At a Glance
- 100% online coursework
- Grounded in the Software Engineering Body of Knowledge (SWEBOK)
- Pursue a software engineering project or thesis for your capstone
- No GMAT/GRE required
A Complete Software Engineering Curriculum
Pace University’s online MS in Software Development and Engineering forges professionals who are ready to compete in one of the world’s most in-demand industries. This online software development and engineering master’s program balances the theoretical with the practical, as students build a lasting technical foundation through hands-on learning using state-of-the-art tools.
Housed in the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems, the online software development and engineering master’s degree program covers all aspects of the software life cycle, including requirements, design, testing, and maintenance. Students learn the best practices and ethical standards necessary to support high-quality, secure software systems. Most courses in the program are group project-based, enabling students to hone their professional skills so that they can effectively communicate ideas and collaborate with teammates and clients.
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To learn more about the online Master of Science in Software Development and Engineering, fill out the fields in this form to download a free brochure. If you have any questions at any time, please contact an enrollment specialist at (914) 758-1080.
COMPLETE THIS STEM-DESIGNATED DEGREE IN TWO YEARS
As a STEM-designated program, our curriculum incorporates science, technology, engineering, and math in order to prime our students to be competitive in the global workplace. The program emphasizes three core themes:
- System and software design
- Software management and evolution
- Managing team resources
DESIGNED FOR WORKING PROFESSIONALS
This 30-credit curriculum can be completed in just two years as a part-time student.
ADD A CERTIFICATE WITHOUT INCREASING YOUR DEGREE TIME
MS in Software Development and Engineering students can also earn an optional certificate through electives—without adding extra credits or time to their degree program.
OPTIONAL CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE
These certificates are also available as stand-alone options.
- Advanced Certificate in Software Development and Engineering
- Advanced Certificate in Secure Software and Information Engineering
Complete the Degree in 10 Courses
Gain top-to-bottom knowledge of every step of the software development life cycle.
Personalize Your Degree
Add an optional certificate in Software Development and Engineering or Secure Software and Information Engineering.
In-Demand Skills
Develop your expertise in software design and development, software management, and team resources management.
Software Development and Engineering Course Highlights
Software Design Methodologies
Explores advanced techniques for building robust, large-scale software systems with object-oriented principles, emphasizing design patterns and frameworks to enhance system quality and maintainability throughout the development life cycle.
Component Architectures for Enterprise Application Development
Examines enterprise-level software development, focusing on object-oriented techniques for building scalable applications using Java technology such as Enterprise JavaBeans, Swing, and database integration tools.
Software Development Process Improvement
This course explores the Software Engineering Institute’s Capability Maturity Model (CMM) and its integration (CMMI), examining each maturity level through in-depth case studies.
Our lives depend on software. We have to be serious about it. That’s why we need good programs that will teach the foundations of software engineering.
Sotiris Skevoulis, Program Chair Software Development and Engineering Program
Software Engineering Career Outlook
At Pace, we know that career advancement is an important goal to our students. That’s why we emphasize a workplace-ready education that can be personalized to learners’ needs.
One-third of the master’s degree in software development and engineering can be fulfilled through electives, allowing students to target a specific area of interest, such as programming languages, internet software development, human-computer software interaction, software process management, and secure software development.
All courses are kept small so that learners have room to ask questions and engage in useful discussions. Instructors take the time to get to know their students’ strengths and offer individualized support. The focus on group work and presentations mirrors the collaborative environment that students can expect to find in the field.
Students also have access to professional development opportunities and internships, as well as Pace’s renowned career center.
25%
Software engineering ranks among the fastest-growing occupations this decade, with a projected job growth rate of 25% and a median salary of $130,160, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Is This Online MS Program Right for You?
Who can benefit from an online master’s in software development and engineering? We serve learners from around the world, from a range of backgrounds including:
- Recent graduates with related technical degrees who want to focus on software development
- Career changers, especially those who are curious, enjoy problem-solving, and are enthusiastic about learning new skills
- Experienced software developers who would like to update their skills, fill in knowledge gaps, and align themselves for career advancement
Strong Career Outcomes
Since 2015, the Pace online software development and engineering master’s program has seen a 90 percent success rate in graduates finding jobs within six months from graduation. Our graduates become software developers, software designers, software requirements engineers, software quality assurance managers, and more.
Pace’s software development and engineering master’s program is a great opportunity. It’s a very well-designed and polished master’s that touches every single aspect of the software engineering process, every single phase. I also appreciated the supportive, multicultural learning environment that was a place to exchange opinions and find new opportunities.
Dionysios Kakaroumpas Pace MS in Software Development and Engineering graduate Full Stack Engineer at IBM
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the online software development and engineering master’s degree program should have knowledge of computer science and some programming abilities. Those who lack current programming skills can still apply but will be required to take a Java fundamentals course before beginning the core courses in the program.
For more details on admission requirements and the application process, visit our admission page.
Frequently Asked Questions
A computer science degree is not required. However, we ask that applicants who do not have a degree in computer science or other closely related field either:
- have an undergraduate or graduate degree in a related field along with proof of extensive training and/or practice in software development or
- have extensive working experience in the computing field.
If you do not fit into either category, you may still be able to pursue this degree by taking on some additional coursework. Career changers who have no relevant background but do have a desire to learn software engineering can meet with the program chairperson to devise a plan of preparatory courses to help them complete the MS in Software Development and Engineering.
No, courses such as SE 602 (Object-Oriented Development Using Java) and SE 616 (Introduction to Software Development) do not count towards the 30 credits needed to fulfill the Master of Science in Software Development and Engineering requirements. However, the grades earned in those courses do apply towards a student’s total GPA.
Coursework is a mix of synchronous and asynchronous elements. Instructors present their lectures live but upload a recording afterward for students who are unable to attend at the set time. Group project timelines must be followed and assignments must be submitted on time.
A common myth about software engineering is that it is entirely focused on coding. However, coding is just a small part of the discipline.
There are no specific languages required in order to be accepted into this program. However, students should have some programming skills (e.g., Java, C++, Python, object-oriented approach). If a student does not have sufficient experience, they can still apply to the program but will need to take the preparatory course “SE 602 Fundamental Computer Science I with Java” before beginning the core courses.
For more information, visit the Pace Online MS in Software Development and Engineering FAQ page.
