Having thoughts about getting a master’s in software engineering? Then, your mind is in the right place. With a master’s degree and quality experience, you can vie for positions developing most types of software including sensitive embedded products.
In the present digital age, software engineers are the creative brains behind the various computer programs we use every day. The world is always searching for new software, mobile applications, and computer systems that will make living easier and more secure. As a result, the demand for software engineers is on the rise.
So, in this article, we discuss all you need to know about software engineering and recommended schools you can get the best master’s degree program in software engineering.
Table of contents
- What is Software Engineering?
- What is a Masters in Software Engineering?
- Why do a masters in Software Engineering?
- How Long Does It Take to Get a Master’s in Software Engineering?
- How Much Is a Master’s in Software Engineering?
- How much money do people make with a Software Engineering degree?
- What can you do with a degree in Software Engineering?
- What Are The Requirements For a Degree in Software Engineering?
- What are the Best Software Engineering Programs In 2024?
- 1. Auburn University
- 2. Florida Institute of Technology
- 3. Carnegie Mellon University
- 4. Boston University
- 5. DePaul University
- 6. East Carolina University
- 7. Kennesaw State University
- 8. Stevens Institute of Technology
- 9. Drexel University
- 10. Arizona State University-Tempe
- 11. University of Southern California
- 12. Nova Southeastern University
- 13. Mercer University
- 14. Colorado Technical University
- 15. Northeastern University
- Conclusion
- References
- We Also Recommend
What is Software Engineering?
Software engineering is simply the process of analyzing user requirements and then designing, building, and testing software application which will meet those requirements.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it is the systematic application of scientific and technological knowledge, methods, and experience to software design, implementation, testing, and documentation.
What is a Masters in Software Engineering?
A Master in Software Engineering provides students with basic knowledge such as implementing new technologies to battle in the global environment. Participants will also study the fundamental building blocks of software engineering; this may cover universal themes touching every section of society and driving innovation and change in medicine, defense, and aerospace.
Students choose options from a comprehensive array of courses that suit their interests, including software analysis, system verification, design and architecture, and data storage and retrieval.
Why do a masters in Software Engineering?
There are numerous reasons why students choose to seek a Master’s in Software Engineering. For instance, the program teaches a variety of concepts including software project management and human-computer interaction. Additionally, an upper-level degree in this area allows individuals to develop quickly in the evolving environment of software engineering.
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How Long Does It Take to Get a Master’s in Software Engineering?
A master’s in software engineering normally needs at least 30 credit hours and takes about two years to finish. Students may be able to take extra credits each semester at an additional cost to finish their degrees more quickly.
Working professionals may decide to take fewer credits per semester, which may prolong the length of their program and raise costs, depending on their school’s student fees. The length of time it takes to achieve a degree also varies depending on how often the program in question offers its core courses.
How Much Is a Master’s in Software Engineering?
Anticipate investing approximately $32,000 for tuition over the course of your master’s in a software engineering program. A number of factors influence tuition costs, starting with whether you’re a citizen or nonresident, which is especially important for on-campus students.
Out-of-state tuition can cost up to double as much as in-state tuition; if you determine to attend a particular school out of state, you may need to research online program choices or consider establishing residency in the area, dependent on job openings and the quality of living there.
Some programs offering both online and on-campus experiences require the same per-credit tuition rate for each, and some online programs demand an additional distance-learning fee.
Visit your school’s financial assistance page to find out about institutional or program-specific scholarship and grant possibilities there.
How much money do people make with a Software Engineering degree?
Software engineering experts are in high demand and will likely continue to be in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, software engineering has been among the fastest-growing IT professions in the US. And as the technology-focused business environment grows, that increase promises to continue.
That’s good news for software engineers. Because of the universal demand for talented developers of new software, software engineers can charge a pretty high salary. The Bureau of Labor Statistics puts the current median pay at $102,280 a year—though that differs with education and experience.
What can you do with a degree in Software Engineering?
Software engineers are problem solvers who apply new technologies to enhance the quality of life. They study the demands of computer users and then design and develop (and continuously change) software that answers those demands.
