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

"Every day I rely on the teachings and tools provided from the WVU MSSE program to lead and find ways for success."

Reaching new heights

John DeCarlo was recently promoted to a leadership role at one of the top financial institutions in the country. This was a big milestone in his career, and he feels deep gratitude for his master’s degree in Software Engineering from WVU Online:

"It offered an extensive curriculum to expand my skillset, grow as a leader, and build my confidence; All at a flexible pace that was complimentary to working full-time in my career."

"Every day I rely on the teachings and tools provided from the WVU MSSE program to lead and find ways for success."

Finding success in a landscape of unknowns

"I frequently reflect on Dale’s teachings of 'complex systems' and employ the many strategies we learned to find success in a landscape of unknowns. Knowing how one can achieve lasting changes within a team or organization has been a light-bulb moment in my career, reshaping my entire approach to problem solving."

Memorable experiences and people

"I especially enjoyed all the learnings that Dale Dzielski shared in his class, and the genuine personal connection he brought to each lesson. He was such a positive influence in my life (as were many other WVU professors) and I hope to carry that forward as a leader."

"The faculty were extremely knowledgeable, yet all mixed in their personalities to each lesson, making each class feel personal, collaborative, and fun."

"A big thank you to Dale and my other professors at WVU Online for being role models, I plan to keep in touch!"

Mitchell "Mitch" Flores is working toward his fall 2024 graduation.

As a student in the Master of Science in Software Engineering program, he values the opportunity to learn from experienced faculty members who possess a wide range of expertise in software engineering.

The program's focus on practical learning suits him perfectly. He prefers using research tasks and group projects to grasp challenging software engineering concepts.

"This semester, I gained practical Project Management insights from Dale Dzielski and learned about Verification and Validation from Ken Costello, who works at NASA."

Mitch appreciates being an Online Mountaineer because it allows him to balance learning with his full-time role as Senior Systems Analyst and Project Coordinator at WVU Medicine Enterprise Information Technology.

"Being an Online Mountaineer means that I can pursue the advancement of my skills and knowledge while also maintaining a steady and healthy work-life balance."

With his future goal of graduation nearing fast, Mitch plans to leverage his newfound knowledge to enhance his leadership abilities within his team, aspiring to eventually assume a team supervisor role.

"I enjoy building a better healthcare experience for West Virginians and I will likely continue to work in the realm of Healthcare IT."

In his spare time, you’ll find Mitch hiking with his girlfriend and their two dogs, as well as practicing martial arts such as boxing and Brazilian jiu-jitsu to stay healthy and stress-free.

"As an Online Mountaineer, I'm part of a community that transcends geographical boundaries, united by a shared goal of personal and professional growth in the tech space."

Jeremiah McCutcheon is a kinesthetic learner, who enjoys hands-on learning. He’s currently employed as an Integration Engineer for a medical device company but was drawn to the Master of Science in Software Engineering program due to its online format.

"Combining live classes via Zoom with the flexibility of asynchronous work, lets me effectively balance my work and family commitments. It's also advantageous to have."

Jeremiah finds pleasure in collaborating with his peers and the sense of communal support they offer. He mentioned that they are currently working on a software project aimed at enhancing each other's skill sets!

"Completing project-based work that allows us to apply what we're learning in class offers the most value to me in the program."

As he progresses with his degree, he remains focused on three key objectives: advancing his career within his company and industry, enriching and broadening his technical expertise, and fostering professional connections through networking.

"Being an Online Mountaineer in the Software Engineering program allows me to continue my desire for education while balancing a full-time job and family."

Although he identifies as a hybrid of introversion and extroversion, capable of being social when needed, Jeremiah also values time to recharge his social energy. So, in his spare time, you’ll find him working on side software projects and playing golf.

"Be sure to stay on top of deadlines, because they sneak up faster than you might think."

