Typical Job Titles
| Adjunct Faculty Member | Analyst |
| Application Engineer | Embedded Software Engineer |
| Flight Software Engineer | iOS App Developer |
| iOS Developer | Software Developer |
| Software Engineer | Software QA Engineer |
Travis Desell
Tuition Fee
Start Date
Medium of studying
On campus
Duration
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Masters
Major
Artificial Intelligence | Computer Science | Software Development
Area of study
Information and Communication Technologies | Engineering
Education type
On campus
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
About Program
Program Overview
Software Engineering Master of Science Degree
Overview
Develop and manage large-scale software systems with team projects and real-world experience.
Why Pursue an MS in Software Engineering at RIT?
- STEM-OPT Visa Eligible: The STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows full-time, on-campus international students on an F-1 student visa to stay and work in the U.S. for up to three years after graduation.
- Hands-on Experience: Our program immerses you in near real-world environments, providing practical experience in developing large-scale software systems.
- Cutting-edge Specializations: Explore full-stack development, data science, DevOps, cloud engineering, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and other emerging fields that rely on advanced software engineering skills.
- Flexible Learning Paths: Whether you're transitioning into software engineering or looking to specialize your existing skills, our program caters to diverse career goals.
- Career Services and Networking: Benefit from our strong industry connections, career fairs, co-op connections, and alumni network to galvanize your career or advance to higher positions in your current field.
- Capstone Project or Thesis: Showcase your expertise through a significant software development project or research thesis and produce tangible evidence of your capabilities to potential employers.
RIT’s Master’s in Software Engineering
Since these systems are rarely the result of a single individual’s effort, RIT’s master’s in software engineering focuses on a team-based approach that recognizes the significant role teams play in the design, development, and implementation of software systems of varying size and complexity.
Software Engineering Courses
RIT’s master’s in software engineering accepts students from many educational backgrounds, including recent undergraduates and professionals interested in pursuing a software engineering career.
- Data Science: Specialize your Software Engineering Master's via course sequences in data science, helping you to understand how to build and maintain systems enabling the use and application of AI and Machine learning.
- Potential courses: Foundations of Data Science, Software Engineering for Data Science, Applied Data Science, Engineering Cloud Software Systems
- Full-Stack Web Development: Specialize in web development, teaching you to build, scale, secure, and maintain large web and cloud applications.
- Potential courses: Software Architecture, Web Technologies I, Web Technologies II, Secure Coding
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Focus on developing intelligent systems and algorithms that can learn from data.
- Potential courses: Machine Learning Fundamentals, Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing, Computer Vision
- Technology and Project Management: Gain valuable experience in engineering software for business analytics or create your own start-up company by taking electives from RIT's MS in business analytics or MS in technology innovation management and entrepreneurship.
Curriculum
Software Engineering (thesis option), MS degree, typical course sequence
- First Year
- SWEN-601: Software Construction
- SWEN-610: Foundations of Software Engineering
- SWEN-640: Research Methods
- SWEN-746: Model-Driven Development
- SWEN-732: Collaborative Software Development
- Elective
- Second Year
- SWEN-755: Software Architecture
- SWEN-777: Software Quality Assurance
- SWEN-790: Thesis
- SWEN-799: Independent Study
- Elective
Software engineering (capstone option), MS degree, typical course sequence
- First Year
- SWEN-601: Software Construction
- SWEN-610: Foundations of Software Engineering
- SWEN-640: Research Methods
- SWEN-746: Model-Driven Development
- SWEN-732: Collaborative Software Development
- Elective
- Second Year
- SWEN-755: Software Architecture
- SWEN-777: Software Quality
- SWEN-780: Capstone Research Project
- Electives
- SE Elective
Admissions and Financial Aid
This program is available on-campus only.
- Admit Term(s): Fall
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- STEM Designated: Yes
Application Details
To be considered for admission to the Software Engineering MS program, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:
- Complete an online graduate application.
- Submit copies of official transcript(s) (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work, including any transfer credit earned.
