Master of Science in Software Engineering (Bridge)
What Is a Master’s in Software Engineering Bridge Pathway?
Take the first step toward a career in software engineering. Grand Canyon University’s bridge pathway to the Master of Science in Software Engineering provides those with a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field the opportunity to build a strong foundation for a rewarding career as a software engineer.
What You Will Learn?
The importance of technology is only continuing to grow in our modern world. Since technology is so necessary in today’s society, software engineers can look forward to promising, lucrative positions in a variety of settings. Software engineers can work in application development to game development. Software engineers may also be able to find jobs in insurance, technology, educational and financial institutions.
Over the pathway’s five fundamental courses, students gain a wide breadth of knowledge and gain hands-on skills. Courses dive deep into these topics:
- Calculus and analytic geometry: Students engage in a robust exploration of calculus and its application in real-world contexts, including how it is used by software engineers. These high-level advanced math concepts are taught in context, preparing learners to directly apply the concepts in their career.
- Computer programming: Explore fundamental concepts of programming languages, focusing on object-oriented programming techniques as well as troubleshooting, problem-solving and basic algorithm knowledge.
- Java: Explore the Java programming language in further depth, gaining knowledge and skills in topics including file I/O, generics, collections, multi-threading, networking and unit testing.
- Algorithms and data structures: By focusing on their application, learners will understand how to use algorithms in the software engineering process. Discover basic strategies for employing algorithms to solve real-world computational problems.
Careers With a Master’s in Software Engineering
GCU’s online software engineering bridge pathway was designed for students with limited to no experience in software engineering. Those looking to make a career change can benefit from the bridge pathway’s coverage of fundamental skills necessary to tackle advanced concepts in the full software engineering master’s program.
Through earning a degree in software engineering, you may be qualified for positions such as:
- Computer network architect
- Database administrator
- Embedded software engineer
- Information systems manager
- Lead software engineer
- Project manager
- Systems architect
Why Choose GCU for Your Online Courses
Completing your master’s in software engineering bridge pathway online offers flexibility without sacrificing academic rigor. GCU’s online learning management system provides our learners with next-generation education without taking away from an already busy schedule.
Enrolling in GCU’s online software engineering bridge pathway can be your first step toward transforming your career into one you find rewarding. To learn more about the pathway, contact an admissions counselor or apply to GCU today!
Core Courses
Course Description
This course provides a rigorous treatment of the concepts and methods of elementary calculus and its application to real-world problems. Topics include a brief review of linear, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, and inverse functions; understanding and calculating limits, continuity, and derivatives as rates of change; differentiation rules including derivatives of polynomials, exponentials, trigonometric, and logarithmic functions; product and quotient rules, the chain rule, and implicit differentiation; related rates, curve sketching, maximum and minimum problems, mean value theorem, linear approximation, indeterminate forms, and L’Hospital’s rule; and applied optimization problems, antiderivatives, and approximating areas under the curve. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in MAT-250 or MAT-261.
Course Description
This course provides a rigorous treatment of the concepts, methods, and applications of integral calculus and is the second course in a three-course sequence. Topics include definite integrals, fundamental theorem of calculus, and integration rules; arc length, solids of revolution, and physical applications; techniques of integration including improper integrals and an introduction to differential equations; polar coordinates, parametric equations, infinite sequences, and series; power series and conic sections; and vector arithmetic, dot product, and projections. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in MAT-252.
Course Description
This course introduces the fundamental concepts and syntax of the Java programming language. The course focuses on object-oriented techniques in Java with an emphasis on problem solving and fundamental algorithms.
Course Description
This course focuses on software development using the Java programming language. The course focuses on advanced object-oriented techniques in Java along with advanced topics including file I/O, generics, collections, multi-threading, networking, and unit testing. Prerequisite: CST-105.
Course Description
This course covers classical algorithms and data structures, with an emphasis on implementation and application in solving real-world computational problems. The course focuses on algorithms for sorting, searching, string processing, and graphs. Students learn basic strategies to evaluate divide-and-conquer, recursive backtracking, and algorithm efficiency. Hands-on activities focus on writing code that implements concepts and algorithm implementation techniques. Prerequisite: CST-210 or CST-239 or CST-135 or CST-250 or CST-227.
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.
* Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change.