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College of Engineering

Software Engineering Systems

Certificate

Northeastern University in Arlington's Graduate Certificate in Software Engineering Systems focuses on the socio-technical approach to software engineering.

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Program Format
On ground
Time Commitment
Part time, Full time
Duration
1 - 1.5 Year(s)
Entry Term(s)
Fall, Spring
Meets F1 visa requirements
Yes

Program overview

Help design impactful solutions

Northeastern University in Arlington’s Graduate Certificate in Software Engineering Systems focuses on using engineering tools and considering real-world complexities to design and construct practical and viable software solutions.

This four-course graduate certificate seeks to provide students opportunities to apply the fundamentals of engineering knowledge and skills to software development with attention on enterprise design and integration, secure systems design and creation, and data integration and architecture.

Note: Master of Science in Software Engineering Systems students are not eligible for this graduate certificate.

  • Gain specialized knowledge in software engineering systems to advance or change your career
  • Boost your earnings: Graduate certificate holders receive an average 25% higher salary, according to the Washington Post
  • Explore your area of interest and leverage your graduate certificate as a gateway to a master’s degree
  • Study in Arlington, Virginia, home to world-leading companies and organizations developing the ideas and technologies of tomorrow. The campus is in the heart of the Arlington/Virginia corridor, embedded within a network of companies and peers at world-leading companies.

Admissions

Apply to the program

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.

Applications received after the stated deadline dates will be accepted and processed as quickly as possible; however it may not be possible to have a decision rendered in time for the applicant to begin taking classes for the desired term if admitted.

Applications submitted by the referenced dates will receive full consideration for the referenced term. Applications received after the referenced dates will be considered on a case-by-case basis.


Fall Semester Entry

Early ActionDecember 1
Final Deadline International Students outside the USJune 1
Final Deadline: International Students Inside the USJuly 1
Domestic applicantsAugust 1

Spring Semester Entry

International Students Outside the USOctober 1
International Students Inside the USDecember 1
Domestic ApplicantsDecember 1

  • Completed online application form

  • Two letters of recommendation

  • Transcripts from all institutions attended

    • The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the FCE requirements by country.)

  • GRE is not required for terms starting during the 2023-2024 or 2024-2025 academic years

  • Statement of purpose

  • Resumé

  • TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo for international applicants

  • The application fee is waived for all new applicants applying to any of our Master of Science or Graduate Certificates for the fall 2025 and spring 2026 application terms.

Program objectives

Prepare for success

Apply the fundamentals of engineering knowledge and skills to software development with attention on enterprise design and integration, secure systems design and creation, and data integration and architecture.

Customize your curriculum

Certificates can be taken in addition to or in combination with a master’s degree or provide a pathway to a master’s degree in Northeastern’s College of Engineering.

Join a thriving alumni network

Our engineering alumni work at leading companies, including GE Aviation, Raytheon, CDM Smith, Bose Corporation, IBM, and more.

Connect with us

Want more information?

We’re here to answer your questions about this program, the application process, and more. Complete the form below to receive additional program details and speak with a member of our enrollment team. 

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Degree building

Stack your certificate

Earning a graduate certificate is a fast and affordable way to acquire specialized skills while building toward your master’s degree. Upon completion of this certificate program, you may be able to apply your credits to an eligible master’s program, saving time and money on your degree.

Some of the eligible master’s programs for this certificate include:

Contact an enrollment counselor to learn more about eligibility requirements.

Market outlook
Industry at a glance
Here's a look at current market trends and the career landscape.

Occupations

Cost of attendance

Tuition and financial aid

  • $30,864
    Tuition in USD

Estimated Total Tuition

This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2025-2026 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.

For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.

There are many ways to pay for your education, including scholarships, financial aid, and more. Connect with a financial counselor to learn about your options and make your dream a reality.

Visit tuition & financial aid
Studying in Arlington

A crossroads of tech, security, and policy

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Students interested in government, policy, tech, security, aerospace, and business will find a launchpad in Arlington. Located minutes away from Washington, D.C., Arlington offers career-boosting partnerships with industry leaders in the public and private sectors.

9,000+

Northeastern alumni in the D.C. metro area

Northeastern alumni work at top companies in the region and can become valuable partners as you chart your career.

#1 

Best city for women in tech 

Arlington is a welcoming environment where anyone can thrive in tech, regardless of gender or background. (SmartAsset, 2022)

#1

Best state for business

Virginia's well-connected industries make it the ideal place for entrepreneurs and other business professionals to make their marks. (CNBC, 2024)