Master of Science in Software Engineering
The online Master of Science in Software Engineering will mold the next generation of software professionals to help meet society’s need for skilled software engineers and entrepreneurs. Students will study under Purdue's renowned faculty in software engineering, computing systems and cybersecurity, and can further customize their experience toward specific topics.
Master of Science in Software Engineering
The online Master of Science in Software Engineering will mold the next generation of software professionals to help meet society’s need for skilled software engineers and entrepreneurs. Students will study under Purdue’s renowned faculty in software engineering, computing systems and cybersecurity, and can further customize their experience toward specific topics.
Master of Science in Software Engineering Overview
Purdue University’s online Master of Science in Software Engineering is designed to prepare the next generation of software professionals to meet the growing global demand for skilled engineers and innovators. This program offers a flexible, fully online format that allows working professionals to advance their education while continuing their careers. Drawing on Purdue’s longstanding reputation for excellence in engineering, the program emphasizes both the technical and entrepreneurial aspects of software development.
Students in the program will learn from Purdue’s distinguished faculty across the Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Department of Computer Science. The curriculum covers key areas such as software engineering principles, computing systems and cybersecurity, with opportunities to specialize in topics aligned with individual interests and career goals. Emphasis is placed on developing innovative, practical solutions to complex software challenges in real-world contexts.
Graduates of the program will earn a respected degree that signals advanced expertise in software engineering, positioning them for leadership roles in a rapidly growing field. With continued expansion in technology sectors both in the U.S. and globally, Purdue’s online master’s program offers a strategic path for professionals seeking to enhance their skills and impact in the software industry.
150 Years of Consequential Impact
Purdue University’s College of Engineering stands apart through its legacy of impact, innovative spirit, and persistent pursuit of the next giant leap. From pioneering medical technologies to space exploration, our faculty drive world-changing ideas. With hands-on learning, industry partnerships and groundbreaking research, Purdue prepares students to tackle the world’s toughest challenges—on Earth and beyond.
Flexible Curriculum
Students can select one of the following focus areas or build a plan of study to incorporate multiple areas:
- Systems Software
- Cybersecurity
- Embedded Software, Robotics, and Controls
- Machine Learning and Data Science
For many professionals, earning a master’s degree can provide a big return-on-investment. In addition to financial benefits like salary increases and promotions, master’s degrees also help professionals learn in-demand skills, which can improve their job prospects, help them pivot to a new industry, or help them stay competitive in a rapidly changing market.
Many employers value the advanced skills that master’s programs teach, and research shows that job candidates with master’s degrees have average salary increases from 25% to more than 75% in select fields. Ask your enrollment counselor for details on Purdue’s online master’s programs or learn more about the benefits of earning a master’s here.
Request Information
Plan Your Path
The cost of attending Purdue varies depending on where you choose to live, enrollment in a specific program or college, food and travel expenses, and other variables. The Office of the Bursar website shows estimated costs for the current aid year for students by semester and academic year. These amounts are used in determining a student’s estimated eligibility for financial aid. You can also use our tuition calculator to estimate tuition costs.
More information on courses and faculty can be found at the program website.
Degree Required Courses – 9 credits
- ECE 60800: Computational Models and Methods (3 credits) OR
- CS 58000: Algorithm Design, Analysis, and Implementation (3 credits) AND
- ECE 59500: Advanced Software Engineering (3 credits) AND
One Math Course (3 credits)
Undergraduate Background
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area (Engineering, Science, Mathematics or Technology) with Computer Engineering or Computer Science preferred.
Knowledge Background
Applicants will need to have a working knowledge of relevant topics, such as algorithms, data structures, microprocessors, operating systems, programming languages, compilers, calculus, linear algebra, discrete mathematics and probability and statistics.
Source: LightcastTM (2025). Unique job postings for July 2024-25. Projected growth for years 2019-2029.
Top Job Titles
Software engineering prepares professionals for a wide range of technical and leadership roles in designing, developing, and maintaining software systems. These include Software Engineers, Systems Engineers, and Principal Software Engineers, each contributing to building robust, scalable, and efficient software solutions. Additionally, Software Developers and Principal Systems Engineers play key roles in implementing complex systems, managing development projects, and ensuring seamless integration across platforms.
Top Industries
Several major industries offer strong career opportunities for professionals in software engineering. These include Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical and Nautical System and Research and Development, both of which rely on software engineers to design, implement, and maintain complex systems. Additionally, Education provides opportunities to teach, train, and mentor future software professionals while advancing innovation and research in the field.
Purdue launches 100% online master’s in software engineering
“There are relatively few universities that offer master’s degrees in software engineering,” said James Davis, an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering who has been involved in developing the program. “I think this is a problem for our society, because software governs more and more of our everyday interactions. Purdue’s master’s in software engineering helps fill this need, and it combines two of Purdue’s strengths: excellence and scale.”
Ready to Become a Boilermaker?
Contact Us
You are not alone in taking your next giant leap.
Get your questions answered, receive application help, or plan your degree journey by speaking with an enrollment counselor. Request more information today by filling out this form to connect with a Purdue University enrollment counselor and receive additional program materials.
Ready to become a Purdue Boilermaker?
Are you ready to join the Purdue innovators and changemakers always striving to make giant leaps forward in our industries and fields? Start your application today!