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Drexel’s Online MS in Software Engineering
Classes Begin: January 5, 20262 years
Fully Online
45
Taught by experienced faculty and professionals in the field
Master of Science in Software Engineering
The College of Computing & Informatics at Drexel University has addressed the growing importance of software in modern society and the subsequent demand for prepared practitioners. The result? A fully online, industry-relevant MS in Software Engineering program.
The program provides a foundational knowledge of key software engineering topics such as software design and architecture, engineering management, and systems analytics. Regardless of your career goals, Drexel’s online MS in Software Engineering program allows for an interdisciplinary, customized approach to mastering and ultimately advancing within the software industry.
Drexel University is ranked Top 30 for best online graduate computer information technology programs in 2025 by U.S. News and World Report.
Program Advantages
- Shaped by the renowned College of Computing & Informatics, the curriculum encompasses behavioral, managerial, and technical aspects of software engineering
- Faculty members are doctorally prepared educators and accomplished professionals in the software engineering field
- The MS in software engineering program is recommended, but not limited to, professionals working in the software engineering field who are interested in technical and managerial software work across a wide range of application domains
- Choose electives based on your individual interests and career goals
- The online format lets you learn on your own schedule, while still providing ample opportunities to connect with professors and classmates
The Difference Between Computer Science and Software Engineering
Though both computer science and software engineering programs cover many of the same skills, there are a few key differences that you should be aware of. Are you looking for a program that focuses more on the theoretical and practical areas of computer science, or are you more interested in the design, development and testing of software systems? The skills you’re looking to learn will determine which program is the best fit for you. Learn more about computer science vs software engineering degrees.
Related Programs
Drexel University offers a variety of Graduate Minors that can be added to any master's degree program.
State restrictions may apply to some programs.
Curriculum
This program is organized into four 10-week quarters per year (as opposed to the traditional two semester system) which means you can take more courses in a shorter time period. One semester credit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter credits.
You may transfer up to 9 approved credits (3 courses) into the program.
| Core Courses | ||
| SE 570 | Agile Software Development Process | 3.0 |
| SE 575 | Software Design | 3.0 |
| SE 576 | Software Reliability and Testing | 3.0 |
| SE 577 | Software Architecture | 3.0 |
| SE 627 | Requirements Engineering and Management | 3.0 |
| SE 638 | Software Project Management | 3.0 |
| Major Specific Electives | 9.0 | |
| Choose 3 courses from the following: | ||
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CS 500
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Fundamentals of Databases | |
|
CS 590
|
Privacy | |
|
CS 613
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Machine Learning | |
|
CS 645
|
Network Security | |
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CS 647
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Distributed Systems Software | |
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SE 572
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Web Services and Mobile Architectures | |
|
SE 578
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Security Engineering | |
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SE 610
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Open Source Software Engineering | |
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SE 611
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Software Analytics | |
|
SE 630
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Software Engineering Economics | |
| Flexible Electives | ||
| Choose 4 additional courses, which may include: | 12.0 | |
| Any 500-900 level course in the following: | ||
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Any CI Computing and Informatics)
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Any CS (Computer Science)
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Any CT (Computing Technology)
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||
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Any DSCI (Data Science)
|
||
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Any INFO (Information Science & Systems)
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||
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Any SE (Software Engineering)
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| Up to 6 credits of independent study | ||
| Up to 6 credits of related graduate-level coursework outside of the College, with prior approval by the college | ||
| Capstone Courses | ||
| The capstone course should be taken twice for a total of 6 credits. Students may substitute 6 credits of thesis coursework if desired. | ||
| SE 691 | Software Studio | 6.0 |
| Optional Coop Experience | 0-1 | |
|
COOP 500
|
Career Management and Professional Development for Master's Degree Students * | |
| Total Credits | 45.0-46.0 | |
Admissions Criteria
- A four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or an equivalent international institution.
- Those without a prior degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related STEM degree plus work experience equal to Drexel's Graduate Certificate in Computer Science Foundations may have to take additional prerequisites before pursuing advanced computer science courses
- A GPA of 3.0 or higher, in a completed degree program, bachelor’s degree or above
Required Documents
With multiple ways to submit documents, Drexel makes it easy to complete your application. Learn more by visiting our Completing Your Application Guide.
- A completed application
- Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions (including trade schools) attended
- One letter of recommendation required, two suggested (academic, professional, or both)
- Essay/Statement of Purpose
- In approximately 500 words, describe what professional goals you hope to achieve, how an advanced degree facilitates that success and anything else you want the Admissions Review Board to know about you
- Resume
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Scores (must be five years old or less) are not required but recommended for international students and domestic students below a 3.0 GPA
- Additional requirements for International Students
Tuition
The tuition rate for the academic year 2025-2026 is $1481 per credit.
For the academic year 2025-2026, students enrolled in an online graduate academic program will be charged a graduate online program fee of $125 per year.
- This program is eligible for Financial Aid.
- Special tuition rates available for Drexel University Alumni, Military members, and members of our Partner Organizations
- These rates apply only to new online students and students being readmitted.
- Tuition rates are subject to increase with the start of each academic year in the fall term.
- All students must contact applyDUonline@drexel.edu within the first two weeks of the term to request tuition savings for which they qualify.
- Special rates cannot be combined. If you qualify for more than one special rate, you'll be given the one with the largest savings.
- When receiving special tuition plans, you may not be able to combine them with other tuition benefits that may be available from Drexel University.
Academic Calendar
2025-2026 Academic Year
Term
Classes Begin
Classes End
Exams Begin
Exams End
Fall 2025
September 22, 2025
December 6, 2025
December 8, 2025
December 13, 2025
Winter 2026
January 5, 2026
March 14, 2026
March 16, 2026
March 21, 2026
Spring 2026
March 30, 2026
June 6, 2026
June 8, 2026
June 13, 2026
Summer 2026
June 22, 2026
August 29, 2026
August 31, 2026
September 5, 2026
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