MS Software Engineering

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.

Attendance type

Full-time

Credit hours

Study method

Campus immersion

STEM-OPT option

Available

Campus

Polytechnic campus

About Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering

The Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University is the largest and most comprehensive engineering program in the United States, with 31,752 students enrolled in Fall 2023 and 209 National Merit Scholars for 2022-23. Recognized for its excellence, the school ranks #2 for its online Master’s in Electrical Engineering and #34 overall for undergraduate engineering programs (U.S. News & World Report, 2024).

Students at the Fulton Schools benefit from a globally diverse student body, bringing a wide range of perspectives and ideas to tackle the world’s most significant challenges through engineering and technology.

Learn more

ASU degree pathways

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.

Courses at home university

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

Courses at ASU

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)

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 courses at home institution and Arizona State University transfer requirements.

Featured courses

Advanced Data Structures and Algorithms

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.

Foundations of Software Engineering

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.

Software Agility

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.

Career opportunities and applicable roles

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.

Creating Video Games

Creating Web Applications

Designing Embedded Systems

Developing Mobile or Distributed Applications

Working on Data, Network, Security or Computer System Administration

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