BSSD Undergraduate Handbook (2022-2023) - BSSD Requirements
University of Utah, School of Computing

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Software Development

The Bachelor of Science in Software Development (BSSD) is a new degree offered by the School of Computing. Please see below to help determine if it is right for you.

Which Degree Is For You?

There is a wide spectrum of career paths available to School of Computing students. Picking one major over another does not lock you into one path, but the choice of major is important for focusing on the area of most interest to you.

  • Computer Engineering emphasizes the physical and hardware aspects of computing. Computer engineers design computer circuits, processors, and the electronic systems and devices that computers control. Computer engineers also design and develop the software to analyze and control sophisticated devices and machines.

  • Computer Science encompasses the theory and discipline of solving computational problems. Computer scientists analyze and engineer the software, algorithms, computer systems, and theories that continue to advance the modern technological world. They work in a broad range of areas including artificial intelligence, security, graphics, robotics, operating systems, networking and communication.

  • Data Science focuses on the practice and theory of extracting useful knowledge, results, and understanding from raw data. Data scientists typically work with consumers and producers of data in order to analyze, manage, and augment large data sets or work in industries that require automated forms of decision making and analysis.

  • Software Development is the study of the principles, tools, and techniques for developing modern software. Software developers create the web, mobile, and desktop applications that we use every day. They typically work as full stack developers, writing and maintaining the secure front end and back end code that turns a specification into a real-world, functioning system.

See the Venn diagram below for a summary of the differences in course requirements across CS, DS, and BSSD.

Degree Requirements

A complete BSSD handbook will be available soon. Talk to the School of Computing advisors if you have any concerns or questions at this point.

The BSSD degree requirements can be found below:

Design, Management, and Entrepreneurship Electives

The BSSD requires students take two electives delving into concepts of design, management, and/or entrepreneurship. Electives that can be used to fulfill this requirement are listed below:

  • DES 1630 - Rapid Visualization
  • DES 2615 - Introduction to Design Thinking
  • MGT 3000 - Principles of Management (or MGT 3000+)
  • ENTP 1020 - Entrepreneurship and the Startup Methods
  • ENGIN 5020 - Emerging Technologies and Engineering Entrepreneurship
  • ENGIN 5030 - Patent Law and Strategy
  • ENGIN 5790 - The Business of Entrepreneurship
  • ENGIN 5791 - Launching Technology Ventures