by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 551 U.S. colleges awarded 16,354 degrees and certificates in Computer Software & Applications. Master’s degrees are the most popular award, at 47% of graduates. College Factual ranks 245 schools in its 2027 Best Computer Software & Applications Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $48,133 one year after completing, rising to $59,970 after four years.
Have you ever had a great idea for a computer program or smartphone app but didn't know how to create it? Major in Computer Software and Applications and you can make your ideas a reality.
Computer Software and Applications majors work to create, test, and develop new computer programs to meet customers' demands. They also work to maintain older software and ensure it runs properly. Through classes like computer engineering, computer science, game and interactive media design, software engineering, mathematics, and statistics, students will gain the skills to create unique and useful software.
While students have the option to major in general Computer Software and Applications, they can also specialize in areas, such as Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design, Data Modeling and Warehousing and Database Administration, Computer Graphics, and Virtual Environments and Simulation Modeling.
A degree in Computer Software & Applications involves the study of Computer Software And Media Applications.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Nationwide, computer software & applications is a popular field of study, with 16,354 degrees awarded annually. 551 colleges award computer software & applications degrees, an average of 30 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 692.
By level, the 16,354 awards include 1,173 certificates, 2,307 associate degrees, 4,984 bachelor’s degrees, 7,767 master’s degrees and 7 doctorates.
Women earned 47% of computer software & applications degrees and certificates in the latest year (7,635 of 16,354). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (6,004) and Hispanic or Latino (2,682), and international students earned 3,626.
College Factual ranks 245 schools in its 2027 Best Computer Software & Applications Schools ranking, including 77 for associate degrees, 74 for bachelor’s degrees and 49 for master’s degrees. It also ranks computer software & applications schools within 37 states. In all, 551 colleges offer computer software & applications programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Computer Software & Applications Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common computer software & applications credential is the master’s degree: 7,767 of the 16,354 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to computer software & applications call most for Critical Thinking, Active Listening and Reading Comprehension, and for knowledge of Computers and Electronics, English Language and Mathematics, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Oral Comprehension, Written Comprehension and Oral Expression.
A strong background in computer programming is necessary for a career in Computer Software and Applications. Professionals must be familiar with codes and up to date on tools and computer languages. Analytical and problem-solving skills along with creativity are necessary when developing new software. Successful professionals also pay close attention to detail and have strong communication and customer service skills.
A career in Computer Software and Applications is a full time job. Professionals often work over 40 hours a week during the testing and development phases of projects. Most professionals work in an office setting.
Internships and summer jobs in this field are suggested because they will give students exposure to computer programming and give them hands-on experience working with software and applications.
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How long a computer software & applications degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 1,173 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 2,307 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 4,984 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 7,767 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 7 |
Bachelor’s degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to computer software & applications, at 56.1%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 56.1% |
| Master’s degree | 15.9% |
| Doctoral degree | 8.8% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 8.4% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 3.0% |
| Some college courses | 2.8% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 2.5% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 1.8% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.6% |
| Post-doctoral training | 0.1% |
Source: O*NET Online.
17 occupations are related to Computer Software & Applications, with an average median salary of $96,485; the strongest outlook belongs to Software Developers, at 13.5% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Data Analyst, Web Programmer, Professor and Assistant Professor.
Computer Software and Applications graduates are typically hired by software development companies or software publishers. Other graduates have gone on to work for computer and other electronic product companies. There is a high demand for computer software along with the increase in smartphone applications use.
The occupation related to computer software & applications with the most projected jobs is Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary, at 1,328,652.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,328,652 | -4.2% |
| Computer Programmers | 666,800 | 11.7% |
| Business Intelligence Analysts | 585,851 | 1.3% |
| Web Developers | 564,182 | 4.6% |
| Web and Digital Interface Designers | 509,308 | 13.0% |
| Data Scientists | 507,848 | 8.1% |
| Database Architects | 335,771 | 4.3% |
| Clinical Data Managers | 300,656 | -0.9% |
Computer Software & Applications graduates earn a median $48,133 one year after completing their program, $59,970 after four years and $46,880 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $48,133 |
| 4 years | $59,970 |
| 5 years | $46,880 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to computer software & applications is Computer and Information Systems Managers, with a median salary of $175,079.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $175,079 |
| Database Architects | $148,480 |
| Business Intelligence Analysts | $143,840 |
| Web Developers | $125,527 |
| Data Warehousing Specialists | $117,424 |
| Computer Programmers | $109,892 |
| Data Scientists | $106,295 |
| Clinical Data Managers | $99,475 |
Computer Software & Applications includes 5 concentrations that together award 16,354 degrees a year; by graduates, the largest are Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design (5,374), Data Modeling/Warehousing and Database Administration (3,836) and Computer Graphics (3,784). It has 10 similar majors in the Computer & Information Sciences field, which together award 361,861 degrees a year; the largest are Computer and Information Sciences, General (133,698), Computer Science (90,046) and Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (72,883). Browse all Computer & Information Sciences majors or the full list of college majors.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design | 5,374 |
| Data Modeling/Warehousing and Database Administration | 3,836 |
| Computer Graphics | 3,784 |
| Computer Software and Media Applications, Other | 2,098 |
| Modeling, Virtual Environments and Simulation | 1,262 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | 133,698 |
| Computer Science | 90,046 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management | 72,883 |
| Information Science/Studies | 23,384 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications | 16,765 |
| Computer Programming | 16,655 |
| Computer Systems Analysis | 3,052 |
| Data Processing | 2,593 |
| Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other | 2,235 |
| Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications | 550 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
