M.S. in Software and Security Engineering

The Master of Science in Software and Security Engineering (MSSSE) program emphasizes advanced security and software engineering concepts, including information and computer security, software design and quality assurance methodologies, and practices in security and software production. It is designed to provide both fundamental and practical knowledge for students who want to pursue careers in industry as software engineers and/or security engineers as well as those who want to advance their knowledge in the field as researchers in security and software engineering. 

Effective Fall 2025, the MSSSE is 31 credit hours. 

Participation in the thesis, project, or report options requires approval by faculty. For information on Courses & Curriculum, see here. 

Leveling Requirements

Students who do not hold a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science or a related field may be required to complete leveling courses as listed below. 

Required Courses:

• Algorithm Analysis (CS 3364) 
• Software Engineering (CS 3365)

The Department of Computer Science's Graduate Admissions Committee will review your transcript during the application process to determine if you have satisfied the leveling requirements. Generally, courses on your transcript with titles similar to the courses listed above will be considered satisfactory. 

How to Satisfy Leveling Requirements

For all online certification options: Completion certificate must be provided to academic advisor in the first semester.

Comprehensive Evaluation/Comprehensive Examination

All TTU graduate students MUST complete a comprehensive evaluation in order to graduate. There are four (4) different options for students in the CS Dept. to complete this:

1. Master's Thesis 
   1. Students must publicly defend their completed thesis to satisfy this requirement. Six (6) hours of CS 6000 - Master's Thesis AND CS faculty approval is required. 
2. Master's Project
   1. Students will complete an oral examination wherein they present publicly on project results. Requires three (3) credit hours of CS 6001 - Master's Project AND CS faculty approval
3. Industry Career Certificate through Coursera
   1. Students will complete an approved industry career certificate through Coursera. Students can begin the certificate of their choice from the CS Learning Program as early as their first semester in the program. 
4. Work Experience 
   1. Students can participate in an approved internship/CPT (see grad advisor). The internship/CPT requires co-enrollment in CS 5000 - Practicum in Computer Science
   2. Distance students who are working full-time professionals in a relevant industry may ask that their full-time job be considered to satisfy this requirement (see grad advisor).

The CS Dept. no longer offers an exam or report option. 

Transfer Coursework

Transfer credit may be accepted from another university as long as the following conditions are met:

• A final grade of 'B' or higher was earned in the course. Students are required to submit an official transcript submitted to the Graduate School.
•  The course was not taken by correspondence.
• The inclusion of the course satisfies degree plan requirements.
• The course is approved by the Graduate Advisor, Graduate Coordinator, and (if applicable) the student's thesis advisor.
• A Texas Tech University course corresponds to the transferred course.
• The course is from a computer science or similar program.

A MS student may only transfer up to 6 hours (two classes). 

Application Deadlines

Preferred application deadlines for those interested in the MSSSE program are as follows:

• Fall 2025 - 6/1/2025
• Summer 2025 - 2/1/2025

Please note that international applicants may have different recommended deadlines. We will continue to accept applications beyond the above dates. 

Have questions? Contact our CS Grad Advising Team! We're here to help!

• General inquiries can be sent to cs.grad_advisor@ttu.edu. 
• Prospective students are welcome to schedule an appointment with our advisors using Calendly. 
  • Erin Engelhardt, last names A-L, all distance students & grad certificate students
  • Thomas Kirwan, last names M-Z 

The MSSSE program has replaced the prior Master of Science in Software Engineering (MSSE) program, which has stopped accepting new applicants.