Online Masters in Software Engineering Programs

Software engineering is a computer-related profession that entails developing user-friendly, cutting-edge computer programs and systems to meet the needs of customers and clients. Software engineering students learn how to use engineering principles to create software and computer programs that can be used and accessed on a variety of devices.

Because of the growing demand for innovative software, constantly changing code, and the complexity of modern computing, software engineers should see a steady increase in demand for the foreseeable future. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a 22 percent increase in software developer jobs between 2019 and 2029, which is much faster than the national average.

Career options, salary data, common coursework, admission requirements, and answers to frequently asked questions are all covered in the following guide about online masters in software engineering programs.

Best Masters Degree In Software Engineering

Software engineering is a growing field, with great demands for professionals who can develop consumer-friendly programs and keep up with the latest technology. Most computer science graduates are capable of applying concepts to a variety of professions but software engineers in focus are a bit more specific; specifically, they are more interested in creating software that best fits client’s needs. Students with degrees in software engineering learn about applying engineering principles to the development of software-enabled devices and computers used by clients or customers.

Masters in Software Engineering Online 2021 | Top 10 Rankings

1. Harvard University

Online learners from all over the world can learn in-demand skills through Harvard’s master’s in a software engineering program. Coursework in theoretical foundations, cloud computing, and software design are all part of the 48-credit program. There is a thesis-only track and a non-thesis track available to students.

Earning a certificate in backend web development, cybersecurity, or data science can help you prepare for a new job or advance your career. Harvard provides free workshops, advising, and interviewing guides to distance learners.

Prospective students must pass two introductory courses with a minimum 3.0 GPA to be considered for admission to this program. A critical reading and writing skills test is also required of applicants.

Location: Cambridge, MA

2. University of Southern California

The 32-credit master’s in a software engineering program at USC includes courses in algorithm analysis, software architecture, and web technologies. Electives allow students to customize their education. A research colloquium and a directed research project round out the program.

Over 70% of USC engineering graduates begin working soon after graduation. Students can use USC’s career center to look for lucrative job openings, watch informative videos, and get cover letter feedback.

This program accepts new students in the spring, summer, and fall semesters. Admission requires a bachelor’s degree in computer science as well as GRE scores. The tuition and fees for all students are the same. Low-income applicants may be eligible for institutional grants.

Location: Los Angeles, CA

3. California State University, Fullerton

Professionals already working in the field of computer science may be interested in earning a master’s degree in software engineering online from CSUF to boost their earning potential. Students investigate software standards, advanced software processes, as well as ethical and legal concerns. Full-time students can complete their studies in as little as 22 months.

The College of Engineering and Computer Science at CSUF manages its career center, which provides advising and internship opportunities.

In the fall, CSUF accepts new software engineering students. Applicants who do not have a bachelor’s degree in computer science but have relevant work experience are encouraged to apply. Residents of California are eligible for a significant tuition discount.

Location: Fullerton, CA

4. Stevens Institute of Technology

Stevens is the director of an online master’s degree program in software engineering that prepares students to work as software developers, testers, and requirements engineers. Agile methods for software development, software architecture, and cost estimation and measurement are all emphasized in the curriculum. A software engineering studio course, which serves as a capstone, is also required.

Within six months of graduation, the vast majority of program graduates have a successful career and earn an above-average starting salary. Students can use virtual career resources, such as one-on-one counseling sessions hosted through Zoom, to prepare for life after graduation.

Two letters of recommendation, undergraduate transcripts, and GRE scores are all required for admission. Students studying software engineering pay the same semester-based tuition rate. Federal grants, an employer reimbursement program, and a monthly payment plan are among the financial aid options.

Location: Hoboken, NJ

5. Brandeis University

Brandeis’ master’s in software engineering program accepts part-time students. The 30-credit program includes core courses in UML-based object-oriented design, software engineering studio, and Java expert software development. Students choose electives for 40% of their credits, allowing them to personalize their education.

Companies like Bose Corporation, Phillips, and General Dynamics have hired recent software engineering graduates. Students can use the school’s alumni network, Handshake software, and virtual counseling appointments to find potential employers.

Students should have relevant work experience or a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field to be considered. Out-of-state tuition is not charged at Brandeis. Federal and private loans, as well as employer reimbursement, are all options for financial aid.

Location: Waltham, MA

6. University of Houston-Clear Lake

Gaming, robotics software, software project management, and software development are among the four concentrations available through UHCL’s online masters in a software engineering program. Software architecture, reuse, and reengineering are all required courses.

engineering requirements Full-time students taking three courses per semester can complete their degree in 15 months.

Career counseling, mock interviews, and virtual networking events are among UHCL’s resources for students and alumni. Learners can also use UHCL’s private job board, Jobs4Hawks.

GRE scores are not required for applicants with a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Additionally, prerequisite courses in C++ and Java are required. Students with no prior professional experience are admitted to UHCL. Residents of Texas are eligible for a significant tuition discount.

Location: Houston, TX

7. Illinois Institute of Technology

While earning an online master of computer science degree, students at IIT can specialize in software engineering. Students choose four electives from seven options after completing the core curriculum, including programming science, software metrics, and software testing and analysis.

More than 85% of IIT graduates find work or enroll in graduate school within six months of graduation. Internship opportunities and an informative blog are provided by career advisors to help students and alumni achieve positive career outcomes.

