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.

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Contact

• Bethany Iraci-McBane: Admissions Counselor
• Christian Newman: Graduate Program Director