What can you do with a Software Engineering degree from Western Governors University?

First, some facts. Of the Software Engineering graduates from Western Governors University we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:


These are estimates based on AI analysis of 10 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 60%, Software Engineering graduates from Western Governors University have a lower likelihood (-7%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 60%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, only 20% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Software Engineering graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.

See the details:

View a random Software Engineering graduate from Western Governors University and our analysis:


Relevance score: 100%

We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2023 from Western Governors University with a Bachelor of Applied Science - BASc, in Software Engineering. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Mac Security Engineer
Ally
Apr 2023 - Present
The role of Mac Security Engineer at Ally requires specific skills and knowledge in software engineering, particularly in the domain of security frameworks and protocols, which are core elements of the Bachelor's in Software Engineering.

ABOUT

Goal-driven Technical Support Engineer with proven customer service, time management andmultitasking abilities. Detail-oriented and attentive to customer needs ready to break down technicalproblems to develop effective and innovate solutions to diverse issues.

What jobs can you get with a Software Engineering degree from Western Governors University?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


Based on the analysis, the graduates from Western Governors University who have degrees in Software Engineering seem to have a mix of job roles, with some directly related to their field and others that aren't. The most common software engineering-related positions include roles like Software Engineer, Junior Software Developer, and Mac Security Engineer, where these individuals are actively using their technical knowledge and skills. These jobs directly align with their education, focusing on software development and security, which are core aspects of what they studied.

On the flip side, there are quite a few graduates who have ended up in roles that have little to no relevance to software engineering, like Vascular Consultant or Senior Brand Development and Content Manager. Many of these positions focus on areas outside of software engineering or require skills that aren't specific to the field. While some roles might include transferable skills or require a technical mindset, they don't demand the specialized knowledge that comes from a degree in Software Engineering. Overall, it seems like there's a decent split between relevant and unrelated jobs, and not everyone is applying their software engineering education in their careers.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Software Engineering graduates (this is across all Software Engineering graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Western Governors University):

What kind of career trajectories do Software Engineering graduates from Western Governors University have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

From checking out the career paths of graduates from Western Governors University who studied Software Engineering, it looks like a lot of them are heading in some solid directions right after they finish school. Many seem to take on roles that are directly related to software development and technology, like software engineers, junior developers, and even data science roles. For example, graduates have landed jobs as Software Engineers and Junior Developers pretty quickly after graduation, often starting their careers in entry-level positions that are stepping stones into more advanced roles as they gain experience.

Fast forward five to ten years, and it seems like these grads are really building on their initial roles. Some are moving up into more specialized positions, like Mac Security Engineers or taking on project coordination roles that involve a mix of tech and management. Others have even found interesting careers outside the typical software path, like working in brand development or as consultants in medical fields. Overall, it looks like a lot of these WGU Software Engineering graduates are charting out successful careers that stay within or are related to the tech industry, which is definitely a promising sign for future students in the program!

How hard is a Software Engineering degree from Western Governors University?

A Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering at Western Governors University (WGU) can be a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to difficulty. On one hand, WGU's model is pretty flexible and self-paced, which can make it feel easier because you can go as fast as you want through the material if you're motivated. But on the other hand, the coursework itself can be challenging, especially if you're not super familiar with coding and technical concepts. You’ll tackle subjects like algorithms, software development life cycles, and systems design, which can get pretty intense. Overall, it might be a bit tougher than an average degree because of the technical nature of the material, but if you really dive in and stay focused, you can definitely handle it!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 3 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Software Engineering.

Do Software Engineering graduates from Western Governors University tend to make good money?

Looking at the career paths of these Software Engineering grads from Western Governors University, it seems like they are generally doing pretty well, financially speaking. The roles range from software engineering and data science to various tech positions, which usually offer decent salaries, especially since many started their careers after 2018. Some of them have already landed jobs in reputable companies and are in positions that typically come with good pay. Even the recent grads are getting roles in tech, which is a promising sign for their financial futures. So, yeah, it looks like they’re on the right track to making some good money!

What buzzwords do Software Engineering graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Software Engineering (this is across all Software Engineering graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Western Governors University). This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Software Engineering?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Software Engineering (ordered by the average relevance score of their Software Engineering graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count
San Jose State University 88 12
Iowa State University 87 10
The University of Texas at Dallas 86 15
Brigham Young University - Idaho 85 19
Arizona State University 83 13
Florida Gulf Coast University 72 17
University of Phoenix 64 17
Kennesaw State University 62 10
Western Governors University 60 10