Applicants are not required to have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or work experience. A minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA, two recommendation letters, and a personal statement are all required for admission. Regardless of residency, all students pay the same per-credit tuition rate.

Location: Chicago, IL

8. Drexel University

The 10-week courses in Drexel’s online MS in software engineering program follow a quarter system. Network security, human-computer interaction, and information visualization are among the core and breadth courses offered. A thesis or capstone is not required for the 45-credit degree.

Current students and alumni can receive career counseling and explore postgraduate opportunities at Drexel’s career development center. Nearly 90% of Drexel graduates find work within a year of graduation thanks to these resources.

Applicants who do not have a bachelor’s degree in computer science are eligible to apply. GRE scores, a 500-word personal essay, and one recommendation letter are all required application materials. Active-duty military personnel automatically receive a 40% tuition discount. Students studying software engineering online may be eligible for institutional financial aid.

Location: Philadelphia, PA

9. University of West Florida

Advanced algorithms, parallel and distributed programming, and continuous software engineering are all covered in UWF’s masters in a software engineering program, which is entirely online. Students can personalize their degrees by choosing two electives from a variety of options. A thesis or an advanced project is required to complete the program.

Before graduation, approximately 25% of UWF students accept a job offer. Students can get help with job search strategies, internship opportunities, and resume writing at UWF.

A minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA and GRE scores are required for admission. Applicants with work experience are preferred by UWF. Some applicants without a computer science background are admitted to the university, but they must complete three additional courses. A UWF Graduate Grant is available to students who have financial needs.

Location: Pensacola, FL

10. East Carolina University

ECU’s online master’s degree in software engineering may be of interest to students who want a software engineering education that emphasizes computer science fundamentals. The 30-credit program includes foundational coursework in software engineering, software project management, and software testing foundations. Students who do not have a relevant bachelor’s degree must take an additional eight credits.

Transitioning from college to a career is covered in ECU’s online workshops. Students can also consult guides for help with resumes, networking, and interviewing.

GRE scores and a minimum 3.0 GPA are required of applicants. Residents of North Carolina are eligible for a tuition discount. Incoming students can meet with a financial aid advisor to learn about institutional and private funding options.

Location: Greenville, NC

What Courses Will I Take in an Online Masters in Software Engineering Program?

A variety of courses are available in online masters in software engineering programs, including both required and elective classes. Students can choose courses based on their interests, specializations, and career objectives. While course requirements vary by program, the following is a list of some of the most common courses found in an online masters in the software engineering program.

Software Engineering Methods

This course looks at the common problems that software engineers face in their jobs. Students learn how individuals and teams must adapt to constant change through group projects in which they examine problems and develop actionable solutions with their peers.

Software Architecture and Design

Software Architecture and Design is designed to teach students the skills needed to lead software project teams as technical leads. This course looks at how to create and maintain a solid software architecture for large-scale systems. Micro- and macro-architectural patterns, architectural analysis methods, and concepts in architecture modeling are all covered in depth. Multiple group projects are common in this class.

Object-Oriented Design

This course focuses on the Unified Modeling Language and Object-Oriented Analysis and Design using examples from a variety of real-world domains. Software engineering concepts, such as modeling, design, and programming are introduced in the context of a problem space. Students gain experience applying UML and other modern design and analysis methods to realistic software engineering problems.

Python and JavaScript Web Programming

Students learn how to create and run web applications using JavaScript, Python, and SQL, as well as frameworks such as Bootstrap, Django, Flask, and others. The course covers database design, security, and user experience optimization. Students learn how to create and deploy a wide range of internet applications.

Big Data Analytics

This course will teach students how to use Spark 2 as well as other important big data systems and technologies. Students will learn how social media’s popularity has resulted in the collection, storage, and sharing of browsing data, videos, photographs, email messages, and other information. The course covers best practices for storing and organizing large amounts of data, as well as how to build large-scale data pipelines.

Admission Requirements for Online Masters in Software Engineering Programs

Admission requirements to an online master’s in software engineering program vary among programs, as do admission criteria to any graduate school. Most online master’s courses require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Typically, students majoring in software engineering must hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field from a regionally accredited post-secondary institution. Some programs further require personal essays and recommendations letters.

To earn a master’s in software engineering online, students must complete prerequisite undergraduate courses and general education courses. Additionally, master’s in software engineering programs may require students to achieve a 2.0 GPA or better in certain prerequisite courses, such as introduction to software engineering, database management, and statistics.

What Can I Expect From an Online Masters in Software Engineering Program?

If you plan on enrolling in an online master’s in a software engineering program, some certain traits and skills will make your journey through the degree easier. Some of these qualities include strong time management skills, the ability to work well in teams, and the desire to teach and help others. Also, students do well if they can assess problems and develop sound solutions.

The most common type of master’s in software engineering program requires approximately 30-33 credits. Degrees usually take two or fewer years to complete. Some choose to take additional semesters to continue working through their degree and earning money while paying for school. Full-time students usually complete master’s in software engineering degrees within 18-24 months. Part-time students may need three years or more to graduate.

Cybersecurity, data analysis, project management, software architecture, and software development are common concentrations in these programs. Students can select a concentration that aligns with their career objectives and interests.

As part of their master’s program, many students complete an internship. These experiences allow them to learn best practices in the field by working alongside experienced software engineers.