Seth Murphy chose the MSSE program through WVU online because it gave him the flexibility to complete his degree without much of an impact on the rest of his day-to-day activities.

This is the first time he has taken coursework through Coursera.

"The process from accepted to registered was fairly straightforward," he says. "I received my bachelor’s degrees from WVU as well, so I was familiar with the registration process."

His advice to other WVU online students is to stay on top of deadlines.

"They sneak up faster than you might think."

His future plans include continuing to work in the aerospace sector as an automation engineer.

"WVU Online is a super flexible program that has allowed me to further my education while also beginning my professional career."

Adison Nordstrom completed her bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at WVU in 2019 and decided to complete her master’s in Software Engineering at WVU Online as she works full-time as a systems engineering contractor for the NASA Katherine Johnson Independent Verification and Validation Program.

"WVU Online is a super flexible program that has allowed me to further my education while also beginning my professional career," she says. "Additionally, the fact that the software engineering program has a mix of full-time professors and professionals in the software engineering industry teaching the courses was a very appealing aspect."

She always considers her professional engineering work from the context of the material in her courses, because she says this allows her to develop a stronger understanding of the course material.

"Applying your experiences outside of the classroom to what you're learning also helps you to share your unique perspective with your instructors and your classmates."

As an online student, she finds that she is able to access the resources of a strong R1 university, such as the WVU Libraries, as well as skilled faculty and helpful advisors.

"I've also built good relationships with other students that I’ve worked with in multiple classes."

"Put yourself out there and become engaged with others in the class!"

Amanda Santiago chose WVU Online for her Master of Science in Software Engineering for several reasons. First, it was highly rated and accredited. Second, the program provided courses in areas relevant to her career. And third, it was entirely online.

"I had studied at WVU for my bachelor’s degree and I was excited to be able to continue my education at WVU."

Amanda is now Senior Principal Computer Systems Architect and Tech Fellow at Northrop Grumman Corporation.

Amanda says she wanted to continue studying Software Engineering in order to gain leadership and technical skills. Since the program was online, she was able to continue with her professional career in the field while pursuing her degree.

She says one of the biggest things that can impact your career is the network you create.

"The classes provided a lot of opportunities to connect with other students through discussion boards, video chats, and group projects. We worked on assignments together using tools that enabled real-time collaboration. Collaborating with peers enables us to network with others in the software industry and I have maintained those connections even after graduation."

Dr. Alshehri earned his Ph.D. in Computer Engineering from West Virginia University (WVU) in 2018. During his tenure, he not only distinguished himself as a knowledgeable educator but also as a key contributor to curriculum development within the program. His teaching portfolio includes courses on data analytics and object-oriented design, where he played a pivotal role in crafting course content, including formative questions, case studies, and assignments.

His research endeavors span various facets of computer engineering, with a particular focus on software engineering, data analytics, and machine learning. His primary research thrust involves leveraging machine learning techniques to detect software fault proneness, a critical aspect in software development. Additionally, he has delved into explanatory modeling to elucidate factors influencing software failures and effort estimation in software projects. His contributions extend to educational research, notably exploring the impact of WVU's Software Engineering (SENG) program on students' career trajectories.

Dr. Alshehri's scholarly output is reflected in numerous research papers published in esteemed peer-reviewed journals and presented at conferences. Notably, he has also contributed to a chapter published by UNESCO, showcasing the global reach and significance of his work.

Dr. Ammar holds the distinguished title of Professor Emeritus of computer engineering within the Lane Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering at West Virginia University. With a career spanning decades, Dr. Ammar's contributions to academia and research are widely recognized.

His scholarly impact is evidenced by his extensive publication record, which includes over 200 articles in esteemed international journals and conference proceedings. Notably, Dr. Ammar is also the co-author of the acclaimed book "Pattern-Oriented Analysis and Design," published by Addison-Wesley, which has been a seminal work in the field.

