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Turn your passion for technology and your faith into a vocation solving real-world problems that provide positive value to our digital culture through Franciscan University of Steubenville's Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering Program. A program designed in the spirit of Pope Leo's Magnifica humanitas toward a more human centric utilization of AI.
As the only Newman Guide Recommended Catholic university offering a software engineering program, Franciscan combines rigorous engineering education with a strong foundation in faith and ethics. The program's engineering-focused curriculum integrates software design, artificial intelligence and machine learning, cybersecurity, and hands-on development experience to help you develop the critical thinking and professional responsibility needed to create software systems people can trust.
Through Franciscan University's Software Engineering Program, you'll develop the technical, professional, and ethical skills needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving field, including:
Software Design and Development: Learn how to use modern engineering methodology to design, build, and test maintainable systems while creating applications that are secure, reliable, scalable, and user focused.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) Experience: Gain practical experience using AI and machine learning through classroom projects and capstone work with real-world clients.
Cybersecurity and Secure Coding: Develop the skills to identify vulnerabilities, protect sensitive data, and build security into software from the start.
Systems Analysis and Problem-Solving: Apply engineering principles and computational thinking to analyze complex challenges and develop effective software solutions on time and within resource constraints.
Team-Based Development and Communication: Build the communication, project management, and multi-disciplinary collaboration skills needed to succeed in professional software development environments.
Ethical Technology Leadership: Examine the ethical impact of emerging technologies and learn to make responsible engineering decisions that promote the common good.
Your path to becoming a software engineer begins with admission to Franciscan University. We make the undergraduate admissions process straightforward and provide personalized support every step of the way.
1. Admission Requirements
Discern how God may be calling you to use your talents in technology and engineering. Start planning for your application by reviewing our undergraduate admission requirements.
2. Free Online Application
Applying to Franciscan is straightforward and free. Our online application takes about 15 minutes to complete, and no letters of recommendation are required.
3. Submit Documents
Along with completing the online application, you must submit these materials:
*If you’re transferring from another college or university, you must submit official transcripts from every institution attended. Review our steps for transfer students.
**If you’re applying for admission with a 3.2 or higher cumulative weighted GPA, you may submit a one-page, double-spaced, 12-point-font essay responding to the following prompt:
At Franciscan University, our mission is “to educate, evangelize, and send forth joyful disciples.” Share a story or example from your life that shows how your faith and intellectual growth have shaped you into who you are today. How do you hope your time at Franciscan University will help you continue to grow spiritually and academically?
The essay can be uploaded directly to your application portal or emailed to [email protected] or to your admissions counselor with the subject line: “Undergraduate Admissions Essay.”
Supplemental materials should be emailed to the Admissions Office or sent to:
Office of Admissions
Franciscan University of Steubenville
1235 University Boulevard
Steubenville, OH 43952
The Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering Program blends foundational coursework in mathematics, computer science, and engineering with advanced study in software development, artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML), cybersecurity, and systems architecture. Through courses in software design, data structures, systems architecture, and secure computing, you'll develop the analytical, collaborative, and professional skills needed to build technology that serves others. Projects, grants, and internships are available to provide real-world experience with clients.
Explore Franciscan's Software Engineering program courses and program requirements.
Program Requirements (125 Credits)
Introduction to Software Engineering (2 credits)
Linux and Scripting (3 credits)
Software Architecture and Patterns (3 credits)
Requirements Analysis (3 credits)
Introduction to Cybersecurity and Networking (3 credits)
Database Systems (3 credits)
Virtue, Technology, and Society (3 credits)
Mathematical Foundations of AI and Machine Learning (2 credits)
Software Process and Quality Assurance (3 credits)
Software Process and Quality Assurance Lab (1 credit)
Computer Architecture and Operating Systems (3 credits)
Senior Capstone Project I (3 credits)
Senior Capstone Project II (3 credits)
Object-Oriented Programming Lab (1 credit)
Object-Oriented Programming (3 credits)
Data Structures (3 credits)
Introduction to Engineering Analysis (1 credit)
Engineering Analysis (3 credits)
Introduction to Electrical Systems Engineering (3 credits)
Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (4 credits)
Analytic Geometry and Calculus II (4 credits)
Matrix Theory I (1 credit)
Matrix Theory II (1 credit)
Discrete Mathematics (3 credits)
Intermediate Linear Algebra (3 credits)
University Physics I (3 credits)
University Physics I Lab (1 credit)
University Physics III (3 credits)
University Physics III Lab (1 credit)
Foundations of Ethics (3 credits)
Catholicism, Science, and Technology I (1 credit)
Catholicism, Science, and Technology II (1 credit)
Catholicism, Science, and Technology III (1 credit)
Catholicism, Science, and Technology IV (1 credit)
Any approved upper-level CSC, EGR, MEC, or SFE course (3 credits each)
Cryptography
Cybersecurity I: Computer Security
Cybersecurity III: Software and Security
Other approved cybersecurity elective
Introduction to Statistics
Probability & Statistics
Business Statistics
Approved upper-level mathematics or natural science course
Concentration in Cybersecurity (12 Credits)
Cryptography (3 credits)
Cybersecurity I: Computer Security (3 credits)
Cybersecurity II: Network Security and Management (3 credits)
Cybersecurity III: Software and Security (3 credits)
Preparing for a career in software engineering begins with the right educational foundation. Franciscan University offers competitive tuition, scholarships, and financial aid opportunities to help you pursue a Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering with confidence. From understanding costs to navigating aid options, our staff is ready to help.
Explore Financial AidFranciscan University's Software Engineering program prepares you to build secure, reliable software systems while developing the software development, leadership, and decision-making skills valued across industries. Grounded in engineering principles and a commitment to the common good, the program equips graduates for careers in technology and advanced study in software engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, and related fields.
Common careers for software engineering majors include:
Because of the professors and hands-on class projects, I felt prepared to enter the workforce. The projects closely mirrored real-world professional environments, teaching us how to work with a team, plan out our approach to projects, and effectively present our findings. My senior project even involved working with a customer. Moreover, the faculty truly cares and advocates for you in your search for internships and jobs.
— Elizabeth Rutkowski
Major in Computer Science & Minor in Cybersecurity
Software engineering is about more than learning to code. At Franciscan University, you'll prepare for a meaningful career through professional development, lifelong alumni connections, and opportunities to discern how your gifts and talents can serve God and others.
Alumni Network Career Services The Office of Personal VocationLearn from Franciscan faculty who combine industry experience, engineering expertise, and a commitment to Catholic education. Through small classes and personalized mentorship, they'll help you grow as a software engineer and technology professional.
The Software Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Software and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.
Why ABET? ABET accreditation gives confidence that a program has met the standards necessary to prepare graduates for professional careers in STEM fields. Graduates of ABET-accredited programs have a strong educational foundation and are prepared to lead in innovation, emerging technologies, and the protection of public welfare and safety.
Franciscan University of Steubenville builds upon ABET's curricular and quality assurance standards to create uniquely Catholic engineering programs. The Mechanical Engineering and Software Engineering programs have been designed to meet these rigorous standards while integrating Franciscan's mission of faith and reason.
