There is a lot of similarity between software developers and computer programmers. They very often work closely together, and oftentimes experienced developers will wear both hats. Here is the primary distinction:

• Software developers design software.
• Computer programmers build software.

The developer outlines how the software must function, and the programmer makes it function. To successfully design software programs, developers need a background in programming to understand what’s possible from a programmer’s perspective.

Do you excel in executing tasks and carrying out instructions with tremendous attention to detail? You could thrive as a programmer.

Do you excel in conceiving a new solution to a problem, designing it from the ground up and working with the many people needed to make it work? A career as a software developer might be perfect for you.

Strictly speaking, no. You don’t need to be well-versed in calculus or be able to perform complex computations in your head in the snap of a finger.

However, you will need to be able to think mathematically and logically to succeed in software development. Programming logic is a foundational topic—the ability to design and debug systems and successfully navigate progressive “if/then” logic requires mathematical thinking.

Students with an aptitude for math may have an advantage, but a career in software development doesn’t require advanced math skills.

Yes, working from home and remote work may be an option for software developers. Especially for freelancers/contractors and those who choose to work for themselves.

However, every employer has their own requirements in regard to remote work. Not every company is equipped to smoothly handle remote communication and team project management. Some jobs will require office availability by default and offer one or more days per week to work remotely.

If you enjoy problem-solving, possess critical thinking skills and have a keen attention to detail, earning a software developer degree could be right for you. Software engineers rely heavily on the ability to analyze and evaluate technical data.

Professionals in this field must have a strong aptitude for reasoning, be detail-oriented and possess interpersonal skills in order to work as part of a team and communicate technical details—both to clients unfamiliar with the language and programmers demanding clear instructions to execute. 

Software developers typically work in a comfortable office environment or computer lab. A standard workweek is 40-50 hours with occasional periods of longer hours when deadlines must be met.

Those employed in this field most often enjoy full benefits packages from their employers along with a competitive salary.

This is a subject of ongoing discussion as the industry continues to evolve. Some people use the terms interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference between engineering and development:

• A software engineer applies traditional engineering principles to analyze and solve problems. Their analysis, interpretation and solutions are done through a quantitative, engineering lens.
• A software developer approaches problems creatively with more flexibility to solve problems outside of the scientific method, applying qualitative practices and patterns learned outside of an engineering-based process.

The Herzing software development program introduces concepts in software engineering but does not provide a full foundation in engineering principles.

The Herzing University Computer Science program takes 12-32 months depending on the degree you pursue. After earning either an bachelor's or master's degree you’ll be ready to apply for entry level software development positions in many different industries.

Software developers conceptualize, design, code and produce the programs we use every day.

The specific tasks and duties of a software developer will vary depending on the employer and industry. Generally, software developers do the following:

• Evaluate user needs to determine whether they will need existing, modified, or new software
• Plan out each part of an application or system, creating diagrams and models of how the program will flow and which programming languages will be used
• Direct the work of software programmers as they code and test the program
• Create reference documentation so the program can be upgraded and maintained
• Conduct testing of the program and create regular updates

The average salary for software developers can vary widely based on the specific roles and responsibilities of the job.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for software developers is $144,570 per year ($69.50 per hour).*

Job outlook

The BLS reports employment of software developers is expected to rise 16% from 2024-2034, much higher than the projection across all U.S. occupations.