Throughout his career, Dr. Ammar has spearheaded numerous research projects focused on software risk assessment and software architecture metrics, securing funding from prestigious entities such as NASA and NSF. His leadership as the principal investigator has been instrumental in advancing knowledge and innovation in these critical areas.

Beyond his research endeavors, he has played an active role in the academic community, serving as chairman and participating in steering and program committees for various international conferences. His educational journey includes a Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame, an M.S. in electrical engineering from the University of Texas at El Paso, and dual B.S. degrees in physics and electrical engineering from Cairo University.

As a Professor Emeritus, Dr. Ammar's legacy continues to inspire and shape the future of computer engineering, leaving an indelible mark on both academia and industry.

Kenneth has over 25 years of dedicated service in the realm of NASA flight software, showcasing expertise across a spectrum of missions encompassing the space shuttle, the International Space Station, various Mars rover expeditions, and other low Earth orbiting and deep space systems. Throughout his career, his primary focus has been on the verification and validation of mission-critical and safety-critical software.

Currently, he holds the esteemed position of leading the Engineering Services Group at the NASA Software Independent Verification & Validation Facility. In this capacity, his leadership is instrumental in driving investigations, development, and advancement of cutting-edge technologies aimed at enhancing software analysis methodologies, particularly in the context of safety and mission-critical software.

His influential contributions extend beyond his organizational role. He played a pivotal role in a collaborative effort between government entities including NASA, USSF, USAF, and NRO, aimed at assessing trusted autonomy within space systems. This collaboration resulted in the production of a paper identifying technology and research gaps in the domain of trusted autonomy. Additionally, it led to the establishment of an ongoing seminar series dedicated to exploring trusted autonomy, which he currently spearheads. Since its inception in April 2021, the seminar series has attracted active participation from key stakeholders including NASA, USSF, USAF, and the NRO.

Notably, Mr. Costello remains deeply engaged in the IEEE working groups, particularly focusing on the Standard for Verification and Validation of Systems, Hardware, and Software. His past contributions as the vice-chairman of the working group were instrumental in advancing the current version from a working draft to an approved standard, underscoring his commitment to driving excellence and best practices within the industry.

Dr. Devine, a proud native of West Virginia, is a dedicated educator committed to equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in today's technology-driven landscape. His passion for teaching stems from a profound belief in its transformative power. As he puts it, "I find teaching deeply rewarding. When I can inspire young minds to see the significance of our discussions and empower them to change their perspectives, I know I'm making a meaningful impact. Witnessing former students embark on successful careers that I've helped prepare them for is the most gratifying validation of my work."

Beyond the classroom and research endeavors, he cherishes moments spent with his family and indulges in various hobbies. Whether it's bonding with loved ones, playing with his beloved Frenchie, Spock, cruising on his motorcycle, or embarking on virtual adventures to slay dragons, Dr. Devine embraces life's diverse experiences with zest and enthusiasm.

Martin is a seasoned Senior Software Engineer at IDEMIA National Security Solutions, where he also serves as the esteemed instructor for the Software Engineering of Mobile Applications course within the MSSE program. With an impressive career spanning over 25 years, he has amassed extensive experience in software engineering across diverse sectors including the Department of Defense (DoD), United States Navy, US Department of Energy, and Department of Justice. His expertise lies primarily in mobile engineering and software development.

Holder of various Scaled Agile certifications, including Practice Consultant (SPC), Practitioner, Scrum Master, Advanced Scrum Master, and Product Owner/Product Manager, Martin has demonstrated a commitment to agile methodologies and best practices. His contributions extend to supporting the Federal Bureau of Investigation, particularly in the realm of trusted systems for biometric identification, a focal point of his team's endeavors.

His academic background includes an MSSE and BS from West Virginia University, alongside a Master's in Instructional Technologies from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, reflecting his dedication to both technical proficiency and pedagogical excellence.

