OVERVIEW
Boost your Career with an Accredited Software Engineering Master's Degree
Take your career to the next level with WGU's Master of Science, Software Engineering program. This program is more than just an opportunity to refine coding skills; it is an investment in developing the comprehensive expertise needed for higher-level positions. This program bridges the gap between technical proficiency and the broader skills required to lead in the ever-evolving tech industry. This online degree program provides a depth of skills in software engineering such as:
- System integrations
- Coding languages
- Software design
- Architecture
- Software development
The Master of Science in Software Engineering programs provide advanced training in developing high-quality software systems. Combining theory and hands-on experience, it covers software design, architecture, testing, project management, and modern methodologies. In this program, you will gain expertise in software development life cycles, requirements analysis, system integration, and emerging technologies, preparing you for leadership roles in technical or managerial capacities. You will also be equipped to design, build, and manage sophisticated, scalable, and reliable software solutions across diverse industries.
Note: These programs are pending Veteran's Affairs approval for military-affiliated students.
Three Concentrations & An Accelerated Bridge Option to Choose From
- Domain Driven Design: This program provides advanced training in software design, architecture, testing, and project management, blending theory with hands-on experience. It prepares students for leadership roles in software engineering, focusing on emerging technologies and best practices.
- AI Engineering: This concentration focuses on integrating AI into software systems, including task automation, performance optimization, and seamless AI component integration. Students also explore ethical considerations and regulatory compliance, covering data privacy, ethical algorithms, and AI fairness.
- DevOps Engineering: This concentration will equip students with the skills to streamline software development and operations, enabling faster delivery of high-quality applications.
- Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s Program: For those who are interested in earning both a bachelor's and a master's degree in software engineering, WGU's bridge program allows students to take fewer courses and earn both degrees in one program.
Technology
Domain Driven Design, Software Engineering – M.S.
Boost your résumé with the help of a software engineering degree, focused...
Boost your résumé with the help of a software engineering degree, focused on domain driven design.
- Time: 61% of graduates finish similar programs within 20 months.
- Tuition: $4,085 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 11 total courses in this program.
In the Domain Driven Design specialization, software engineering students will get to focus on specific design areas to boost their résumé.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program include:
- Agile and Scrum methodologies
- Version control
- Troubleshooting and debugging
- Software development lifecycle
- Software design and architecture
Technology
DevOps Engineering, Software Engineering – M.S.
Discover how a focus on DevOps Engineering can boost your résumé and...
Discover how a focus on DevOps Engineering can boost your résumé and enhance your skills.
- Time: 61% of graduates finish similar programs within 20 months.
- Tuition: $4,085 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 10 total courses in this program.
In the DevOps specialization students will gain specific skills that can help in their software engineering career.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program include:
- Test-driven development
- API design
- Requirements engineering
- Software engineering leadership
Technology
AI Engineering, Software Engineering – M.S.
Discover how to enhance your AI skills with the help of an AI Engineering...
Discover how to enhance your AI skills with the help of an AI Engineering degree focus.
- Time: 61% of graduates finish similar programs within 20 months.
- Tuition: $4,085 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 11 total courses in this program.
In this AI specialization you will be able to focus on AI prompts, machine learning strategies, and enhance your AI and software engineering skills.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program include:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Machine Learning (ML)
- AI Integration
- Ethical AI
- Human AI Interaction
Technology
Accelerated Software Engineering Bachelor's and Master's Degree
Earn both your bachelor’s and master's in software engineering to give...
Earn both your bachelor’s and master's in software engineering to give your résumé and skillset a boost.
- Time: Approximately 5 years.
- Tuition: $4,085 per 6-month term for the bachelor's degree; $4,085 per term for the master's portion.
- Courses: 38 total courses in this program.
Certifications included in this program at no additional cost:
- ITIL, Project+
- WGU Front End Developer
- WGU Back End Developer,
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Software design
- Architecture
- Project management
- Testing
- System integration
This program allows students to earn their bachelor's degree in software engineering and move directly into a master's degree in software engineering, cutting down on the total number of courses to complete.
Looking to Accelerate?
If you don't have a bachelor's degree and are looking at furthering your education in software engineering, you can pursue an accelerated bachelor's AND master's degree program. This accelerated bridge program allows you to earn 2 software engineering degrees faster—taking less courses overall and saving time and money!
Tuition per six-month term is
$4,085
Tuition charged per term—rather than per credit—helps you control the ultimate cost of earning your degree online. Finish faster, pay less!
COURSES
Software Engineering Courses
Curriculum that ensures you’ve mastered the skills you’ll need in software engineering.
At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.
The WGU M.S. Software Engineering degree program was designed, and is regularly updated, with input from experts. This ensures that you learn best practices for the latest developments in software engineering.
This software engineering degree program is composed of the following courses. You will typically complete them one at a time as you make your way through your program, working with your Program Mentor each term to build your personalized Degree Plan. You'll work through each course as quickly as you can demonstrate mastery of the material. As soon as you're ready, you'll pass the assessment, complete the course, and move on. This means you can finish as many courses as you're able in a term at no additional cost.
The M.S. Software Engineering degree program is an all-online program that you will complete through independent study with the support of WGU faculty. You will be expected to complete at least eight competency units (WGU's equivalent of the credit hour) each six-month term. (Each course is typically three or four units). There's no limit on the number of units you can complete each term, so the more courses you complete, the quicker you can finish your program.
This program features three specializations for you to choose from, with unique courses in each focus area. This allows you to gain specific skills and gain experience in your chosen area, preparing you to enhance your résumé and meet your career goals.
