The Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education recently approved the University of Central Missouri’s new Bachelor of Science in software engineering degree.

“We are excited to offer this high-demand degree program at UCM beginning in fall 2018,” Xiadong Yue, chair and professor of computer science, said in a news release.

The new degree program was approved by the university’s board of governors in September 2016.

The CBHE Academic Affairs and Workforce Needs Committee met on Dec. 13 and recommended the Coordinating Board provisionally approve UCM’s proposal for the new baccalaureate degree in software engineering for a five-year period. CBHE will review the program annually beginning two years after implementation to ensure its viability. UCM will also seek ABET accreditation for the program, according to the news release.

In making an initial presentation to UCM’s governing board, Yue said this program aligns with the university mission.

“Software has become the lifeblood of today’s emerging information society,” Yue said. “Software is shaping all aspects of our lives, from the launch of billion-dollar spacecraft to more mundane work such as measuring and displaying time, controlling traffic lights, and monitoring the washing of clothes.”

The program is designed to prepare students for careers in software engineering, project management, design, and consulting. The program curricula will be designed in accordance with guidelines by the Association for Computing Machinery, and provide hands-on training in software engineering, computing, engineering practice and systems design.

Doug Koch, vice provost for academic programs and services, said the degree will expand on UCM’s efforts to provide programs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

“This degree program also is going to be accessible to students from diverse populations, and this includes serving the academic needs of our first-generation students,” Koch said.

The new program will be housed in the School of Computer Science and Mathematics within the College of Health, Science, and Technology.

For more information, contact Belinda Copus, software engineering program coordinator, at copus@ucmo.edu or 660-543-4354.