Updated May 24, 2021
Are you ready to find your fit?
With the advances in the Internet over the past years, some predicted that a ceiling has been reached in software development. However, this is not the case. According to the U.S News & World Report, Software Developer is the #1 Best Job in America! Software developers are the creative mind behind the devices and apps we use as a matter of course every day. With increased demand comes comfortable wages - the annual median pay for software developers was $93,350. In such a dynamic field of work with almost unlimited scope it is not surprising that the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a much faster than average growth of 22% in job outlook over the next 10 years.
Methodology

Many colleges offer degrees in software development, and being that this field is especially conducive to online study, we have compiled a list of schools that offer this degree 100% online. In addition, these schools have been shortlisted for their competitive tuition rates (according to information from U.S. Department of Education's College Navigator database) without compromising on their reputation and accreditations. Public schools' tuition has been calculated by averaging in-state and out-of-state rates. Whether you are a professional looking to advance your career or a motivated student on the fast track, these schools are sure to help you script your career program. Schools are presented here in ascending order of tuition, with the least expensive listed first.
Note: This article may contain sponsored links. These are designed to help you connect with programs easily.
Cheap Online Software and Systems Engineering Degree Program Ranking
#1 | Western Governors University Salt Lake City, UT |
#2 | Eastern Florida State College Cocoa, FL |
#3 | Bellevue University Bellevue, NE |
#4 | University of Maryland University College Adelphi, MD |
#5 | Colorado Technical University Colorado Springs, CO |
#6 | Herzing University Madison, WI |
#7 | American InterContinental University Schaumburg, IL |
#8 | Globe University Woodbury, MN |
#9 | Strayer University Herndon, VA |
#10 | Arizona State University Phoenix, AZ |
Featured Online Programs
Figuring out where to apply? These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online degrees. Consider one of these accredited programs, and discover their value today.
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Western Governors University
Location
Salt Lake City, UT
Tuition
$6070
Nationally ranked and accredited WGU offers a degree in Software Development covering courses in IT fundamentals, web development, systems operation, and data management as part of its comprehensive B.S.-I.T. program. Major industry certifications such as CompTIA+ and Oracle are included in the degree, as are credits for prior work experience, making it a much sought after and affordable program for working professionals. Tuition is charged at a semester flat rate rather than per course so diligence and motivation to finish early are not only encouraged but monetarily rewarded. Fast Company rated WGU as one of the Most Innovative companies, while CNN called it "a school without boundaries." 98% of employers are so satisfied with their WGU hires that they would do it again; will you be one of them?
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Eastern Florida State College
(Video) Top 10 ONLINE SOFTWARE ENGINEERING SCHOOLS New RankingLocation
Cocoa, FL
Tuition
$6118
EFSC offers a BAS (Bachelor of Applied Science) degree in Program & Software Development at its various FL campuses, online or in a blended form for maximum flexibility for its working students. Concentrations in network systems, software development and project management prepare graduates for careers in business and technical industries. The school's commitment to providing quality, affordable education is evident in a low tuition rate that has seen no increase in the last 3 years. Following its status change from a community to a state college, EFSC has also recently renewed its regional accreditation until 2024.
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Bellevue University
Location
Bellevue, NE
Tuition
$6300
Bellevue University, HLC and NCACS accredited, offers its B.S. in Software Development in 100% online or blended classroom formats. A technically sound curriculum that covers the fundamentals of Java, information security, object analysis, and data management aims to prepare students for dynamic careers such as System Analyst, IT Planning Specialist, Programmer, and Risk Analyst, among others. Career services such as internship placements and job fairs have resulted in graduate employment in prestigious companies like HP, USPS, Fedex, and more. Competitive tuition rates are further complemented by financial aid available in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, and work study options. Ranked 18th out of 1,000 by U.S. News in the "Best Online Bachelor's Degrees" category, Bellevue may be your ticket to success in this rapidly growing industry. Bellevue University also makes our list of Top 10 Cheap Online Corrections Management Degree Programs (Bachelor's) 2019.
