To get ahead in your tech career you might want to consider pursuing a Master’s Degree in Software Engineering. These degrees prove you’re an expert in this field, making you more desirable to tech giants and groundbreaking companies across a variety of industries. The best software engineering master’s degree programs can also prepare you for research in PhD programs.
You can choose various options to earn your software engineering master’s degree. Some schools offer a thesis and non-thesis option, while others also allow self-paced learning. This article features the best software engineering master’s degree programs as well as the top careers for this degree, their salaries, and more.
What Is Software Engineering?
Software engineering is a field within computer science. Professionals in software engineering use computer science techniques and programming languages to develop software applications and products. They will also design and test software products to ensure they fulfill business requirements.
Where Can I Get a Master’s Degree in Software Engineering?
You can get a Master’s Degree in Software engineering at a public university, private college, or technological institute that offers graduate degrees. Some of the schools where you can get a software engineering master’s degree are Auburn University, Drexel University, and Rochester Institute of Technology.
What Schools Offer the Best Software Engineering Master’s Degrees?
- DePaul University
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- Florida Institute of Technology
- Stevens Institute of Technology
- Stratford University
What Are the Admission Requirements for a Master’s Degree in Software Engineering?
A Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering or a related field is the main admission requirement for a Master’s Degree in Software Engineering. Some schools may also accept extensive experience in the industry, and many will have additional requirements for incoming students.
Your bachelor’s degree GPA must be 3.0 or higher and you’ll have to submit your official transcripts to prove this. Some schools for software engineering also require Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) scores. If you don’t fulfill all the admission requirements, many programs offer foundational courses to help you brush up your technical skills.
Software Engineering Master’s Degree Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering or a related field
- Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above
- GRE scores
- Resume or CV
- Official undergraduate transcripts
How to Get a Master’s Degree in Software Engineering
To get a Master’s Degree in Software Engineering you will need to complete the required courses and a thesis or capstone project. You will also need to maintain a GPA above 2.0 in all of your coursework. Some programs may have additional graduation requirements, like an internship or teaching assistantship.
How Many Credits Do You Need for a Master’s Degree in Software Engineering?
You need between 30 and 45 credits for a Master’s Degree in Software Engineering. These credits are made up of elective courses, software engineering courses, and a thesis or research project.
Software Engineering Degree Requirements
- At least 30 credits of coursework
- Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above
- Completion of a thesis or final project
- Payment of all tuition and fees
- Internship or assistantship
Best Software Engineering Master’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Auburn University | Master of Science – Computer Science and Software Engineering | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| DePaul University | Master of Science in Software Engineering | Higher Learning Commission |
| Drexel University | Master of Science in Software Engineering | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University | Master of Science in Software Engineering | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Florida Institute of Technology | Master of Science in Software Engineering | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| New Jersey Institute of Technology | Master of Science in Software Engineering | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Rochester Institute of Technology | Master of Science in Software Engineering | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Stevens Institute of Technology | Master of Science in Software Engineering | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Stratford University | Master of Science in Software Engineering | Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools |
| The University of Texas at Dallas | Executive Master of Science in Software Engineering | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
Best Schools for Software Engineering: Top Software Engineering Master’s Degree Programs
Many reputable universities offer software engineering programs. These on-campus programs are ideal if you want face-to-face learning and the experience of campus life. Keep reading to find out details about the best schools for a Master’s Degree in Software Engineering.
What Is a Software Engineering Master’s Degree?
A Master’s Degree in Software Engineering is a two-year degree that tests your professional experience in this field. This degree program is ideal if you’ve completed a bachelor’s degree or have many years of professional experience in software development. Master’s degrees teach students specialized knowledge in a wide variety of crucial software engineering techniques.
You’ll also find online master’s degree programs to study software engineering. Some schools may offer part-time and full-time learning options, as well. Graduate students can complete this graduate program while accessing resources like career support and tutoring.
How Important Is a Master’s Degree in Software Engineering?
A Master’s Degree in Software Engineering is important for those who want access to high-level positions in the tech industry or for those who wish to pursue PhD or doctorate programs. However, you can also access high-level positions by getting a Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering and accruing many years of professional experience in your field.
What Types of Master’s Degree Can You Get in Software Engineering?
You can get two types of Master’s Degrees in Software Engineering. They are a Master of Science and a Master of Engineering in Software Engineering. Although a Master of Science is the most common type of software engineering master’s degree, some schools also offer Master of Engineering programs.
