Online MS in Software Engineering

Master of Science in Software Engineering

The College of Computing & Informatics at Drexel University has addressed the growing importance of software in modern society and the subsequent demand for prepared practitioners. The result? A fully online, industry-relevant MS in Software Engineering program.

The program provides a foundational knowledge of key software engineering topics such as software design and architecture, engineering management, and systems analytics. Regardless of your career goals, Drexel’s online MS in Software Engineering program allows for an interdisciplinary, customized approach to mastering and ultimately advancing within the software industry.

Drexel University is ranked 15th for best online graduate computer information technology programs in 2019 by U.S. News and World Report.

Program Advantages

Shaped by the renowned College of Computing & Informatics, the curriculum encompasses behavioral, managerial, and technical aspects of software engineering
Faculty members are doctorally prepared educators and accomplished professionals in the software engineering field
The MS in software engineering program is recommended, but not limited to, professionals working in the software engineering field who are interested in technical and managerial software work across a wide range of application domains
Choose electives based on your individual interests and career goals
The online format lets you learn on your own schedule, while still providing ample opportunities to connect with professors and classmates

The Difference Between Computer Science and Software Engineering

Though both computer science and software engineering programs cover many of the same skills, there are a few key differences that you should be aware of. Are you looking for a program that focuses more on the theoretical and practical areas of computer science, or are you more interested in the design, development and testing of software systems? The skills you’re looking to learn will determine which program is the best fit for you. Learn more about computer science vs software engineering degrees.

Related Programs

Drexel University offers a variety of Graduate Minors that can be added to any master's degree program.
State restrictions may apply to some programs.

Curriculum

This program is organized into four 10-week quarters per year (as opposed to the traditional two semester system) which means you can take more courses in a shorter time period. One semester credit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter credits.

You may transfer up to 9 approved credits (3 courses) into the program.

Core Courses
SE 570	Agile Software Development Process	3.0
SE 575	Software Design	3.0
SE 576	Software Reliability and Testing	3.0
SE 577	Software Architecture	3.0
SE 627	Requirements Engineering and Management	3.0
SE 638	Software Project Management	3.0
Major Specific Electives		9.0
Choose 3 courses from the following:
CS 500	Fundamentals of Databases
CS 590	Privacy
CS 613	Machine Learning
CS 645	Network Security
CS 647	Distributed Systems Software
SE 572	Web Services and Mobile Architectures
SE 578	Security Engineering
SE 610	Open Source Software Engineering
SE 630	Software Engineering Economics
Flexible Electives		12.0
Choose 4 additional courses, which may include:
Any graduate-level course within the College (CI, CS, CT, DSCI, INFO, SE)
Up to 6 credits of independent study
Up to 6 credits of related graduate-level coursework outside of the College, with prior approval by the college
Capstone Courses
The capstone course should be taken twice for a total of 6 credits. Students may substitute 6 credits of thesis coursework if desired.
SE 691	Software Studio	6.0
Total Credits		45.0

View Course Descriptions

Admissions Criteria

A four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or an equivalent international institution.
- Those without a prior degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related STEM degree plus work experience equal to Drexel's Graduate Certificate in Computer Science Foundations may have to take additional prerequisites before pursuing advanced computer science courses
A GPA of 3.0 or higher, in a completed degree program, bachelor’s degree or above

Required Documents

With multiple ways to submit documents, Drexel makes it easy to complete your application. Learn more by visiting our Completing Your Application Guide.

A completed application
Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions (including trade schools) attended
One letter of recommendation required, two suggested (academic, professional, or both)
Essay/Statement of Purpose
- In approximately 500 words, describe what professional goals you hope to achieve, how an advanced degree facilitates that success and anything else you want the Admissions Review Board to know about you
Resume
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Scores (must be five years old or less) are not required but recommended for international students and domestic students below a 3.0 GPA
Additional requirements for International Students

Tuition

The tuition rate for the academic year 2024-2025 is $1438 per credit.

For the academic year 2024-2025, students enrolled in an online graduate academic program will be charged a graduate online program fee of $125 per year.

This program is eligible for Financial Aid.
Special tuition rates available for Drexel University Alumni, Military members, and members of our Partner Organizations

These rates apply only to new online students and students being readmitted.
Tuition rates are subject to increase with the start of each academic year in the fall term.
All students must contact applyDUonline@drexel.edu within the first two weeks of the term to request tuition savings for which they qualify.
Special rates cannot be combined. If you qualify for more than one special rate, you'll be given the one with the largest savings.
When receiving special tuition plans with Drexel University Online, you may not combine them with other tuition benefits that may be available from Drexel University.

Academic Calendar

2024-2025 Academic Year

Term

Classes Begin

Classes End

Exams Begin

Exams End

Fall 2024

September 23, 2024

December 7, 2024

December 9, 2024

December 14, 2024

Winter 2025

January 6, 2025

March 15, 2025

March 17, 2025

March 22, 2025

Spring 2025

March 31, 2025

June 7, 2025

June 9, 2025

June 14, 2025

Summer 2025

June 23, 2025

August 30, 2024

September 2, 2025

September 6, 2025

Apply for admission to Drexel University

Use the Apply Now form to get started.

Previously enrolled at Drexel? Learn more about readmission.

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Drexel’s Online MS in Software Engineering