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Master of Software Engineering

The master of software engineering degree (MSE) enables students who have a computer science, computer engineering, or related engineering or science degree to learn software engineering technology and thus be able to specify, design, implement, document, and maintain large software systems in their specialty areas.

Kansas State offers MSE degress both on campus and on-line via distance education.

The discipline of software engineering covers the application of engineering principles to the building of computer software. The field covers the theories, tools and methods for systematic representation, design, verification, development, production, validation, and maintenance of software products including programs, prototypes, documentation, and user interfaces.

Admission Requirements

A baccalaureate degree in computer science, computer engineering, a mathematical science, or a related engineering or science area, with an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or above (junior/senior years). (Applicants with degrees in other areas must have mathematical maturity characteristic of students who have taken courses in symbolic logic (CIS 301) or discrete mathematics (MATH 510).)

Undergraduate courses in programming, data structures, and algorithms (e.g. CIS 200, 300 and 501), and software engineering (e.g. CIS 540 or equivalent practical software engineering experience).

For an international student whose native tongue is not English, a minimum Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 575. If submitting a TOEFL iBT score, a minimum score of 79. Applicants with part scores of less than 20 on any one of the following: reading, writing, or listening sections may be considered for provisional admission and required to take the English Proficiency Test (EPT) prior to enrolling the first semester. Applicants will be required to enroll in the designated course(s) based on EPT scores and the recommendation of the English Language Program.

Note: If the prerequisite courses mentioned above have not been taken, several additional courses may be required to improve the student's preparation for graduate study.

Apply to CIS MS/MSE program Click here to go to the MS/MSE Application Page.

Degree Requirements

The program of study for the MSE program consists of 33 credits and includes a capstone project (or "portfolio") where the student demonstrates their mastery of software engineering processes and techniques. You may take our program either on-line via the web, or as a traditional on-campus student.

Precise requirements for the degree are detailed in the Department's Master of Software Engineering Degree page.

For further information, contact gradapps@cis.ksu.edu