Report an accessibility problem

Software Engineering, MS

Software Engineering, MS

Academic programs / Graduate degrees / Software Engineering, MS

Computer, Cybersecurity, Game Design, Game Development, Information Technology, Mobile Applications, Network Administrator, Network Security, Software Development, Software Engineering, Web, Web Application, approved for STEM-OPT extension, computing, graphics

Learn to apply new technologies in software engineering to solve interdisciplinary problems and improve quality of life.

Program description
Degree awarded: MS  Software Engineering

The MS program in software engineering focuses on students' development of advanced knowledge and abilities in the design and application of software.

This unique Master of Science program involves the application of engineering principles to software development, including design methodologies, operation principles, and maintenance and testing approaches. Students learn to solve issues through engaging projects, commonly as a member of a development team. The program develops students' professional skills in this discipline and provides opportunities for them to engage in and develop research abilities.

STEM-OPT for international students on F-1 visas

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 36 months. This OPT work authorization term 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 the degree through ASU Online.

At a glance
Accelerated program options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years. It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. 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.

Degree requirements

30 credit hours and a thesis, or
30 credit hours including the required capstone course (SER 517)

Required Core (9 credit hours)
SER 501 Advanced Data Structures and Algorithms (3)
SER 502 Emerging Languages and Programming Paradigms (3)
SER 515 Foundations of Software Engineering (3)

Electives (15 or 18 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (3 or 6 credit hours)
SER 517 Software Factory Capstone (3) or
SER 599 Thesis (6)

Additional Curriculum Information
Students should see the academic unit for a list of approved electives.

For the culminating experience, students have the choice of completing the capstone course (SER 517) or a thesis (SER 599). Completion of 30 credit hours of coursework is required for all culminating experience options.

Admission requirements

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 information technology, computer science, applied computing, engineering or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution (or international equivalent).

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.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. personal statement
  4. proof of English language proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency. More information is available on the admission services website.

If the student is assigned any deficiency coursework upon admission, those classes must be completed with a grade of "B" (3.00) or higher within two semesters of admission to the program. Deficiency courses include:

CSE 240 Introduction to Programming Languages
CSE 360 Introduction to Software Engineering
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

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Application deadlines
SessionModalityDeadlineType
Session A/CIn Person 01/15Final
SessionModalityDeadlineType
Session A/CIn Person 09/15Final
Program learning outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:

  • Apply engineering principles to software projects, including design methodologies, evolutionary development, and requirements-driven improvement. (Technical Competence)
  • Develop advanced knowledge and abilities in the design and application of software. (Design)
  • Demonstrate professionalism in engineering situations and apply software engineering perspective for producing quality software systems. (Professionalism and Perspective)
Career opportunities

Graduates are able to design and engineer innovative systems that may include mechanical and electrical components that interact with software. They are prepared for advanced study in computing or in an allied field, or to enter the computing profession, most commonly as an application software engineer.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, software engineers are highly paid, and there is significant growth in the number of employment opportunities. Software engineering jobs may include:

  • creating applications for mobile devices
  • creating web applications
  • designing, creating and validating software for avionics, robotics and similar systems fields
Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

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. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. 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.
What are concurrent programs?
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.
What are joint programs?
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.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program)?
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.

click back to top