MS in Software Engineering

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Don't Just Earn More. Be More.

Fairfield University’s Master of Science in Software Engineering focuses on the skills in design, analysis, implementation, testing, and validation needed to develop sophisticated and successful software projects. Intended for working professionals, such as web designers and developers, network administrators, and database administrators, the coursework is directly applicable to workplace tasks. Students acquire the skills and real-world knowledge directly applicable to theirs job through an in-depth exposure to software development methodologies and tools. The professional experiences and perspectives students bring to the classroom enrich the course content, providing an effective learning environment for all.

Industry at a Glance

$105,590

Median Salary
– Bureau of Labor Statistics

21%

Job Growth for 2019-20
– Bureau of Labor Statistics

#1

in Best Jobs
– U.S. News and World Report

Requirements & Curriculum

Required Courses

Database Management Systems (Prerequisite)
Java for Programmers (Prerequisite)
Software Engineering Methods
Software Design Methods
Software Testing and Maintenance
Capstone Professional Project I
OR
Thesis I
Capstone Professional Project II
OR
Thesis II
Five (5) elective courses

Visit our our academic catalog for detailed course descriptions and more information.

Five-Year BS/MS Program In Software Engineering

A five-year program is offered in Software Engineering at Fairfield's School of Engineering & Computing, leading to a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science dual degree. This program embraces the educational objectives of the undergraduate program in Computer Science, as well as those of the graduate program in Software Engineering. It emphasizes experiential learning in terms of industrial internships following the sophomore year, and a final capstone project that guides students through a process of design and innovation at the level of a professional engineer. Graduates of the program master the knowledge and tools they need to create the next generation of software solutions to ever more complex technological and societal problems.

See the Software Engineering Five-Year Dual Degree Bachelor and Master of Science Program requirements and course descriptions.

School of Engineering & Computing Admission

Fairfield University's Master of Science in Software Engineering (MSSE) focuses on the skills in design, analysis, implementation, testing, and validation you need to develop sophisticated and successful software projects. Intended for working professionals, such as web designers and developers, and database administrators, the coursework is directly applicable to workplace tasks. Conversely, the professional experiences and perspectives students bring to the classroom enrich the course content, providing an effective learning environment for all involved.

Latest Software Engineering News

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Certificate Programs

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Certificate Programs

Specialized certificate programs at the graduate level are listed below for members of the information technology community seeking to upgrade or acquire skills in specialized areas of the discipline:

  • Web and Mobile Application Development Certificate
  • Data Science and Big Data Technologies Certificate
  • Cybersecurity Certificate
  • Network Technology Certificate

All certificate program courses fall within the curriculum of the accredited MS degree program in software engineering.

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Diversity and Inclusive Excellence

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Diversity and Inclusive Excellence

Four Students sitting together talking to each other in common srrea 

As a Jesuit, Catholic university, Fairfield is dedicated to diversity and inclusion; to radical hospitality in service of racial, social, and economic justice.

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Career & Professional Opportunities

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Career & Professional Opportunities

Through Fairfield's MS in Software Engineering program, you'll develop skills that can be directly applied to your current or future career, including:

  • Computer Programming
  • Database Management
  • Network Technology
  • Computer System Security
  • Web Technology
  • IT Architect
  • Project Management

Graduates hold titles such as:

  • Lead Software Engineer
  • Software QA Test Engineer
  • Database Administrator
  • System Analyst
  • Computer Network Architect
  • Web Designer/Developer
  • IT Manager
  • Project Manager
  • And more!

Learn about how Fairfield's Career Center can support your post-graduate goals, and how Fairfield's tight-knit alumni network can build career and mentoring opportunities that last a lifetime.

Visit the Career Center

School of Engineering Update

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School of Engineering Update

We invite you to view the School of Engineering Update, a year in review of School of Engineering News.

Read the School of Engineering Update (PDF)

Faculty & Administration

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Faculty & Administration

The faculty and administration of Fairfield University’s School of Engineering is a community of professional engineers and leading-edge scholars who are dedicated to research and passionate about teaching.

Meet the Faculty

Frequently Asked Questions

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Applications are reviewed by the Graduate Admission Committee.

The GREs are not required. We do look closely at your academic record and other application materials. Generally, we like to see that you have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA. If your GPA is lower than 3.0 but you would like us to consider your application, you may include with your application a statement that explains your GPA and why you are confident you will be able to maintain the required 3.0 GPA in your graduate studies.

Tuition and fees for Fairfield's graduate programs.

Our programs are designed to accommodate students who want to attend either on a full-time or part-time basis. Students who are fully employed will find the scheduling of our courses compatible with their work requirements.

Most of our courses are offered in the evening. Weekday courses generally meet once a week for two and a half hours.

We keep our classes small. The typical maximum class size is 20, but class sizes range from less than 12 to 20.

Our students come from a variety of undergraduate backgrounds, which adds to the richness of our interactions in class. An undergraduate degree specifically in engineering is not required, but exposure to technology through employment is useful.

For students who attend part-time, the time will vary based on how many courses are taken at a time. Students who attend full-time take 9 credits each semester and can complete the program in three semesters. All students are required to complete their degree within 6 years after they begin their first course.

To be considered for financial aid, Fairfield University requires students to complete a FAFSA form. For further information on financial aid, visit the Office of Financial Aid.

A limited number of part-time assistantships are available to assist promising and deserving students.

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