Software Engineering, MSSE

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Department of Computer Science

Fenn Hall 331
(216) 687-2589
http://www.csuohio.edu/engineering/academics/gradprograms.html

George Chatzimavroudis, Interim Chair, Computer Science
Yongjian Fu, Graduate Program Director

Introduction

The Master of Science in Software Engineering (MSSE) program is the first of its kind in Ohio. The program is intended[YF1] for both practicing professionals, as well as full-time students in the areas of software engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or information management.

The program introduces students to current and best practices in the engineering of software systems. A distinguishing feature is its emphasis on the architecture, design, quality, management, and economics aspects of software engineering. Students take a project from start to completion, learning the requirements of specific deliverables and the development life cycle. Critical management issues, such as risk assessment, project planning, and quality assurance, are also covered. The program exposes students to new technological developments in an advancing field and how to apply their knowledge in the workplace. Graduates meet the demands of industry and address the needs of information technology professionals, in general, and software engineers, in particular.

Faculty Research

The members of the Software Engineering faculty are engaged in research in several areas including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, software testing, algorithms, and data science[YF1] . Results of research in these areas are published regularly in referred journals, such as transactions of IEEE, and are presented at scholarly conferences and symposia.

Current faculty information can be located on the Cleveland State University Faculty Profile page.

Financial Assistance

The Department of Computer Science offers a number of research and teaching assistantships and graduate tuition grants. In addition, internships in local industry are available.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet the admission requirements:

A cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or better
Four-year undergraduate degree, or equivalent, in any discipline from an accredited university. Students who do not have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or software engineering may be considered for admission and may be assigned preparatory courses as part of their study plan. No preparatory course may count toward the fulfillment of the graduate degree program.

Preparatory Program

Students are expected to demonstrate proficiency in the following prerequisite knowledge areas. Students must complete prerequisite courses in the areas they lack proficiency, in addition to the requirements for the MSSE degree. These prerequisite courses do not count toward the requirements for the MSSE program. Those who took one or more equivalent courses can have the corresponding requirements waived but must get a prior authorization by the department.

ESC 310 Engineering Statistics and Probability or STA 323 Probability and Statistics
MTH 220 Introduction to Discrete Mathematics
CIS 260 Introduction to Programming
CIS 265 Data Structures & Algorithms
CIS 335 Language Processors
CIS 340 Systems Programming

Apply Now: https://grad.engagecsu.com/

Degree Requirements

Students in the MSSE program may elect a thesis option or a non-thesis option. All students, and particularly those intending to pursue a doctoral degree, are encouraged to select the thesis option.

All students:
The MSSE program is planned around a core of required topics and a number of technical electives. All students must complete the core courses listed below.
Thesis option students:
Students are required to take 24 credit hours of course work and 6 hours of thesis, for a total of 30 credit hours.
Non-thesis option students:
Students are required to take 30 credit hours of course work and 2 credit hours of Software Engineering Project (CIS 638 ), for a total of 32 credit hours.

Core Courses

Elective Courses

CIS courses 500-level or higher. Students pursuing the non-thesis option must take at least two 600-level elective courses.

Exit Requirements

For thesis option students, acceptance of the thesis by the thesis committee and passing an oral defense of the thesis are required. Students must follow the Thesis and Dissertation Format Guidelines, available from the College of Graduate Studies.

For non-thesis option students, successful completion of CIS 638 - Software Engineering Project is required.

For further information about the MS in Software Engineering program, please contact the Department of Computer Science at (216) 687-2589.