Master’s in Software Development Online
Strengthen Your Ability To Build and Optimize Software Applications
The Master of Science in Software Development degree from the College of Engineering and Technology teaches the latest technological competencies to software developers who are x their education. These competencies include the latest industry best practices in areas ranging from mobile development to proactive cybersecurity.
This master’s in software development encourages you to develop practical solutions to common problems in the field, ranging from the need for secure coding practices to standard debugging issues. With a combination of coursework and immersive, project-based assignments, this degree may empower you to deepen your technical expertise in software design principles while staying on top of the latest cybersecurity practices in the field.
Online: $600 per credit [More Info]
Up to 12 credits or 1/3 of the total program requirements in transfer (whichever is less)
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Master's)
- Undergraduate Degree*
- 2.8+ GPA
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
- GMAT: 500
- GRE: 300 combined**
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).
Advance Your Expertise in Building Reliable Software
GCU’s MS in Software Development degree goes beyond programming languages and software management, offering a comprehensive look at advanced software development skills related to architecture frameworks, vulnerability resolution and database design.
Christian Worldview
Online Learning
Explore Master's in Software Development Online Coursework
This software development master’s degree provides a comprehensive curriculum exploring both simple and complex programs. Through project-based courses, you will study advanced skills in the planning, development, testing, implementation and maintenance phases of the software development process. Examine software cost estimation, project planning and the economic analysis of software products, as well as technical communication strategies and software team leadership skills.
Topics covered in this online master’s degree in software development include:
Full software development life cycle
System design
Software design and testing
Software architecture
Agile software development
Mobile development
Advanced database design
Secure coding practices
UML and design patterns
Career Paths With an MS in Software Development
Graduates with a master’s in software development can tap into an increasing number of job openings for professionals in this technical field.(See disclaimer 1) Along with the continued increase of software-based technical programs and artificial intelligence, it’s also expected that ever-present security threats will continue to fuel the need for developers who know how to anticipate and proactively address security vulnerabilities.(See disclaimer 1)
Master’s degree in software development graduates can work in various industries such as computer systems design, finance, insurance, software publishing and manufacturing.(See disclaimer 2) Additionally, this degree focuses on developing leadership skills that can support your preparation for a variety of professional roles, such as managing or leading software development projects.
Graduates with a master's in software development can expect to have a wide range of career options in the technology field, including the following:
Computer network support specialist
Computer programmer
Software developer
Software quality assurance analyst and tester
Web developer
Web designer
Postsecondary computer science teacher
Digital interface designer
Estimated number of job openings, per year, for software developers, quality assurance analysts and testers from 2024 to 2034(See disclaimer 1)
Median annual salary for software developers, quality assurance analysts and testers in May 2024(See disclaimer 3 )
Study Software Development at an Accredited University
GCU is an institutionally accredited university that prioritizes career-focused curricula and academic excellence. Our Christian university has been continuously accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968 and takes pride in our longstanding history of preparing the next generation of professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Browse through the following frequently asked questions and answers to help guide you as you explore software development degree options.
Is a master's in software development worth it?
Do software developers need a master’s degree?
What is the difference between a software engineer and a software developer?
Program Curriculum
Core Courses
Develop advanced software development skills through an online master’s program built for today’s evolving technologies.
- COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective August 2025, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers, retrieved December 2025.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers: Work Environment. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved December 2025.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers, as of May 2024, retrieved December 2025. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
- Indeed Editorial Team. (2025, Dec. 4). What Degree Do You Need To Be a Software Engineer? Indeed. Retrieved December 2025.