Best Online Software Engineering Master’s Degree Programs, Jobs, and Salaries

Career Karma

Getting a master’s degree can help you climb the professional ladder and qualify for management positions. This reality is the same when it comes to software engineering. That’s why this article will cover the best online software engineering master’s degrees, as well as the best software engineering master’s degree jobs.

As you advance educationally and professionally, you’ll qualify for higher-paying positions and specializations within the software engineering field. While pursuing an online Master’s Degree in Software Engineering will provide the same outcome as an in-person software engineering master’s degree program, online programs are more convenient and accomodating to a wider variety of students.

Where Can I Get a Software Engineering Master’s Degree Online?

You can get a software engineering master’s degree online at many universities throughout the US. Two popular universities to pursue this degree are Grand Canyon University and Regis University. They have been chosen because they are affordable, offer relevant core courses, and have an above-average graduation rate. Likewise, all the universities in this article are accredited and recognized by relevant regulatory bodies in the US.

What Schools Offer the Best Software Engineering Masters Degrees?

• Arizona State University
• Grand Canyon University
• Kansas State University
• Texas Tech University
• University of Houston-Clear Lake

What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Software Engineering Master’s Degree?

Most online software engineering master’s degrees require applicants to have an undergraduate degree in engineering, computer science, or information science. Some schools accept students who have earned undergraduate degrees in other fields, as long as they can demonstrate relevant work experience.

Further, some programs may require some courses prior to enrollment in topics such as operating systems, programming languages, algorithm analysis, and calculus. While it’s possible to enroll in an online software engineering master’s degree without a degree in a relevant field, some schools require students to complete certain courses beforehand, in order to ensure students are prepared for the master’s program curricula.

A minimum undergraduate GPA and good GRE or GMAT scores are also often required, in addition to other typical admissions requirements. Likewise, a letter of recommendation and resume, while not always necessary, can go a long way to show the admissions team that you’re ready for the program.

Online Software Engineering Master’s Degree Admission Requirements

• Have an undergraduate degree in a relevant field (exceptions can be made, depending on the school)
• Have a minimum GPA score (determined by each school)
• Provide GRE/GMAT scores
• Submit letters of recommendation
• Send your resume

How to Get a Software Engineering Master’s Degree Online

To earn a Master’s Degree in Software Engineering online, you need to complete the required number of credits, which is usually a minimum of 30. At the graduate level, most courses will be major courses and elective courses, as general education courses typically only apply to undergraduate programs.

Earning your master’s degree will require you to complete all of your assignments, exams, and projects while maintaining a minimum GPA score. Some online programs will require you to attend live classes, while others are asynchronous, providing you with more flexibility in completing your work.

It typically takes two years to complete your master’s degree program, although this timeframe is depending on the number of courses you take per semester, in addition to the school’s program length. Lastly, you’ll be required to complete a thesis or capstone project, which typically should cover everything you’ve learned throughout your software engineering master’s degree program.

Software Engineering Degree Requirements

• Complete the required number of credits
• Maintain a minimum GPA
• Attend live classes (if applicable)
• Complete a thesis or capstone project

Best Online Software Engineering Master’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview

Best Schools for Software Engineering: Top Online Software Engineering Master’s Degree Programs

Below are 10 of the best schools for software engineering master’s degree programs. All 10 schools are regionally or nationally accredited, which ensures they adhere to high education standards set by the accrediting bodies.

What Is an Online Software Engineering Master’s Degree?

An online software engineering master’s degree is a graduate-level credential awarded to graduates of online software engineering master’s degree programs. To receive this degree, students in software engineering master’s degree programs must complete a minimum of 30 credits in theoretical and hands-on work, including a thesis or capstone project.

The degree program covers topics in software engineering, network architecture, and information technology. Earning your master’s degree qualifies you for a wide variety of high-level, related positions. Additionally, you can use your Master’s Degree in Software Engineering to teach related courses at a community college.

Online vs In-Person Software Engineering Master’s Degrees

Online and in-person software engineering master’s degrees share the same curriculum but differ in the benefits they offer. One of the best benefits of pursuing an online software engineering master’s degree is that it allows you to work toward getting promoted in your related career while maintaining employment. Alternatively, pursuing an in-person program may require you to temporarily resign so that you can be available to attend classes.

On the other hand, in-person programs offer better networking opportunities than online programs, as face-to-face interaction often yields more benefits than online connections. Below, we’ll look at the top five benefits of online vs in-person software engineering master’s degree programs.

