AI Is Creating More Opportunities for Software Engineers — Get Started with Purdue’s Online MS in Software Engineering

The field of software engineering has undergone significant changes in the last ten years — influenced by the rise in artificial intelligence (AI) and other automation technologies. Though AI is changing the software development landscape, it doesn’t mean opportunities are stagnating. In fact, technologies like AI are likely to create more opportunities in software engineering. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that software engineering will grow 15% over the next decade, much faster than average for all other fields. This growth will be fueled, in part, by technologies like AI.

Why Software Engineers are Needed in the Age of AI

Since AI can competently do tasks like coding, some software engineers worry that AI could replace the need for skilled coders. However, others see AI as a chance to redefine the profession and create new opportunities. This article will explore those opportunities and how software engineers can take advantage of them through investing in education and reskilling.

AI can give software engineers more time to focus on creativity, strategic thinking

Completing routine coding tasks may have traditionally been the purview of software engineers, but few software engineers go into the field just to code. Working as a software engineer also requires skills in creativity, strategic thinking, problem solving, solution development and project management. Though AI might be proficient at basic coding, human programmers are uniquely good at the more challenging, nuanced parts of programming and project development. By collaborating with AI on basic tasks, software engineers can create more time for innovation.

AI coding creates the need for skilled human evaluators

AI is getting better at coding, but the work it produces is far from perfect. AI code can include critical errors that may lead to crashes, security breaches and breakdowns. These errors might be subtle and hard for novices to spot. This is where skilled software engineers come in — software engineers have expertise that they can use to ensure code is consistent, accurate and free of errors. By utilizing their skills in systems thinking, security and ethics, software engineers can help prevent problems before they occur and fix problems that have already occurred. As AI-produced code becomes more common, the need for software engineering experts who can evaluate AI code will likely increase.

AI might lead to more innovation and, in turn, more opportunities

As AI frees up engineers’ time, improves efficiency, and leads to faster development of new software, the pace of innovation is likely to quicken. Companies will likely initiate more projects, invest in more AI-driven applications and hire more skilled programmers to lead these projects and create these applications. To take advantage of these opportunities, it’s important that software engineers build high-level leadership and project management skills, and that they pursue educational opportunities that center the role of AI in software engineering’s future.

Explore Just-in-Time, AI-Native Software Engineering Education with Purdue University

Purdue University’s online Master of Science in Software Engineering (MSSWE) helps students catch up to the cutting-edge of software engineering by providing just-in-time education that covers emergent topics like AI, computing systems, data science, machine learning and cybersecurity. Through taking courses with Purdue’s renowned faculty, students build a customizable set of skills that can help them build future-proof careers in the software engineering field.

“We have students who are interested in computer engineering and software, in artificial intelligence and machine learning,” said Lynn Hegewald, senior master's program manager in the Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Purdue University. “And all the way on the other side, we have students who are interested in power and robotics. We developed this degree so that these students who are interested in software engineering can earn a fine-tuned credential that reflects their interests.”

The online MSSWE builds on Purdue’s long-standing excellence in electrical and computer engineering, while also giving students added flexibility so they can work while earning a master’s. The program is also customizable and accessible to students in a variety of fields — students can choose classes that work with their unique career goals, and they can apply to the program even if their undergraduate degree was not in computer science, especially if they have relevant work experience.

“The courses are the same ones we’ve been teaching for computer science and electrical and computer engineering, the faculty are all the same,” said Hegewald. “This is expertise we already have, resources we already have, and now we’re offering them through a specialized credential.”

The program’s curriculum is taught by faculty who teach on Purdue’s flagship campus in West Lafayette, Indiana. Students in the program receive the same software engineering education that on-campus students do, and they take courses with on-campus students. Over 60% of Purdue’s on-campus engineering courses are available to students earning their degrees online, and online students also have access to additional courses designed for working professionals.

“Purdue’s faculty have really embraced teaching online,” Hegewald said. “Our faculty really enjoy having online students in their classes, since often these students are working in industry and can bring different perspectives and new information that enhances the experience of that class for everyone.”

About Purdue University

Purdue University is an R1 research institution with a proven reputation in computer science, engineering and mathematics. Purdue’s computer science programs consistently rank among the best in the United States (U.S. News and World Report, 2025). Purdue was also the first university to offer advanced degrees in computer science — its first computer science degree was launched in 1962.

In addition to being recognized as a global leader in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education, Purdue is also recognized for its highly-productive faculty and innovative research. It is ranked in the top ten for most innovative U.S. universities (U.S. News and World Report, 2026) and is recognized as Indiana’s top research university (Washington Monthly, 2025).

Purdue is also known for providing students with a high return-on-investment (ROI). It is ranked the No. 1 public university in Indiana for ROI (Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity, 2024) and its students are noted as leaders and innovators in a wide range of industries. With a vast and successful alumni network, Purdue offers many opportunities for students and alumni to network and forge new career opportunities, especially in evolving industries like software engineering.

To learn more about Purdue’s online Master of Science in Software Engineering, visit the program’s website.