Department of Software Engineering

There is no doubt that computers and their software applications provide numerous benefits, and no one can overlook their significance. As a result, computers and software applications are now widely used in almost all aspects of human life, and their usage continues to increase daily. In our country as well, both governmental and private institutions extensively use computers and software applications. Some of these software systems are general-purpose applications used worldwide and developed by internationally renowned companies. However, certain specialized software applications required by governmental and private institutions are better developed locally.

Locally developed software can be designed in local languages, tailored to the specific needs of each organization, and easily updated in the future at a lower cost. Nevertheless, in our country, most specialized software applications are still imported from abroad at a high cost. Therefore, there is a growing need to train professional personnel in the field of computer software development. This need has also been emphasized in the strategic plan of the Ministry of Higher Education, which highlights the use of software to facilitate administrative and organizational processes.

Under the current circumstances, reliance on foreign software companies poses financial and security challenges in the long term. On the other hand, software development is a form of industry that does not require factories or raw materials; rather, it requires computers, programming languages, and professional expertise. Consequently, the country needs skilled professionals who are familiar with programming languages, techniques, and methodologies of software design and development. By training such professionals, software can be developed domestically and gradually transformed into a sustainable industry that contributes to the national economy without reliance on raw materials.

Accordingly, the Department of Software Engineering was established within the Faculty of Computer Science to educate and prepare professional individuals in software development, maintenance, and modernization in line with contemporary needs, and to serve society accordingly. The department currently has five academic staff members, including one with a PhD degree and four with master’s degrees in Software Engineering. The department strives to support all academic staff members in attaining doctoral degrees. In addition to teaching, research, authorship, and translation, the academic staff are also responsible for curriculum development, innovation, and continuous improvement.

1. 1. Vision of the Department of Software Engineering

The Department of Software Engineering aims to become a leading, credible, academic, and research-oriented institution in the field of computer software development and the training of committed and specialized professionals at the national level.

1. 2. Mission of the Department of Software Engineering

To achieve its vision of educating competent and committed professionals in software development sciences, the department pursues the following mission:

• To teach fundamental and professional theories and apply them through effective methods and techniques in order to train skilled professionals capable of technical, analytical, and practical problem-solving using computers.
• To provide an educational environment that enables students to assume professional, legal, social, and ethical responsibilities while using computer systems, prevent potential harms, promote collaboration with various sectors of society, and utilize technology for public welfare.
• To conduct scientific research in the field of software development with the aim of contributing to the scientific and economic growth of the country.
  3. Strategic Objectives of the Department of Software Engineering

The widespread use and advancement of computer software highlight the importance of the software development process, particularly in a developing country like Afghanistan, where the use of computers and software is increasing rapidly. Software development is an industry that can expand employment opportunities and support the national economy without reliance on raw materials.

Given the high costs associated with importing specialized software—sometimes reaching millions of dollars—it is essential to educate professional software engineers who can meet domestic needs. Therefore, a comprehensive and market-oriented curriculum has been developed for the Software Engineering Department. The curriculum has been designed based on national needs and labor market demands, informed by curricula from leading international universities, consultations with global academics, feedback from Computer Science graduates, and master’s-level students.