Software Engineering, M.S.S.E.
Learn how to build software that scales and teams that deliver. The online Master of Science in Software Engineering from WVU equips you with the modern AI, cybersecurity, and architecture expertise demanded by high-growth industries.
Request Information
Courses and Credits:
10 Courses / 30 Credits
Duration:
2 years
Admission Terms:
Fall, Spring, Summer
Next Start Date:
January 11, 2027
Term Length:
8-week and 12-week courses
Learning Format:
Online asynchronous, online synchronous
GMAT/GRE:
Not required
Program Overview
Software drives the velocity of modern industry. Offered through the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, the Software Engineering, M.S.S.E. is an applied, coursework-only program designed to deliver the high-level expertise needed to launch or advance your career in one of the world’s fastest-growing fields. Whether you are an experienced tech professional or looking to pivot from another industry, you will learn to systematically identify user needs and implement scalable software solutions across sectors like healthcare, finance, tech, and aerospace.
Accelerate Your Software Engineering Career
Gain a competitive edge in the technology sector with a learning format built around your life.
- Customizable Path: Tailor your education to your career goals by balancing 5 foundational core courses with 5 advanced electives in cybersecurity, quality software, AI, and more.
- Flexible Online Format: Complete your degree from anywhere with courses designed for busy professionals.
- Accessible Pathways: Designed for full-time professionals with any accredited degree, as well as recent graduates in computer science and related fields.
What You’ll Learn
The curriculum builds the software engineering mastery and project management skills needed to lead modern solution development teams.
- System Architecture: Build advanced expertise in software analysis, software and system design, digital twins, cloud and mobile development, cybersecurity, and quality assurance.
- Software Project Management: Master the managerial frameworks that incorporate the use of AI to oversee complex software development life cycles (SDLC), manage development budgets, and mitigate deployment risks.
- Complex Problem-Solving: Learn to analyze large-scale organizational needs, assess technological constraints, and implement targeted, secure software improvements.
- Engineering Leadership: Develop the professional communication skills needed to make informed, ethical technical decisions and successfully lead cross-functional development teams.
Featured Courses
Explore some of the courses you can pursue will working toward your M.S.S.E.:
Alumni Spotlight
Wasiim Hosenbocus
M.S.S.E. in Software Engineering, 2026
See More
Application Steps
What You Need to Apply
- 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.
- 2 professional and/or educational references contact information only.
- 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.
- 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.
Note: the credit earned for the SENG 505 course does not apply toward the required hours for the MSSE Degree.
How to Apply
Applications for WVU’s online programs are processed through the University’s central portal. Follow these steps to set up your account and submit your application.
- Check the prerequisites: Review ‘What You Need to Apply’ to confirm your eligibility and get your application materials ready.
- Create your account: Visit the portal, create your account and start your application.
- Pay your application fee: Complete the required payment within the portal.
- Submit: Carefully review your details and submit your application.
Virtual Information Events
Tuition, Fees, and Aid
Cost per credit hour is listed on each program page. Rates are reviewed annually and subject to change.
Tuition and fees are usually not the only educational expenses you may have while pursuing a degree. You may have other costs such as books, supplies, and living expenses. Please visit WVU’s Estimate Costs and Aid website for how to plan for other potential expenses.
- Complete the FAFSA
- Check Employer Benefits: Inquire about potential tuition assistance or reimbursement programs.
- Review Waivers: Understand the specific restrictions on University tuition waivers.
Learn More
Careers and Employment
The online Software Engineering, M.S.S.E. program prepares you to create reliable, scalable systems that meet the demands of modern businesses and organizations. You’ll gain expertise in all aspects of software engineering such as software architecture, quality assurance, and project management, equipping you to lead development teams and deliver advanced solutions.
Courses cover topics such as agile methodologies, secure coding practices, testing methodologies, and emerging technologies such as integration of AI into software solutions. Instead of theory alone, you’ll apply these concepts through real-world projects that challenge you to design, implement, and optimize software systems. Graduates of this program are ready to take on leadership roles in software development, systems analysis, and technology strategy.
What can I do with a Software Engineering, M.S.S.E. degree? Explore potential careers, employment environments, and academic pathways:
- Software Engineer/Developer
- Cloud Network Architect
- Software Project Manager
- DevSecOps Engineer
- Quality Assurance Tester/Analyst
- Software Validation Engineer
- Business Analyst
- System Analyst
- Cloud Engineer
- Solution Architect
- Technical Support Engineer
- Computer and Information Systems Manager
- Cybersecurity Manager
- Postsecondary Educator in Software Engineering
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’d like to dive deeper into the program’s curriculum and student experience, connect with:
Ann Clayton
- Email: Ann.Clayton@mail.wvu.edu
- Phone: 304-293-0915
- Schedule chat