Top 5 Benefits of an Online Master’s Degree in Software Engineering

• Flexibility. You can complete your degree at your own pace from anywhere in the world. Most online programs are asynchronous, which allows students to complete their work on their own schedules, as long as it’s submitted before a certain date.
• Career Advancement. An online master’s degree can help you shift careers or advance within your current job with ease. As an in-person program requires you to be in classes at specific times, the likelihood of maintaining and advancing within your current career is much lower.
• Transferable Skillset. Learning online provides students with a unique opportunity to develop computer skills that are highly relevant and transferable to the software engineering field. As software engineering is primarily a digital profession, enrolling in an online program gives you a head start in developing relevant digital skills.
• More Affordable. Depending on the school, online programs can be more affordable than in-person programs. Aside from that, online programs eliminate the cost of related expenses, such as on-campus housing and other campus-related fees.
• Networking Opportunities. Although online and in-person programs provide opportunities for networking, online programs give you access to a bigger network.

Top 5 Benefits of an In-Person Master’s Degree in Software Engineering

• Enhanced Employment Opportunities. Although most employers don’t care or won’t even know that a candidate’s master’s degree was completed online, some do. Despite overwhelming evidence that supports the equal quality of online programs, some employers will enquire and prefer candidates who have studied in person.
• Diverse Experience. Enrolling in an in-person program exposes you to the diverse experiences that college offers. These same experiences can’t be replicated online.
• Better Access to Instructors. While you can still reach your instructors in an online setting, it isn’t as easy or convenient as being able to walk into your professor’s office and receive the help you need.
• Access to Printed Material. School libraries are usually home to a plethora of books and other documents to support your learning. As an online student, you won’t be able to access all of these materials.
• Networking. While online programs offer unique networking opportunities, they’re rarely as genuine and beneficial as networking in person. Face-to-face interaction increases your chances of reaping the benefits of networking to the full extent.

What Types of Online Master’s Degrees Can You Get in Software Engineering?

A Master of Science (MS) in Software Engineering and a Master of Engineering (ME) in Software Engineering are two options for aspiring software engineers who want to expand their knowledge of the field. Programming and computer science topics are covered in both degree programs.

In a Master of Science in Software Engineering program, students learn about software theory and research. Students typically finish this degree within two years. In a Master of Engineering in Software Engineering program, students are more focused on the practical applications of software engineering.

Is It Better to Get a Master of Science in Software Engineering or a Master of Engineering in Software Engineering?

A  Master of Science in Software Engineering and a Master of Engineering in Software Engineering are both good options. Both are going to help you advance as a software engineer or help you pursue affiliated career paths such as systems architecture, software architecture, and machine learning. Admission requirements are usually similar for both types of degrees, as well.

How Much Does a Software Engineering Master’s Degree Cost?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average cost of a Master’s Degree in Software Engineering is $19,314 per year. Factors such as the school reputation, learning format, and public or private status, in addition to the student’s residency, affect tuition rates.

In addition to tuition, students need to factor in the cost of campus accommodation, healthcare, and parking, among other considerations. Fortunately, students can avoid many of these costs by enrolling in online programs. Most schools also offer financial aid, scholarships, loans, grants, and fellowships.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Software Engineering Master’s Degree Online?

It usually takes about two years to get a software engineering master’s degree online. To earn a Master’s Degree in Software Engineering online, students typically need to complete at least 30 hours of coursework and a project or thesis. The time it takes to complete your degree depends on the number of credits you take per term.

Are Online Software Engineering Degrees Respected?

Yes, online software engineering degrees are respected. These schools are accredited by official bodies and the classes are taught by qualified instructors who also the in-person versions. The assignments and assessment processes are identical, in most cases.

Is Software Engineering Hard to Learn Online?

Yes, software engineering is hard to learn online, but not because of the learning format. Software engineering is a challenging field to study and learning it online vs in person doesn’t change that. In-person programs have a slight advantage in that students struggling with certain topics can seek immediate help from professors, whereas online programs require students to send an email and wait for an answer.

Software Engineering Bootcamp vs Online Software Engineering Master’s Degree: Which Is Better?

Online software engineering master’s degrees are better because they qualify you for more positions and high pay. Software engineering bootcamps are a good option for people looking to improve their skills quickly. Below, we’ll discuss some of the top five benefits of online master’s degrees and bootcamps.