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University of Maryland University College
Location
Adelphi, MD
Tuition
$12336
(Video) Top 10 Colleges That Are ACTUALLY Worth ItA regionally accredited member of the University system of MD, UMUC offers an online bachelor's degree with a major in Software Development and Security that helps students prepare for or advance their career in programming and application security. A rigorous curriculum combines required courses in modern programming languages with practical electives. UMUC is the largest public university in the nation, ranked 2nd for the best online course options and 21st for the most flexible curriculums. Tuition rates are affordable; financial aid and several military/veteran benefits are available. The school's career services are sponsored by several employer sponsors — industry leaders like Radius Technology - who hold a strong interest in hiring UMUC graduates.
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Colorado Technical University
Colorado Tech offers a B.S.-I.T. degree with a specialization in Software Systems Engineering that prepares graduates for careers in information system management, security analysis, application development, and more. With an award-winning, proprietary education technology, Intellipath, which allows students to access courses on their smartphone app, and 24/7 tutoring services available for some courses, CTU tailors your education to suit your life as well as your learning goals. Financial aid is available; motivated professional applicants can save 30% more by passing CTU's Fast Track program modules at no extra cost on their way to earning a quicker and more affordable degree. Current students rate their academic experience highly - always a worthy criterion for determining which school is right for you.
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Herzing University
Location
Madison, WI
Tuition
$11150
(Video) Best Online Colleges that accept FAFSA | Top 3 online Colleges that accept FAFSA | Gaming CrazeRanked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the "Best Online Bachelor's Degree Programs" for the second year running, Herzing's Software Development degree offers two specialties: computer applications and computer systems. An impressive job placement rate of 75% ensures ample work opportunities in companies ranging from small businesses to Fortune 500s. Financing for students is available in the form of scholarships, grants, and low-interest loans, and for motivated students the university works to complete their studies in a shorter time frame for additional savings. Student testimonials acknowledge the university's commitment to quality education, as do the prize-winning alumni developers at the top of their chosen careers.
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American InterContinental University
Location
Schaumburg, IL
Tuition
$13345
Highly rated for its online courses by an overwhelming majority of its current students, AIU offers a Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) with a concentration in Software Analysis and Development, which covers E-commerce development and software programming for mobile devices, among other topics. With help from AIU's Career Advantage Program (CAP), which includes a CareerBuilder partnership and networks with corporate partners, you will be well on your way to a gainful career in systems analysis and software development. Financial aid opportunities abound: 93% of all applicants receive aid in the form of federal, institutional or state grants. Personal attention, adaptive, flexible content, and an HLC accreditation all point towards a school that takes its responsibility seriously.
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Globe University
ACICS nationally accredited Globe University offers a bachelor's in Software Application Development - a degree whose intensive coursework provides fundamental hands-on training in industry-standard operation and application areas of software development. Being a newly developed program, it also encompasses up-to-the-minute instruction in modern technical languages such as C# and OpenGL, giving students an edge over those graduating from older degree programs. The school is committed to providing affordable education; it reduced its full-time tuition by 15% last year. In addition to its own grants, the school promises to match any outside scholarships a student may receive, along with military concessions and the option of accelerated programs. Its progressive policies help Globe to maintain a stellar student retention rate of 90%!
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Strayer University
Location
Herndon, VA
Tuition
$15495
(Video) 🔥 How Dan Keller Is Getting More Realtor Meetings Than Ever 🔥Nationally accredited and highly regarded in the professional community, Strayer University's BSIS (B.S. Information Systems) in Software Engineering Management equips students with a fundamental understanding of the applications and processes that make software work for a business. Core accounting and IT courses are supplemented by specialized software management/project design courses that you can pick and choose according to your own personal education plan. Besides the regular tuition reduction mediums, Strayer has introduced a new Graduate Fund that can cover up to $14,200 of your tuition through transfer credits. Strayer's leading industry corporate alliances enable it to offer highly customized programs and unique benefits for professionals already working in the industry but looking to climb the ladder of success to its zenith.
