Software engineers draw upon engineering principles to design and create software products for businesses. A software engineering master’s degree can be your portal to this dynamic career. In companies that create software products, software engineers are the brains behind the operation, working with the nuts and bolts of software’s structural design. As a result, the role of software engineer usually requires a master’s. An online master’s in software engineering could also land you a job as a senior developer, computer/information research scientist, or manager. Read on for our rankings of the most affordable and respected software engineering master’s programs in the country, as well as our primer on this unique degree.
Top 5 online schools for master’s in software engineering
The best online master’s in software engineering degrees
Before perusing our rankings, take a moment to review ZDnet’s ranking methodology. This page covers our methodology for connecting readers with the most affordable, unique, and academically well-regarded programs across the country. Fullerton, CA Application fee: $70 Auburn, AL Application fee: $60 Lubbock, TX Application fee: $75 Greenville, NC Application fee: $75 University Park, PA Application fee: $65 Unless otherwise indicated, data is drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, College Scorecard, and each program’s website.
What to expect in an online master’s in software engineering degree program
An online master’s in software engineering is an intensive graduate degree focused on software construction, architecture, and design. The degree concentrates on theory but also provides learners the opportunity to put their ideas into practice. It generally culminates with a practicum or capstone.
Acceptance rate: 53%Graduation rate: 76%Net price: $7,991GRE/GMAT: Not required Minimum GPA: 2.5Enrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery methods: Online, asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 81%Graduation rate: 76%Net price: $24,104GRE/GMAT: Waived for online students; international students must submit TOEFL scoresMinimum GPA: Not requiredEnrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery methods: Online
Acceptance rate: 69%Graduation rate: 62%Net price: $17,571GRE/GMAT: Not requiredMinimum GPA: Not requiredEnrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery methods: Online
Acceptance rate: 79%Graduation rate: 66%Net price: $15,844GRE/GMAT: Required, 30th percentile score minimumMinimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery methods: Online
Acceptance rate: 76%Graduation rate: 73%Net price: $27,372GRE/GMAT: Not requiredMinimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery methods: Online
Acceptance rate: 95%Graduation rate: 61%Net price: $18,285GRE/GMAT: Not requiredMinimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery methods: Online
Acceptance rate: 88%Graduation rate: 59%Net price: $12,893GRE/GMAT: Not requiredMinimum GPA: Not requiredEnrollment periods per year: Rolling admissionsCourse delivery methods: Online
Acceptance rate: 94%Graduation rate: 57%Net price: $16,584GRE/GMAT: Not requiredMinimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery methods: Online
Acceptance rate: 76%Graduation rate: 67%Net price: $16,358GRE/GMAT: Not requiredMinimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery methods: Online
Acceptance rate: 45%Graduation rate: 75%Net price: $36,039GRE/GMAT: Not requiredMinimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery methods: Online
Acceptance rate: 15%Graduation rate: 90%Net price: $34,508GRE/GMAT: Not requiredMinimum GPA: Not requiredEnrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery methods: Online
Acceptance rate: 19%Graduation rate: 86%Net price: $30,259GRE/GMAT: Not requiredMinimum GPA: Not requiredEnrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery methods: Online
Acceptance rate: 62%Graduation rate: 55%Net price: $11,473GRE/GMAT: Not requiredMinimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery methods: Online
Acceptance rate: 74%Graduation rate: 61%Net price: $21,464GRE/GMAT: Required, 300 score minimumMinimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment periods per year: TwoCourse delivery methods: Online
Acceptance rate: 40%Graduation rate: 83%Net price: $37,588GRE/GMAT: Required, no minimum scoreMinimum GPA: Not requiredEnrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery methods: Online
Acceptance rate: 64%Graduation rate: 54%Net price: $13,971GRE/GMAT: Required, no minimum scoreMinimum GPA: Not requiredEnrollment periods per year: TwoCourse delivery methods: Online
Acceptance rate: 74%Graduation rate: 70%Net price: $10,612GRE/GMAT: Required, 290 score minimumMinimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery methods: Online
Acceptance rate: 75%Graduation rate: 66%Net price: $34,914GRE/GMAT: Not requiredMinimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery methods: Online
Acceptance rate: 71%Graduation rate: 57%Net price: $25,483GRE/GMAT: Not requiredMinimum GPA: Not requiredEnrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery methods: Online
Acceptance rate: 75%Graduation rate: 48%Net price: $17,221GRE/GMAT: Not requiredMinimum GPA: 2.75Enrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery methods: Online
Though many may see computer science as a solitary field, software engineering online programs encourage students to collaborate through group projects or online discussions. Collaboration allows learners to share tips for writing better code. To succeed in this degree, you need problem-solving and analytical skills. Successful software engineers need the ability to troubleshoot issues and apply theory creatively.
