• The program offers specializations in Enterprise Software Technologies, Cloud Computing and Virtualization, Software Systems Engineering, Data Science, Cybersecurity and Networking Software.
  • Class schedules are designed for the convenience of employed engineers who wish to pursue graduate work on a part-time basis.
  • The MSSE Program welcomes students with undergraduate degrees in other engineering or science disciplines and that have strong programming skills.

    • Educational Objectives of the Graduate Program:

    To provide MSSE graduates with the ability to:

    1. Acquire advanced knowledge of the practice of software engineering, from vision to analysis, design, validation, and deployment.
    2. Tackle complex engineering problems and tasks, using contemporary engineering principles, methodologies, and tools.
    3. Demonstrate leadership and the ability to participate in teamwork in an environment with different disciplines of engineering, science, and business.
    4. Understand the ethical, economic, and environmental implications of their work, as appropriate.
    5. Advance successfully in the engineering profession and sustain a process of life-long learning in engineer or other professional areas.
    6. Communicate effectively in both oral and written forms.

    The program consists of 33 semester units of 200-level courses with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. At least 27 units must be 200-level software engineering courses, and undergraduate coursework will not count towards the master’s degree unless approved by the MSSE Graduate Advisor.

    All students must complete one of the following culminating experiences: thesis or project. Thesis and projects are completed under the supervision of an advisor.

    Plan A (Thesis)

    • A master’s thesis includes original research on a topic approved by the thesis committee and must meet university requirements as stipulated in this catalog
    • It undergoes a thorough review and revision process under the guidance of the candidate’s thesis committee chair with the assistance of the thesis committee.

    Plan B (Project)

    A master’s project is a research or development effort performed by a student individually on a topic chosen by mutual agreement between an advisor and the student.

    The choice of project topic is also approved by the Graduate Advisor. The individual student projects could be distinct components of a larger integrated project performed by a team of students.

    At the end of CMPE 295B, a project report is submitted for department review, and students present their project work in a department project exposition.