Beyond his professional pursuits, he is deeply engaged in community initiatives, serving as a mentor for local robotics teams and working closely with high school and middle school students. He has also held the role of Scoutmaster and currently sits on the Morgantown Traffic Commission, exemplifying his commitment to civic engagement and community enrichment. Connect with Martin on LinkedIn.

Dale leads the online Master of Science in Software Engineering graduate program at West Virginia University (WVU). His expertise extends beyond academia, as he actively contributes to cutting-edge research initiatives, including involvement in grants such as CITeR and ARPA-E GENSETS programs.

Currently engaged in software engineering research for NASA IV&V through the NASA West Virginia Space Grant Consortium, he focuses on critical areas such as effort and risk associated with architecture technical debt and binary code evaluation. His research portfolio encompasses a wide spectrum, including distance learning environments, collaborative environments, software engineering methodologies, business process management, supply chain optimization, enterprise architecture frameworks, and interoperability.

Dale's professional credentials underscore his commitment to excellence and proficiency in project management and accounting. As a Project Management Professional (PMP®), Certified Management Accountant (CMA®), and Certified SAFe® Agilist, he brings a strategic approach to his endeavors. Moreover, his status as an IEEE senior member reflects his standing within the technical community.

With over 35 years of extensive experience, he is dedicated to driving innovation and fostering growth in both academia and industry, making a lasting impact through his research, leadership, and expertise.

Jeff brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge to his role as a lecturer at West Virginia University, drawing from an impressive 31-year career encompassing technical, program, and executive management roles.

Throughout his professional journey, Jeff has held key leadership positions, including Chief Technology Officer at DHA Group, Inc., Executive Director at ManTech International, Vice President of Technology at Marada Corporation, and Project Leader/Software Engineer at Bell Labs. His diverse experience spans a wide array of domains, from vision development and domain analysis to requirements development, product design, implementation, and testing of specific applications.

In addition to his technical acumen, he has demonstrated proficiency in program management, business development, financial oversight (including program P&L), partnership establishment, and program staffing. His multifaceted skill set and extensive experience have equipped him with the tools to excel in dynamic and challenging environments.

As a lecturer, Jeff leverages his real-world experience to enrich the learning experiences of students, providing valuable insights and practical knowledge that bridge the gap between academia and industry.

Dr. Goseva-Popstojanova’s academic pursuits center around the intersections of software engineering, cybersecurity, and data analytics. With a keen focus on advancing knowledge and innovation, her research endeavors encompass diverse domains within these fields.

Currently, her primary research thrust lies in leveraging machine learning techniques to address critical challenges in software engineering. This includes automating the classification of software vulnerabilities and identifying fault-prone components within software systems. Additionally, she explores the verification and validation of autonomous systems and applies machine learning methodologies to enhance radio astronomy, particularly in the detection of pulsars.

Her scholarly contributions are extensive and impactful, with a significant body of published work. Noteworthy among these are research studies based on real NASA missions' software and large-scale open-source projects, which focus on predicting and empirically evaluating software faults, failures, and vulnerabilities. Dr. Goseva-Popstojanova’s pioneering work on intrusion-tolerant and resilient systems has garnered recognition within the academic community.

Driven by a passion for pushing the boundaries of knowledge, she continues to make significant strides in her research, contributing to advancements in software engineering, cybersecurity, and data analytics that have far-reaching implications for various industries and domains.

Dr. Jackowitz, a distinguished expert in Chemical Engineering, holds a rich educational background, culminating in a Ph.D. from Ohio State University, preceded by a B.S. from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an M.S. from Ohio State University.

He has made significant contributions to various domains. Serving as a Senior Engineer at Rockwell, specializing in Aerothermodynamics, and Manager of Military Requirements Analysis at Martin-Marietta. He has demonstrated exceptional leadership and technical prowess. At IBM, he held pivotal roles as Proposal Manager, Project Manager, and Program Manager, leading numerous federal initiatives.

