The 10 Best Online
Software Engineering Master's Degree Programs of 2021

Software engineers are among the most in-demand experts in the tech industry today. If you are already in the field and looking for a competitive advantage, getting an online software engineering master’s degree is a great option. This is the best way to become a software engineer.

In this piece, you will find a list of the best online Master’s Degrees in Software Engineering. You will find some of the benefits of a degree in software engineering as well as some of the highest-paying jobs for software engineers with a master’s degree.

The table below includes the school names, software engineering program names, and estimated tuition. The data on the following table was obtained directly from the website of each school. Note that tuition is subject to change.

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An online master’s degree is as good as one obtained from a traditional school. The critical difference is that you can take online classes from any location as long as you have internet access. This flexibility allows you to work with the schedule you already have.

Some schools allow online students to opt for a self-paced curriculum, while others focus on live lessons. Learning from home also eliminates transportation and on-campus housing costs.

To get a Master’s Degree in Software Engineering, you will need an undergraduate degree in software engineering, computer science, or a related field. While requirements for admission depend on the school, a master’s degree is meant for students who already have a background in software engineering.

Most online programs require you to have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.8 or higher. If your GPA is too low, you may need to complete a pre-master’s before applying for a master’s degree. Without an undergraduate degree, you will need many years of relevant work experience to qualify.

If you’re looking for more details about the best Master’s Degrees in Software Engineering, read the list below. It contains a summary of the top 10 schools and the program each one offers.

This is an accredited university located in Waltham, Massachusetts. The current graduation rate at the school is 89 percent, and it has a part-time online software engineering master’s degree with flexible options.

The Master of Software Engineering degree offers concentrations in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and advanced aspects of software engineering. It would help if you have an undergraduate degree covering data structures, software engineering, and computer programming.

This public school is one of the best in the California school system for software engineering and other applied sciences. The graduation rate is 83 percent, and it is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

The curriculum includes courses on software architectural design, project development, Agile development, and software engineering ethics. Note that the program is designed for professionals. Those without a Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering may apply if they have equivalent work experience.

Drexel University is a private school in Philadelphia. The tuition is relatively high, even for the online software engineering master’s degree. The school is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and it has a graduation rate of 70 percent.

The software engineering syllabus follows a 10-week quarter system. Courses include network security, information visualization, machine learning, human-to-machine interaction, and more.

East Carolina University allows students to choose between online and in-person classes for the software engineering master’s degree. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

The software engineering master’s degree was introduced in 2008. It gives professionals the skills they need to advance in their careers. Courses include object-oriented design, software project management, systems architecture, programming languages, and more.

Harvard University is considered the best university in the United States. However, keep in mind that admission into graduate programs at Harvard is not easy. The New England Commission of Higher Education accredited school has an acceptance rate of less than five percent and a graduation rate of 97 percent.

Whether you have an undergraduate degree or not, you need to pass two mandatory courses before applying for the master’s program. The curriculum covers databases, web frameworks, software design, and other in-demand technologies.

This institute of technology is one of the oldest in Illinois, and it has an acceptance rate of 60 percent. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Note that this is not a specific software engineering degree, but a Master’s Degree in Computer Science with a software engineering specialization.

You will learn all the core courses of software engineering like object-oriented design, software testing, and software project management. Students may choose between the Master of Science in Computer Science and the Professional Master of Computer Science.

Located in Hoboken, New Jersey, this private school is another excellent option for an online software engineering degree. The school is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and it has a graduation rate of 83 percent.

The online software development program is just as good as the traditional option. Students learn about software architecture, Agile methodologies, software engineering, software project management, and cost estimation. Students with a bachelor’s degree must present their transcript and GRE test score and pay $60 for registration.

Since it was founded in 1880, this school has maintained a standard of high-quality education. It is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), and it has a graduation rate of 92 percent. Just like the Illinois Institute of Technology, USC offers software engineering as a specialization in computer science.

During the program, you will learn software architecture, software testing, algorithms, and computer science fundamentals. You will need to pass all 32 units to receive the degree.

This Texas-based university has been around since 1971. It has a high acceptance rate of about 74 percent. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Apart from software engineering, you will also pick up management, collaboration, and many other transferable skills during the program. You will need to submit your undergraduate transcript, resume, GRE score, and letter of recommendation from a professor or professional colleague during application.

WVU is one of the most accessible public schools for admissions in the United States, with an admissions rate of 84 percent per session. It has branches in different parts of the world, but the main campus is in Morgantown, West Virginia. This university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

During the software engineering master’s degree program, you will learn advanced software development, software project management, and everything you need to know to provide functional software-based solutions across industries.

Whether you’re looking for an in-person or online software engineering degree, you need to consider certain factors to ensure that you are making the right choice for your future. While cost is important, you should also compare curriculums, accreditation, and program reputation.

The curriculum strength matters because it is the first step to getting a quality education. Some schools allow students to customize their education track. Even when you customize your curriculum, make sure that the school makes room for theoretical and practical lessons.

The online university has to be accredited by a regulatory body. If the school only offers online courses, it should be accredited by the Distance Education & Training Council (DETC).

Accreditation from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges & Schools (ACICS) are also among the best for online schools.

Universities tend to have a reputation for efficiency in specific programs. For instance, a school with excellent liberal arts programs that lack in applied sciences is not the best choice for a software engineering degree. Do some research to get a feel for the way your program is regarded in the industry.

With a Master’s Degree in Software Engineering, you can become a senior software developer, senior software engineer, or senior game developer. You could also become a web developer or enter more broad computer science fields.

According to PayScale, developers with a Master’s Degree in Software Engineering earn an average of $86,919 annually. The salary can vary depending on the location, job description, years of experience, and company.

Yes, an online master’s degree is worth it in 2021 for anyone who wants to specialize in software engineering. A Master’s Degree in Software Engineering also increases your chances of getting managerial positions in the tech industry.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the demand for software engineer jobs will surge by 22 percent by 2029. This is 18 percent above the national average. So, you can get your Master’s Degree in Software Engineering and be sure that your career will stay relevant.