In addition to the general admission requirements of the university, applicants to the MS-SWE program must meet the following minimum entrance requirements:

1. Hold a four-year (120 credits) baccalaureate degree in an appropriate discipline from an accredited institution.
2. Have earned a grade point average of 3.0 or better in the last 60 credits of undergraduate study.
3. Provide a brief (one- to two-page) statement of educational and work experience in the computing field that includes a statement of career goals in software engineering.
4. Submit a departmental self-evaluation form, which can be obtained from the department. This form provides summary information concerning background and preparation for the program.
5. Show proof of a satisfactory score on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), if required. The test should have been taken within five years of applying for admission. The test is required for each applicant unless the applicant
   • has an undergraduate degree in science or engineering from a U.S. university and graduated with a GPA of 3.0 or better in the last 60 hours; or
   • has a graduate degree in science or engineering from a U.S. university; or
   • has been admitted as a non-degree student and meets all the following requirements: has an undergraduate degree from a U.S. university, has an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better in the last 60 hours; and received at least a B in all foundation courses taken at GMU or elsewhere.
6. Submit the appropriate application form with three letters of recommendation from persons directly knowledgeable of the applicant's professional and academic competence.
7. TOEFL for international students.

Acceptance into the MS-SWE program is based on overall assessment of the applicant's potential ability to complete the program of study in a satisfactory manner. Well-qualified students with minor deficiencies may be admitted to the program in provisional status, with specified course work to be completed within a specified time.

Applying to the Program

To apply to the program go to the GMU Admissions web page.