Software Engineering Courses in All Programs
“Earning my degree from WGU means more than just a diploma. It signifies the immense personal growth and transformation I underwent during my studies. WGU provided me with a flexible and rigorous education that equipped me with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in my field.”
—Obianuju Akusoba
WGU School of Technology Graduate
WGU vs. Traditional Universities:
Compare the Difference
Traditional Universities
TUITION STRUCTURE
Per credit hour
Flat rate per 6-month term
SUPPORT
Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors
Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one
EXAMS
Scheduled time
Whenever you feel ready
SCHEDULE
Professor-led lectures at a certain time and place
Courses available anytime, from anywhere
TIME TO FINISH
Approximately 2 years, minimal acceleration options
As quickly as you can master the material, can finish programs in under 2 years
Traditional Universities
TUITION STRUCTURE
Per credit hour
TUITION STRUCTURE
Flat rate per 6-month term
SUPPORT
Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors
SUPPORT
Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one
EXAMS
Scheduled time
EXAMS
Whenever you feel ready
SCHEDULE
Professor-led lectures at a certain time and place
SCHEDULE
Courses available anytime, from anywhere
TIME TO FINISH
Approximately 2 years, minimal acceleration options
TIME TO FINISH
As quickly as you can master the material, can finish programs in under 2 years
Why WGU?
You Aren't On Your Own
WGU has Program Mentors who work with you from the day you start, all the way through graduation. They help you chart your courses, answer your questions, and ensure you can go through your program. You're not alone when you choose an online degree at WGU.
Flexibility You Need
Students choose WGU for their online degree program because of its flexibility. Whether you already have a full-time job, have responsibilities as a parent, or just have a busy schedule, WGU can work for you.
Strong Alumni Network
When you enroll in an online master's degree program at WGU, you join an impressive network of alumni all around the United States.
Accredited, Respected,
Recognized™
One important measure of a degree’s value is the reputation of the university where it was earned. When employers, industry leaders, and academic experts hold your alma mater in high esteem, you reap the benefits of that respect. WGU is a pioneer in reinventing higher education for the 21st century, and our quality has been recognized.
COST & TIME
When We Say Affordable We Mean It
By charging per six-month term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees. The faster you complete your program, the less you pay for your degree.
A Master's Degree Is Within Reach
There is help available to make paying for school possible for you:
The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2023 (among those who borrowed) was less than half* the national average.
Most WGU students qualify for financial aid, and WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits.
Many scholarship opportunities are available. Find out what you might be eligible for.
*WGU undergraduate students have approximately half the debt at graduation compared to the national average, according to the Institute for College Access and Success (2023).
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE
A Different Way to Learn: Degree Programs Designed to Fit Your Life—and All the Demands on Your Time
At WGU, we understand that you have professional responsibilities, family obligations, and personal commitments. That’s why we offer a personalized, flexible approach to higher education. You'll be challenged. You'll put in hours of hard work. And you'll get a solid, career-focused education that fits your life. Complete your coursework online, anytime and anywhere your schedule allows, and move through assignments and assessments as quickly as you're able.
"Completing my degrees at WGU demonstrated to others that I was serious and committed to this change. Often, high-cost boot camps market themselves as push-button solutions for people like me. But I knew that I would need more focused study than a boot camp would allow. I also needed as broad a foundation as possible upon which to build my future career.”
—Dr. Brady McNulty
WGU School of Technology Bridge Program Graduate
CAREER OUTLOOK
Be Prepared for a Leadership Role with a Master's Degree in Software Engineering
The tech world is rapidly evolving. Forward-thinking professionals are crucial to helping companies keep pace. WGU provides the critical skills and experience you need to thrive in your chosen sector. Increase your earning potential, enhance your résumé with valuable credentials, and discover a fulfilling career with our software engineering master's degree.
Return on Your Investment
On average, WGU graduates see an increase in income post-graduation
Average income increase from all degrees in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary. Source: 2023 Harris Poll Survey of 1,655 WGU graduates.
Survey was sent to a representative sample of WGU graduates from all colleges. Respondents received at least one WGU degree since 2017.
17%
The market for software developers is projected to grow 17% through 2033.
—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Learn About Careers for Software Engineering Graduates
Some of the job titles and industries a graduate of this software engineering master's degree program are qualified for include:
Job Titles
- Software Engineer
- Software Developer
- Computer & Information Systems Manager
- Software Architect
- Machine Learning Specialist
Diverse Industries
- Technology
- Aerospace
- Banking and Finance
- Military
- Consulting
Major Employers
- Amazon
- JPMorgan Chase
- Microsoft
- Apple
- Northrop Gruman
ADMISSIONS
Admission Requirements Unique to the Software Engineering Master's Programs
To be considered for enrollment into this program, you must possess any bachelor’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited institution plus ONE of the following:
Option 1: Possess a bachelor’s degree in a programming-related field such as Software Engineering, Software Development, Computer Science, Data Analytics, or Data Science from a regionally or nationally accredited institution.
Option 2: Have completed a college-level course in Object Oriented Programming with a grade of B- or better. Alternatively, students may complete Introduction to Programming in Python through the WGU Academy. If students complete within a given period and matriculate, the $99 investment will go toward their tuition with WGU.
Option 3: Have at least two years of industry experience as a programmer.
Option 4: Have a current and active certification from one of the following: PCAP™–Certified Associate Python Programmer, PCAD™–Certified Associate Data Analyst with Python, or IBM Data Science Professional Certificate.
NOTE: You do not need to take the GRE or GMAT to be admitted to this program. Learn why we don't require these tests.
Transfer Credits
Get Your Enrollment Checklist
Download your step-by-step guide to enrollment.
Get Your Questions Answered
Talk to an WGU Enrollment Counselor.
Compare Software Engineering Master's Programs
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