Technology, an industry where growth is paramount, continues to offer ample and diverse career opportunities. Businesses in nearly every field are actively pursuing digital transformation to keep up with consumer expectations and maintain a competitive edge in the marketplace. In addition, the rise of remote work is in part possible due to cloud computing platforms and apps. One particular area of rapid growth and innovation is healthcare, where new and emerging technologies are being incorporated into patient care. Pace University’s own Professor Zhan Zhang is using Internet of Things technology to create wearable devices for emergency workers that collect and communicate patient data in real time. All of these modern wonders need technology professionals with the expertise to imagine, design, build, optimize, and maintain them. And the demand is there: the Los Angeles Times says “a multitude of factors are driving competition for talent to a level not seen in nearly 20 years.” A master’s degree can supply the advanced knowledge and skills workers need to keep up with industry developments in hardware and software, best practices in programming, and state-of-the-art tools. Since there is a range of computer science graduate degrees to choose from, it’s essential to identify the one that best aligns with your personal interests and professional goals. For those interested in gaining skills in practical applications of technology, two options include a master’s in software engineering and a master’s in information technology. Here’s how to determine which one is best for you.

Information Technology vs. Software Engineering: What’s the Difference?

While both software development engineering and information technology require technical knowledge, detail-oriented thinking, and problem-solving skills, they are quite different in terms of their focus and their outcomes:
  • Software developers and engineers use engineering principles, programming knowledge, and design skills to create new software solutions that align with marketplace and client needs.
  • IT professionals are responsible for overseeing technologies—both hardware and software—that store, retrieve, and send data. They handle tasks related to system infrastructure, function, security, maintenance, and governance.
In short, software developers and engineers create new software-based services and products, while IT professionals focus on making sure that hardware devices, systems, and software work together efficiently to support organizational functions and goals. Continue reading to learn how a master’s in information technology compares to a master’s in software engineering through their admission criteria, curriculums, outcomes, and career options.

Master’s in Software Engineering Requirements

Admission to a master’s in software engineering program requires a certain level of knowledge and experience in the computer science field. Individuals who have a strong background and interest in computer science and are comfortable with learning new programming languages are particularly suited for this degree. Requirements generally include:
  • Knowledge of computer science AND;
  • Bachelor’s degree in any subject with significant working experience in the computing field OR;
  • Undergraduate or graduate degree in a related computer or technology field with proof of extensive training and/or practice in software development
Applicants without up-to-date programming skills may need to take a fundamentals course ahead of beginning core courses

Master’s in Information Technology Requirements

Admission to a master’s in information technology program generally does not require experience in the field or a technology-related undergraduate degree, although those can be helpful. Applicants without a technical background may need to take additional courses as electives. In general, this program requires a bachelor’s degree or a four-year equivalent.

Information Technology vs. Software Engineering: Core Courses

Master’s in Software Engineering Master’s in Information Technology
  • Introduction to Software Engineering
  • Software Design Methodologies
  • Requirements Engineering
  • Software Reliability and Quality Assurance
  • Software ENgineering Theory and Practice
  • Overview of Information Security
  • Database Manageemnt Systems
  • Systems Development
  • Web Development with COntent Management Systems
  • Introduction to Coding
At Pace University, both degrees offer project-based learning and flexibility when it comes to focusing on specific topics.
  • The curriculum of the online Master’s in Software Development and Engineering features a variety of electives, ranging from risk management to independent study, allowing students to explore specific areas of interest that will serve their career goals. In addition, the capstone course offers options for writing a thesis, executing a software solution, or earning IEEE Professional Software Developer Certification. Pace is the only registered education provider for IEEE in the eastern United States.
  • The online Master’s in Information Technology curriculum offers a choice of specializations in Cybersecurity or Network Administration as well as a capstone project that involves developing a real-world computer information system.

