The aim of study was to analyze the level of knowledge in programming and its relationship to the development of information systems (IS) students in Systems Engineering from the University of La Guajira. We used a descriptive methodology, correlational, non-experimental design, transactional field, the population was 320 students, applying probability sampling, stratified proportional sample being made up of 120 students, for the data collection instrument was applied consists of 45 Likert-type items. For the treatment of the data was used descriptive statistics. The results show that the level of knowledge of engineering students is medium, because not everyone has a good attitude towards programming and soft-ware development, most are good theoretical knowledge, but in practice and experience scheduling the result is low, as practiced little and have little experience. Regarding the relationship between the level of knowledge in programming and software development is directly proportional because the higher the level of knowledge of the students will be more compe-tent to develop SI and vice versa. Consequently it is recommended that all systems engineering programs and related careers that students acquire the knowledge and skills required in programming, to develop SI quality, as these are playing an ever more innovative in the Company, enabling solutions companies and introducing significant changes in each of the areas of knowledge.