Masters in Software Engineering Requirements

Masters in Software Engineering Requirements

Masters in Software Engineering Requirements & Prerequisites

There are several general suggestions for students going into a master in software engineering program. Some of the tougher universities require a bachelor's degree in engineering, natural science, computer science or a related field. The one factor that all of those majors have in common is mathematics. While some software engineers will claim that they don't use college math, there are compelling arguments that the structural perspectives learned with calculus and algebra are imperative in successful software engineering.

It's also a good idea to have some knowledge of the two primary languages used in the software engineering programs: Java and C++. Today there is a multitude of programming languages used for software engineering but in the classroom you will still find the languages that have been used successfully for years and for multiple generations of program development.

Degree Requirements

The requirements for this masters program can vary significantly from school to school. Generally speaking an online masters in software engineering degree will take a little longer than a campus-based program simply because there is more flexibility designed into the distance learning options. They are meant for students who are holding down jobs. On a part time basis, a thirty three credit program may take three years to complete.

Typical course requirements focus on a number of areas. One of the principal concerns in the business world and in the classroom is software quality. The typical MSE program will include courses on software unit and testing verification, on specifications, and on overall quality management. One of the courses included in most MSE programs addresses systems integration and testing. The programming skills required for software engineering will be addressed in courses on object oriented programming, the basics of working with some of the old standards like Visual Basic and Java, along with C, C++ and C#.

Some programs work at incorporating programs that are currently in widespread use. One such degree curriculum includes Oracle Database Administration for engineers who will be working with the world's most popular CRM software. Another such course is focused on engineering in the virtual world, with the study of Enterprise Portal Design and Development using XML. As part of this focus on current technologies many programs address the structure and issues presented by major operating systems. Computer architecture is also a required course in many MSE programs.

Mathematics Requirements

A master of software engineering degree would not be complete without some exploration of the mathematical foundation that underlies the development and use of database software. A good MSE curriculum will include classes in database algorithms, data structures within the software itself, and the theory behind basic computation. All of these courses are going to involve college level mathematics. The networking component of software engineering is also going to call on the student's math skills simply because of the nature of information transfer in a digital environment.

People considering enrolling in a software engineering masters degree online should not shy away from a great career opportunity because of the math component. It's sometimes easier to study math with online presentations than with a chalkboard. And data management is the core of every business oriented software engineering project, so understanding the math involved in designing data programs will be important. A few review courses might be worthwhile prior to enrolling.

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