Master of Science in Software Engineering
Texas Tech University's online Master of Science in Software Engineering provides students with a firm foundation in the definition, development and maintenance of complex software systems using traditional engineering process methods.
Program Overview
- 36 credit hours, non-thesis
- Coursework is completed online.
- Prerequisite: bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, or its equivalent. In absence of the proper background, leveling courses are required.
- Students are not required to enroll in a certain number of courses each semester, so completion time varies by individual. Learn more about the difference between part-time and full-time student status.
- Semester-based courses align with the Academic Calendar of Texas Tech University. New students may enroll at the beginning of any one of the four semesters throughout the year.
Talk to Us
Call Us
Contact the program coordinatorby phone.
- Name: Brent Guinn
- Phone: 800.528.5583
Application Process
Although there is no application deadline, prospective students are encouraged to submit all application materials at least three months prior to projected initial enrollment.
- Apply to Texas Tech University's Graduate School.
- Complete the Graduate Admissions Application.
- The application fee is $100 for U.S. residents and $100 for international applicants.
- Students planning to pursue a master's degree must submit Graduate Records Exam (GRE) scores to the Graduate School. Scores must be less than five years old at the time of application.
- International students must also submit a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score to the Graduate School. Scores must be less than two years old at the time of application. Learn more.
- Complete the Graduate Admissions Application.
- Apply to the Whitacre College of Engineering.
- Applicants are required to submit three letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose. To get forms for these documents, contact the Program Coordinator.
- Apply for financial aid and/or general scholarships.
- Financial aid is distributed based on full-time enrollment and several other eligibility requirements. Your enrolled hours as of the 12th day of class in the fall and spring semesters determines your enrollment status for the semester, and financial aid is disbursed accordingly. Attending less than full-time could mean a reduction in aid. Learn more.
- Check your admissions status. Texas Tech University will notify you of your admissions status by updating the Applications tab in your Raiderlink.
Program Requirements
The Master of Science in Software Engineering (MS SE) through the Computer Science department is intended to give the graduate a firm foundation in the definition, development and maintenance of complex software systems using traditional engineering process methods.
The degree plan for students pursuing a MS SE degree must include the following courses:
- CS 5363 Software Project Management
- CS 5373 Software Modeling and Architecture
- CS 5374 Software Verification and Validation
In addition, students select electives from the following categories:
SE Electives
- CS 5332 Special Topics in Software Engineering
- CS 5355 Real Time and Time Sharing Systems
- CS 5377 Distributed Systems
- CS 5379 Parallel Processors and Processing
- CS 5380 Fault-Tolerant Computer Systems
- IE 5320 Systems Theory
- Other Software Engineering electives
Computer Science Electives
- CS Graduate courses
Students must take five courses from the SE electives and four courses from the CS electives. As non-thesis students, distance students cannot apply CS 6000 or CS 7000 toward their degrees. In addition, students must pass a written comprehensive examination near the end of their studies.