The MSCS with a specialization in Software Engineering (MSCS-SE) program enables students to build the skill set they will need for a fulfillin career in the software industry. Students will gain experience across the software development life cycle – from requirements analysis, to architecture and design, to development and testing. The Department of Computer Science has been working with local tech companies for decades, and the curriculum is current and relevant to industry needs.

The MSCS-SE program consists of a set of core courses common to all MSCS degrees at Seattle University plus a set of software engineering courses. The program culminates in a real-world capstone software engineering project.

Classes for this program are held in the late afternoon and evenings, making this program ideal for working professionals looking to advance their careers.  

The specialization can be completed in 5 quarters for students starting in Fall Quarter only. Due to course sequencing, students starting in Winter Quarter can complete the program in 7 quarters and students starting in Spring Quarter can complete the program in 6 quarters.

MSCS – Software Engineering Sample Course Plan (Fall Quarter Start)

 

Fall

Winter

Spring

Year 1

CPSC 5110

Core / Elective

CPSC 5200

CPSC 5120 (3 cr.)

CPSC 5800 (2 cr.)

CPSC 5210

Core / Elective

Year 2

CPSC 5810 (4 cr.)

Core / Elective

CPSC 5820 (4 cr.)

Core / Elective

 

This is a sample course plan. The set of “Core / Elective” courses consists of three core courses (see below) and one elective (any 5 credit MSCS course):

  • Algorithms: CPSC 5610 (fall) or CPSC 5600 (winter)
  • Systems: CPSC 5520 (fall) or CPSC 5510 (spring)
  • Software Development: choice of five courses; at least one is offered each quarter (except summer)

MSCS-SE Curriculum

Software Engineering Specialization Courses (26 credits)

  • CPSC 5110 – Fundamentals of Software Engineering (5 Credits)
  • CPSC 5120 – Software Project Management (3 Credits)
  • CPSC 5200 – Software Architecture and Design (5 Credits)
  • CPSC 5210 – Software Testing and Debugging (5 Credits)
  • CPSC 5810 – Software Engineering Project I (4 Credits)
  • CPSC 5820 – Software Engineering Project II (4 Credits)

Required MSCS Courses (22 credits)

  • Applied Algorithms Course: Choose one of the following two courses (5 credits): 
    • CPSC 5600 – Parallel Computing
    • CPSC 5610 - Artificial Intelligence
  • Systems Course: Choose one of the following two courses (5 credits):
    • CPSC 5510 – Computer Networks
    • CPSC 5520 - Distributed Systems
  • Software Development Course: Choose one of the following five courses (5 credits):
    • CPSC 5240 - Software as a Service
    • CPSC 5250 - Mobile Software Development
    • CPSC 5300 - Physical Database Design & Optimization
    • CPSC 5400 - Compiler Principles and Techniques
    • CPSC 5700 - Computer Graphics
  • Ethics Course: CPSC 5800 - Ethics and Professional Issues in Computing (2 credits)
  • CPSC Elective (5 credits)

Software Engineering Course Descriptions

CPSC 5110 – Fundamentals of Software Engineering (5 credits)

Introduction to software engineering principles, methods, techniques and technology for design and development of large and complex software systems. Emphasis will be on software development life cycle activities, including requirements, architecture and design, implementation, and testing. Students will complete a team-based project using an agile methodology.

CPSC 5120 – Software Project Management (3 credits)

Management of software projects and project planning. Identification of effort, estimation, resource allocation and risk management following the Agile methodologies of SCRUM, XP, and Lean processes.

CPSC 5200 – Software Architecture and Design (5 credits)

Overview of design principles, architectural design techniques, modeling and analysis of complex software systems in terms of structural and behavioral modeling. Topics include functional and quality analysis, architectural styles and patterns, UML, design patterns, implementation frameworks, product families, dynamism, and emerging topics.

CPSC 5210 – Software Testing and Debugging (5 credits)

Overview of testing and debugging principles. Topics include program analysis, testing adequacy, functional testing, structural testing, unit testing, integration testing, and systematic debugging.

CPSC 5810 – Software Engineering Project I (4 credits)

First course of a two-quarter sequence in which students are grouped into teams, and each team completes a software project. Departmental approval required.

CPSC 5810 – Software Engineering Project II (4 credits)

Second course of a two-quarter sequence in which students are grouped into teams, and each team completes a software project. Departmental approval required.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

  • Do I need a computer science degree to be admitted into the program?

Yes, students need to have an undergraduate degree in computer science or closely related field.  Students that do not have this background can complete the Career Change Certificate in Computer Science Fundamentals and then join the MSCS-SE program.

  • Can I begin this MSCS in Software Engineering in any quarter?

There are start date options in Fall, Winter, and Spring. Students starting in Fall or Spring can finish the program in 5 quarters. Students who start in Winter can finish the program in 6 quarters. There are no summer starts for this program.

  • I am an undergraduate computer science student at Seattle University. Can I do the 5-year fast track with the MSCS in Software Engineering?

Since the MSCS-SE curriculum has more specific requirements, it requires more advanced planning. Students interested in the fast track for MSCS-SE should consult their advisor during their junior year.

 

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