M.S. in Software Engineering

Program Overview

The M.S. in Software Engineering is a 30-credit degree program, typically completed within 1.5 to 2 years for full-time students. The curriculum is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of the software development lifecycle. It comprises seven core required courses (21 credits) that establish a foundational understanding of key software engineering concepts and three elective courses (9 credits) that allow for specialization. Students also have the option to pursue a dual M.S.-MBA degree, which offers a unique blend of technical software engineering expertise with strong business management skills. The program is available both on-campus and fully online through StevensOnline, offering significant flexibility. Stevens boasts exceptional career outcomes for its Software Engineering graduates, with a 100% employment rate within six months of graduation and a strong mean compensation of $97,500 for the Class of 2023.

STEM-designated: Yes, the Stevens Institute of Technology M.S. in Software Engineering program is unequivocally STEM-designated. This is a significant advantage, particularly for international students. The STEM designation makes them eligible for a 24-month extension of their Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the United States, allowing for a total of up to three years of valuable post-graduation work experience. This designation clearly reflects the program's rigorous quantitative, technical, and analytical focus, which is highly valued by employers in the software development, technology, and IT sectors.

Curriculum: The 30-credit curriculum provides a robust and practical education in all stages of the software development lifecycle. Required core courses typically include: Fundamentals of Software Engineering, Agile Methods for Software Development, Software Requirements Analysis and Engineering, Software Architecture and Component-Based Design, Software Testing, Quality Assurance and Maintenance, Cost Estimation and Measurement, and a Software Engineering Capstone Studio. Elective courses (9 credits) can be chosen from various areas within software engineering (SSW), engineering management (EM), or computer science (CS), allowing students to specialize in areas like artificial intelligence for software engineering, trusted software systems, or data analysis. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on, project- and team-based study, ensuring students are proficient in industry-standard tools and agile development principles.

Research Focus: The M.S. in Software Engineering program at Stevens has a strong applied research focus, often aligning with the broader research initiatives within the School of Systems and Enterprises and the Department of Computer Science. Research within these areas encompasses diverse topics relevant to software systems, including software hardening, program analysis and verification, language-based security, and the overall construction, interactions, and performance of software layers. Stevens is also actively engaged in research related to Artificial Intelligence, with the Stevens Institute for Artificial Intelligence (SIAI) focusing on AI and machine learning applications across various domains. While primarily a professional master's degree, students are trained in systematic and metrics-based approaches to software development, risk management, and software assurance, which are directly applicable to research and development roles within industry. An optional research thesis is also available for students interested in deeper academic exploration.

Industry Engagement: Stevens Institute of Technology places a very high priority on industry engagement for its Software Engineering program. Its strategic location in the New York metropolitan area provides unparalleled access to a vast network of leading technology companies, financial institutions, consulting firms, and startups that are continuously seeking skilled software engineers. The curriculum is regularly updated to integrate rapidly evolving technologies, including generative AI, and to meet the latest labor market demands for software professionals. Faculty members often have extensive industry experience, bringing real-world case studies and practical insights into the classroom. Stevens' strong alumni network and robust Career Center facilitate extensive networking opportunities, internships, and co-op experiences, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for roles in software development, architecture, quality assurance, and project management across diverse sectors.

Global Perspective: Stevens Institute of Technology fosters a strong global perspective within its M.S. in Software Engineering program. This is cultivated through its diverse international student body, which enriches classroom discussions with varied insights into international software development practices, global project challenges, and cross-cultural team collaboration. The nature of software development itself is increasingly global, with distributed teams and international user bases. The program prepares graduates to contribute to international software projects, understand global software standards and methodologies, and navigate the complexities of working in a globally connected industry. This global outlook, combined with Stevens' rigorous technical education and emphasis on practical, team-based learning, ensures graduates are well-equipped for impactful careers in the worldwide software engineering landscape.