Is It Better to Get a Master of Science or Master of Engineering in Software Engineering?
It is better to get a Master of Science in Software Engineering if you are more interested in learning theory and participating in research. If you want to gain more technical skills and their applications, you should get a Master of Engineering in Software Engineering.
Whether you choose a Master of Science or a Master of Engineering in Software Engineering, you will still have access to hands-on learning opportunities, co-ops or internships, and collaborative classroom experiences.
What Is the Difference Between a Software Engineering Master’s Degree and a Software Engineering Certificate?
The difference between a software engineering master’s degree and a software engineering certificate is that a master’s degree covers many subjects, while a certificate focuses on one or a few topics. A master’s degree is a two-year academic program that teaches advanced skills in many areas of software engineering. A software engineering certificate is a shorter program.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Master’s Degree in Software Engineering?
It costs $12,171 per year on average to get a Master’s Degree in Software Engineering, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. If you opt for a private school, you’ll pay around $25,929 annually. However, there are many options that can help you finance your software engineering master’s degree.
These options include scholarships, private loans, federal loans, and GI Bill benefits. You can also sometimes find on-campus work-study options or get paid for being a teaching assistant. It’s best to check with the school you want to attend to learn more about the available finance options.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Software Engineering Master’s Degree?
It takes an average of two years to get a software engineering master’s degree. The length of your program will depend on the school you attend and if you attend as a part-time or full-time student. You may also be able to find accelerated master’s degree programs for software engineering that allow you to graduate after one year of full-time studying.
How Hard Is It to Get a Master’s Degree in Software Engineering?
It is hard to get a Master’s Degree in Software Engineering because it is an advanced program that covers complex topics and skills related to software engineering. This is why most software engineering master’s degree programs require students to have a bachelor’s degree in a related subject and previous work experience in the field.
Why Should You Get a Software Engineering Master’s Degree?
You should get a software engineering master’s degree because it allows you to apply for senior and management-level positions in the field. A Master’s Degree in Software Engineering can also allow you to earn a higher salary than you would with a bachelor’s degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, master’s degree holders earn $240 more per week than bachelor’s degree holders.
What Courses Do You Need to Take in a Master’s Degree Program in Software Engineering?
The courses you need to take in a master’s degree program in software engineering cover topics like software architecture, software testing, and quality assurance. Most software engineering master’s degree programs also require students to complete a thesis or capstone project. The Master’s Degree in Software Engineering course list below is based on the program offered at Stevens Institute of Technology.
Fundamentals of Software Engineering
This course acts as an introduction or re-introduction to software engineering and development. Students will learn about the software life cycle and industry-standard tools used in the field. Students will also gain soft skills in collaboration and problem-solving.
Software Architecture and Component-Based Design
This course teaches students how to design the many steps of the software design process. Students will learn how to create software design plans and carry out software quality assurance.
Software Testing, Quality Assurance, and Maintenance
This course covers the full process of software testing. This includes debugging, project management, software maintenance, and software reverse engineering. It focuses on the quality assurance aspects of the software product cycle.
Software Requirements Analysis and Engineering
This course focuses on the requirements acquisition phase of the software development cycle. Students will learn how to take requirements given by stakeholders and use them to create a new or updated software product. Aspects of quality assurance will also be covered.
Software Engineering Capstone
Students usually work in a group to complete their capstone project. This is a hands-on project that applies all of what has been learned over the course of the software engineering master’s degree program. It usually involved following through the entire software design cycle.
Continuing Education Paths for Software Engineering Master’s Degree Graduates
After completing your software engineering master’s degree program, you can choose to continue your education through a PhD program. PhD in Software Engineering programs focus on research in the field.
Related Software Engineering Degrees
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What to Look for in the Best Software Engineering Master’s Degree Programs
You should look for flexibility and concentration in the best software engineering master’s degree programs. You may also want to consider the reputation and accreditation of the school, as well as the estimated costs you will accrue during your program.
Accreditation
Accreditation is important because it verifies that the school offers an education that meets a set standard of quality. Schools are evaluated periodically by the relevant accrediting body to ensure that the standard continues to be met.
