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"I had an idea to build my own app"

"I had an idea to build my own app"

With the support of Penn State Great Valley, Master of Software Engineering student Rob Ambrose launched his own app.

Why Penn State

We know there’s a lot to consider when getting a graduate degree. That’s why we designed our Master of Software Engineering degree to combine the best of in-person and online education. Flexible, seven-week courses let you balance your busy schedule while still reaping the benefits of once-per-week face-to-face classes, like networking and developing interpersonal skills. You can expect to complete your degree in two to three years if attending part-time or about 1.5 years if attending full-time.

Our program prepares computer professionals to develop software products and services for industry and government through software analysis, design, and architecture; system verification; data storage and retrieval; and managing globally distributed development. This program is STEM designated, allowing 36 months total of Optional Practical Training (OPT) compared to 12 months for non-STEM degrees.

Curriculum

The software engineering degree consists of six core courses, four electives, and a capstone project that builds upon prior coursework. Proficiency in programming, computer architecture, operating systems design, and fundamentals of software design is expected. A preparatory class is available and may be required after acceptance to the program curriculum.

Our program is driven by the needs of software engineering professionals focusing on their state of practice. The course of study includes:

  • Requirements Engineering
  • Software Systems Architecture
  • Software Systems Design
  • Software Testing
  • Software Construction
  • Mobile and Cloud Computing
  • Technical Project Management

Throughout the program, you have opportunities to work on industry-sponsored projects or research with faculty and the Big Data Lab, with possibilities to publish your work in journals or at conferences and showcase it in student poster competitions. You may also complete the capstone project with an industrial partner; this culminating experience allows you to experience the complete software development lifecycle, engineering a fully functional product following an iterative incremental developmental methodology with continuous integration and automated testing.

Outcomes

Your fellow students usually have undergraduate degrees in computer science; aerospace, computer, electrical and nuclear engineering; and information science and technology. Most already have three to five years of work experience doing software programming, coding, or developing at corporations that include Boeing, GE, L-3 Communications, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, Oracle, SAP, Siemens, Unisys, Vanguard, and Verizon.

Our graduates have advanced in their careers to become consultants, analysts, lead designers, architects, and project managers working for software development companies in domains such as defense, electronics, energy, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and more.

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