The Master of Science Degree in Software Engineering provides specialized knowledge and experience in developing and modifying large, complex software systems. It emphasizes technical and management aspects of the software engineering process. Software engineering is an established discipline based on requirement analysis, design, construction, testing, maintenance, economics, and management issues of software engineering. A pragmatic approach to problem solving is the hallmark of a software engineer. Software engineers are concerned with the theoretical and practical aspects of technology, cost, and social impact of software systems that are both effective and efficient.

Software engineers are in demand in every segment of society affected by computing technology. Potential employers include all software vendors and Internet-based companies, electronic business organizations, businesses that build and sell computers, research and development laboratories, aerospace companies, government contractors, banks, insurance companies, and manufacturing organizations. The master’s program is concerned with both technical and managerial issues, but primary emphasis is placed on the technical aspects of building and modifying high quality software systems.

Successful applicants have a broad variety of undergraduate backgrounds, including computer science, science and mathematics, engineering, liberal arts, and business.  Many of our students are working or have worked in the software industry.

The contents of the MS in Software Engineering program are revised on a regular basis to stay abreast of the latest developments in information technology. Recent additions to the program include software construction with the object-oriented Java programming language, requirements analysis with use cases and the Unified Modeling Language (UML), object-oriented software design with the UML, graphical user interface design, Web applications and services, software project management using the spiral life cycle model and the Capability Maturity Model (CMM), software architecture, reusable software architectures and product lines, design patterns, system testing and testing of object-oriented components, secure software design and programming, and formal methods using the Object Constraint Language (OCL).

All classes are scheduled in the late afternoon and early evening to accommodate employed students.

Changes to the core, effective Fall 2009

Effective Fall 2009, the core Degree Requirements have changed. SWE 637, Software Testing, has been inserted into the core in place of SWE 620, Software Requirements. This change affects students who start in Fall 2009 or after. Previously matriculated students still fall under the old rules, but may change to the new rules by filing an updated Plan of Study.
New Degree Requirements
Old Degree Requirements