MS in SE Pathways to Completion

The online MS in SE program offers the flexibility to choose a pace that matches your professional and personal commitments. Whether you are looking to accelerate your career or balance your studies with a full-time job, you can choose between two primary pathways.

MS in Software Engineering Requirements

The degree consists of 10 courses (30 credit hours) divided into three distinct groups.

  1. SE Fundamentals (12 Credit Hours)
    • These are your foundational courses.
      1. SE 5010: Programming and Data Structures (F1)
      2. SE 5020: Database Management Systems (F2) - Co-req:F1
      3. SE 5030: Software Engineering Principles (F3) - Co-req: F1
      4. SE 5040: Software Development with AI (F4) - Pre-req: F1
  2. SE Principles (12 Credit Hours)
    • Advanced coursework focusing on lifecycle and management. All require the completion of SE 5030 (F3).
      1. SE 6010: Requirements Analysis and Design (P1)
      2. SE 6020: Software Quality Assurance (P2)
      3. SE 6030: Introduction to DevOps (P3)
      4. SE 6040: Agile Project Management (P4)
  3. Culminating Experience (6 Credit Hours)
    • SE 6771 & SE 6772: Capstone I & II
    • Requirement: Must complete a minimum of 15 hours (5 courses) before beginning.

Option 1: The Accelerated Pathway (Full-Time)

Goal: Complete your degree in one calendar year.

Commitment: Students take up to two courses per session.

Ideal for: Students who can dedicate significant time to their studies to enter the workforce or transition careers quickly.

Option 2: The Professional Pathway (Part-Time)

Goal: Complete your degree in two years.

Commitment: Students take one course per session.

Ideal for: Working professionals who want to maintain a healthy work-life-study balance while gaining new credentials

Projected Course Schedule (Fall 2026 Start)

Based on our planned course rotations, here is how you would progress through the curriculum: 

SemesterSessionAccelerated Track (2 courses/session)Professional Track (1 course/session)
Fall 20261stSE 5010 (F1)SE 5010 (F1)
Fall 20262ndSE 5030 (F3) & SE 5040 (F4)SE 5030 (F3)
Spring 20271stSE 5020 (F2) & SE 6010 (P1)SE 5020 (F2)
Spring 20272ndSE 6020 (P2) & SE 6030 (P3)SE 6020 (P2)
Summer 20271stSE 6771 (Cap 1) & SE 6040 (P4)SE 6040 (P4)
Summer 20272ndSE 6772 (Cap 2)Break
Fall 20271st--SE 5040 (F4)
Fall 20272nd--SE 6010 (P1)
Spring 20281st--SE 6030 (P3)
Spring 20282nd--SE 6771 (Cap 1)
Summer 20281st--SE 6772 (Cap 2)

* Fall and Spring semesters have two 7-week-long sessions, and Summer semester has two 6-week-long sessions.

Note on Prerequisites: To ensure student success, the curriculum is sequenced. SE 5010 (F1) and SE 5030 (F3) serve as the primary gateways to advanced Principles (P-level) courses and the Capstone experience.

Updated: 04/13/2026 12:46PM