Top 5 Benefits of an Online Online Master’s Degree

• Career Goals. Senior roles typically require advanced degrees. This means that attaining your graduate degree can open the doors to high-level career opportunities.
• Specialization. At the master’s degree level, you can decide to focus on a specific aspect of software engineering you find interesting. You can explore this aspect at length during your thesis or capstone project.
• Respected Qualification. Having a master’s degree on your resume is an attractive asset to employers. Not only are master’s degrees a higher level of education than bootcamps, but they’re also much more broadly recognized and accepted.
• PhD Potential. You can pursue a PhD, which is the highest level of education, after completing your master’s degree. Obtaining your PhD in software engineering qualifies you for nearly any position within the field.
• Breadth of the curriculum. In the span of two to three years, the curriculum of a software engineering graduate program tackles numerous disciplines. You may also be able to take classes in communications, finance, or other subjects that complement your major.

Top 5 Benefits of a Software Engineering Bootcamp

• Top-notch Instruction. Full-time and part-time bootcamps are delivered by expert instructors who are active experts in the field.
• Career Services. Bootcamps usually have a career advisor to help students find jobs. The career services team also helps with resumes, interviews, and portfolios. Through these services, many bootcamp students land jobs immediately after graduating.
• Short Duration. Bootcamps are usually shorter than degree programs. Most bootcamps last three to 12 months, allowing students to enter the field quickly.
• Structured Curriculum. A bootcamp curriculum is divided into several stages, starting with basic coding skills before progressing to more advanced topics. Unlike a master’s degree program that requires students to study a broader range of topics, bootcamps are career-focused.
• Peer Collaboration. Bootcamp students work together to create amazing websites and ingenious apps. As a bootcamp student, you’ll enjoy plenty of networking opportunities with your peers, some of whom may already be established software engineers.

Why You Should Get a Software Engineering Master’s Degree Online

You should get a software engineering master’s degree because it will likely increase your earning potential. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information technology professionals make $88,240 a year on average. This is much higher than the average salary for all occupations, which is $39,810.

Applications are growing in popularity every year, which means demand for software engineering will continue to soar. The BLS foresees that jobs in computer and information technology will grow by 13 percent, which is faster than the average for all jobs.

Further, professionals with a Master’s Degree in Software Engineering can work in fast-paced fields like data analytics, software project management, software systems, mobile applications development, quality assurance, and systems development. Master’s degree holders are also given preference for promotions and managerial roles over those with just a bachelor’s degree.

What Courses Do You Take in an Online Master’s Degree Program in Software Engineering?

Some of the courses you take in an online master’s degree program in software engineering are software construction, systems architecture, mobile app development, software risk management, and web engineering. Keep in mind that every online software engineering master’s degree program emphasizes different topics. Below are some of the courses you can expect to take, regardless of the school you attend.

Software Construction

This software engineering course teaches students how to construct large-scale applications using existing tools in the industry. They learn to develop robust, virus-resistant systems that others can understand. The course usually contains problem sets and a major project in software development.

Systems Architecture

Software classes, functions, and subroutines are all covered in detail in this course. Students  examine how different layouts and frameworks in software produce varied results. They investigate the factors that go into building a solid architecture while putting their knowledge to the test with case studies.

Mobile App Development

This Java-based course teaches students how to build, maintain, and modify mobile apps. Students make their own apps with one of the most popular programming languages and learn how to use tools for testing and protecting as they advance in the class. You don’t need previous knowledge of Java to take this course.

Software Risk Management

Unstable software, insecure data, cost overruns, poor time management, and a number of other inefficiencies are all risks in software engineering. This course requires distance learners to work in groups to understand how to design applications while detecting, minimizing, and reducing these risks.

Web Engineering

This advanced elective introduces students to the principles of developing web-based software. Modeling, performance, architecture, user interfaces, testing, maintenance, and security issues are covered in this course. In addition, learners construct web-based applications as part of their final assignment.

Continuing Education Paths for Online Software Engineering Master’s Degree Graduates

Graduates of software engineering master’s programs can further their education by pursuing a Doctoral Degree in Software Engineering, Computer Security, Forensic Computing, Data Science, or a similar field. Alternatively, they can opt for professional qualifications like CompTIA.

Related Online Software Engineering Degrees

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What to Look For in the Best Software Engineering Master’s Degree Programs

There are many software engineering graduate programs available. However, not all of them are worth your time and effort. To get the most benefit out of your program, make sure it has the characteristics below.

