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Graduate Faster, Spend Less, Build Your Future Closer to Home
The Software Engineering Pathway Program gives Riverside County high school students a streamlined route to a bachelor’s degree and a promising future in tech. You’ll start at Mt. San Jacinto College (MSJC), then transfer automatically to California State University San Marcos (ÌÇÐÄÔ´´) to earn your BS in Software Engineering at ÌÇÐÄÔ´´â€™s Temecula campus.
This partnership between your high school, MSJC and ÌÇÐÄÔ´´ removes the guesswork from planning your education. You’ll know exactly which classes to take, when to take them and how they fit together. Plus, you can get a head start while still in high school!
Here’s how it works: Take pathway-aligned courses in high school, earn your associate degree at MSJC in two years, then transfer with guaranteed admission to ÌÇÐÄÔ´´ to complete your bachelor’s degree in just two more years. You’ll finish with the same respected degree as any ÌÇÐÄÔ´´ graduate for roughly half the cost of a software degree at UC Riverside.
Graduate With Less Debt
Stay Rooted Locally
Launch a 6-Figure Career
Your 4-Year Roadmap
What You'll Learn: BS in Software Engineering
Programming Languages: Learn essential languages like Python, Java and C++ that power everything from mobile apps to enterprise systems. You’ll write clean, efficient code and learn when to use each language effectively.
Software Design Principles: Learn how to architect software that’s scalable, maintainable and built to last. Strong design principles are essential to every successful software project.
Algorithms and Data Structures: Develop the problem-solving skills that employers value most. Understanding how to optimize code performance and choose the right data structures is fundamental to every software engineering role.
Cloud Computing and Web Development: Build modern web applications and deploy them using cloud platforms. You’ll gain hands-on experience with the technologies that drive today’s digital economy.
AI-Powered Development and Software Security: Learn to leverage AI coding tools and assistants that are transforming how software is built, while gaining advanced understanding of cybersecurity principles and best practices to protect the systems you create.
Get Ready to Join the Pathway
Earn College Credit Early
Take college-level courses while still in high school. These credits count toward your associate degree at MSJC, giving you a head start and potentially shortening your timeline.
Experience Campus Life
Visit MSJC and ÌÇÐÄÔ´´ campuses, attend information sessions and get a feel for college before you graduate high school. These visits help you envision your future and connect with the institutions you’ll attend.
Get Personalized Guidance
Work with counselors who understand the pathway requirements. They’ll help you choose the right courses each year and keep you on track for a smooth transition to college.
Navigate the Application Process
Receive hands-on support with college applications, financial aid forms and enrollment steps. You won’t have to figure it out alone.
Cost Comparison
Compare the total cost of earning your bachelor's degree through the pathway program versus traditional four-year universities:
| UC Riverside | ÌÇÐÄÔ´´ (Main Campus) | MSJC/ÌÇÐÄÔ´´ at Temecula | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time to Completion | 4 to 5 years | 4 to 5 years | 3 to 4 years |
| Tuition* | $57,774 - $72,180 | $24,336 - $30,420 | $28,594 - $31,197 |
| Campus Fees* | $4,676 - $5,845 | $7,992 - $9,990 | $4,008 - $4,060 |
| Total* | $62,450 - $78,025 | $32,328 - $40,410 | $32,602 - $35,257 |
Real-World Experience: Capstone Project
During your final year at ÌÇÐÄÔ´´, you’ll work on a capstone project sponsored by an actual company or organization. This isn’t a classroom simulation. It’s real software development for real clients with real deadlines.
Build Your Professional Portfolio
Create something you can show employers. Your capstone project demonstrates your ability to design, develop and deliver working software that solves genuine business problems.
Learn How the Industry Actually Works
Experience the full software development lifecycle from requirements gathering to final deployment. You’ll navigate client feedback, work in teams, manage timelines and adapt to changing needs, just like you will in your first job.
Graduate Job-Ready
Employers want candidates who can contribute from day one. Your capstone experience gives you the practical skills, professional confidence and proven track record that set you apart in the job market.
Take the First Step
Talk to your high school counselor about enrolling in the Software Engineering Pathway Program and start planning your course schedule today.
Career Opportunities and Earning Potential
- High-Demand RolesSoftware engineering opens doors across virtually every industry. With this degree, you’ll qualify for high-demand roles including software engineer, software developer, QA analyst, systems analyst and database administrator, among many others.
- Strong Earning PotentialSoftware engineering graduates can expect starting salaries around $85,000, with median career earnings of $133,000. The field offers both job security and financial rewards as demand for skilled developers continues to grow.
- Where Software Engineers Work
Technology - Drive innovation by developing cutting-edge applications, platforms and solutions
Finance - Build secure systems for banking, investment management and financial analysis
Healthcare - Create lifesaving tools for patient care, telemedicine and health informatics
Entertainment - Develop video games, streaming platforms and multimedia experiences
Education - Design interactive learning platforms and educational apps that transform how students learn
FAQ
- Do I need to attend a TVUSD or LEUSD high school to participate?
The program is designed for TVUSD and LEUSD students, but students from other Riverside County districts may be eligible. Contact an MSJC advisor to discuss your options.
- Is admission to ÌÇÐÄÔ´´ guaranteed?
Yes. Complete your associate degree at MSJC with the required GPA, and you’re automatically admitted to ÌÇÐÄÔ´´â€™s software engineering program at the Temecula campus.
- Can I work while completing the bachelor’s program?
Yes. ÌÇÐÄÔ´´ classes meet just two days a week during daytime hours, making it easier to balance school with work or other commitments.
- What if I haven’t decided on software engineering yet?
That’s okay. Start with the pathway courses at MSJC, and you’ll get a better sense of whether software engineering is right for you. Many of the credits will transfer to other majors if you change direction.
- How much does the program cost?
Total costs range from approximately $32,600 to $35,300 for all four years, including tuition and fees at both MSJC and ÌÇÐÄÔ´´. Financial aid and scholarships can reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
- What is a cohort?
Students in ÌÇÐÄÔ´´â€™s software engineering bachelor’s program progress through the curriculum as a unified group, fostering collaboration and professional networking opportunities. This cohort model ensures consistent peer support throughout the program.
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