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

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.
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.
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 Action | December 1 |
Final Deadline International Students outside the US | June 1 |
Final Deadline: International Students Inside the US | July 1 |
Domestic applicants | August 1 |
Spring Semester Entry
International Students Outside the US | October 1 |
International Students Inside the US | December 1 |
Domestic Applicants | December 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.
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.
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.
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:
- Master of Science in Information Systems
- Master of Science in Data Architecture and Management
- Master of Science in Telecommunication Networks
- Master of Science in Cyber-Physical Systems
Contact an enrollment counselor to learn more about eligibility requirements.
Occupations
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Cost of attendance
Tuition and financial aid
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$30,864Tuition 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 aidA crossroads of tech, security, and policy

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)