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Arizona State University
Location
Phoenix, AZ
Tuition
$23654
If an experiential learning program with project-driven, flexible education is what you're looking for, look no further than ASU's B.S.-Software Engineering. Students complete projects in every semester of the program, so much of the coursework in leadership, critical thinking, and management is learnt through hands-on activities. The university has a prominent social media presence, so online students are as much a part of a thriving community as campus graduates. Several financial aid options that do not require repayment are available, including work-study and hourly employment. U.S. News & World Report ranks ASU in the "top tier" of US universities, while Forbes considers it among America's best colleges. A quality education from Strayer has enabled 90% of recent graduates to find employment at leading companies such as Quicken Loans and Wells Fargo.
Related articles:
- Top 10 Cheap Online Information Technology and Systems Degree Programs (Bachelor's) 2019
- Top 10 Cheap Online Network Administration Degree Programs (Bachelor's) 2019
- Software Engineering Scholarships
Sources:
College Navigator
College Prowler
U.S. News and World Report - Best Jobs
Bureau of Labor Statistics
About the Author:
Iris Stone got her start in the industry when she began working as a freelance writer and researcher in 2011. Her freelance business soon took off and she now owns and operates a writing and editing firm that works with clients all across the country. Despite the time it takes to run a business she still does much of the writing herself, and her work has included a variety of content related to education policy, colleges and universities, academic programs, and graduates' careers. Check out her Google+ profile.
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FAQs
What is the easiest online engineering degree? ›
- Structural Engineering.
- Applied Engineering.
- Chemical engineering.
- Mechanical Engineering.
- Software Engineering.
- Civil Engineering.
- Computer Engineering.
- Biomedical Engineering.
Antioch University in Culver City, California, offers an online degree program for Liberal Arts. It is arguably considered as the easiest online college – or an 'easy' pick because it takes a well-rounded, generalist approach. The university's online B.A in Liberal Studies accepts up to 75 transfer credits.
Which institute is best for software engineer? ›- BITS Pilani, Pilani. ...
- CEG Anna University, Chennai. ...
- Jadavpur University, Kolkata. ...
- National Institute of Technology - [NIT], Rourkela. ...
- VIT Vellore, Vellore. ...
- Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology - [TIET], Patiala. ...
- DTU, New Delhi. ...
- SSNCE, Chennai.
Harvard University
Without a doubt, thanks to its incredible reputation all over the world, engineering students who attend Harvard are likely to have a pretty positive experience when it comes to applying for jobs or graduate programs in the field.
- Industrial Engineering.
- General Engineering.
- Computer Engineering.
- Environmental Engineering.
- Civil Engineering.
- Mechanical Engineering.
- Biomedical Engineering.
- Electrical Engineering.
Engineering Associate's Degrees
An associate's degree is the shortest degree you could earn in engineering. When you enroll in an associate's degree program, it is possible to earn an engineering degree in just two years. However, doing so won't make you an engineer.
- Academy of Art University. Acceptance Rate: 100% ...
- University of Maryland University College. Acceptance Rate: 100% ...
- New England College. Acceptance Rate: 98% ...
- Utah State University. Acceptance Rate: 97% ...
- Lubbock Christian University. ...
- Oklahoma Wesleyan University. ...
- Tiffin University.
The school with the fastest accelerated degree program is West Texas A&M University, which has a degree track that condenses a 16-week semester down to just six weeks. West Texas A&M University offers completion options for 10 different programs in popular fields like Economics, Criminal Justice, and Health Sciences.
What is the easiest degree with highest pay? ›- Business Administration. Business administration is one major that is usually considered “easy.” Some programs will also only take 3 years to finish! ...
- English. ...
- Human Resources. ...
- Criminal Justice. ...
- Marketing. ...
- Supply Chain Management. ...
- Psychology. ...
- Communication.
How long does it take to become a software engineer? Most software engineering jobs require at least a bachelor's degree, which takes four years of full-time study. Some employers prefer candidates with a master's, which requires an additional two years of study.
Which exam should I give to become a software engineer? ›
- Exams. JEE Main. GATE. VITEEE. AP EAPCET.
- Course Info. Exams. CAT. MAT. XAT. GMAT. CMAT. ATMA.
- Course Info. Exams.
- Course Info. Exams. IPU CET. JIPMER. GCET. AIIMS MSc. INI CET.