- Hold a baccalaureate degree (or US equivalent) from an accredited university or college. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent) is recommended.
- Satisfy prerequisite requirements and/or complete bridge courses prior to starting program coursework.
- Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
- Submit a personal statement of educational objectives.
- Submit two letters of recommendation.
- Entrance exam requirements: GRE optional for Fall 2025 applicants. No minimum score requirement.
- Submit English language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic), if required.
Cost and Financial Aid
An RIT graduate degree is an investment with lifelong returns. Graduate tuition varies by degree, the number of credits taken per semester, and delivery method.
Faculty
- Christian Newman: Associate Professor
- Mohamed Wiem Mkaouer: Adjunct Faculty
- Daniel Krutz: Associate Professor
Resources
Current students in the software engineering master’s program may refer to these resources for additional information.
Related News
- College of Computing to split Commencement into two ceremonies
- RIT students from across the globe launch entrepreneurial startups through the Simone Center
- Potential of Internet of Things is booming, but personal info could be at risk
Contact
- Bethany Iraci-McBane: Admissions Counselor
- Christian Newman: Graduate Program Director
Program Outline
As you pursue a software engineering master’s degree your educational experience will parallel the realities of the industry as you learn how to define, design, develop, and deliver modern software. Utilize computer science theories to create software that allows computers to meet the demands of an ever-changing, technologically-dependent society. Conduct research in many areas including data science for software engineering, artificial intelligence applications in software engineering, software modeling. Gain hands-on experience through team-based projects that help you master modern software engineering techniques.
RIT is renowned for its cooperative education program, one of the oldest and largest programs in the world. Co-op is full-time, paid work experience in industry. A number of graduates from the software engineering master's degree are employed at companies such as Citrix, SpaceX, Intuit, Amazon, Microsoft, and many others.
RIT’s Master’s in Software Engineering
Since these systems are rarely the result of a single individual’s effort, RIT’s master’s in software engineering focuses on a team-based approach that recognizes the significant role teams play in the design, development, and implementation of software systems of varying size and complexity. You will be actively engaged in software architecture, software security, and mining of software repositories research. And, you will be involved in the software engineering department's emerging areas of research in data science for software engineering and software engineering for data science. As a result, our software engineering master's degree prepares you to contribute to and lead software development projects from day one.
Software Engineering Courses
RIT’s master’s in software engineering accepts students from many educational backgrounds, including recent undergraduates and professionals interested in pursuing a software engineering career. An introductory course, Software Construction, helps students get up to speed on programming and basic computing concepts. We also have an introductory core course, Software Engineering Fundamentals. Students with degrees in engineering, science, business, and education have all bee successful graduates of our program. Our students master modern software engineering techniques in a team setting using state-of-the-art tools and platforms.
With careful selection of your electives and the topics chosen for your course projects and capstone project or thesis research, you may focus on core software engineering topics, or you may specialize in the applications of software engineering to numerous fields, including:
- Data Science: Courses are available in areas such as Foundations of Data Science, Software Engineering for Data Science, Applied Data Science, Engineering Cloud Software Systems, etc.
- Full-Stack Web Development: Courses are available in areas such as Software Architecture, Client Design and Development, Server Design and Development, and Secure Web Application Development.
- Technology and Project Management: You may take courses from RIT’s MS in business analytics or MS in technology innovation management and entrepreneurship.
In RIT’s software engineering department, you will learn and receive personalized attention from faculty who are working in many areas of software engineering and its applications. Outfitted with the latest hardware and software technology, our facilities include studio labs, project labs, team rooms, a collaboration lab, and a real-time and embedded systems lab–all designed to help you collaborate on projects, polish your skills, and collaborate with faculty. The department has partnered with a number of software companies to provide you with access to a wide range of software products for learning and research.