Accreditation

Regional and national accreditation ensures that a school’s postsecondary education meets a set of quality standards. Attending an accredited Master’s Degree in Software Engineering program is critical. The accreditation status of a program can affect credit transferability. This, in turn, can potentially affect your eligibility for future PhD programs. The accreditation status of your school can also determine whether a company acknowledges your degree.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

When choosing a school for your master’s degree program, make sure it has financial aid and scholarship options. These forms of funding don’t need to be repaid and can potentially cover the cost of your entire graduate program.  If you work for a company that funds employee professional development, you may be eligible for employer funding.

Cost

Cost is a major factor when it comes to deciding which Master’s Degree in Software Engineering program is right for you. Students should ensure that they’re aware of the exact cost of any potential program they are interested in. Comparing the cost of online programs to their on-campus counterparts can give you a clear understanding of the program’s actual cost.

Program Format

Schools offer different program formats, including part-time, full-time, accelerated, and self-paced programs. For those who are eager to quickly join the workforce, a school with an accelerated program is ideal. In addition, prospective students should think about whether a synchronous or an asynchronous program is best for them.

Career Services

Many schools have a career services department where students and alumni can receive various forms of help with employment. Some resources provided are company partnerships that students have exclusive access to, internship and apprenticeship opportunities, and resume and interview preparation. To ensure you find employment soon after graduating, you should make sure the school you choose offers career services.

What Is the Most Affordable Online Software Engineering Master’s Degree?

The most affordable online software engineering master’s degree is East Carolina University’s Master of Science in Software Engineering. Tuition for this program is just $5,619 per year, which amounts to just over $11,000 for the whole program.

Can I Get a Software Engineering Master’s Degree Online for Free?

No, you can’t get a software engineering master’s degree online for free. However, there are many forms of financial assistance that can significantly or fully cover your master’s degree program. Financial aid, scholarships, and grants are some of the best funding options to pursue. Students interested in learning about the funding options they qualify for can fill out a FAFSA form.

Salary and Job Outlook for Online Software Engineering Master’s Degree Graduates

Software engineers work for both large companies and small start-ups. Some even work as consultants or freelancers. Some graduates go into software engineering or app designing, while others enter web design or video game development. There are plenty of opportunities to make use of your software engineering master’s degree.

How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Software Engineering Master’s Degree?

Computer and information technology, which includes software engineering, is one of the most rapidly growing fields in the tech industry. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in this industry will grow by 13 percent from 2020 to 2030. In fact, the US BLS has predicted that in the next 10 years, there will be 284,100 open positions in the US.

What’s the Average Online Software Engineering Master’s Degree Salary?

According to PayScale, a professional with a Master of Science in Software Engineering earns $111,000, on average, per year. It also notes that the average salary for an experienced software engineer is $117,000. However, these amounts vary depending on your location, company, specific position, and level of experience.

What Jobs Can You Get With an Online Software Engineering Master’s Degree?

With an online software engineering master’s degree, you can work in many different industries, including finance, insurance, software development, wealth management, manufacturing, education, and even state and federal government agencies. Some of the roles you’ll qualify for include computer and information systems manager, software architect, senior software engineer, senior Java developer, and software developer.

Software Engineering Degree Jobs

• Computer and Information Systems Manager
• Software Architect
• Senior Software Engineer
• Senior Java Developer
• Software Developer

Potential Careers With an Online Software Engineering Master’s Degree

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How Much Money Can You Make With an Online Software Engineering Master’s Degree?

You can make up to $371,000 per year as a software engineer, according to Glassdoor. To gain access to this kind of salary, you most likely need a master’s degree and many years of experience. Below, we’ll explore the highest-paying jobs you can get in software engineering after completing your online master’s degree.

Highest-Paying Online Software Engineering Master’s Degree Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview

Best Jobs for Online Software Engineering Master’s Degree Grads

There are numerous career options available to those who have earned a Master’s Degree in Software Engineering. Candidates with a master’s degree have a clear advantage in the job market. Below are some of the best jobs for graduates with software engineering master’s degrees.

 Best Jobs According to Your Major

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Is an Online Software Engineering Master’s Degree Worth It?

Yes, an online software engineering master’s degree is definitely worth it. It gives you a chance to learn about a wide array of advanced software engineering concepts, including engineering management and the design of complex applications. It also makes you a more attractive job candidate and opens the door to leadership positions in the software industry.

Additional Reading About Software Engineering

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Online Software Engineering Master’s Degree FAQ

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Hezekiah Oluwole

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