Master of Software Engineering
Software engineering focuses on the application of systematic, disciplined, and quantifiable approaches to the development, operation, and maintenance of software systems. Inclusive of computer programming but going well beyond, Software Engineering is concerned with methodologies, techniques, and tools to manage the entire software life cycle, including development of requirements, specifications, design, testing, maintenance, and project management. The advent of Software Engineering is a natural result of the continuous quest for software quality and reusability, and the maturing of the software development industry.
The online Master of Software Engineering degree is designed for professionals seeking to update or upgrade their credentials as well as to gain current skills and knowledge in software engineering.
The degree can be completed in one year, two years, or five years. All assignments are completed through distance education. You never have to travel to our campus. Projects and larger assignments can be customized to fit your specific needs. If you already are a software developer, you may be able to use parts of your job activities for these course requirements. During the first four weeks of a semester, any course can be satisfied through an examination, if you believe you already know the material. A maximum of four courses may be attempted in any one semester. If a course is started in a particular semester, it must be completed or dropped within that semester.
We also offer a 10 credit online Software Engineering Graduate Certificate. Graduate certificates are valuable tools for career advancement and are designed for individuals who want to gain credentials at the graduate-level prior to completing a full master's program. Credits from the graduate certificate are designed to transfer into a full graduate degree program.
Sample Plan of study
The plan of study includes completion of these 12 courses with grades of A or B. CSCI 793 is taken twice to complete a two semester project. Please note: When registering for these classes on Campus Connection, be sure to look for the "Distance and Continuing Education" location code. Otherwise, you will be charged according to your resident status. View our FAQ regarding identifying Distance and Continuing Education classes.
Required Core Courses:
- CSCI 713 Software Development Processes (3 CREDITS)
- CSCI 714 Software Project Planning and Estimation (3 CREDITS)
- CSCI 715 Software Requirements Definition and Analysis (3 CREDITS)
- CSCI 716 Software Design (3 CREDITS)
- CSCI 717 Software Construction (3 CREDITS)
- CSCI 718 Software Testing and Debugging (3 CREDITS)
- CSCI 724 Survey of Artificial Intelligence (3 CREDITS)
- CSCI 746 Development of Distributed Systems (3 CREDITS)
- CSCI 747 Software Complexity Metrics (3 CREDITS)
- CSCI 765 Introduction to Database Systems (3 CREDITS)
- CSCI 793 Individual Study: Software Development Project (3 CREDITS)
Total Credits: 36
GRADUATE FACULTY
For information about graduate faculty for this program as well as their current research interests, visit the Master of Software Engineering bulletin page.
Admission
Apply for admission
View Getting Started Guide
For current admission requirements, visit the Master of Software Engineering bulletin page.
Contact Information
NDSU Department of Computer Science
Phone: 701-231-8562
Email: Kenneth.Magel@ndsu.edu
Web: http://cs.ndsu.nodak.edu/msedistance.htm
NDSU Distance & Continuing Education
Phone: 1-800-726-1724 or 701-231-7015
Email: ndsu.dce@ndsu.edu
NDSU Graduate School
Phone: 701-231-7033
Email: ndsu.grad.school@ndsu.edu
Web: http://www.ndsu.edu/gradschool/