From designing security software to gaming systems and educational programs—software engineering is a huge discipline with almost limitless potential. No matter what your special interest, there is probably a niche with your name on it.
What Are The Requirements For a Degree in Software Engineering?
A background in technology is a prerequisite for any graduate program in software engineering, but that is not necessarily the case. Nevertheless, there are many programs on this ranking that welcome students from every background. If you don’t have the essential knowledge, schools provide the foundational courses that will catch you up to speed.
However, all programs on this ranking need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. And some (but not all) programs need that you have good GRE scores.
What are the Best Software Engineering Programs In 2024?
Considering the time and funds you want to invest, you need to ensure you find a program that fits your needs.
In order to prepare our ranking of the 13 Best Software Engineering Programs, we’ve done the research and data collection for you. We verify and compare numbers on national reputation, tuition rates, student evaluations, and projected early-career incomes.
The thorough research we do means that the score you see on all ranking reflects both academic distinctions and return on investment. Our information comes from publicly accessible sources like program websites, as well as The National Center for Education Statistics, Payscale.com, and U.S. News and World Report.
Here is a list of the best software engineering programs
1. Auburn University
Auburn University, in Auburn, Alabama, is famous its research-focused undergraduate and graduate degrees. The Computer Science and Software Engineering program is accessible as a non-thesis master of software engineering (MSwE), a research-focused master of science, and a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degree. Though all are highly ranked and popular, the MS program enables students to seek a total of thirty credits in a research-heavy curriculum.
The program is accessible as a distance and on-campus program. Students will take hands-on, experience focused classes such as:
- Master of Software Engineering Design Project
- Thesis Course
If students choose the research track, they must finish eighteen credit hours in computer science and software engineering. Students who elect not to pursue the thesis pathway require more credits.
Auburn’s historic roots provide the institution with a strong core curriculum in the liberal arts. Although the campus boasts an enrollment of over 4,900 students, enrollees are provided with close attention from renowned faculty and diverse hands-on experiences.
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2. Florida Institute of Technology
Florida Institute of Technology provides a Master’s in Software Engineering, enabling committed students to seek hands-on, creative, and technology-based solutions in a business environment. Students acquire a background in mathematics, computer science, and computer organization. This gives them a systematic and disciplined strategy for developing, maintaining, and adopting new software products.
Florida Institute of Technology is frequently identified for its broad array of hands-on research opportunities. Students get exposure to the software industry and will acquire the ability to produce imaginative solutions to common problems in engineering.
Students get access to the software evolution lab and faculty members with decades of industry experience in software engineering. As a result, graduates get employment in a variety of highly valued and coveted positions, including those at Electronic Arts, Google, Microsoft, and Mozilla.
3. Carnegie Mellon University
The Software Engineering Master’s Program at Carnegie Mellon provides students with various choices in seeking a degree in technical leadership and strategic management. The online learning programs enable students to maintain professional and personal commitments while at the same time gaining real-world learning experiences.
Students will learn advanced concepts and the implementation and practice of concrete applications. They take courses in a mentored studio environment. The Software Engineering program at Carnegie Mellon is almost 20 years old, and its impressive curriculum enables students to take classes in some of the following subjects:
- Agile Software Development Frameworks
- Risk Management
- Communication for Software Engineers
- DevOps: Eng. for Deployment and Ops
- Methods: Deciding What to Design
Students can choose to complete a degree in a total of sixteen months of full-time work or spread out in a flexible multi-year plan. Whether on-campus or online, students will be attached to a team of faculty mentors who will lead each student towards his or her purposes.
SEE ALSO: Study at Carnegie Mellon University: Admission Requirements, Courses Offered Tuition Fee, Ranking
4. Boston University
Boston University’s Master of Science degree in Software Development (MSSD) offers blossoming software developers with the skills required to meet needs across a breadth of industry sectors. Students will get to acquire knowledge and hands-on experiences in multiple languages and platforms, along with specific security software solutions. Graduates depart Boston University with an accredited, professional, and well-developed portfolio of software project work.
