Undergraduate
Software Engineering
Software engineering deals with the analysis, design, validation, implementation, and maintenance of computer software systems. These systems are often found in products and situations where very high reliability is expected, even under demanding conditions, such as monitoring and controlling nuclear power plants, keeping a modern airliner aloft, computing trajectories for satellites, or controlling robots in surgery. Such applications contain millions of lines of code, making them comparable to the most complex modern machines. RMU software engineering students learn to conceive and develop high-quality software systems for applications in industry, commerce, engineering, government, and research.
Recent Graduates Work Here
Bayer, Conair, Concurrent Technologies Corp., Core Furnace Systems, Deloitte Financial Services, Development Dimensions International, Eagle Global Logistics, FedEx, Honeywell, Microsonic, Moderne Glass Products, Penn United Technologies, Raytheon, Schroeder Industries, Siemens, SolidWorks, Target Systems, US Steel.
Average starting salaries:
| By type of employer | By job function | ||
| Aerospace | $57,790 | Computer Programming | $66,400 |
| Communications (Broadcasting/Telecommunication ) | $62,875 | Field Engineering | $59,050 |
| Computer & Electronic Products Mfg. | $58,143 | Hardware Design & Development | $43,667 |
| Computer Systems Design/Consulting/Programming | $55,813 | Software Design & Development | $64,838 |
| Electrical Equipment/Appliance/Component Mfg. | $54,640 | Systems Analysis & Design | $48,012 |
| Engineering Services | $64,700 | Systems/Programming Engineering | $71,250 |
| Financial Services | $66,643 | Technical/Computer Support | $63,167 |
| Government (Federal) | $53,221 | Other Computer Related | $49,440 |
| Software Publishers | $79,972 | Other Engineering | $61,363 |
Below is a typical four-year course of study for software engineering students, including major requirements and electives. Your own schedule will vary based on your own interests.
| FRESHMAN/Fall Semester | FRESHMAN/Spring Semester |
| Intro to Engineering | Engineering Graphics |
| Calculus w/Analytic Geometry I | Calculus w/Analytic Geometry II |
| Chemistry I | General Physics I |
| Intro Decision Support Systems | Argument & Research |
| Intercultural Communication | C++ Programming |
| SOPHOMORE/Fall Semester | SOPHOMORE/Spring Semester |
| Statics & Strength of Materials | Engineering Statistics |
| General Physics II | Circuits & Electromagnetics |
| Calculus w/Analytic Geometry III | Computer Architecture for Software Engineering |
| Discrete Mathematics | Differential Equations |
| Public Speaking and Persuasion | Fundamentals of Accounting |
| JUNIOR/Fall Semester | JUNIOR/Spring Semester |
| Fundamentals of Software Engineering | Value Design |
| Java Programming | Software Verification/Validation |
| Data Structures with C++ | Management Theory & Practice |
| Survey of Economics | Principles of Marketing |
| Business Professional Communication | Contemporary American Social Problems |
| SENIOR/Fall Semester | SENIOR/Spring Semester |
| Engineering Practice | Integrated Engineering Design |
| Distributed Systems Implementation | Software Engineering Elective |
| Software Engineering Elective | Software Engineering Elective |
| Humanities: Art and Music | General Psychology |
| Reading Literature: Coming of Age | U.S. History I |
Academic Internship Program
All engineering students are required to complete three credits of an academic internship between their sophomore and senior years to test their engineering skills in an appropriate industry setting. The internship is conducted under the joint supervision of advisors from the university and the industry partner.
Internship Employers
Bayer, Boeing, Bombardier Transportation, Centria, Curtiss-Wright Electro Mechanical Corp., Cutler Hammer, DBT America, Deloitte Financial Services, Development Dimensions International, FedEx, Flabeg, Fox IV Technologies, Kurt J. Lesker Co., Microsonic, NASA, Penn United Technologies, Pittsburgh Logistics Systems, Schroeder Industries, Target Systems, Tate-Jones, U.S. Steel, Wilcox Brothers.
The Learning Factory
RMU believes that students learn by doing and that they benefit from practice with the processes and equipment used in industry. The heart of RMU's engineering programs is The Learning Factory, where students gain hands-on experience with design, testing and manufacturing processes and equipment, in much the same way that medical students learn from clinical training in a hospital.
The industrial-grade facility allows students to take a product from concept to reality using cutting-edge technology. It includes equipment for automatic identification, CNC machining and turning, controls, injection molding, machine tool monitoring, machine vision, materials testing, metallography, metrology, packaging, powder metallurgy, rapid prototyping, reverse engineering, and robotics. Hardware is supported by a suite of software packages for design, analysis, manufacturing, simulation, offline programming, controls, monitoring, integration, software development, enterprise resource management and other engineering activities.
The School of Engineering, Mathematics, and Science unites faculty from diverse disciplines and provides opportunies for collaboration in teaching and research between faculty and students. We provide students with real-world experiences that give them the skills they need to compete in the job market. The results show: a 96% job placement rate for our graduates. We emphasize a global curriculum and have a diverse student and faculty body. We make sure our students are engaged citizens of the globe and experienced professionals in sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Scholarships are available based upon academic achievement.
For freshmen, high school grade point average and ACT/SAT scores are used. For transfer students, the cumulative grade point average of all college courses is used. Scholarships range from $1000 per year up to full tuition. (To calculate your scholarship eligibility, click here.)
Higher education is an investment in your future.
At Robert Morris University, we will work closely with you to show you how to finance your education through a combination of need-based financial aid, scholarships, and financing strategies to make your education attainable. RMU has one of the lowest tuition rates of all private institutions in the state, but we know that financing your education can be complicated, and your family might need help in understanding your options.
Talk to us—we can help!
Email us at finaid@rmu.edu
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