Skills and Outcomes

The outcomes and skills developed for each program diverge in significant ways. While both degrees help develop analytical abilities and problem-solving skills, they focus on different tasks and goals.
  • A master’s in software engineering emphasizes the design and development of software and systems across the entire lifecycle. Coursework may integrate the Software Engineering Body of Knowledge (SWEBOK), an international standard that consists of 15 knowledge areas within the field, including software engineering models and methods, engineering foundations, and mathematical foundations. Graduates use these skills to design and develop new software solutions, which requires them to apply their technical knowledge in innovative yet practical ways.
  • A master’s in information technology emphasizes developing, implementing, and maintaining computer systems using IT methodologies, frameworks, and best practices. These systems can include a wide range of hardware and software components and functions—including cloud computing, cybersecurity, and network forensics.
Both degrees build graduates’ interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills to enable them to:
  • Contribute and lead in team environments
  • Serve as effective and ethical professionals in technical, organizational, and business environments
  • Take on additional responsibilities to advance their careers

    • The Impact of a Master’s Degree

    For both software engineering degree jobs and master’s in information technology jobs, many employers prefer applicants with credentials proving advanced knowledge and skills—and therefore candidates with a master’s degree stand out. But the advantages of a master’s in these disciplines go beyond a diploma. Through university and corporate partnerships, a master’s in software engineering or a master’s in information technology also provide opportunities to work with businesses on exciting and creative collaborations and initiatives. These opportunities offer valuable real-world experience and can help students create connections as they launch or continue their careers. For example, the Pace University Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems regularly partners with businesses in the industry on projects that can include conducting research, making models, and even working on technologies destined for the marketplace. Students also benefit from learning from instructors working at the forefront of technology, including Professor Zhang, the first professor at Pace to earn grants from both the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. All of these factors help build a broad foundation of knowledge, cultivate students’ growth as curious problem-solvers, and position them for lifelong learning in a constantly evolving field.

    A Look at Software Engineering Careers

    According to Payscale, the average annual salary for someone with a master’s degree in software engineering is $111,000. The degree prepares graduates for a variety of jobs, and with employment in the field estimated to grow 22% by 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, they’ll have plenty of options.
    Job title Average salary
    Software developer/engineer $98,845*
    Web developer $92,480*
    Video geame designer $83,649*
    Computer and information systems manager $159,101**
    Chief technology officer $213,020**
    <[Sources: Burning Glass*, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics**]

    An Overview of Information Technology Careers

    The employment outlook for information technology is also rosy: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates positions will grow significantly thanks to the expansion of cloud computing and data as well as an increasing emphasis on cybersecurity.
    Job title Average Salary
    Information Specialist $77,866*
    Network/systems administrator $74,438*
    Computer systems analyst $99,270**
    Information secuirty analyst $102,600**
    Computer and information systems manager $159,010**
    [Sources: Burning Glass*, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics**] Both fields present ample opportunities across the span of a career, making a master’s degree a worthy investment. Graduates can expect a median annual wage of $97,430 across all computer and technology occupations, much higher than the average for all occupations, per the BLS.

    Information Technology vs. Software Engineering: What to Consider

    Choosing a master’s in information technology vs. a master’s in software engineering requires thoughtful consideration of your background, interests, abilities, and career goals. The table below summarizes some key points that can be helpful to guide the decision-making process:
    Master’s in Software Engineering Master’s in Information technology
    • Requires some background or experience in technology
    • Focuses exclusively on the design and development of software solutions
    • Requires creativity to imagine and build new products based on marketplace and client needs
    • Coursework can include additional professional certification
    • A technical background is not required for admission
    • Emphasizes designing, building, and maintaining systems that ensure all types of hardware and software work together efficiently
    • Apply problem-solving skills within an IT framework of best practices and methodologies
    • Specializations can offer the opportunity to explore IT topics in more depth

    About the Online MS in Software Engineering and Development at Pace University

    In the online MS in Software Engineering and Development program at Pace University, you can develop the theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills you need to excel in a global marketplace. Our STEM-designated curriculum focuses on three core themes:
    • System and software design
    • Software management and evolution
    • Team resources management
      • MS in Software Development and Engineering students include recent graduates from technical programs interested in deepening their knowledge of the field, working professionals ready for a career change, and experienced software developers seeking to update their skills and advance their careers. You can complete this 100-percent online program on a full- or part-time schedule and choose from 10 electives. Pace also offers two certificate options as either part of the master’s program or as stand-alone programs:
      • Advanced Certificate in Software Development and Engineering
      • Advanced Certificate in Secure Software and Information Engineering
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