Boston university’s MSSD is one of the few degrees of its type in the United States. Only thirty-two credits are needed for degree completion, enabling students to finish in as little as sixteen months. The adjustable course schedule covers studies in Agile Software Development, Advanced Java Programming, Server-Side Web Development, Mobile Application Development Data Structures and Algorithms, and Rich Internet Applications.
Students from every background–including those without any technical experience–are urged to apply. The program is created to provide instruction to students at all experience levels. U.S. News & World Report noted the program among the top 3 Best Online Graduate Computer IT Programs for three years in a row, a testament to the university’s quality of education.
5. DePaul University
DePaul University’s Master of Science in Software Engineering enables students to acquire the skills needed to be successful in a high-demand, high-yield career. They will learn how to interact, present findings and developing technologies, and use those technologies in a realistic setting.
The curriculum of the program concentrates on data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, which emphasizes a need for all perspectives of software engineering such as requirements engineering and software construction.
Four concentrations are accessible within the Software Engineering program. These cover Software Development, Software Architecture, Real-Time Game Systems, and Entrepreneurship and Technology Leadership. Graduates will have finished a minimum of 52 credit hours in addition to any needed introductory courses. Classes might include:
- Object-Oriented Modeling
- Discrete Structures for Computer Science
- Software and Systems Project Management
- Agile Software Development
- Software Testing and Quality Assurance
Students at DePaul have the unique opportunity to engage immediately with highly ranked faculty in various interesting research projects. These projects might cover safety-critical software development, architectural design, and traceability.
6. East Carolina University
The Master of Science in Software Engineering (MSSE) program at East Carolina University was formed in 2008 and was one of the first of its kind in the state of North Carolina. Its innovative program provides students with the technical skills required to design, develop, test, and maintain high-quality software systems and the theory required to understand the processes. However, the program is offered both online and on-campus and intended for both experienced and novice software engineers.
Many program concentrations exist within the MSSE program. This enables motivated students to branch out and explores personal career interests while at the same time getting all thirty needed credits. Further, these concentrations include Software Design and Development, Software Project Management and Quality Assurance, and Software Testing.
The MSSE at East Carolina University has been acknowledged frequently as one of the best choices for students regarding quality and value. The collaborative and flexible nature of the program enables students to benefit from industry experience that many distance students at other institutions do not receive.
7. Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw State University offers an MS in Software Engineering that presents students to real-time problems, procedures, and strategies essential to get a competitive edge in the job market. Courses are available on campus and online.
Seven core courses and a variety of electives are needed for successful graduates of the program. Students may finish a project option or thesis option.
Students may also want to finish a capstone option or an extra certificate. Course concentrations are ready that prepare students for careers as Computer Game Designers and other high-interest positions. Kennesaw State is the only public university in Georgia that offers an undergraduate in Software Engineering. This makes it an ideal option for these students to continue on with their graduate education.
8. Stevens Institute of Technology
Stevens Institute of Technology’s Master’s in Software Engineering blends a deep program core of software engineering principles with physical application to complex systems. Students are trained in the specification, analysis and design, testing, maintenance, and evaluation. This broad strategy enables students to learn every phase of the industry, while poised in an outstanding location just minutes from the world’s financial hub: New York City.
Two software engineering graduate tracks are ready. One is an excellent program for students with experience in technology, while the other exists as a bridge program for students with little experience. Students will work at all steps of software development, including gathering project specifications, writing algorithms, developing, and evaluating software.
Students at Stevens Institute will gain from the instruction given by faculty with years of industry experience. The institute offers students internships at prominent organizations such as Accenture, AT&T, Cisco, IBM, and Verizon. Stevens also offers academically talented liberal arts graduates to apply for the National Science Foundation scholarship grant. This grant is intended for students who hold an undergraduate degree but little computing experience to enter into the master’s program.
9. Drexel University
Drexel University’s uncommon Master of Science in Software Engineering equips students with the networking and academic preparation essential to be successful practitioners in high-paying careers. The program is highly interdisciplinary and students will work with doctorally qualified educators to create a customized program.
