Master of Science in Software Engineering

Overview

Purdue University's online and residential Master's in Software Engineering will mold the next generation of software professionals to help meet society’s need for skilled software engineers and entrepreneurs. Students will study under Purdue's renowned faculty in software engineering, computing systems, and cybersecurity, and can further customize their experience toward specific topics.

Program Highlights

  • Gain in-demand skills: Our world-class faculty in both the Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Department of Computer Science will help you develop innovative approaches to address complex software engineering problems and to understand their real-world context. Data shows that job opportunities for software engineers will continue to grow across the US and internationally.
  • Flexible curriculum: Gain knowledge in your selected area(s) of interest, including embedded software; systems software; cybersecurity; robotics and controls; and machine learning and data science. You choose the courses you take to meet the curriculum requirements.
  • Available both on-campus and fully online: This degree program is available both full-time and part-time on-campus at our Indianapolis location and fully online with the same courses, same faculty, and same degree.
  • Suitable for applicants with various backgrounds: A bachelor’s degree in computer science or computer engineering provides appropriate preparation. Applicants with related undergraduate degrees and appropriate work experience may be admitted if their credentials collectively indicate an ability to succeed in the coursework. See our self-assessment for specific information on needed prior knowledge and skills.
  • Purdue reputation: Purdue is one of just a few institutions in the US that offer a Master’s Degree in Software Engineering. Gain a unique credential backed by Purdue’s long history of excellence in engineering.
  • Excellent support services: Throughout your program, a dedicated faculty advisor and a team of professionals will help you plan your degree and support your envisioned career path.

Curriculum

student working in lab

Prerequisites

  • Students should have a working knowledge of relevant topics, such as algorithms, data structures, microprocessors, operating systems, programming languages, compilers, calculus, linear algebra, discrete mathematics, and probability and statistics; see our self-assessment.
  • BS or equivalent, preferred in Computer Engineering or Computer Science
  • GRE scores are accepted but not required.

    • Requirements

  • Transcripts from all universities attended
  • 3 letters of recommendation
  • An academic statement of purpose
  • A personal history statement
  • A professional resume
  • TOEFL or IELTS scores (international students only)
  • Full admissions requirements

    • Deadlines

    Online:

  • Spring

    • Priority deadline: November 15

    Final deadline: December 15

  • Fall: July 15

    • Residential (Indianapolis only):

  • Spring: September 1
  • Fall:

    • Priority deadline: December 1

    Final deadline: April 1

    Tuition*

    Online:

  • $950 per credit hour

    • On-campus students (Indianapolis only):

  • Tuition Rates

    • Domestic students and permanent residents may qualify for the following types of financial aid:

  • US federal financial aid
  • US veterans financial aid

    • *The cost of attending Purdue varies depending on where you choose to live, enrollment in a specific program or college, food and travel expenses, and other variables. The Office of the Bursar website shows estimated costs for the current aid year for students by semester and academic year. These amounts are used in determining a student’s estimated eligibility for financial aid. You can also use our tuition calculator to estimate tuition costs.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    This program is offered both full time and part time, fully online and, starting with the Fall 2025 term, on-campus at our Indianapolis location. For online students, courses are delivered asynchronously, which means to you can complete your coursework when it is convenient for you; no in-person sessions are required. 

    Yes. For online students, neither U.S. residency nor a visa are required.  International students admitted to our on-campus program at our Indianapolis location (starting with the Fall 2025 term) are eligible for a student visa. 

    Yes, unless you have received a degree within the last 36 months from a school where English is the primary language of instruction in a country where English is the native language. See full requirements for English proficiency here.

    Purdue ECE was established in 1888 and has a long history of excellence in both education and research. Purdue CS is the first degree-granting computer science program in the US (1962). Together, these Purdue ECE and Purdue CS have more than 4500 undergraduate students, 1300 graduate students, 200 faculty members, and almost $70 million in research expenditures.

    Purdue’s MSSWE will prepare you to pursue a variety of career opportunities, including software engineering, software architecture, software quality assurance, product manager, and software-related leadership roles. The demand for software engineers is expected to grow, both in the US and outside the US, alongside the emergence of artificial intelligence and other new technologies. Companies posting software engineering jobs recently include Boeing, Capital One, Humana, Northrup Grumman, Amazon, Deloitte, Raytheon Technologies, and Intel.

    No, the GRE is not required. Applicants may include GRE scores in their application if desired.

    Interested in earning your Master's in Software Engineering?

    On-Campus

    If you'd like more information, prospective on-campus students should email Lynn Hegewald, Senior Master's Program Manager.

    Request Information

    Online

    Prospective online students can request more information using the link below.

    Request Information

     

    You can also register to attend one of our live info sessions.

    Live Info Sessions