The MSE in Engineering Science (Software Engineering) focuses on the fundamentals and principles of software engineering. The program provides the knowledge and skills needed by a software engineer or software task leader on large and small projects requiring either agile methodologies or formal capability maturity model integration approaches.
In addition, MSE addresses major software development methodologies, techniques, tools and processes for developing and managing software projects.
Quick Facts
Full-time
30 credit hours
Online
STEM-OPT Option not 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: Gaduate dual degree and accelerated masters.
CSE 565: Software Verification, Validation, and Testing
CSE 598: Software Integration and Engineering
CSE 566: Software Project, Process and Quality Management
FSE 501: Technology Entrepreneurship
Concentration (3 credit hours)
CSE 591: Software Engineering Principles and Concepts (3)
Restricted Electives (18 or 21 credit hours)
Culminating Experience (0 or 3 credit hours)
CSE 593 Applied Project (3) or
Portfolio (0)
*Transfer eligibility is subject to student performance in bridge courses and Arizona State University transfer requirements.
In this course, you’ll learn about project management, risk management, configuration management and quality management. You’ll also encounter simulated project management experiences.
In this course, you’ll focus on test planning, requirements-based and code-based testing techniques, tools, reliability models and statistical testing.
In this course, you’ll gain an overview of best practices in software development, including software requirements specification, construction, software verification and validation and software design. You’ll also learn about integrated product and process development, personal and team software processes and project management.
This master’s degree prepares graduates for advanced study in computing and engineering, and it provides leadership to software engineering development projects and teams. Graduates of the program have experience using the software development life cycle and tools to solve complex, real-world problems.
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.
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 the start date.
Official transcripts from every college or institution attended, including your current institution. Must submit original transcripts and English-translated transcripts.
Applicants must provide evidence of demonstrated expertise in the area of object-oriented programming, advanced data structures, algorithm design and algorithm analysis; maturity in high-level programming (required); and successful completion of Calculus I with a letter grade of ‘B’ or better prior to applying to the program.
Deficiency Courses: Please see below for a list of the current Deficiency Courses required for admission. At the time of application there should be no more than three deficiency courses pending.
SER 222: Design and Analysis of Data Structures and Algorithms or CSE 310 Data Structures and Algorithms
CSE 205: Object-Oriented Programming and Data Structures
| Enrollment Path MSE Engineering Science (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) | ~$18,079 |
| Direct ASU Enrollment | - | 30 | 1.5-2 years (3-4 semesters) | ~$29,995 |
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) | December 11, 2024 | January 13, 2025 | January 25, 2025 |
| Fall start (August) | July 25, 2025 | August 21, 2025 | August 27, 2025 |
| Spring start (January) | December 11, 2025 | January 12, 2026 | January 25, 2026 |