Flexibility
If you wish to continue working while you attend a master’s program, you will want to verify that the program you’re applying to allows students to study part-time. Many master’s programs are designed for adult professionals, so they may offer some courses online or in the evenings to accommodate busy schedules.
Specialization/Concentration Options
Software engineering is a broad field. If you are hoping to specialize in a niche such as information security or data science, look for a school that allows students to concentrate on a niche within software engineering.
Cost
Before applying for software engineering master’s degree programs, you should research the cost of each program and the financing options available to you. Common financing options are scholarships and grants, which don’t need to be paid back, and federal or private financial aid, which must be paid back within certain terms.
Reputation of the School
Although reputation isn’t the most important factor to consider, elite schools will add some validity to your skills and will look better on your resume. Ensuring that a school has a relatively high graduation rate and relevant accreditation are some of the ways to assess a school’s reputation.
What Is the Most Affordable Software Engineering Master’s Degree?
The most affordable software engineering master’s degree is the Master of Science in Software Engineering at Stratford University. They charge $495 per credit, which is about half the average amount charged by other schools on our list of the best software engineering master’s degree programs. At Stratford, the 36-credit program will cost $17,820 before additional expenses and fees.
Salary and Job Outlook for Software Engineering Master’s Degree Graduates
The job outlook for software engineering master’s degree graduates is high and generally higher than the average for all occupations. Similarly, Master’s Degree in Software Engineering graduates earn high salaries. Find out more details on these two topics below.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Software Engineering Master’s Degree?
It can be hard to get a job with a software engineering master’s degree because technology can be a competitive field. However, professionals with a Master’s Degree in Software Engineering will have an easier time finding jobs than those with bachelor’s degrees because they have a deeper knowledge of software engineering and more years of experience in the field.
What’s the Average Software Engineering Master’s Degree Salary?
The average software engineering master’s degree salary is $111,000 per year, according to PayScale. With additional experience and certifications, you can increase this median salary. Your salary will also depend on your location, employer, and job title.
What Types of Jobs Can You Get With a Software Engineering Master’s Degree?
You can get senior-level types of jobs in information technology with a software engineering master’s degree. This includes positions that specialize in a specific programming language and management positions.
Software Engineering Degree Jobs
- Computer and Information Research Scientist
- Software Architect
- Senior Java Developer
- Senior Software Developer
- Software Developer
Potential Careers With a Software Engineering Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With a Master’s Degree in Software Engineering?
You can make between $110,140 and $159,010 with a Master’s Degree in Software Engineering based on the jobs listed below. You may make more or less, depending on the specific position you take on, your tenure at the company, and the cost of living in your city.
Highest-Paying Software Engineering Master’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Software Engineering Master’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $159,010 |
| Software Architect | $132,506 |
| Senior Java Developer | $129,716 |
| Senior Software Engineer | $128,349 |
| Software Developer | $110,140 |
Best Jobs for Software Engineering Master’s Degree Grads
The best jobs for software engineering master’s degree graduates utilize skills in project management, software design, and programming. Find out more about some of the highest-paying jobs for professionals with software engineering master’s degrees below.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is a Master’s Degree in Software Engineering Worth It?
Yes, a Master’s Degree in Software Engineering because this level of education can qualify you for senior jobs at world-class companies and a competitive salary. While it is very possible to work in this field with a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree can help you stay a step ahead of the competition for senior roles.
There are countless degree program options to suit your lifestyle. Prospective students can study in-person, online, part-time, or full-time. If you have extensive experience in software engineering and an undergraduate degree in a relevant field, you can get your software engineering master’s degree.
Additional Reading About Software Engineering
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Software Engineering Master’s Degree FAQ
A Master’s Degree in Software Engineering takes around 18 to 24 months to complete. Part-time students have more flexibility than full-time learners and take a bit longer to earn their master’s degrees. Although it’s rare, some schools offer an accelerated degree option so you can become qualified sooner.
Yes, this degree program can be challenging. Prospective students usually have a bachelor’s degree or years of experience. You may already have a handle on the fundamentals of software systems, but it requires advanced analytical thinking to complete a master’s degree.
Usually, you need a Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering or a related field. However, some universities and colleges may consider professionals with extensive industry experience. If you have a bachelor’s degree, you might need a GPA of 3.0 and above.
Professionals with a software engineering master’s degree can progress into senior roles at world-class companies. You will also maximize your career options as many employers will be highly impressed with this advanced degree.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
