How to Get a Master's Degree in Computer & Software Engineering
Computer and software engineering have been two of the fastest growing engineering specialties over the past twenty years, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The Bureau of Labor Statistics includes computer and software engineers among its top twenty fastest growing occupations, with software applications engineers ranking fourth in the nation.
A master's degree in computer or software engineering sets you up to take advantage of the opportunities in high tech research and development. The MS or MEng in computer engineering typically takes two years to complete. Many programs are designed for busy professionals who want to earn a master's degree online without putting their careers on hold.
WorldWideLearn.com helps you build a strong foundation for graduate study in computer & software engineering. Focus your professional objectives and find the graduate program that can help you achieve your potential as a high tech innovator.
Guide to Master's Degrees in Computer & Software Engineering
Computer and software engineering offer two linked paths to technology research and development careers. While computer engineers focus on the development of computer hardware and systems software, software engineers focus exclusively on designing computer programs, including both systems and application software. The disciplines claim different origins. According to the Integrated Software & Systems Engineering Curriculum Project (iSSEc), software engineering arose as a specialty of computer science. Computer engineering, meanwhile, developed as a specialty of electrical engineering. Today, these disciplines can claim their own degree programs, but many graduate programs remain under the auspices of a computer science or electrical engineering department.
To learn more about these overlapping disciplines, see WorldWideLearn.com's Guide to College Majors in Computer Engineering and Software Engineering.
Professional and Academic Master's Degrees
Software engineering as an academic discipline straddles academic research and applied engineering development. Master's degree programs in software or computer engineering reflect this dual purpose by emphasizing one or the other competency.
Master of Science in Software Engineering
The MS in computer or software engineering is the most common qualification in the field. Modeled on academic science master's degrees, the program typically balances hands-on training and internship opportunities with advanced coursework and independent studio work.
Master of Engineering
The Master of Engineering (M.Eng.), alternately called Master of Computer Engineering or Master of Software Engineering, is a professional graduate qualification. Programs are designed for professional or aspiring software developers, and encourage students to focus on the practical applications of their engineering expertise. Professional degrees are available in a convenient digital format for working adults who want to earn a master's degree online.
Combined MBA/MSSE or MSCE
The combined business and engineering degree prepares students for management roles in computer engineering and software development departments. You can cultivate technical expertise alongside business skills such as management, strategic planning, budgeting, and project management.
Learn more about your master's degree options at WorldWideLearn.com's The Master's Degree Explained and Online Master's Degrees
Specializations
Computer & software engineering master's degree programs challenge you to deepen your expertise by focusing on a specific area of engineering. Depending on the emphasis of your graduate engineering program, you may specialize by pursuing elective courses or by developing an independent research project in your area of interest.
Computer Engineering
- Logic Design
- Data Structures
- Computer Organization and Assembly Language
- Computer Architecture
- Operating Systems
- Algorithm Design and Analysis
- Image Processing
- Robotics
- VLSI Design (very-large-scale integration)
- Defense systems acquisition
- Safety-critical systems
- Software economics
- User interface design
- Legal issues in software development
- Object-oriented software development
Software Engineering
Given the fast-paced evolution of computer & software engineering technology, specialization areas have a relatively short lifecycle. Discuss your interests with a faculty member or admissions counselor to get a sense of the current specialization opportunities in your field of interest.
Career Track
A graduate degree in computer & software engineering allows you to compete for some of the most exciting jobs in applied research and development. In addition, the Master of Science degree sets you up for an academic career in research and undergraduate education. To pursue a career as a university professor, you need to continue on to a PhD in computer & software engineering or a PhD in computer science.
The master's degree in computer & software engineering qualifies you for professional careers in:
- Engineering design
- Software development
- System architecture
- Test engineering
- Process engineering or project management
- Security consulting
- Research consulting
Career opportunities should be especially strong in software engineering, with an estimated increase of 32 percent in employment from 2008 to 2018. Growth in Internet technology, electronic data-processing systems, and networking applications should fuel demands for systems engineers. Information security experts should also fare especially well in tomorrow's economy.
Plan for a Master's Degree in Computer & Software Engineering
Graduate computer engineering programs are proliferating in the face of growing demand for software developers with advanced, up-to-date training. You have more choices than ever in your graduate education, with a new generation of programs dedicated to the needs of working professionals. You can earn a master's degree online or on weekends, build a broad toolbox of skills or focus on an applied research problem.
Take the following steps to line up the resources you need to achieve your unique professional goals.
Step One: Find the Right Graduate Software Engineering Program
Research your graduate computer & software engineering program options to find the right fit for your interests.
1. List Accredited Programs
First, access a list of accredited master's degree programs in computer or software engineering. Accreditation is an important mark of quality that impacts everything from your success on the job market to your eligibility for financial aid. ABET is the preeminent accrediting agency for engineering programs. You can also find regional and national authorities recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Consult the Department of Education's Web site for a list of approved accreditation agencies.
Resources
WorldWideLearn.com represents computer & software engineering programs vetted for quality and accreditation status. You can start your search by using WorldWideLearn.com's extensive database of online degrees by subject.
ABET, formerly known as the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, is the premier authority on graduate engineering program standards. Consult ABET's database of accredited programs to find computer & software engineering master's degrees.
2. Choose Program Format: Campus or Online Master's Degree?
In recent years, more and more universities have added online and hybrid programs to accommodate working professionals.
- Online master's degree programs replace face-to-face interaction with rich virtual communications via the Internet. The digital format allows busy students to connect to the university from anywhere, on their own schedule.
