Software Engineering

EDUCATION IN SOFTWARE ENGINEERING

Software Engineering is a rapidly changing profession. The fast pace of technological advances and new approaches to organizing the workplace are forcing software engineers to reassess their training. Due to the rapid implementation of new software and hardware, today’s software engineer must continually learn new technology. In addition to having a broad range of technical knowledge, today's software engineers are expected to possess excellent interpersonal skills. They must be able to deal with open-ended design problems, to work cooperatively in a team environment, to communicate effectively, and to understand the technical, economical, and managerial aspects of projects.

The diverse skills required of modern software engineers cannot be learned solely in a classroom or from a textbook. Design skills are best learned through a combination of observation, emulation, analysis and experimentation (this demands a high degree of interaction between the student and experienced software engineers). Interpersonal skills are best developed through team work. Industry has discovered that the give-and-take process that characterizes a well motivated team is a key element to a project's success. The motivation for learning new skills is further enhanced by working on problems that have real value to business and industry.

Gonzaga University recognizes the new demands being imposed on software engineers and is committed to providing its computer science students with the best preparation possible.