Software Engineering Master's Program

The Department of Systems and Enterprises’ Master of Science (M.S.) in Software Engineering program allows students to build a strong foundation in software creation through the inception, design and build, and testing and maintenance phases. 

The M.S. in Software Engineering offers rigorous, hands-on project- and team-based study that exceeds Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) software engineering curriculum standards, equipping students with advanced knowledge in software architecture, project management, technical planning, risk management and software assurance. Students can expect to learn about the software life cycle process and how to build sustainable products while developing the skillset necessary to manage software projects with optimal efficiency.

The software engineering master’s program combines a deep core in software engineering principles and practices with application to a series of increasingly complex systems challenges drawn from the real world. Our students are trained in all aspects of software creation: from specification through analysis and design, to testing, maintenance and evaluation of the product. They are equipped with advanced knowledge in software architecture, project management, technical planning, risk management and software assurance – areas that are essential in implementing and overseeing software-intensive projects of high technical complexity.

Join the #2 Online Software Engineering Program

Stevens' online software engineering program is ranked No. 2 in the nation by Forbes in 2023 and in the top 40 by U.S. News and World Report's Best Online Programs for Engineering in 2025-26.

The Stevens Advantage: Widen Your Career Options

With a projected shortage of software engineers through 2030, now is the time to get your software engineering degree. But to compete in today’s career climate, graduates must adapt to rapidly-evolving technologies impacting all corners of the job market, like generative AI. At Stevens, you’ll learn the in-demand skills you need to fill the talent gap. Our core curriculum – infused with AI electives and hands-on education opportunities – develops the deep expertise, critical thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and entrepreneurial savvy required to thrive in a technologically disrupted marketplace.

Thanks to its location in the heart of the New York metropolitan area, Stevens opens doors to a broad network in one of the world’s most dynamic urban environments. You'll benefit from the university’s partnerships with municipalities in both New York and New Jersey, as well as their proximity to major organizations and corporations headquartered in Manhattan.

Learn more about what makes graduate education from Stevens a unique experience:

• Core AI Curriculum: To help build the next iteration of an AI-competent workforce, our standard graduate curricula is infused with core and elective artificial intelligence courses.

• Graduate Cooperative Education Program: Available with two tracks, your co-op experience can serve as a starting point for a research project or augment your on-campus research with complimentary experience.

• International Student Experience: Tap into our expanding worldwide network of research, academic and alumni partners and mentor with our expert faculty in a number of federally-designated STEM degree programs. Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is available to gain work experience in your major/field of study.

• State-of-the-Art Research Labs and Facilities: Build, tinker and test your designs in Stevens' MakerCenter, Prototype and Object Fabrication Lab, or numerous other research facilities.

• Research Opportunities: Renowned faculty, labs and research centers – as well as industry partnerships and funding from leading national agencies – support strategic and interdisciplinary research in engineering and science.

More opportunities for Stevens graduate students include:

• Wide selection of Graduate Certificates

• Student Organizations

• Optional research or clinical thesis

• Credit for on-the-job projects with your current employer

• Extensive hands-on laboratory experience

• Research with clinical collaborators

Find out more about life as a Systems and Enterprises graduate student at Stevens by visiting the links below.