Online Master’s in Software Engineering Degree Program

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Overview

Pursue Your MS in Software Engineering From GCU

Grand Canyon University offers a Master of Science (MS) in Software Engineering program designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed in the ever-evolving field of software engineering. This program is designed for you if you have a passion for technology, want to learn more about software engineering and are looking to position yourself for possible career advancement. 

The MS in Software Engineering program aims to provide a comprehensive curriculum that covers topics such as software architecture, design methodologies, software testing and project management. With a focus on practical applications and hands-on experiences, you will have the opportunity to work on projects that are relevant to the industry, which can prepare you for a career in software engineering. 

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Why GCU

Benefits of an Online Master’s in Software Engineering Degree

GCU’s online software engineering program was built to meet the needs of working professionals. This flexible online master’s in software engineering program can allow you to pursue your education while maintaining your personal and professional commitments through conveniently scheduled coursework.

If you are seeking to be involved in all stages of the software development cycle, apply advanced knowledge and skills, and leverage new technologies to enhance the quality of life by solving problems, the MS in Software Engineering degree could be the right fit for you. You will be taught how to develop the next generation of software products and services used by consumers, industries and government.


This Degree Is Offered Online

Coursework

Master’s in Software Engineering Coursework and Topics 

The master’s in software engineering online courses at GCU are academically rigorous, project-focused and offer opportunities to develop hands-on skills. You can gain a deep understanding of software engineering principles and practices, as well as the ability to apply them to practical software development projects. 

Some of the topics you will be taught in this MS in Software Engineering include:

Software design and architecture

Software development methodologies

Software testing and quality assurance

Project management embedded systems and IoT development

Skills Acquired in a MS in Software Engineering Program 

Learners exit the master’s in software engineering program having had the opportunity to gain both advanced technical engineering skills and effective management skills. 

Course curriculum includes comprehensive, intensive coverage of the following:

  • Modern software concepts and techniques
  • Emphasizing a holistic approach encompassing financial and legal issues
  • Technical concepts
  • Security
  • Software design
  • Project management

These master’s in software engineering skills can help you position yourself for possible career-advancement. Software engineers have the power to produce innovative solutions that can have an immense impact on the world. Using technology, software engineers can meet specific needs, considering public health, safety and welfare while utilizing cutting edge techniques, skills and tools.

Additionally, you may have the opportunity to specialize in specific areas of software engineering such as data analytics, mobile application development or artificial intelligence. 

Careers

Career Pathways for Master’s in Software Engineering Degree Graduates

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for software developers is on track to grow by an estimated 16% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.1  

The MS in Software Engineering degree at GCU can help to prepare you for a variety of fields, which may include:

Architecture and engineering manager

Database architect

Software developer

Software quality assurance analyst and tester

Engineering teacher (postsecondary) 

16%

Job growth for software developers1 

$120,730

Median annual wage for software developers2

Graduate Work Setting Opportunities

A master's degree in software engineering can provide you with the leadership skills necessary to effectively lead teams and manage employees. These leadership skills, coupled with advanced knowledge of software engineering principles and practices, can prepare you for a variety of industries that rely on software development and technology solutions. 

As a graduate of the master’s in software engineering degree program, you may work in a variety of settings including: 

  • Mobile application development
  • Gaming
  • Social media
  • Healthcare
  • Financial institutions
  • Insurance
  • Education institutions
  • Technology supply
  • Research
FAQ

Master of Science (MS) in Software Engineering FAQs

If you are considering an MS in Software Engineering degree that provides advanced skills in software design and development, including maintenance and project management skills, you may have a number of questions about the program and what it entails. We’ve gathered a list of frequently asked questions about the master’s in software engineering online program.

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Start Your Journey Today

Learn more about the field of technology by earning a Master of Science in Software Engineering from GCU. For more information about our online master’s in software engineering degree, contact a university counselor or apply today.

Apply Now

1 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as well. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2022, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers, retrieved on May 23, 2023. 

The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers as of May 2021, retrieved on March 28, 2023. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may also impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the BLS. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers from across the country with varying levels of education and experience and does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as software developers, quality assurance analysts and testers. It does not reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country. It also does not reflect a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. 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. You may also wish to compare median salaries if you are considering more than one career path. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, and accept employment from, determines salary not only based on education, but also individual characteristics and skills and fit to that organization (among other categories) against a pool of candidates. 

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