- Course Info. Course Info. Exams. IPU CET.
- Course Info. Exams. IPU CET. BHU UET.
- Course Info. Exams. IPU CET. CUET PG. JNUEE. DUET.
"Most software engineering jobs require at least a bachelor's degree," Frederick said. A bachelor's degree in software engineering is ideal, but studying computer science or other STEM programs such as math, science or engineering could help as well.
Which bachelor degree is best for software engineer? ›- BSc (Hons) Computing (Top Up) ...
- Bachelor in Games Development. ...
- Bachelor of Software Engineering (BSE) ...
- Bachelor in Software Development. ...
- Degree in Computer Software Engineering. Featured. ...
- BEng in Software Engineering. Featured. ...
- Bachelor in Software Engineering. Featured. ...
- Bachelor of Science in Software Development. Featured.
A lot depends on your ultimate goal. If you are going to design software or hardware systems then the school matters. If you are going to troubleshoot software, it's more about certifications and specific experience in whatever software. If it's apps, then it's more about coding.
Is software engineering hard? ›Software engineering is challenging to learn from scratch — but with a bootcamp, even industry newcomers can build a strong knowledge base and ready themselves for an entry-level role quickly if they are willing to put in the time, hard work, and dedication.
What's the hardest type of engineering? ›Top 3 Hardest Engineering Majors | Top 3 Easiest Engineering Majors |
---|---|
1. Chemical engineering (19.66 hours) | 1. Industrial engineering (15.68 hours) |
2. Aero and astronautical engineering (19.24 hours) | 2. Computer engineering and technology (16.46 hours) |
- Artificial intelligence and Machine Learning Engineer. ...
- Petroleum Engineer. ...
- Software Engineer / IT. ...
- Aerospace Engineer. ...
- Chemical Engineer. ...
- Electronics and Communication Engineer. ...
- Nuclear Engineer. ...
- Big Data Engineer.
1. Chemical Engineering. Chemical engineering might be the hardest major on this list, purely because it combines engineering's most complex knowledge with chemistry. Chemistry is a vast field.
How many hours should an engineering student study per day? ›2 productive hours each day without exception on weekends or vacations, in which at least one hour reading. If marks is what concerns you, make sure you get hold of the previous year's papers and see how predictable the questions are and spend one hour solving them each day.
Can you become an engineer in 2 years? ›A two-year degree in engineering is commonly referred to as an associate degree. Typically, professionals can complete this educational path in two years, and many universities, community colleges and technical schools offer these associate degree programs.
Which engineering field is easy? ›
1) CSE/ISE - Computer Science engineering or Information science engineering : One of the most demandable and most preffererd engg in the country. From Health care to banking , in each and every fireld the computers are put into use, so the software developers, web developers are required for every field.
Which University in USA is easiest to get into? ›Rank | College | Acceptance Rate |
---|---|---|
Rank 1 | College University of Kentucky | Acceptance Rate 90.79% |
Rank 2 | College University of Kansas | Acceptance Rate 93.01% |
Rank 3 | College Kansas State University | Acceptance Rate 94.07% |
Rank 4 | College Iona College | Acceptance Rate 91.46% |
While some schools do have a policy of accepting 100% of all students who apply, other programs are much more selective. Some traditional schools offer students the chance to complete their degrees online, but those students will still need to submit the proper paperwork and face rejection from the school.
What is the easiest degree to get? ›- Psychology.
- Criminal Justice.
- English.
- Education.
- Religious Studies.
- Social Work.
- Sociology.
- Communications.
- Pharmacology. For a lucrative career helping people, pharmacology is at the top of the list for in-demand degrees. ...
- Computer Science. ...
- Health Science. ...
- Information Technology. ...
- Engineering. ...
- Business Administration. ...
- Finance. ...
- Human Resources.
4. Herzing University. The Herzing University is a fast university where undergraduate students can become artists within 6 months by earning a bachelors of Science in Design and related studies. In this online, fast program you can have your bachelors degree in 6 months minimum and 16 months in maximum.
What is the highest paying 2 year degree? ›- Electrical Engineering. ...
- Aeronautics. ...
- MRI Technology. ...
