Program Overview

Drexel's Online MS in Software Engineering

Drexel University's College of Computing & Informatics has introduced a fully online, industry-relevant MS in Software Engineering program to address the growing importance of software in modern society and the subsequent demand for prepared practitioners.

Program Overview

The program provides a foundational knowledge of key software engineering topics such as software design and architecture, engineering management, and systems analytics. Regardless of career goals, Drexel's online MS in Software Engineering program allows for an interdisciplinary, customized approach to mastering and ultimately advancing within the software industry.

Program Advantages

• Shaped by the renowned College of Computing & Informatics, the curriculum encompasses behavioral, managerial, and technical aspects of software engineering
• Faculty members are doctorally prepared educators and accomplished professionals in the software engineering field
• The MS in software engineering program is recommended, but not limited to, professionals working in the software engineering field who are interested in technical and managerial software work across a wide range of application domains
• Choose electives based on your individual interests and career goals
• The online format lets you learn on your own schedule, while still providing ample opportunities to connect with professors and classmates

The Difference Between Computer Science and Software Engineering

Though both computer science and software engineering programs cover many of the same skills, there are key differences. The choice between the two programs depends on whether you are looking for a program that focuses more on the theoretical and practical areas of computer science, or the design, development, and testing of software systems.

Related Programs

• MS in Computer Science
• Drexel University offers a variety of Graduate Minors that can be added to any master's degree program. State restrictions may apply to some programs.

Curriculum

This program is organized into four 10-week quarters per year. One semester credit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter credits.

• Core Courses:
  • SE 570: Agile Software Development Process (3.0 credits)
  • SE 575: Software Design (3.0 credits)
  • SE 576: Software Reliability and Testing (3.0 credits)
  • SE 577: Software Architecture (3.0 credits)
  • SE 627: Requirements Engineering and Management (3.0 credits)
  • SE 638: Software Project Management (3.0 credits)
• Major Specific Electives (9.0 credits): Choose 3 courses from the following options
  • CS 500: Fundamentals of Databases
  • CS 590: Privacy
  • CS 613: Machine Learning
  • CS 645: Network Security
  • CS 647: Distributed Systems Software
  • SE 572: Web Services and Mobile Architectures
  • SE 578: Security Engineering
  • SE 610: Open Source Software Engineering
  • SE 611: Software Analytics
  • SE 630: Software Engineering Economics
• Flexible Electives (12.0 credits): Choose 4 additional courses, which may include any 500-900 level course in the following areas: Computing and Informatics, Computer Science, Computing Technology, Data Science, Information Science & Systems, or Software Engineering. Up to 6 credits of independent study or up to 6 credits of related graduate-level coursework outside of the College, with prior approval by the college.
• Capstone Courses: The capstone course (SE 691: Software Studio) should be taken twice for a total of 6 credits. Students may substitute 6 credits of thesis coursework if desired.
• Optional Coop Experience (0-1 credit): COOP 500 - Career Management and Professional Development for Master's Degree Students
• Total Credits: 45.0-46.0

Admissions Criteria

• A four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or an equivalent international institution.
• Those without a prior degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related STEM degree plus work experience equal to Drexel's Graduate Certificate in Computer Science Foundations may have to take additional prerequisites before pursuing advanced computer science courses.
• A GPA of 3.0 or higher, in a completed degree program, bachelor's degree or above.

Required Documents

• A completed application
• Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions (including trade schools) attended
• One letter of recommendation required, two suggested (academic, professional, or both)
• Essay/Statement of Purpose: In approximately 500 words, describe what professional goals you hope to achieve, how an advanced degree facilitates that success, and anything else you want the Admissions Review Board to know about you.
• Resume
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are not required but are highly recommended for international applicants and for domestic applications with a GPA below 3.0 in their undergraduate degree.
• Additional requirements for International Students.

Tuition

The tuition rate for the academic year is $1481 per credit. For the academic year, students enrolled in an online graduate academic program will be charged a graduate online program fee of $125 per year. This program is eligible for Financial Aid. Special tuition rates are available for Drexel University Alumni, Military members, and members of Partner Organizations.

Academic Calendar

• Fall 2025: Classes begin on September 22, 2025, and end on December 6, 2025. Exams begin on December 8, 2025, and end on December 13, 2025.
• Winter 2026: Classes begin on January 5, 2026, and end on March 14, 2026. Exams begin on March 16, 2026, and end on March 21, 2026.
• Spring 2026: Classes begin on March 30, 2026, and end on June 6, 2026. Exams begin on June 8, 2026, and end on June 13, 2026.
• Summer 2026: Classes begin on June 22, 2026, and end on August 29, 2026. Exams begin on August 31, 2026, and end on September 5, 2026.