Master of Science  in Software Engineering 2007

Software Engineering is a discipline concerned with the practical problems of developing large-scale software systems. Software engineers are the architects of the software component of a computer-based system, providing several levels of representations or blueprints leading to specifications through which programmers build the subsystems and modules of the system. Software development methodologies and management techniques combine with theories from mathematics and computer science in a cost-effective manner to solve real-world system development problems. This degree provides students with the theoretical foundations of software engineering, experience in team projects involving software development and management, hands-on experience with state-of-the-art tools, an understanding of advanced software development and management techniques, and exposure to the most recent developments and emerging technologies in Software Engineering.

All students complete any necessary prerequisite courses plus 13 graduate courses. All students are required to participate in an extensive team software development project using cutting edge technologies and the Software Engineering Research Seminar to keep them abreast of this rapidly changing field. However, to be admitted into the program, they need to have demonstrated through their prior coursework that they can consistently perform at a B level or higher. Students complete the requirements of one of the three concentrations: Project Management, Software Development, or Software Architecture.

The Project Management Concentration of the Master of Science in Software Engineering addresses the management of the quality of software products and processes and provides coursework in management and measurement techniques.

The Software Development Concentration of the Master of Science in Software Engineering addresses the foundations, methodologies, and tools for developing high quality large-scale software systems, with an emphasis on the technical issues of software development.

The Software Architecture Concentration of the Master of Science in Software Engineering addresses the management and design of large-scale or enterprise-level software systems solutions. Emphasis is on integrating and balancing the needs and expectations of all stakeholders in the system, including customers, developers, and end users.

NEW The Gaming and Entertainment Technologies Concentration of the Master of Science in Software Engineering addresses the foundations, methodologies, and tools for developing large-scale computer games and entertainment software systems. The emphasis is placed on the software architecture of such systems and their main components such as physics engines, artificial intelligence modules, and communication subsystems, etc.
 

This option can not be taken online.

The Software Engineering program has two phases:

• Prerequisite Phase
• Graduate Phase

Grade and GPA requirements

Students in this degree program must complete 13 courses (52 hours) beyond the Prerequisite Phase. Successful completion of the Software Engineering Program consists of:

• Students must receive a grade of B- or better in each prerequisite course and a C- or better in all other courses.
• Students must maintain a graduate level GPA of 2.50 or higher while pursuing their degree.
• Students will not be approved for graduation with less than a 2.50 GPA.
• Students with a GPA of 3.9 or higher and a grade of A in SE681, SE696 or SE698 will graduate with distinction.

Prerequisite Phase for Project Management, Software Development and Software Architecture

Prerequisite Phase for Gaming and Entertainment Technologies

Graduate Phase

Students may register for graduate courses only after meeting all Prerequisite Phase requirements. The graduate phase consists of the following components:

• Foundation Phase
• Advanced Phase
• Elective Phase
• Software Engineering Studio *
• One of the following options **
  • Professional Option
  • Research Option ***

*Gaming and Entertainment Technologies has a capstone instead of a studio

**Software Development and Project Management students only.

*** Software Architecture students may pursue a research option if they select these courses as electives.

Foundation Phase - All Concentrations

Additional Courses Required in Gaming and Entertainment Technologies

Advanced Phase

Software Development Concentration

Required

Two of the following:

Project Management Concentration

Required

Two of the following:

Software Architecture Concentration

Required

One of:

Gaming and Entertainment Technologies Concentration

Required

One of the following:

Two of the following:

Elective courses are in the range of 420-699, not including SE 465 and must be from the school of CTI. Credit for courses taken outside of the school will only be given if approved by a faculty advisor. Courses suggested for any Prerequisite Phase in any concentration do not count for elective credit. Any course required for the student’s concentration but taken as part of the requirements of another degree earned by the student may be waived, but cannot be used for elective credit.

Software Development and Project Management

• Two SE graduate level classes. CSC 447 and/or CSC 491 may be substituted for one or both of these electives.
• One CTI elective. See elective course restrictions below.
• At least one of the electives must be 500 level.

Software Architecture Concentration

• Two SE courses or courses listed in the Advanced Phase of any concentration.
• One CTI elective.
• At least one of the electives must be 500 level.

Gaming and Entertainment Technologies Concentration

Two CTI elective courses in the range of 420-699, at least one SE.

Software Engineering Studio or Capstone Phase

Students in all concentrations are required to complete the following:

Students in the Software Development and Project Management concentrations are required to complete the following:

These two courses must be taken as a sequence in consecutive quarters. Students will be working on a large, real project in a team. The project will be carried out from conceptualization to completion using the current technologies.

Students in the Software Architecture concentration are required to complete

Students in the Gaming and Entertainment Technology concentration are required to complete

One of the following:

Software Development Professional Option

Students in the Software Development Concentration:

Students in the Project Management Concentrations:

• one course listed in the Advanced Phase of either Software Development or Project Management concentration or any SE course above 500.

All students taking the Software Engineering Professional option must complete the following course:

Research Option

Students taking the research option must take the following course:

Student must also complete one of the following:

SE 698 Masters Thesis is a two-credit hour course. Students must register for this course a minimum of two times and must continue to enroll in the course in every quarter after the first quarter until the thesis is completed to the satisfaction of their advisor. A maximum of four credit hours will apply for degree credit.

The Master's project or thesis must represent an original contribution to the area, and may include system development, empirical studies, or theoretical work. The scope and the details of the research project will be determined by the research supervisor, and must be approved by the student's academic advisor.

Elective Course Restrictions

Elective courses are in the range of 420-699, not including SE 465 and must be from the school of CTI. Credit for courses taken outside of the school will only be given if approved by a faculty advisor. Courses suggested for any Prerequisite Phase in any concentration do not count for elective credit. Any course required for the students concentration but taken as part of the requirements of another degree earned by the student may be waived, but cannot be used for elective credit.

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Last Modified: Wednesday December 19, 2007