An online master’s degree in software engineering may provide students with the skills and training needed to develop software products and services through software analysis, design, and architecture. In these upper-level programs, students may study software methodology, design, and coding techniques used to enhance software development. Coursework within these programs may include several electives in addition to major-specific courses, such as bioinformatics, software system design, and enterprise integration.

Graduates may either opt for entry to upper-level employment or pursue additional education and enroll in a doctoral degree program in software engineering. Master’s degree graduates may find employment in aerospace, computer system design, and banking.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: Bachelor’s Degree
• Program Length: One to two years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Employment or Doctoral Program
• Projected Employment Growth: 30% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

The curriculum within an online master’s-level program in software engineering may include major-specific courses and a handful of electives. Students enrolled in these upper-level programs may study the theories, tools, and methods on designing, verifying, producing, and maintaining specific computer software programs. Core software engineering courses may include the following:

• Web Security and Privacy
• Software System Design
• Enterprise Integration
• Software Testing
• Bioinformatics
• Data Mining and Information Retrieval
• Distributed Systems

Career Options

Graduates of online master’s degree programs in software engineering may find career opportunities in computer systems design, software publishing, electronic product manufacturing, banking, aerospace, and finance. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for those pursuing careers as software developers are expected to increase by 30% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Software Developer
• Computer Programmer
• Database Administrator
• Computer Systems Analyst
• Computer and Information Research Scientist

Continuing Education

Graduates of online master’s degree software engineering programs may pursue additional education and enroll in a doctoral degree in software engineering. These research-heavy PhD programs may include a thesis requirement, and students may study software modeling and architecture, precise modeling, and Web-based software.

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook