Software Engineering Department

Faculty of Information Technology – Al-Hussein Bin Talal University

Welcome to the Software Engineering Department

Welcome to the webpage of the Software Engineering Department at the Faculty of Information Technology, Al-Hussein Bin Talal University (AHU).

Software Engineering is a relatively modern discipline within the field of Information Technology. It emerged in response to the growing demands of the labor market for professionals with the knowledge and expertise required to design, architect, develop, test, deploy, and maintain high-quality software systems. The discipline aims to produce reliable, integrated, and sustainable software solutions capable of keeping pace with the rapid developments and challenges of the modern technological era.

In response to these needs, the Software Engineering Department was established within the Faculty of Information Technology at Al-Hussein Bin Talal University. The department was established in 2009, alongside the Departments of Computer Science and Computer Information Systems. Since its establishment, the department has focused on developing modern and continuously updated study plans that respond to the needs of the labor market, supported by qualified and highly competent academic staff.

To earn a Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering, students are required to successfully complete 132 credit hours, distributed as follows:

• University Compulsory Requirements: 18 credit hours

• University Elective Requirements: 9 credit hours

• Faculty Compulsory Requirements: 21 credit hours

• Major Compulsory Requirements: 75 credit hours

• Major Elective Requirements: 9 credit hours

The department offers a comprehensive range of specialized Software Engineering courses, covering approximately 30% of the total credit hours. These courses address areas such as software design, software engineering, software operation and maintenance, fault-tolerant systems, and other essential topics that prepare students to compete effectively in the labor market.

In addition to specialized Software Engineering knowledge, students acquire fundamental and advanced concepts in Information Technology through courses offered by the Faculty of Information Technology, representing more than 50% of the total credit hours. Students also develop a broad academic and cultural foundation through university-level general education courses.

The department's primary mission is to prepare a generation of graduates who are professionally competent, innovative, adaptable, and capable of competing effectively in the labor market and contributing to the development of the future.

Department Establishment and Development

The Software Engineering Department was established in 2009 following the restructuring of the Faculty of Information Technology and Computer Engineering and the Faculty of Mining and Environmental Engineering at Al-Hussein Bin Talal University.

Prior to its establishment as an independent department, Software Engineering was offered as a specialization within the Information Technology Department at the Faculty of Information Technology and Computer Engineering. Following the establishment of the Faculty of Information Technology in 2009, Software Engineering became an independent department alongside the Departments of Computer Science and Computer Information Systems.

The department initially included seven faculty members, comprising one Professor, three Associate Professors, one Assistant Professor, and two instructors holding Master's degrees, in addition to an administrative secretary. The department also provided three computer laboratories connected to the Internet to support teaching and practical training.

The Software Engineering Department obtained its special accreditation from the Jordanian higher education accreditation authorities.

Recognizing the growing demand for Software Engineering professionals in Jordan, the department also supported academic development by sending faculty members on scholarships to pursue doctoral degrees at distinguished universities in countries such as the United States and Australia.

Bachelor's Degree in Software Engineering

The Software Engineering Bachelor's degree program requires the successful completion of 132 credit hours. It is designed as a typical four-year undergraduate program at Al-Hussein Bin Talal University.

The program aims to prepare students for professional careers in the public and private sectors, the software and computing industry, education, and other technology-related fields. It also provides students with a strong foundation for pursuing postgraduate studies in Software Engineering and related Information Technology disciplines.

Requirements for Awarding the Bachelor's Degree

The Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering is awarded to students who fulfill the following requirements:

1. Successfully complete all courses required by the approved study plan.

2. Achieve a cumulative GPA of at least 60%, in accordance with the applicable university regulations.

3. Be registered at the University during the final two semesters as stipulated by the university regulations.

4. Complete the degree within the maximum period specified by university regulations, which is seven years.

5. Sit for the University Competency Examination in accordance with the decisions of the Higher Education Council. The examination is optional for non-Jordanian students, where applicable.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering, graduates are expected to be able to:

• Apply principles of mathematics, science, and engineering to define, formulate, analyze, and solve a wide range of problems.

• Develop creative and innovative solutions to complex problems.

• Understand and apply appropriate principles and practices for software design and continuous development.

• Apply design and development principles to the analysis, construction, evaluation, and design of software systems, components, and processes.

• Utilize information technologies, hardware, and software tools to solve problems, conduct experiments and analyses, and interpret data.

• Demonstrate strong analytical, learning, and self-learning skills.

• Work effectively in multidisciplinary and culturally diverse teams.

• Demonstrate professionalism, ethical responsibility, and accountability.

• Recognize and address the social impacts and responsibilities associated with Software Engineering.

• Recognize the importance of lifelong learning and continuous professional development.

• Understand the importance of emerging and rapidly evolving technologies.

• Demonstrate leadership and team management skills to achieve desired outcomes.

• Design and develop computer-based solutions to real-world problems.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Software Engineering Department can pursue careers in a wide range of organizations and industries, including Information Technology, software development, consulting, banking and financial services, entertainment, healthcare, media, education, and other technology-driven sectors.

The academic program prepares graduates for a variety of professional roles, including:

• Software Engineer

• Software Designer

• Software Developer

• Computer Software Engineer

• IT Project Manager

• Information Systems Analyst

• Software Requirements Analyst

• Information Security Specialist

• Software Quality Assurance Specialist

• Software Programmer

• Game Designer / Game Developer

• IT Support Specialist

• Systems or Network Administrator

• Database Administrator

• Software Project Manager

• Network and Communications Specialist

• Research and Development Specialist

Graduates are encouraged to gain practical experience in their chosen field through employment, internships, field training, or other forms of professional practice. Practical experience enhances their professional competencies and improves their readiness for the labor market.

Vision

The Software Engineering Department aspires to achieve excellence and leadership in education and scientific research in the field of Software Engineering and to become a distinguished educational and research environment recognized for the quality of its research, academic programs, and curricula.

Mission

The Software Engineering Department is committed to:

1. Providing students with a strong and comprehensive foundation in Software Engineering.

2. Providing the technological tools, software, laboratories, and learning resources necessary to support effective education and produce highly qualified graduates.

3. Preparing graduates who possess the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to compete locally and globally in Software Engineering and related fields.

Program Objectives

The objectives of the Bachelor's degree program in Software Engineering are to:

• Prepare students for postgraduate studies and professional careers in Information Technology and Software Engineering.

• Enable students to use computers and information technologies effectively and appropriately.

• Develop students' effective communication skills.

• Encourage creativity, innovation, and problem-solving.

• Provide students with the knowledge and skills required to plan and architect large-scale software systems.

• Equip students with the technical knowledge and practical skills necessary to design, develop, test, deploy, and maintain complex software systems.

• Train students to evaluate and utilize software engineering tools and automation techniques.

• Enable students to apply Software Engineering methodologies and best practices throughout the software development lifecycle.

• Develop students' communication, teamwork, leadership, and professional responsibility skills.

• Foster professional ethics and prepare students to work effectively in complex and evolving professional environments.

• Promote a culture of lifelong learning and continuous professional development.