Application Deadline and Prerequisite Questions
The next deadline is January 7, 2025. You can begin your online application here. If you have any questions about applying, contact an admission advisor at (866) 843-7205 (toll-free) or seidenbergonline@pace.edu.
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.
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.
No, courses such as “SE 602 Fundamental Computer Science I with Java” do not count towards the 36 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.
A 3.0 GPA is recommended. Some students who do not meet this GPA requirement may be accepted based on the strength of their other qualifications.
No, GRE or GMAT scores are not required.
Program and Outcomes Questions
The MS in Software Development and Engineering takes approximately two years on a part-time basis.
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.
The need for leadership skills and for customer service skills is one reason that software engineering stands apart from other disciplines. Nearly all software engineers work as part of a team and so must be comfortable collaborating on and leading projects. They also work extensively with customers and clients. This is why every core course and most electives in the software development and engineering master’s program includes some group work and presentations. Our students get the chance to practice their skills in environments that reflect the collaborative workplaces they will find in the field.
No, this exam is not a requirement for graduation. Students who decide to not take the IEEE examination will graduate after completing 33 credits of coursework..
To put it simply: computer science teaches you science and how to extend it. Software engineering teaches you science and how to apply it. A software engineering master’s is made for those who are specifically interested in the design, production, and maintenance of advanced software systems. The Pace software development and engineering master’s program also includes non-technical elements that must be mastered for career success, including communicating effectively with clients, working in collaborative team environments, and selling your ideas and product to customers and stakeholders.
Some common job titles held by software development and engineering graduates include:
- Software Developer
- Software Designers
- Software Requirements Engineers
- Software Quality Assurance Managers
- Full Stack Developer
- Java Developer
- Python Developer
- .Net Developer
Recent graduates of the Pace MS in Software Development and Engineering program have gone on to Amazon, BNY Mellon, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Goldman Sachs, IBM, Northwell Health, Salesforce, Siemens, and SoulCycle.
An admission advisor is available to answer your questions by phone at (866) 843-7205 (toll-free) or email at seidenbergonline@pace.edu.
Yes, if you would like to earn the Advanced Certificate in Software Development and Engineering or the Advanced Certificate in Secure Software and Information Engineering, you can do so by choosing electives that align with the certificate curriculum.
| Advanced Certificate in Software Development and Engineering | Advanced Certificate in Secure Software and Information Engineering |
|---|---|
| SE 673 Software Design Methodologies* SE 675 Requirements Engineering* SE 677 Software Reliability and Quality Assurance* SE 000 Advanced Elective #1** SE 000 Advanced Elective #2** |
IT 660 Network Security** SE 675 Requirements Engineering* SE 677 Software Reliability and Quality Assurance* SE 751 Software Validation & Verification Techniques** IT 662 Web and Internet Security** IT 666 Information Security Management |
*Courses fulfilled by MS in Software Development and Engineering core requirements
**Courses that will need to be fulfilled through electives
If you begin with the Advanced Certificate in Software Development and Engineering or the Advanced Certificate in Secure Software & Information Engineering, and decide you want to earn the full MS in Software Development and Engineering, you can apply the certificate credits towards the master’s program.
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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 admission advisor at (866) 843-7205.