MS in Software Engineering
A master’s in software engineering for tomorrow’s innovators
As the world increases its reliance on technology for both simple and complex tasks, skilled software engineers are in higher demand than ever before. A master’s in software engineering will provide you with the education and skills to stand out and push the boundaries of engineering and science further every day.
Earning a graduate software engineering degree from East Carolina University will introduce you to a broad range of topics, including object-oriented design, software systems architecture, software testing, cloud computing, and software project management. Our software engineering degree program combines computer science with software engineering to equip graduates with the skills to compete in the rapidly evolving world of technology and computing solutions.
An in-person and online software engineering degree designed for you
Whether you’re new to software engineering or a working professional looking for promotion with more responsibility, our hybrid on-campus and online software engineering degree program is the most accessible path to earning a degree that will set you apart from the crowd.
Each of our courses fosters collaboration between students earning their software engineering degree online and those studying on campus. This means that no matter which option you choose, you’ll receive the same world-class educational experience while making lasting personal and professional connections with your peers.
Why earn your MS in Computer Science at ECU?
East Carolina University’s master of computer science degree program covers both theory and practice.
Focus on different computer science master’s areas
As a student working toward your master of computer science degree, you can pursue your interests through a variety of electives, including electives in ECU’s software engineering or data science programs.
Gain real-world experience
In ECU’s computer science master’s online program, you’ll study topics such as algorithms, machine learning, databases, and cryptography. You’ll have hands-on practice using modern programming languages and access to high-performance resources including an/a:
- IBM computer cluster with 128 Xeon nodes and 512 GB RAM
- IBM Minsky Power Server with 256 computer cores and four interconnected GPUs
- Nvidia DGX Station with E5-2699 CPU, 256 GB RAM, and Nvidia V100 GPUs
In ECU’s master’s degree in computer science program, you’ll also have access to the Cognitive Computing Lab, which offers 12 iMac workstations, as well as the Data Analytics Lab, which includes 12 Dell workstations.
Exceptional computer science master’s degree faculty
The faculty of East Carolina University’s computer science department offers academic knowledge paired with professional experience.
Faculty members are active in computer science research such as databases, bioinformatics, programming languages, software engineering, intelligent systems, and cryptography. Their ability to demonstrate the real-world application of computer science master’s classroom theory is unparalleled.
Courses you will take to complete your computer science master’s
Your computer science master’s equips you with the skills and theoretical background necessary to solve a wide range of contemporary and future computing challenges. From big data analysis to computer graphics, East Carolina University’s MS in Computer Science online covers every aspect of the discipline.
Sample computer science master’s degree courses:
- Information Extraction and Retrieval
- Cryptography and Information Security
- Design and Analysis of Algorithms
- Software Construction
- Cloud Computing
Our master of computer science online also includes thesis, project, and coursework-only tracks.
What can you do with your master’s degree in computer science?
Computer science is a global, constantly expanding field. The required skills are both applicable and in demand across practically every industry in today’s technology-driven world.
Tremendous growth expected through 2030
The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics projects job growth for computer science related roles at 22% through 2030. The average salary if you hold a computer science master’s degree is $98,569.
Career opportunities
Holding your master’s degree in computer science opens many opportunities to you in fields such as:
- Computer and information systems management
- Computer graphics and animation
- Computer and information systems research
- Computer software engineering
- Computer science research or teaching
Where do MS in Computer Science online graduates work?
Past graduates have pursued career opportunities as software engineers, system architects, computer programmers, and web developers. Many have secured roles in telecommunications, health care, aerospace, entertainment, and sports. Others have sought out opportunities in research and education.
Get started on your computer science master’s
Are you ready to advance your career by earning your master’s degree in computer science online? We’ll answer all your questions and guide you through the application process.
Degree programs related to ECU’s master’s degree in computer science
- Master of Science in Data Science: East Carolina University’s newest STEM graduate degree uses scientific methods to structure raw data.
- Master of Science in Software Engineering: An interdisciplinary field that combines computer science and engineering.
- Master of Library Science, sometimes referred to as information studies, focuses on how to classify and use data to preserve knowledge.
Offered Both On-Campus & Online
East Carolina University’s Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) degree will prepare you to excel in either the private sector or academia. Past graduates have pursued career opportunities as software engineers, designers, system architects, computer programmers, and web developers; others have pursued graduate study opportunities in computer science and related fields.
The program covers both the theory and practice of software design and hardware construction. It also emphasizes, as applicable, programming languages like C#, operating systems, hardware, database environments and software engineering tools like Rational Rose. We aim to equip graduates with the skills and theoretical background necessary to solve a wide range of IT challenges — both contemporary challenges and those to come.
What is Computer Science?
Computer science is the systematic study of computing systems and computation. In practical terms, aspects of computer science can be felt all around us; from systems that facilitate near-instant communication to advanced robotics used in a range of manufacturing activities.
The body of knowledge resulting from this discipline contains theories for understanding:
- Computing Systems and Methods
- Design Methodology Algorithms and Tools
- Methods for Testing Concepts
- Methods of Analysis and Verification
- Knowledge Representation and Implementation
A Field of High Growth and Limitless Opportunities
Computer Science is a global, rapidly growing field that has been identified as an occupation of tremendous future growth by the U. S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected and computing technologies are used in creative, ever-expanding ways, the demand for highly trained professionals is expected to grow.
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the Master of Science in Computer Science program must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate School. Acceptance to the program is based on satisfactory undergraduate grades, scores on the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE), and letters of reference. Completion of an undergraduate degree in computer science, software engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, information systems, or a related discipline is recommended for admission. Students from other disciplines or applicants with limited technical expertise are evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the program admissions committee. Additional information regarding admission to the MSCS degree program can be found here.
Degree Requirements
Degree information and course requirements for the Master of Science in Computer science degree can be found in the current graduate catalog.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available to those who qualify. The student financial aid department provides education, guidance, and support to individuals and families in the financial aid process by administering Federal, State, and Institutional aid programs to students at East Carolina University. Please contact the department directly for information.
Important Note to Residents Outside North Carolina
Admission of applicants outside the State of North Carolina to an online degree, certificate or individual online course offered by East Carolina University is dependent on ECU’s ability to secure authorization from the applicant’s state of residence, if such authorization is required.
East Carolina University delivers online education programs and courses throughout the United States and internationally. All programs have been approved by the University of North Carolina General Administration. Many states have prescribed an authorization process for out-of-state institutions delivering online programs to its state residents to ensure quality post-secondary education, to preserve the integrity of an academic degree, and to instill greater consumer protection for its student citizens.
East Carolina University has taken steps to protect its students and operations through nationwide compliance: by participation in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA); obtaining authorization, approval, exemptions and waivers; or confirming that East Carolina University can operate without such authorization because the state’s laws do not pertain to a public institution, to an accredited institution, or to ECU’s activities in that state.
As of Nov. 14, 2016, East Carolina University is approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). NC-SARA is a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education. Institutions that are members of SARA are authorized to provide online education to students from all SARA member states. States and institutions that choose to become members of SARA operate under a set of policies and standards overseen by the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements and administered by four regional higher education compacts. Click for more information about the SARA initiative and the progress of state and institutional membership.
Because authorization is an evolving area, please check this site again for the latest statement from ECU. For questions or concerns specific to the state authorization process, contact us at destateauth@ecu.edu.
For additional information please contact: CS Graduate Programs at gradCS@ecu.edu.