Software Engineering Master’s Degree, M.S.S.E.

Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Mastering In-Demand Skills for One of the Fastest Growing Occupational Fields

You will learn how to identify and analyze user and client needs, while gaining the skills necessary to implement or create software-based solutions. Software Engineering is one of the most in-demand and fastest growing occupational fields in the country, with careers in any number of industries including technology, healthcare, automotive manufacturing, green energy, remote sensing, aeronautics, and finance.

It is our goal that in the first five years after graduation our students will:

• Apply software engineering practices to solve complex problems by analyzing and assessing needs and implementing improvements.
  
• Achieve success and proficiency in the software engineering profession by making significant contributions to technology advancements.
  
• Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed decisions in software engineering practices.
  
• Advance as a team member or lead engaged in the software engineering discipline.
  

The Master of Science in Software Engineering degree requires completion of a total of 30 graduate credit hours. The coursework is comprised of five required courses that form the core of the program, plus additional five advanced electives as described below. A student successfully completing all 30 hours with a 'C' or above in each course with an overall 3.0 GPA is considered for graduation.

• Submit a completed application using Major Code 3081 for Software Engineering.
  
• Submit a personal statement
• Your personal statement should be 750 to 1,000 words and double-spaced. 
• This is an opportunity to tell the admissions committee more about your reasons to earn an MSSE Degree and should not repeat your resume.
• Submit 2 professional and/or educational references contact information only.
  
• Submit official transcripts showing degree completion of a bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, software engineering, or a closely related field from an accredited University, with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4-point scale) or better.
  
• Students with a degree in other fields of study from accredited institutions will be considered for provisional admission.
  
• Provisional students will be required to complete SENG 505 during their first term and two additional core (SENG 510-SENG 550) courses with a ‘B’ or above. After successful completion of SENG 505 and the two core courses, the student will move to regular graduate status.
  
• Submit a resume that reflects your education and experience.
  
• GRE is not required but may be submitted to assist in admission decision.
  
• International applicants must meet the WVU requirement of English language proficiency.
  

The Master’s Degree in Software Engineering will prepare you for a career in the following occupations (please note list is not indicative of all options):