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.

Learn more about the four fastest growing jobs in the field.

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 Electives		9.0
Choose 3 courses from the following:
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
Electives		12.0
Choose 4 additional courses from the following:
Up to 2 CS/SE Independent Studies
Additional graduate-level Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Information Science courses, consulting with an advisor for appropriate options.
Additional graduate-level computing-related courses outside of CCI, consulting with an advisor for appropriate options.
CS Certificate Courses
CS 501	Introduction to Programming
CS 502	Data Structures and Algorithms
CS 503	Systems Basics
CS 504	Introduction to Software Design
Capstone Courses
SE 691	Software Studio (Taken twice)	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 2023-2024 is $1396 per credit.

For the academic year 2023-2024, 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

2023-2024 Academic Year

Term

Classes Begin

Classes End

Exams Begin

Exams End

Fall 2023

September 26, 2023

December 9, 2023

December 11, 2023

December 16, 2023

Winter 2024

January 8, 2024

March 16, 2024

March 18, 2024

March 23, 2024

Spring 2024

April 1, 2024

June 8, 2024

June 10, 2024

June 15, 2024

Summer 2024

June 24, 2024

August 31, 2024

September 3, 2024

September 7, 2024

Apply for admission to Drexel University

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Drexel’s Online MS in Software Engineering