10. Arizona State University-Tempe
Arizona State University’s Tempe campus offers a Master of Science in Software Engineering that allows students to obtain advanced knowledge and practice engineering principles on software development. The program builds upon the university’s undergraduate degree in software engineering and includes an increased emphasis on research and skill advancement.
However, students must take at least thirty credit hours. These will cover either thirty credits in software factory capstone courses, or thirty credits included applied for project courses. Students may also decide to complete thirty hours that cover the thesis courses.
11. University of Southern California
The Master of Science in Computer Science (Software Engineering) at the University of Southern California equips students for jobs as industrial leaders in software engineering. Unlike several other programs, it equips students with the foundational knowledge essential to seek high-level studies and research leading to a Ph.D.
A total of 32 credits are needed, with four of those existing as a core, needed coursework. Other credits will be composed of electives, research, internship, and thesis courses.
The university also offers programs in Data Science, Game Development, Computer Security, and Computer Networks. These broad offerings allow students to take elective courses in fields that interest them and equip them for more individually-specific careers.
Students will involve in real-client class projects and cutting-edge evaluation assignments. They would also study emerging trends, such as agile processes and rapid software development, while also gaining the communication and technological skills essential for business success.
12. Nova Southeastern University
Nova Southeastern University offers a Master of Science in Software Engineering both on-campus in South Florida as well as fully online. The program features project management and human-computer interaction, with a heavy content center on the foundations of software engineering. (treehouselodge.com) Students will acquire the skills essential to solve real-world problems.
The problem consists of twelve courses, comprising thirty-six credit hours. These courses combine theory and practice and will take six core courses and an array of electives that span disciplines (such as computer science). Example of courses include:
- Java Programming Language
- Mathematics in Computing
- Data Structures and Algorithms
- Object-Oriented Design
- Software Testing and Verification
- Software Requirements Engineering
13. Mercer University
Mercer University’s Master’s degree in Software Engineering enables students to learn particular and in-depth technologies and methods for defining and solving complex analytical problems. Whether on campus in Macon, Georgia, or online, students will learn the communication skills essential to be successful in a fast-paced business environment.
The program enables students to conduct their own software development projects. This project spans the whole lifecycle, with an emphasis on requirements analysis, object-oriented programming, testing, and other processes.
Students at Mercer are provided with the latest tools to help their software engineering skills. They are allotted resources to further their studies, whether online or on campus. Students are guided by a proficient faculty with decades of experience in software engineering.
14. Colorado Technical University
Students at Colorado Technical University in Colorado Springs benefit from a strong foundation in software engineering combined with individualized concentration courses. Students explore the impact of computers and information technology on daily living and study how to design and produce new software systems to discuss that impact.
The program is offered online as well as on-campus in Colorado Springs and Denver. In this program, Forty-eight credits are needed for graduation.
15. Northeastern University
Northeastern University’s Masters in Computer Systems Engineering Degree enables students to seek a concentration in Engineering Software Design. This concentration is created for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or physical science.
Thirty-two total credits are needed. Examples of courses include:
- Concepts of Object-Oriented Design
- Enterprise Software Design
Students must finish a master’s thesis or software engineering project as the culminating experience of their studies. The program also provides a pathway to a Ph.D. program if wanted.
Conclusion
A Master in Software Engineering provides you with basic knowledge such as implementing new technologies to battle in the global environment. You will also study the fundamental building blocks of software engineering; this may cover universal themes touching every section of society, and driving innovation and change in medicine, defense, and aerospace.
So, we have prepared a list of the best schools that offer a master’s degree in software engineering to help you narrow your search.
References
- collegechoice.net – Best Master Of Software Engineering Degrees
- bestcolleges.com – The Top Online Master’s in Software Engineering Degrees
- bestvalueschools.com – 25 BEST ONLINE MASTER’S DEGREES IN SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
- masterstudies.com – 128 Masters Programs in Software Engineering
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