0.3
Charleston	110	$71,880	0.2
WISCONSIN
Madison	2,130	$78,330	1.5
Milwaukee	4,320	$74,100	1.2
Wausau	250	$70,220	1
Green Bay	630	$71,430	0.9
Racine	190	$74,770	0.6
Appleton	270	$68,660	0.6
Eau Claire	170	$66,830	0.6
La Crosse	140	$70,300	0.5
Oshkosh	160	$67,590	0.5
Sheboygan	80	$66,860	0.4
WYOMING
Cheyenne	120	$57,880	0.8

Industry	Jobs	Percent	Salary (2008)
Professional And Technical Services	216,530	44%	$85,320
Traditional Publishing	41,950	8%	$87,280
Electronics And Computer	31,560	6%	$92,970
Business Management	27,370	5%	$85,990
Insurance	21,940	4%	$80,510
Durable Goods Wholesale	19,610	4%	$91,470
Securities And Investment	14,120	2%	$94,410
Government	13,100	2%	$72,370
Internet Service Provider	12,450	2%	$81,150
Banking And Credit	11,890	2%	$89,890
Office Services And Staffing	10,410	2%	$83,950
Telecommunications	9,740	2%	$89,480
Education	9,660	2%	$70,340
Machinery	5,340	1%	$79,970

Employment For:
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Selected Schools for Software Engineers For Applications (including any online schools)

These schools offer particularly quick info upon request, and we have written detailed profiles for each (click school names to see the profiles).

Request info from multiple schools, by clicking the Get Info links.

School	Locations	Degrees	Quick Info
AIU Online	Online	Bachelor	Get Info
American InterContinental University	GA	Bachelor	Get Info
American Sentinel University	Online	Bachelor, Master	Get Info
Baker College Online	Online	Associate, Bachelor	Get Info
Briarcliffe College	NY	Diploma	Get Info
Brown Mackie College	KY	Diploma	Get Info
CDM Institute	NJ, PA	Certificate	Get Info
CHI Institute	PA	Diploma	Get Info
California College San Diego	CA	Bachelor	Get Info
Capella University	Online	Bachelor	Get Info
CollegeAmerica	AZ, CO, WY	Bachelor	Get Info
Colorado Technical University	CO, SD	Bachelor, Doctorate, Master	Get Info
Colorado Technical University Online	Online	Bachelor, Doctorate, Master	Get Info
DeVry University	MN, TX	Bachelor	Get Info
DeVry University Online	Online	Bachelor	Get Info
ECPI Online	Online	Associate	Get Info
Everest College	CO, MO, OR, UT	Associate, Bachelor	Get Info
Everest Institute	MI, NY	Diploma	Get Info
Grantham University	Online	Associate, Bachelor	Get Info
Heald College	CA, HI	Associate	Get Info
Herzing College	MB, ON, QC	Associate, Bachelor	Get Info
Herzing University	AL, FL, GA, LA, WI	Associate, Bachelor	Get Info
Herzing University Online	Online	Associate, Bachelor	Get Info
Kaplan College	CO	Diploma	Get Info
McCann School of Business & Technology	PA	Associate	Get Info
Missouri Tech	MO	Associate, Bachelor
Morrison University	NV	Associate	Get Info
New England Institute of Technology	RI	Associate, Bachelor	Get Info
NewSchool of Architecture & Design	CA	Associate	Get Info
Rasmussen College	FL, IL, MN, ND, WI	Bachelor	Get Info
Stevens Henager College	ID, UT	Bachelor, Certificate	Get Info
Strayer University	AL, DC, DE, FL, GA, KY, MD, NC, NJ, OH, PA, SC, TN, UT, VA, WV	Graduate Certificate, Master	Get Info
Strayer University Online	Online	Executive Graduate Certificate, Master	Get Info
TUI University	Online	Bachelor	Get Info
TechSkills	AZ, CA, CO, FL, IN, KS, MN, MO, NC, NV, OH, OK, TN, TX, UT, WI	Certificate	Get Info
The Career Institute of American International College	MA	Certificate	Get Info
The University of Liverpool	Online	Master	Get Info
University of Phoenix	AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NC, NE, NJ, NM, NV, OH, OK, OR, PA, PR, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, WY	Bachelor	Get Info
University of Phoenix Online	Online	Bachelor	Get Info
Vatterott College	IA, IL, KS, MO, NE, OH, OK, TN	Diploma	Get Info
Walden University	Online	Master	Get Info
Westwood College	CA, CO, IL	Bachelor	Get Info
Wood Tobé Coburn School	NY	Diploma	Get Info

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Software Engineers For Applications

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Software Engineers For Applications