MS in Software Engineering

Program Overview

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Villanova University's Master of Science in Software Engineering (MSSE) equips students with the knowledge and skills to excel in software engineering. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum with required courses in software design, database systems, and algorithms, complemented by a range of electives to tailor studies to individual interests. Graduates are highly sought after by employers in various industries, pursuing careers as software engineers, developers, and architects.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

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Overview:

The Master of Science in Software Engineering (MSSE) at Villanova University is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in software engineering or pursue advanced studies in the field. The program is tailored to meet the growing demand for professionals capable of designing, developing, and maintaining complex software systems.

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Objectives:

Upon completion of the MSSE program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate expertise in key areas of software engineering.
• Effectively communicate technical information in both written and oral formats.
• Utilize computing skills, techniques, and tools to solve real-world software problems.

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Program Description:

The MSSE curriculum consists of 10 three-credit courses, including both required and elective courses. Students will gain a solid foundation in software design and evolution, database systems, and user/system interface design, among other critical topics.

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Outline:

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Required Courses:

• CSC 8000: Foundations of Algorithms and Data Structures
• CSC 8400: Computer Systems
• CSC 8490: Database Systems
• CSC 8540: Software Engineering
• CSC 8541: Requirements Engineering
• CSC 8542: Software Design and Evolution

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Elective Courses:

Students can choose from a wide range of elective courses to tailor their studies to their individual interests and career goals. Some of the popular electives include:

• CSC 8301: Design and Analysis of Algorithms
• CSC 8310: Linguistics of Programming Languages
• CSC 8470: Computer Graphics
• CSC 8520: Artificial Intelligence
• CSC 8530: Distributed Systems
• CSC 8560: Computer Networks
• CSC 8570: User/System Interface Design
• CSC 8600: Object-Oriented Design and Programming
• CSC 8990: Graduate Computing Practicum
• CSC 9010: Special Topics
• CSC 9025: Grand Challenges of Computing
• CSC 9030: Thesis

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Assessment:

Students in the MSSE program are assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• Exams: Students will complete written exams at the end of each course to demonstrate their understanding of the material covered.
• Projects: Students will work on both individual and group projects throughout the program, allowing them to apply their knowledge to real-world problems.
• Presentations: Students will prepare and deliver presentations to share their research findings and demonstrate their communication skills.
• Thesis: For those pursuing the thesis option, they will conduct an independent research project and submit a written thesis.

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Teaching:

The MSSE program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are committed to providing a high-quality learning experience. The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures: Instructors deliver lectures to introduce new concepts and theories.
• Discussions: Students engage in classroom discussions to explore different perspectives and deepen their understanding of the material.
• Hands-on Labs: Students participate in hands-on lab sessions to gain practical experience with software development tools and techniques.
• Research Projects: Students work on research projects to develop their analytical and problem-solving skills.

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Careers:

Graduates of the MSSE program are highly sought after by employers in a wide range of industries, including technology, consulting, and finance. Graduates can pursue careers as:

• Software Engineers
• Software Developers
• Systems Engineers
• Software Architects
• Project Managers