The program emphasizes the engineering of real-time embedded software systems encountered in such applications as FAA air traffic control computer systems, aircraft avionics, and similar systems.

The process-centered quantitative approach to these tasks not only gives students the technical tools and techniques they need but also skills in communication, group interaction and management.

Software engineers who complete this program can rapidly assume positions of substantial responsibility in a software development organization.

The degree program achieves its purpose by providing students not only with the technical tools and techniques of the field but also with skills in communication, group interaction, management, and planning. The program emphasizes a process-centered quantitative approach to the engineering of software systems.

The goal of the program is to give graduates an in-depth understanding of the tools, techniques, and appropriate processes for the management of software development, elicitation and analysis of requirements, architecture and design, implementation, and verification and validation of software systems. In addition, the program pays special attention to the issues related to communication and teamwork.