What are the requirements for studying software development?

As technology evolves and becomes a bigger part of everyday life, so too does the need for technology professionals. Software engineers design and guide the development of programs that computers use to make life a little easier for the rest of us. Although self-taught programming skills can land you a job, formal education is the best way to achieve a job with more design responsibilities and higher pay.

Earn a degree in software engineering or a related field. Most software engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Majoring in software engineering will provide the most useful background for designing and perfecting software in the corporate world. Computer science is another good choice, although its more theoretical approach is best suited for future graduate students and R&D work.

Begin programming immediately. Even if you're still in grade school, you can give yourself a huge head start by teaching yourself programming. Software engineering is not focused exclusively on coding, but you will need to know at least a couple languages, and a deeper understanding of how they function. There is no widespread agreement on which languages are most useful, but these are all popular choices:
C++
C#
Java
Java Script
Python

Study math. Software engineers sometimes create the mathematical algorithms that allow software to function. Focus on developing and maintaining your math skills in order to do your best once you've obtained a position as a software engineer.
Discrete mathematics is a particularly useful area of study, as is any math course that involves software.

Build software. The best way to improve your skills is to use them. Whether professional projects or personal, designing and coding software will teach you a great deal. For many employers, hands-on achievements matter more than GPA or theoretical knowledge.

Seek an internship. Many software engineer students work as interns while they complete their studies. This can be an excellent way to gain hands-on training and network with potential employers. Look for internship opportunities through job posting websites and networking.

Find job opportunities. Software engineering is a rapidly growing field. You have a good chance of immediate employment, although you may start as a programmer and work your way up to software development. Start searching before your degree is up:
Colleges often help their alumni obtain a position. Talk to your professors, department staff, and the career services office about finding job opportunities.
A large percentage of jobs happen through networking. Use your personal contacts, and meet people in the field through career meetups and conferences.
Check job search websites regularly. Create a profile and post your resume to professional sites and use them for networking as well as job applications.

Consider your career goals. The software industry is always changing. Keep up by improving your knowledge and practical skills, and you'll have many chances to shape the direction of your career. Here are a few ways to improve your job prospects:
Join a professional organization for networking opportunities.
Consider a Master's degree if you have long-term plans in the field. While not a requirement for most positions, a Master's greatly improves your chances to work for an industry leader, in a management position, or in embedded software.
Certification can be useful in some sub-fields and regions, but may decrease your desirability in others. Talk to other engineers in your area of expertise before you enroll in one of these programs.

Hi Gloria,

Software developers are required to have some formal education.The software engineering tracks of these programs teach students how to construct, analyze, and maintain software through lectures and laboratory sessions. Programs include topics in computer programming, operating systems, and networks.

Computer software engineering students may want to consider programs that are accredited by ABET, Inc., formerly the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. According to ABET, graduate schools, employers, and certification boards may require that applicants hold degrees from accredited programs.

Software developers and engineers do not have professional licensing requirements but may need certifications. However, if one chose to certify, one possible option is certification from the Computer Society of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, which offers software development credentials for beginning and experienced software engineers.

Computer software developers often work in one of two major areas: systems or applications development. Systems software developers develop operating systems for computers. Applications software developers design computer programs and modify existing programs to perform specific tasks. Each sector requires engineers to be knowledgeable in development software such as C, C++, and Java.
In summary, software developers generally need a bachelor's degree in computer science or engineering and possibly some certifications.

Hope that Helps.
Ripon

Gloria...I will offer you a slightly different perspective. As stated above, software development does require formal and informal training in a variety of code languages, platforms, and different industry requirements. I will share this with you though.

The absolute BEST SW Developers I have ever known in my career are those who not only have the knowledge, but the talent too. For example...I may be able to draw a grade school depiction of a horse. But I have a friend with a small amount of formal art training who can bring the horse to life in the drawing. So education is important, but the talent and ability to look at a problem and code a solution that is elegant is a work of art.

I don't know your age or education level but I would recommend you mentor or shadow some developers and join some clubs. This way you can get a feel for the field and decide if you are just a "coder" or a "developer". Both are important to the field, but the true developer is a step above.

Also recommend you take courses on project management, interpersonal skills, and meeting management as many developers sorely lack skills in this area.