How Long Does it Take to Learn Software Engineering?

Like many aspiringSoftware Engineers, you may want to learn software engineering skills but worry that it will take too much time. It is hard to tell how long it will take to learn software engineering skills and concepts. A beginner can typically master software engineering fundamentals in six months or less. However, depending on your learning method and the emphasis on continued education in the field, experts agree it can take a few months to a few years to achieve a high mastery of software engineering concepts and skills. 

Of course, this depends on several factors. Keep reading to learn about how you can learn software engineering and some resources to help speed the process along.

What is Software Engineering?

Software Engineering is an engineering branch focused on designing, developing, and testing new technologies to solve real-world problems. Software Engineers bring comprehensive knowledge of programming, design, and engineering principles to build software. These computer science professionals can create web applications, mobile applications, video games, robots, operating systems, and network systems that we use daily! 

Software engineering is a collaborative and broad field. The design and development of software solutions will require you to work with other technical and non-technical professionals. These can include engineers, developers, scientists, designers, and other creative and technical professionals. Additionally, Software Engineers can specialize in different areas of the user experience, depending on their interest.

Learn more about what software engineering is and why you should learn it.

What Can You Do with Software Engineering?

Our society continues to rely more heavily on computer-driven processes. Software Engineers are the brain power behind these processes and create the programs and applications we use daily. Software Engineers use programming languages to develop software programs and applications. Programming skills are sought after across fields and sectors, and you can do many cool things with this skill set! 

Low-level programming languages, such as assembly and machine language, can be used to create system software. System software is a general software that develops and runs other application software. A few examples of system software are operating systems, like Mac OS and Android, and video game systems, like the Nintendo system software, which allow video games to run.

You can also create application software using programming languages—software engineers design application software to carry out a specific function. For example, Spotify is an application software that allows you to listen to music or podcasts. Engineers use high-level programming languages like Java and Python to write application software.

Average Time it Takes to Learn Software Engineering

Software engineering is a robust field that covers various topics, such as web development and data analytics. Learning this skill can take a few months to several years, depending on your current skill set, training preference, budget, and career goals. However, most students can master the basic skills to be a Software Engineer within three to six months by enrolling in a bootcamp or certificate program. 

Other Factors

How quickly you learn software engineering skills will depend on several factors. These factors include your learning preference, previous experience, career goals, and personal obligations. This section will dive into each factor and how it may impact your learning experience. 

Learning Style 

How you choose to learn may impact how long it will take you to learn software engineering. For instance, choosing to self-learn through online tutorials and resources may take longer to learn the essential skills of a software engineer. Self-study can take anywhere from 6 months to a year, and students usually commit 30+ hours per week to learning.

Enrolling in a bootcamp or certificate program is one of the quickest ways to learn to code. Most curriculums take, on average, three to six months to complete. The programs also provide 1-on-1 mentoring and other learning and job search assistance to ensure you learn the essential hard and soft skills to land your first job as a Software Engineer. 

Prior Experience and Career Goals 

Your previous experience can influence how long it may take to learn software engineering skills and concepts. Those with prior programming experience or who have taken advanced mathematics may find it easier to learn the fundamentals of software engineering. In contrast, a novice may need help with the concepts and take longer to learn.

You can pursue several careers once you learn software engineering skills, and each position may have different requirements. For example, a Full Stack Web Developer must learn HTML, JavaScript, React, Python, and Node.js, while a Data Scientist may focus on Python and SQL. Learning additional technologies, programming languages, and frameworks may take longer, depending on your intended career path.

Time Constraints 

Another consideration is your personal and professional obligations and how they might constrain your learning time. Your work and familial commitments will likely impact what type of learning method you choose and how much time you can dedicate to it. 

If you’re juggling a full-time job, childcare, or eldercare duties, you likely won’t be able to keep up with a full-time, in-person course load. However, a part-time, online course with more flexible scheduling may be the better option.

A part-time course will likely take more time to complete. For example, Noble Desktop’s Full-Stack Web Development Certificates’ full-time course takes 17 weeks, whereas the part-time course takes ten months to complete. It’s essential to consider which option is best for you to set yourself up for the most success when you begin learning. 

Level of Difficulty, Prerequisites, & Cost 

One significant aspect of software engineering is writing code. Many beginners worry that learning to code will be too difficult, but it is easier than people make it seem. While learning to code can be challenging, you can master it with time and patience. Once you understand one or two programming languages, the barrier to learning other languages drastically decreases, and when you are having a difficult time, there are plenty of resources out there that can help you learn to code and keep you motivated. 

While there are no formal prerequisites that you will need to learn to code, there are a few things you can do to make the experience easier. You should ensure you have a computer that you are comfortable with and powerful enough for programming. A basic understanding of mathematics or propositional logic can also give you a leg up when learning to code. 

Most programming languages, such as Python, are free and open-source, meaning you will not need to pay for them. Programming language compilers, interpreters, and other associated tools can range from free to thousands of dollars. Most of these development tools are free when used for non-commercial use. 

Read about how difficult it is to learn Software Engineering.

Watch a Free Software Engineering Online Course

Are you still trying to decide whether to dive into an immersive software engineering bootcamp? You should consider enrolling in one of Noble’s free introductory software engineering seminars, which cover various topics related to software engineering. For instance, the Intro to Front End Web Development will teach you the programming languages relevant to building the parts of the websites the user sees, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. 

You can also find free Software Engineering classes from other online learning providers. Udemy offers a handful of courses that will teach you fundamental programming languages, such as JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. Coursera also offers several free classes related to software engineering, including an intro to Node JS and Express course. Several free tutorials on YouTube cover web development, programming languages, and web design. 

Read about more free Software Engineering videos and online tutorials.

Conquer Software Engineering with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop offers an assortment of Software Engineering classes that will teach you the skills needed to become a Software Engineer. You can join Noble’s courses in-person in Manhattan or virtually from the comfort of your home or office. These courses feature small class sizes led by expert instructors with experience in the field. In addition, Noble classes feature a free retake option that will allow you to retake a course within a year for no extra fees. 

If you want to be a more well-rounded web developer, consider enrolling in either the  Software Engineering Certificate or the Full-Stack Web Development Certificate. Both courses will prepare you to build both the front end and back end of websites. By the end of the Full-Stack Web Development Certificate, students can use programming languages, such as HTML & CSS, JavaScript, and React, to develop and build web applications. If you have a few extra weeks, the Software Engineering Certificate is more comprehensive and will teach you Python, a popular programming language for web development, data analysis, and automation. 

Noble’s Python Developer Certificate program is the perfect course for someone with a shorter-time frame looking to learn a highly used programming language. This certificate will take you from a beginner to an intermediate Python programmer in a few weeks. This course will prepare you for success as a Python Developer, Back End Developer, or Software Engineer. 

If you’re interested in working with data in your career, Noble Desktop’s Data Science Certificate is a good option for you. This immersive training will equip you with skills ranging from Python programming to machine learning models.

Key Insights

• Software engineering concerns the development and design of software. 
• As technology is ever changing, it can take a few months to several years to master all the skills needed for a Software Engineer role. However, most novices can learn the fundamental skills to gain entry-level employment within three to six months. 
• Multiple factors may impact how long it will take you to learn software engineering skills, including 
• Learning style 
• Prior experience and career goals 
• Time constraints 
• Regardless of your learning style, goals, or time constraints, Noble Desktop offers a variety of software engineering bootcamps and certificate programs to meet your learning needs, including the following:
• Software Engineering Certificate
• Full-Stack Web Development Certificate
• Python Developer Certificate