The MS 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.
Quick Facts
Full-time
30 credit hours
Campus Immersion
Polytechnic campus
STEM-OPT Option Available
Students enrolled at an ASU Cintana Alliance Network institution have the chance to start their courses at their home institution and transfer those credits* to finish their remaining years at ASU.
Models available: Graduate dual degree and accelerated masters.
CSE 565: Software Verification, Validation, and Testing
CSE 566: Software Project, Process and Quality Management
CSE 598: Software Integration and Engineering
FSE 501: Technology Entrepreneurship
Software Engineering (Cybersecurity)
CSE 565: Software Verification, Validation, and Testing
CSE 566: Software Project, Process and Quality Management
FSE 501: Technology Entrepreneurship
CSE 543: Information Assurance and Security
SER 501: Advanced Data Structures and Algorithms (3)
SER 502: Emerging Languages and Programming Paradigms (3)
SER 515: Foundations of Software Engineering (3)
SER 517: Software Factory Capstone (3)
Approved Elective (3)
Approved Elective (3)
Software Engineering (Cybersecurity)
Required:
CSE 543: Information Assurance and Security
Choose 2 courses from the following:
CSE 539: Applied Cryptography (3)
CSE 545 Software Security (3)
CSE 548 Advanced Computer Network Security (3)
CSE 591 or 598 Cybersecurity-related such as “Computer Security: Techniques and Tactics”
Elective (3) – SER5XX/4XX
Capstone: SER 517 Software Factory I (3)
Thesis: SER 599 Thesis (6)
*Transfer eligibility is subject to student performance in bridge courses and Arizona State University transfer requirements.
Advanced algorithms and how they are effectively applied to solve problems. Algorithm design, analysis, classification, optimization, and application. Practice implementing and employing algorithms to solve realistic problems.
Software engineering overview, with an emphasis on component and service-based architectures, reliability, safety, dependability and software reuse. Introduces software engineering research methods and critical inquiry.
Focuses on quality software construction principles in an agile community context. Agile methods, open source communities, coding best practices, configuration management, software delivery and building in quality.
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.
Official transcripts from every college or institution attended, including your current institution.
Minimum GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = “A”) in the last 60 credit hours of their first bachelor’s degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = “A”) in the last 12 units of the postbaccalaureate transcript.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer engineering, software engineering or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.
Proof of English proficiency: (TOEFL>90 iBT, IELTS>7.0, Pearson Test of English>68, Duolingo>125), all taken within the last two years from start date.
Calculus and GPA Requirements:
CALC I & II and Discrete Math with a grade of ‘C’ or better prior to applying to the program.
Deficiency Courses: Please see below for a list of the current Deficiency Courses required for admission. A flowchart showing the progression of coursework is also available. At the time of application there should be no more than three deficiency courses pending.
CSE 240: Introduction to Programming Languages
SER 222: Design and Analysis of Data Structures and Algorithms
SER 334: Operating Systems and Networks
*Starting Spring 2025, students can have all three deficiency courses (CSE 240, SER 222, SER 334) with additional admission requirement “6 credit hours of programming or 1 year of suitable software industry experience”.
| Enrollment Path MS Software Engineering | Credit Hours Completed at Institution | Credit Hours Completed at ASU | Estimated Duration | Total Program Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Articulated Pathway (ASU Cintana Alliance | 12 | 18 | 1 year (2 semesters) | ~$34,070 |
| Direct ASU Enrollment | - | 30 | 1.5 years (3-4 semesters) | ~$43,706 |
Note 1: This is an estimate only. Based on ASU 2024-25 published tuition and fee rates. Subject to change for future years.
Note 2: Tuition calculation for Articulated Pathway based on 9 credits (Fall), 9 credits (Spring).
Note 3: Additional scholarships may be available for qualifying students.
| Program Start | Application Deadline | Classes Begin | Tuition Payment Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring start (January) | September 15, 2024 | January 13, 2025 | January 25, 2025 |
| Fall start (August) | January 15, 2024 | August 21, 2025 | August 27, 2025 |
| Spring start (January) | September 15, 2025 | January 12, 2026 | January 25, 2026 |