Software Engineering (Data Science), MS
Big Data, Data Analytics, Data Science, Software Development, Software Engineer, Software Engineering, approved for STEM-OPT extension
Learn to integrate software engineering and data science to develop robust, data-driven software systems that tackle interdisciplinary challenges and enhance quality of life.
The Master of Science program in software engineering with a concentration in data science equips you with advanced knowledge and skills in designing and developing intelligent, data-driven software systems. This specialized concentration integrates data science techniques with software engineering principles, enabling you to build robust, scalable applications that incorporate machine learning and data analytics.
The program emphasizes the engineering discipline of software development, covering key areas such as design methodologies, operational principles, maintenance and testing strategies. You gain hands-on experience through engaging projects and collaborative teamwork, preparing you to tackle real-world challenges in data-driven software development. Additionally, the program fosters professional growth and research opportunities, enabling you to explore innovative solutions at the intersection of software engineering and data science.
You are well-prepared for careers in AI-powered application development, big data engineering and intelligent software systems design.
GI Bill® benefits
This new program is not yet approved for use with GI Bill® benefits.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering
- Location: Polytechnic
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
30 credit hours and a thesis, or
30 credit hours including the required capstone course (SER 517)
Required Core (9 credit hours) Concentration (9 credit hours) Students select one of the following courses: Students select one of the following courses: Restricted Electives (6 credit hours) Electives (0 or 3 credit hours) Culminating Experience (3 or 6 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information
SER 501 Advanced Data Structures and Algorithms (3)
SER 502 Emerging Languages and Programming Paradigms (3)
SER 515 Foundations of Software Engineering (3)
SER 541 Data Science for Software Engineers (3)
CSE 511 Data Processing at Scale (3)
CSE 512 Distributed Database Systems (3)
CSE 543 Information Assurance and Security (3)
CSE 578 Data Visualization (3)
DSE 501 Statistics for Data Analysts (3)
SER 531 Semantic Web Engineering (3)
SER 533 Database-centric Enterprise Applications Development (3)
CSE 569 Fundamentals of Statistical Learning and Pattern Recognition (3)
CSE 572 Data Mining (3)
CSE 575 Statistical Machine Learning (3)
IEE 520 Statistical Learning for Data Mining (3)
IEE 578 Regression Analysis (3)
CSE 545 Software Security (3)
CSE 546 Cloud Computing (3)
CSE 563 Software Requirements and Specifications (3)
CSE 564 Software Design (3)
CSE 565 Software Verification, Validation and Testing (3)
CSE 566 Software Project, Process and Quality Management (3)
SER 516 Software Agility (3)
SER 574 Advanced Software Design (3)
SER 517 Software Factory Capstone (3)
SER 599 Thesis (6)
Concentration coursework and restricted electives should be selected in consultation with the program advisor. Students in the capstone option complete three credit hours of electives, while students in the thesis option do not take elective coursework.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
U.S.
applicants | International
applicants | English
proficiency
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in computing science engineering, data science engineering, industrial engineering, software engineering or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = ''A'') in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = ''A'') in an applicable master's degree program.
Applicants are required to submit:
- graduate admissions application and application fee
- official transcripts
- personal statement
- professional resume or CV (optional)
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information:
An applicant whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in the English language with a TOEFL iBT® score of 4, or 80 if taken before January 21, 2026 in a testing center; 6.5 on the IELTS; or 105 on the Duolingo English test, regardless of current residency.
Before applying to the MS program, students are required to have completed two semesters or six credit hours of calculus, equivalent to Calculus I and II, with a grade of ''C'' (scale is 4.0 = ''A'') or higher. Completion of discrete math is also recommended prior to admission. Students from noncomputing backgrounds may also be eligible with the required math listed and at least six credit hours of computer programming or at least one year of software industry experience.
Students assigned any additional coursework upon admission must complete those classes with a grade of ''C'' (scale is 4.00 = ''A'') or higher within two semesters of admission to the program. Courses include:
SER 222 Design and Analysis of Data Structures and Algorithms or CSE 310 Data Structures and Algorithms
SER 334 Operating Systems and System Programming or CSE 330 Operating Systems
The applicant's undergraduate GPA and depth of preparation in computer science and software engineering are the primary factors affecting admission.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 05/01 | Priority |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 09/15 | Priority |
Graduates have a wide range of career opportunities across industries that leverage intelligent, data-driven software solutions. Graduates can find roles in technology firms, financial services, health care, retail, autonomous systems, cybersecurity and more.
Career examples include:
- AI software developer
- big data software engineer
- business intelligence engineer
- cloud and DevOps engineer
- data-driven software architect
- data engineer
- full-stack data science developer
- machine learning engineer
- software engineer
Software Engineering
|
PICHO 245
scai.grad.admission@asu.edu
480-965-3199
Admission deadlines
Program term definitions
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