Dr. Jackowitz has played an integral part in shaping key programs across sectors. Collaborating closely with NASA on groundbreaking projects such as Skylab, Space Station, and Space Shuttle endeavors, while making notable contributions to Air Force satellite programs. Additionally, he engaged in projects with various government departments, including Energy, Agriculture, Justice, and Defense.

In academia, he has shared expertise with future generations of engineers and scholars. Teaching Solar Energy at Northrop University and serving as an IBM Faculty Loan Scholar at California State University-Dominguez Hills for Environmental Studies. His commitment to education is shown by his teaching contributions to MBA and graduate programs at Fairmont State University, West Virginia University, University of California-Irvine, and University of California-Santa Cruz.

Driven by a passion for knowledge dissemination, he is currently focused on teaching the intricacies of project management, exploring software project management methodologies, and conducting research into the role of complexity in system design and implementation.

Dr. Mooney, the former Program Director of the SENG 520 Software Analysis and Design program, retired in 2014. Now serving as a Professor Emeritus in LCSEE, he brings his wealth of experience to your classroom. For more about him, visit his website.

Dr. Mooney has an impressive academic background, holding a Ph.D. and an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from The Ohio State University, earned in 1977 and 1969 respectively. He also obtained his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame in 1968. His expertise lies in software portability, operating systems, and computer architecture.

Since joining the computer science faculty at WVU in 1979, Dr. Mooney has made significant contributions. Until his retirement, he served as the Associate Chair for Outreach and Extended Learning. He authored a book on Operating Systems, a staple in the LCSEE program for many years.

Active in various professional societies, Dr. Mooney remains engaged in organizations such as IEEE, ACM, Tau Beta Pi, Eta Kappa Nu, and Upsilon Pi Epsilon. Even after retirement, he continues to impart his knowledge through online courses in the Software Engineering program.

Cynthia Tanner, MSCS, served as a esteemed member of the computer science faculty within the Lane Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering at WVU until her retirement in May 2019. Despite retiring from full-time teaching, she remains actively engaged in education as an instructor for the Master of Science in Software Engineering program, where she offers instruction in SENG 505 Programming Applications in Java.

Before her tenure in academia, Cynthia contributed her expertise as a software engineer for West Virginia University's administrative computing, where she contributed to various systems including those pertaining to finance, human resources, and student support such as registration and grading.

Throughout her academic career, Cynthia has imparted knowledge across a broad spectrum of programming, software development, and software engineering courses, spanning both undergraduate and graduate levels. Her research endeavors have particularly focused on the realm of trusted information sharing, exploring the dynamics of information exchange among associates and competitors while adhering to stringent sharing protocols and monitoring data provenance.

In addition to her scholarly pursuits, Cynthia assumed the role of faculty advisor to the home automation team for the solar decathlon house in 2013. At the time, home automation was a burgeoning field requiring skilled professionals for installation and setup. While she was involved, the team developed an innovative application enabling remote control of lighting, temperature, and entertainment systems within the house via smartphones or tablets.

Dr. Woerner holds the esteemed position of Professor within the Lane Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, where he imparts knowledge and spearheads research endeavors in the realms of communications and networking.

His academic journey commenced with a bachelor's degree in Computer and Electrical Engineering from Purdue University in 1986. Subsequently, he pursued his passion for research, obtaining both M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Electrical Engineering Systems from the University of Michigan in 1987 and 1991, respectively. Notably, he also earned a Master of Public Policy degree from the University of Michigan in 1992, diversifying his academic background.

Dr. Woerner’s scholarly pursuits have evolved over the years. While his initial focus centered on signal processing techniques aimed at enhancing the physical layer performance of wireless communications systems, his research interests have expanded to encompass networks, security, and the burgeoning field of autonomous vehicles.

As a dedicated educator and researcher, he continues to contribute significantly to the advancement of knowledge in his field, shaping the future of communications and networking through his innovative work and mentorship.