Wook-Sung Yoo, Ph.D. Software Engineering Program Fairfield University

Agenda What is Software? What is Software Engineering? Why Software Engineering matters? Difference between SE, CS, and CE? Current SE curriculum SE Jobs and Job market

What is Software? Software, a brain of the system, is central to nearly everything we do: finance, medical care, public transportation, engineering, etc. Human endeavors are impacted not just by explicit use of software but also by embedded software systems. Organizations of all sizes and types create software, often in hidden ways. Virtually every large company and organization develops software systems to help run their business. Many products, such as cell phones, that are not strictly software products contain significant software components.

What is Software Engineering? Software engineering is the application of a systematic, disciplined, quantifiable approach to the development, operation, and maintenance of software.

Why Software Engineering matters? Software engineering matters because software matters. Software controls significant portions of many human activities, and this centrality will grow. Yet we currently do a bad job of doing it. Any gain in the efficiency, predictability or quality with which we create software will have far-reaching effects on our lives. Given the growing role of software, both explicit and embedded, in our world, it is hard to think of a more worthy field of inquiry.

SE at FU and Degree Offered SE is a relatively young: 50+ programs in US (v.s. EE: 300+ programs in US) 10+ programs ABET accredited Degree offered: B.S (ABET Accredited) – 132 credits 5-Year Dual Degree – 156 credits MS – 36 credits Graduate Certificates – 12 credits

What’s the Difference Between SE and CE? Both study the use of the digital computer as a tool and study hardware as well as software aspects of computer systems including programming and basic computer operation. The difference is “focus” CE focuses on development and hardware of computers. Therefore, courses in digital logic design and processor interfacing based on knowledge of electronics and circuits are included in CE programs. Software Engineering focus on the software (intelligence) of computers.

What’s the Difference Between SE and CS? Computer Science Mainly deals with the theory (science) behind computing. Programming, algorithms, etc Little business orientation, Focus on Theory. SE = Computer Science + Engineering Principles Software Engineering covers pretty much all of the Computer Science units with added subjects for software engineering principles, project management, and group work to solve practical problems. Focus on application.

B.S. Curriculum in Software Engineering (132) Core Required (48) Humanity, Literature, Social Science, etc Calculus I, II, III Discrete Math, Statistics Physics I & II Math elective Math & Science (29) Engineering (19) Fundamental Engineering Digital Design I & II Senior Design I & II Computer Networks CS & SE (36) Java I, II, Data Structure Software Design I & II DB, Web Development Operating Systems Four electives in domain

Build Your Expertise in Specific Domain Programming Languages…lead programmer Database Architecture…database administrator Network Technology…system/network admin Web Architecture…web master/designer Computer Graphics/Image Process IT Management…IT manager/project manager Other EE/CE hardware related domain

Significant Points in Job Prospective Software Engineers are one of the occupations projected to grow the fastest and add the most new jobs over the 2006-16 decade. …U.S. Department of Labor… MONEY Magazine and Salary.com researched hundreds of jobs, considering their growth, pay, stress-levels and other factors. Software Engineer is ranked 1st. …Money Magazine in 2006…

Money Magazine Software engineer College professor Financial adviser HR manager Physician assistant Market research Computer IT analyst Real Estate appraiser Pharmacist Psychologist

QUESTION?