- Campus programs remain the top choice for many aspiring academics, since they offer access to campus computing facilities, faculty advisors, and a peer network.
- Hybrid programs feature the best of both worlds: students complete coursework online and convene periodically for regular campus residencies. These residencies afford access to some of the advantages of a campus program, fostering intellectual community and collaboration.
The right program format for you depends on your circumstances and learning style, as well as your career objectives.
Resources
WorldWideLearn.com presents Online Degree Programs and Campus Education in distinct sections to help you find programs with your preferred format. You can even search degrees by location to locate campus programs near you.
The Sloan Consortium, which represents online institutions nationwide, publishes a list of online master's degrees in engineering, including some computer and software engineering programs.
3. Explore Academic Programs
Next, investigate each program's academic resources. Important factors to consider include:
- Curriculum. Look at the courses offered to determine program emphasis and specialization options.
- Degree Format and Requirements. Examine core courses and elective options. Does the program emphasize independent research or an internship?
- Faculty. It's critical to find faculty doing research in your field of interest. Most schools supply information about faculty research interests, CVs, and recent publications.
- Computing Facilities. Check into the availability of state-of-the-art computing facilities, particularly if you're attending a campus or hybrid program. If you plan to earn a master's degree online, investigate access to Internet-based programming and data sharing technologies.
- Employer Relationships. As a pre-professional program, the master's degree in software & computer engineering should maintain relationships with local employers.
- Learning Environment. Graduate school offers the opportunity to learn from your professors and your peers. Look for a school with a diverse student body and supportive academic environment.
Resources
WorldWideLearn.com accelerates your program research by connecting you with schools that meet your resource specifications. Fill out an online form indicating your preferences, and the system matches you with the appropriate computer or software engineering program. School representatives are on hand to answer your questions about the program.
School Web sites list degree requirements and feature links to course descriptions and catalogs, faculty CVs and publications, campus facilities, and more.
Informational interviews with current student and faculty give you a vicarious sense of what the learning environment is like. Also meet with alumni for a frank perspective on the value of the degree on the job market. Contact admissions counselors or faculty for help setting up these appointments.
Campus visits offer a firsthand look at school facilities and graduate courses.
1. List Accredited Programs
Finally, rank the programs on your list according to the following quality considerations:
- Reputation
- Selectivity
- Job placement and salary statistics
- Student background, including years of industry experience
Ultimately, your short list should include five or six schools at various levels of selectivity: one or two long shots, good bets, and safety schools.
Resources
Admissions Departments supply useful data about selectivity, job placement, and student demographics. Ask a school representative or admissions counselor for this information.
Rankings give you a general sense of the program's reputation. The most prominent ranking authority in the United States is U.S. News & World Report, which publishes Best Engineering Schools Specialty Rankings: Computer Engineering.
Step Two: Apply to Graduate Computer & Software Engineering Programs
Application requirements are relatively standard across the board. Expect to encounter the following steps as you prepare for graduate study in computer & software engineering:
1. Complete Prerequisites
Eligibility for graduate study generally requires:
- A bachelor's degree in software or computer engineering, computer science, or electrical engineering.
- If your degree is in another field, you may have to complete basic prerequisite courses in computer science and engineering.
- Standardized tests such as the GRE. International student take the TOEFL to ensure English language competency.
- Work experience (required by some professional master's programs)
For help meeting these requirements, access WorldWideLearn.com's Education Resources Guide. You can find test preparation resources, prerequisite courses, and online learning tools.
2. Prepare Application Materials
Start your application online, by filling in the application form and submitting a personal statement of research interests. In addition, you may need to supply the following supporting materials:
- Academic transcripts
- Letters of recommendation (usually three)
- Test scores
- Resume
In addition, some programs may ask to see an example of your work--a computer program you designed, or your solution to a specific development problem.
3. Finance Your Computer or Software Engineering Master's Degree
The option to earn a master's degree online enables you to keep your job while you work toward the degree. This program format preserves your income, reducing your need for financial aid considerably. Most graduate students, campus and online, rely on financial aid to cover their educational expenses. Take these steps to secure graduate student funding:
- Meet with financial aid advisors at your top schools.
- Fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This comprehensive application covers all federal financial aid programs, from Pell Grants to Stafford Loans.
- Ask your employer about tuition grants and other educational incentives.
- Apply for private scholarships through civic organizations and nonprofits.
- As a last resort, apply for a low-interest student loan from a private lenders such as a bank.
You can also explore graduate education funding options for your master's degree programs at WorldWideLearn.com.
Conclusion
A master's degree in computer & software engineering sets you up to advance the state of the art in computer systems development, networking technology, and applications programming. Today's programs allow you to develop a foundation in core computing concepts without losing sight of your professional R&D objectives. This combined conceptual and practical approach to the master's degree graduates forward-thinking engineers capable of leading design innovation for the 21st century.
Sources
- Association for Computing Machinery.
- Best Engineering Schools Specialty Rankings: Computer Engineering., U.S. News & World Report (2009).
- "Computer Software Engineers and Computer Programmers," Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011 Edition. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs, U.S. Department of Education.
- "Engineers," Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011 Edition. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Graduate Software Engineering 2009 (GSwE2009): Curriculum Guidelines for Graduate Degree Programs in Software Engineering. (Oct 2009).
- IEEE Computer Society.
- Master of Software Engineering, Brandeis University.
- MSSE: Master of Science in Software Engineering, University of Minnesota.
- Programs in Engineering, The Sloan Consortium.
- Search All Accredited Programs, ABET.
- Software Engineering Masters Programs, Carnegie Mellon University.
- The 30 fastest growing occupations covered in the 2008-2009 Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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