The IEEE Computer Society defines software engineering as "the application of systematic, disciplined, quantifiable approaches to the development, operation and maintenance of software systems" - in other words, the application of engineering principles to software systems. Software is essential to mission critical information technology systems such as communications, e-commerce, banking, manufacturing, medical, pharmaceutical and transportation systems. As a consequence of the growth in information technology, there is a large demand for qualified software engineers.

The software engineering major at Butler prepares professionals to meet these challenges. Butler software engineering graduates have strong foundations in mathematics, the sciences, engineering principles, computer sciences, liberal arts and ethics. Students learn state-of-the-art techniques and tools for software design, requirements engineering, team dynamics and project management. These fundamental principles are further reinforced through a unique team-oriented industrial internship program. Graduates entering the workforce can apply well-defined methods, tools and principles to ensuring the correctness, reliability, performance, maintainability and usability of complex software systems.

The option of software engineering with a second major (or minor) in a complementary field such as mathematics, business, a science, finance, medicine, economics, telecommunications, music, the arts, etc. is very valuable. Also, students may designate software engineering as their major and enroll in the Butler University/IUPUI dual-degree engineering program.

Internships, undergraduate research, and independent study help students to prepare for their professional careers. Career opportunities abound and might include the development of software systems for a diverse range of computer applications such as: operating systems, databases, networks, telecommunications, internet and world wide web support, user-interfaces,financial, medical, scientific computing, and embedded systems.

computer science major overview