The MSCS with a specialization in Software Engineering (MSCS-SE) program enables students to build the skill set they will need for a fulfillin career in the software industry. Students will gain experience across the software development life cycle – from requirements analysis, to architecture and design, to development and testing. The Department of Computer Science has been working with local tech companies for decades, and the curriculum is current and relevant to industry needs.
The MSCS-SE program consists of a set of core courses common to all MSCS degrees at Seattle University plus a set of software engineering courses. The program culminates in a real-world capstone software engineering project.
Classes for this program are held in the late afternoon and evenings, making this program ideal for working professionals looking to advance their careers.
The specialization can be completed in 5 quarters for students starting in Fall Quarter only. Due to course sequencing, students starting in Winter Quarter can complete the program in 7 quarters and students starting in Spring Quarter can complete the program in 6 quarters.
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Fall |
Winter |
Spring |
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Year 1 |
CPSC 5110 Core / Elective |
CPSC 5200 CPSC 5120 (3 cr.) CPSC 5800 (2 cr.) |
CPSC 5210 Core / Elective |
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Year 2 |
CPSC 5810 (4 cr.) Core / Elective |
CPSC 5820 (4 cr.) Core / Elective |
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This is a sample course plan. The set of “Core / Elective” courses consists of three core courses (see below) and one elective (any 5 credit MSCS course):
Software Engineering Specialization Courses (26 credits)
Required MSCS Courses (22 credits)
Software Engineering Course Descriptions
CPSC 5110 – Fundamentals of Software Engineering (5 credits)
Introduction to software engineering principles, methods, techniques and technology for design and development of large and complex software systems. Emphasis will be on software development life cycle activities, including requirements, architecture and design, implementation, and testing. Students will complete a team-based project using an agile methodology.
CPSC 5120 – Software Project Management (3 credits)
Management of software projects and project planning. Identification of effort, estimation, resource allocation and risk management following the Agile methodologies of SCRUM, XP, and Lean processes.
CPSC 5200 – Software Architecture and Design (5 credits)
Overview of design principles, architectural design techniques, modeling and analysis of complex software systems in terms of structural and behavioral modeling. Topics include functional and quality analysis, architectural styles and patterns, UML, design patterns, implementation frameworks, product families, dynamism, and emerging topics.
CPSC 5210 – Software Testing and Debugging (5 credits)
Overview of testing and debugging principles. Topics include program analysis, testing adequacy, functional testing, structural testing, unit testing, integration testing, and systematic debugging.
CPSC 5810 – Software Engineering Project I (4 credits)
First course of a two-quarter sequence in which students are grouped into teams, and each team completes a software project. Departmental approval required.
CPSC 5810 – Software Engineering Project II (4 credits)
Second course of a two-quarter sequence in which students are grouped into teams, and each team completes a software project. Departmental approval required.
Yes, students need to have an undergraduate degree in computer science or closely related field. Students that do not have this background can complete the Career Change Certificate in Computer Science Fundamentals and then join the MSCS-SE program.
There are start date options in Fall, Winter, and Spring. Students starting in Fall or Spring can finish the program in 5 quarters. Students who start in Winter can finish the program in 6 quarters. There are no summer starts for this program.
Since the MSCS-SE curriculum has more specific requirements, it requires more advanced planning. Students interested in the fast track for MSCS-SE should consult their advisor during their junior year.