Software engineering courses
Software engineering master’s programs differ in terms of focus or elective options. However, all programs cover the fundamental principles and practices for creating software products — including software architecture, design, construction, and maintenance. The following four courses represent offerings you can expect at any accredited program. Software construction This course provides an overview of practices and techniques for creating distributed software systems and the different phases of software development. Topics include coding standards, software tools and requirements, and software construction automation. Software architecture and design This course explores the software’s fundamental structures and how they relate to software architectural principles and patterns. Students also investigate software design frameworks for creating functional software products. Software testing This course covers the various frameworks for testing software throughout its lifetime. Learners explore testing types, methods, approaches, and levels. Software project management Students investigate project management fundamentals and how they apply to the software product development industry. Topics may include project budget development, intellectual property and software products, and continuous quality improvement.
Software engineering degree levels
Different software engineering levels cater to different types of learners and career plans. For instance, a bachelor’s in software engineering prepares beginners for entry-level work, while a master’s in software engineering targets CS professionals looking to boost their credentials. For more information on software engineer education, follow our link on how to become a software engineer.
Associate in software engineering
Length: Two to three years Cost: $2,000-$10,000 Post-grad careers: Network support specialist, data entry clerk, mobile developer A two-year associate in software engineering generally prepares you for entry-level careers in IT and CS. Those with preexisting experience might get more of a boost. For example, while a student with little programming experience might transition from this degree to working as a network support specialist, a student with programming experience and a portfolio might obtain work as a mobile or web developer. Courses for this degree give an overview of operating systems, data structures, and network principles.
Bachelor’s in software engineering
Length: Four years Cost: $40,000-$200,000 Post-grad careers: Software engineer, mobile developer, web developer This four-year software engineering degree is a prerequisite for most software engineering jobs and can boost your chances of obtaining other programming-related positions. As such, the curriculum delves deep into computer science theory, advanced mathematics, and programming languages such as C++, Java, and Python. This degree sometimes concludes with a portfolio presentation or capstone. It may incorporate a computer science or programming-related internship.
Master’s in software engineering
Length: Two to three years Cost: $40,000-$100,000 Post-grad careers: Software engineer, computer and information research scientist, senior software developer Pursuing a master’s in software engineering allows you to advance your technology career and deepen your knowledge of computer science theory. This intensive graduate degree boosts your chances of working as a software engineer and qualifies you for work as a computer and information research scientist. A software engineering master’s curriculum usually offers machine learning, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity electives. This program usually culminates with a practicum or portfolio presentation and may offer an internship option.
Doctorate in software engineering
Length: Three to five years Cost: $50,000-$150,000 Post-grad careers: University professor, computer and information research scientist, senior software engineer A doctorate in software engineering generally appeals to learners interested in working in higher education or pure research. However, some Ph.D.s may be found in software and web development companies’ upper management. Generally, students in software engineering doctoral programs focus on a specific area of interest, such as artificial intelligence, data science, or machine learning. Your software engineering Ph.D. will tackle contemporary issues in computer science theory. It will also include a research element preparing you for your thesis.
In conclusion
If you’re looking to become a software engineer or transition from a low- to middle-level coding job to a more lucrative role, a software engineering master’s might fit your plans. This intensive graduate degree can impress many future employers and open options in programming and CS. Talk to the computer science department at your local college for more information. Plus, check out our online guides on computer science careers and the soft skills you’ll need to excel in them.