- Radiology Technology. ...
- Respiratory Therapy. ...
- Occupational Therapy. ...
- Mechanical Engineering. ...
- Network Engineering. Network engineers design, administer, and maintain local and wide area network systems.
High-paying jobs that don't require a college degree include police officers, commercial pilots, and gaming managers. More technical jobs, such as powerline and elevator installers and transportation inspectors, may require specific training.
What should I study to make good money? ›- Information Technology and Computing Majors.
- Healthcare, Medicine, and Medical Engineering Majors.
- Marketing, Advertising, and Public Relations Majors.
- Engineering and Construction Majors.
- Finance and Accounting Majors.
- Law, Criminal Justice, and Government Majors.
- Hard Sciences Majors.
- You like working with people. ...
- You have a knack for problem solving. ...
- You're musically inclined. ...
- You like to see order in things. ...
- Trying new things gives you a thrill. ...
- You stay intrinsically motivated. ...
- You enjoy puzzles and strategy. ...
- You love technology.
How many hours do software engineers work? ›
As a software engineer, how many hours do you usually work a week? About 40. Sometimes more.
Can I become a software engineer without a degree? ›The short answer is no. You do not need a degree to build a career as a software engineer. Although a software engineering job is very technical, you can acquire the necessary skills through bootcamps or online courses.
What is the difference between software engineer and software developer? ›Software developers design specific computer systems and application software. Software engineers work on a larger scale to design, develop, and test entire computer systems and application software for a company or organization—software development is a subset of software engineering.
Does software engineering require math? ›Despite its name, software engineering does not require math. At least, it doesn't require as much math as you might think. There are numbers and problem-solving, but you won't have to break out your AP Calculus certificate or trigonometry textbook to program—or engineer—software.
What skills do software engineers need? ›- Computer Programming and Coding. ...
- Software Development. ...
- Object-Oriented Design (OOD) ...
- Software Testing and Debugging. ...
- Problem Solving and Logical Thinking. ...
- Written and Verbal Communication. ...
- Teamwork. ...
- Find a Home for Your Software Engineering Skills.
Software engineering can be one of the most flexible careers, because software engineers can work anywhere where they have computers and access to the Internet. They can work from home, or from the beach if the job allows!
Is it worth getting a software engineering degree? ›Yes, software engineering and computer science degrees are likely to lead to a high-paying job. More and more companies are looking to hire talented Software Engineers, so this career track is growing more quickly than average job growth.
Is it possible to study software engineering online? ›With an online software engineering degree, you can pursue professional paths in application development, database and systems administration, software and web deployment, and more. The project-based curriculum will help you acquire proficiency in coding and modeling while practicing creative problem-solving.
What is the monthly income of a software engineer? ›Average salary for a Software Engineer in India is 5.4 Lakhs per year (₹45.0k per month). Salary estimates are based on 357483 salaries received from various Software Engineers across industries.
Can software engineering be done online? ›Here at edX, we offer a wide range of online courses in software engineering to help advance your career. Whether you are looking for beginner classes in software engineering, to advanced courses, we've got you covered. Choose from the list of courses above that best suit what you are looking for today!
Do employers care what college you went to? ›
According to a survey conducted by Gallup and released by the Lumina Foundation, the vast majority of hiring managers really don't care where a job candidate went to school. Corporate bosses were far more interested in a job applicant's knowledge and experience when determining whom to hire.
How do I become a programmer without a degree? ›- Learn a programming language. ...
- Invest in a coding academy class. ...
- Master a programming paradigm. ...
- Learn programming tools. ...
- Learn to read technical documentation. ...
- Try freelance programming. ...
- Contribute to open source projects. ...
- Build your own project.
- Learn a programming language. ...
- Figure out your end goals. ...
- Pursue a degree or take courses. ...
- Start practicing in your developer niche. ...
- Make a portfolio of your software development work. ...
- Develop your technical skills. ...
- Build your non-technical skills. ...
- Certify your skills.
Engineering is generally harder than programming, it is more involving and more math-intensive. Engineers are trained to code at a low-level, mostly hardware level while most Computer Scientists code at high-level, mostly software programming.
Who gets paid more software engineer or developer? ›An average annual salary of a Software Developer is Rs. 493,576 per year in India while that of a Software Engineer is Rs. 523,770 per year.
Which is harder computer science or software engineering? ›Computer Science (CS) and Software Engineering (SE) curricula are very similar and therefore about equally difficult. At any given college or university, they should both be fairly challenging STEM degrees.
Which engineering job is easy? ›Apart from the above mentioned ones, the core branches namely- Electrical, Mechanical and Civil Engineering also offer good job opportunities! Chemical Engineering, though not considered to be a part of core branch, is also good, when it comes to job scope.
Is an online engineering degree worth it? ›Online engineering degrees — much like most disciplines where a candidate has received their degree online — are respected by employers. In a CareerBuilder.com survey, a whopping 83 percent of employers feel that online degrees offer a quality education on par with a more traditional, campus-based experience.
Which engineering is easy and highest salary? ›- Artificial intelligence and Machine Learning Engineer. ...
- Petroleum Engineer. ...
- Software Engineer / IT. ...
- Aerospace Engineer. ...
- Chemical Engineer. ...
- Electronics and Communication Engineer. ...
- Nuclear Engineer. ...
- Big Data Engineer.
Top 3 Hardest Engineering Majors | Top 3 Easiest Engineering Majors |
---|---|
1. Chemical engineering (19.66 hours) | 1. Industrial engineering (15.68 hours) |
2. Aero and astronautical engineering (19.24 hours) | 2. Computer engineering and technology (16.46 hours) |
Which engineer is most in-demand? ›
- Data Science & Machine Learning. ...
- Automation & Robotics Engineer. ...
- Petroleum Engineer. ...
- Civil Engineering. ...
- Electrical Engineering. ...
- Alternative Energy Engineer. ...
- Mining Engineer. ...
- Project Engineer.
- Civil engineer.
- Chemical engineer.
- Environmental engineer.
- Biomedical engineer.
- Safety engineer.
- Hardware engineers.
- Aeronautical engineer.
- Engineering managers.
Online engineering degrees can be challenging for students, particularly those with math and science difficulties. These programs include extensive projects, rigorous study requirements, and demanding math courses. The greatest challenges usually come in the early years of the program.
What do employers think of online engineering degrees? ›Online colleges are becoming more popular, but prospective students may still worry about their credibility. We're here to set the record straight: An online degree holds just as much weight as a traditional degree. In fact, data shows that most employers don't even differentiate between the two types of degrees.
Which online course is best for engineering? ›- Engineering Project Management.
- Solar Energy Engineering.
- Structural Design.
- Applied AI (an award-winning professional certificate program from IBM)
- UX Design and Evaluation.
In a nutshell, the starting salary of a doctor in India at an entry-level position is much higher than that of an engineer. But after a few years, the gap between the two figures gets narrower as engineers get paid a lot more than what they used to get once they grow in terms of experience.
Which job has highest salary in world? ›Anesthesiologists are trained physicians who have special training in preoperative care. This is one of the highest paying jobs in the world. They play a very important role in a surgical procedure, as they must ensure that the patient receives the correct type and correct dosage of anesthesia while under the scalpel.
Which branch of engineering has more job opportunities? ›The branch of engineering with the highest earning potential is computer science engineering. There are many branches within computer science engineering like data engineering and software engineering which also have good earning potential.
What type of engineer is Elon Musk? ›Elon Musk has no formal engineering degree, but he clearly is industrial engineer by profession. His approach to business and problem solving is typical industrial engineering approach. His actual degrees (BS in both economics and physics) have good overlap with undergraduate curriculum in IE.
How difficult is software engineering? ›Yes, software engineering can be somewhat hard to learn initially – especially for those without programming or coding skills or any background or knowledge of tech – but there are many courses, tools, and other resources available to help people learn to become a Software Engineer.
How much math do engineers use? ›
Math is not just solving number problems — it is also needed for physics, chemistry and engineering! Civil engineers, like the ones at ADOT, use nearly every form of math at one point in time to do their job. It's important to have a good foundation of math, especially if you are interested in a career as an engineer.