At a Glance: BestColleges' Top Online Software Engineering Master's Programs
#1: Stevens Institute of Technology — Stevens focuses on applying complex engineering theories to real-world problems.
#2: California State University, Fullerton — Cal State Fullerton's flexible program has built-in networking opportunities to help you make connections.
#3: Carnegie Mellon University — Carnegie Mellon's degree emphasizes applying what you learn in real time.
Software developer jobs are projected to grow much faster than the average rate for all occupations over the next several years. An online master's in software engineering (MSE) degree can help you level up in that field without stepping away from your job.
A software engineering master's program won't just help you gain the technical skills to join the fast-paced tech industry. It'll also help equip you with the reasoning and strategic-thinking skills that are important to employers amid the rise of artificial intelligence (AI).
A master's degree is a major investment. We ranked programs based on factors like affordability and student success to ensure you're getting a good bang for your buck.
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Top Online Master's in Software Engineering Programs
Why Earn a Master's in Software Engineering?
Lead in a Fast-Growing Industry: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects rapid growth for software developers and other related roles over the next several years.
Learn New Skills: MSE degrees dive deep into complex software architecture and other advanced topics to help you stand out in senior and specialized roles.
Gain High-Demand Human Skills: Many MSE degrees on our list focus on leadership and project management, skills that are in demand with employers even as AI grows in importance.
Benefits of Earning a Master's in Software Engineering Online
Online master's degrees in software engineering are designed for working professionals, meaning you won't have to leave the workforce to earn your degree.
Online master's degrees are generally more affordable than their in-person counterparts.
97% of online master's students and graduates surveyed in BestColleges' 2024 Online Education Trends Report said they think earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
How to Choose the Right Online Master's in Software Engineering Program
You should apply to an accredited, affordable program that fits your schedule when looking for an online MSE degree. The good news is that most online MSE degrees are built with working professionals in mind and have flexible, asynchronous courses.
How Much Does an Online Master's in Software Engineering Cost?
Online Math, Engineering, and Computer Science Master's Degrees, 2019-2020
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) puts the average annual tuition and fees of an online math, engineering, and computer science master's program at $11,079, as of the 2019-20 school year. That number is cut down to less than $8,400 after scholarships and aid are applied.
Relying on that number to pin down the price of an online software engineering master's, however, isn't very helpful. Private, prestigious schools tend to charge significantly more than public institutions — even for online degrees.
Take the schools on our list for example: Stevens Institute of Technology charges nearly $2,000 per credit, whereas North Dakota State University only charges $492 per credit.
Cost also varies based on where you live, even for some online programs. The cost of the full degree for California residents to attend California State University, Fullerton's program is $14,000, but it rises to $26,000 for out-of-state residents.
Of course, you can cut down on the price of your degree by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and landing financial aid or scholarships.
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How Long Does It Take to Earn a Master's in Software Engineering?
Typical Number of Credits
30-45 Credits
Typical Program Length
1-2 Years
The time it takes to finish the software engineering degrees on our list varies significantly. Most require between 30-45 credits and take between one and two years to complete.
The time it takes to finish a master's degree also depends on your schedule. A 30-credit program like Stevens' or California State University, Fullerton's will typically take two years to complete, whereas Carnegie Mellon University's fast-tracked program takes 16 months.
Application Requirements for Software Engineering Master's Programs
Letters of Recommendation: Most online master's programs generally require several letters of recommendation from your professional network.
Statement of Purpose: Some schools require an entrance essay.
Background in Computer Science: Some schools require you to have a bachelor's degree in a related field with limited exceptions. California State University, Fullerton, for example, requires you to send a resume to the program coordinator if you don't have a background in the field.
GMAT/GRE scores: The schools on our list are generally test-optional, but scores are sometimes still encouraged.
Career Paths With a Master's in Software Engineering
The software developer and systems analyst roles you can pursue with an online software engineering master's degree are projected to see rapid growth.
The BLS projects employment for software developers to grow by 18% from 2023-2033. If you specialize in cybersecurity, you can pursue a job as an information security analyst — a role projected to grow by 33% during that time period.
A master's degree can also help you land senior roles when coupled with work experience.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | $133,080 | Creates and manages computer applications and programs |
| Web Developers | $90,930 | Builds and manages websites and projects |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $103,790 | Helps companies improve their information technology (IT) systems |
| Information Security Analyst | $124,910 | Helps safeguard a company's data and applications from cybersecurity threats |
| Quality Assurance Analyst and Testers | $101,800 | Tests and recommends improvements for programs and applications |
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Is a Master's in Software Engineering Worth It?
A master's degree in software engineering is a major investment, but it can pay off in a big way.
When coupled with work experience, a master's in software engineering can help you pursue senior-level roles in fast-growing, higher-paying areas like software development and cybersecurity.
The master's programs on our list report good job outcomes for graduates, including a significant number landing senior roles and leadership positions after graduation. All five of these programs also tailor their degrees directly to working adults, meaning you won't have to pause your career to earn your degree.
A master's degree isn't right for everyone, and it isn't usually a requirement to advance in the software engineering field — but it may unlock new opportunities and prepare you for leadership positions in the sector.
Continuing Education After a Master's in Software Engineering
A master's degree doesn't have to be the end of your learning journey.
A number of colleges offer short-term credentials in tech fields like AI, cybersecurity, financial technology, and more. Those short-term credentials can showcase your skills on a resume, and they are generally far more cost effective than a degree.
If you want to teach software engineering at the collegiate level or dive deeper into research, you can also earn a doctoral degree in a related field like data science or AI.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Master's in Software Engineering Programs
A master's in software engineering is generally the best all-around degree for a software engineer since it touches on the lifecycle of software development and high-demand areas like AI.