Students are also interested in: Information Technology and Analytics MS, Computer Science MS
Careers and Cooperative Education
Salary and Career Information for Software Engineering MS
Cooperative Education
What’s different about RIT’s engineering education? It’s the opportunity to complete engineering co-ops and internships with top companies in every single industry. You’ll earn more than a degree. You’ll gain real-world career experience that sets you apart.
What makes an RIT education exceptional? It’s the ability to complete relevant, hands-on career experience. At the graduate level, and paired with an advanced degree, cooperative education and internships give you the unparalleled credentials that truly set you apart. Learn more about graduate co-op and how it provides you with the career experience employers look for in their next top hires.
English Language Test Scores
International applicants whose native language is not English must submit one of the following official English language test scores. Some international applicants may be considered for an English test requirement waiver.
| TOEFL | IELTS | PTE Academic |
|---|---|---|
| 88 | 6.5 | 60 |
International students below the minimum requirement may be considered for conditional admission. Each program requires balanced sub-scores when determining an applicant’s need for additional English language courses.
SHOW MORE
About University
Rochester Institute of Technology (Dubai)
Overview:
Rochester Institute of Technology (Dubai) is a branch campus of the renowned Rochester Institute of Technology in the United States. Located in Dubai Silicon Oasis, a special economic zone for knowledge and innovation, RIT Dubai offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including engineering, business, computing, and design. The institution is committed to providing students with a high-quality American education in a dynamic and international setting.
Services Offered:
RIT Dubai provides a wide array of services to support student success, including:
Academic Support Center:
- Offers tutoring, study skills workshops, and other resources to enhance academic performance.
Advising Resources:
- Provides guidance on academic planning, career exploration, and personal development.
Health and Wellness:
- Offers access to healthcare services, counseling, and wellness programs.
Athletics and Recreation:
- Provides opportunities for students to participate in sports, fitness activities, and recreational programs.
Student Leadership:
- Encourages student involvement in clubs, organizations, and leadership initiatives.
Student Accommodation:
- Offers on-campus housing options for students.
Parking and Transportation:
- Provides parking facilities and transportation services for students.
Student Life and Campus Experience:
RIT Dubai fosters a vibrant and inclusive campus community where students can engage in a variety of activities and experiences, including:
Student Life at RIT Dubai:
- Offers opportunities for students to connect with peers, participate in social events, and explore cultural activities.
New Student Orientation:
- Provides a welcoming introduction to campus life and resources.
Co-op and Internship Program:
- Offers students practical work experience through co-op and internship opportunities.
Key Reasons to Study There:
American Degree:
- RIT Dubai offers a true American degree, recognized globally for its quality and rigor.
State-of-the-Art Campus:
- The campus features modern facilities and technology to support learning and research.
Co-op and Internship Program:
- Provides students with valuable work experience and career development opportunities.
Study Abroad Options:
- Offers students the chance to study at other RIT campuses or partner institutions around the world.
Global Connectivity:
- RIT Dubai is located in a dynamic and international hub, providing students with diverse perspectives and networking opportunities.
Academic Programs:
RIT Dubai offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in New Media Design
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
- Bachelor of Science in Computing and Information Technologies
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Marketing
- Bachelor of Science in Finance
- Bachelor of Science in Global Business Management
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Science in Organizational Leadership and Innovation
- Masters of Science in Professional Studies: Future Foresight and Planning
- Masters of Science in Engineering Management
- Masters of Science in Mechanical Engineering
- Masters of Science in Professional Studies: Data Analytics
- Masters of Science in Professional Studies: Smart Cities
- Masters of Science in Cybersecurity
- Masters of Science in Electrical Engineering
Other:
- RIT Dubai has a strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, with dedicated labs and centers supporting student projects and research.
- The institution boasts a diverse student body representing over 75 nationalities, creating a rich and multicultural learning environment.
- RIT Dubai has a high employability rate, with over 80% of graduates securing employment within six months of graduation.
- The institution has a strong network of alumni, providing students with valuable connections and career support.
Total programs
226
Average ranking globally
#442
Average ranking in the country
#132
Admission Requirements
Location
Video
Gallery
