Software Engineering Systems
Master's
The MS in Software Engineering Systems prepares you to lead the design and development of complex software systems through an applied curriculum that connects engineering principles with professional practice.
Program overview
Lead the future of software
Northeastern University’s Master of Science in Software Engineering Systems prepares you to design, build, and lead the complex software systems that drive modern organizations. You’ll learn software development from an engineering perspective, combining software architecture, systems design, cloud technologies, and artificial intelligence with the principles needed to develop reliable, scalable software.
Through a flexible curriculum, project-based learning, and electives aligned with your career goals, you will gain the technical expertise and engineering perspective to solve complex challenges while developing the leadership and systems thinking needed to guide multidisciplinary teams and deliver innovative software solutions.
Northeastern University’s Master of Science in Software Engineering Systems prepares you to design, build, and lead the complex software systems that drive modern organizations. You’ll learn software development from an engineering perspective, combining software architecture, systems design, cloud technologies, and artificial intelligence with the principles needed to develop reliable, scalable software.
Through a flexible curriculum, project-based learning, and electives aligned with your career goals, you will gain the technical expertise and engineering perspective to solve complex challenges while developing the leadership and systems thinking needed to guide multidisciplinary teams and deliver innovative software solutions.
The Master of Science in Software Engineering Systems is a 32 semester hour degree program and can be completed through a coursework-only option or a coursework and master’s project, or thesis option. (Students studying at select campus locations may be required to complete a master’s project or thesis as part of their degree .)
You may also elect to incorporate a cooperative education experience, gaining professional experience as part of the academic curriculum. Full-time and part-time enrollment options are available, allowing you to pursue the degree at a pace that fits your academic and professional goals.
Northeastern combines rigorous academics with experiential learning and research to prepare you for real-world engineering challenges.
Our Cooperative Education Program, also known as “co-op,” is one of the largest and most innovative in the world. Northeastern is one of the few universities that offers this unique learning model for graduate students. Through co-op, you’ll gain up to eight months of professional work experience in your field of interest as part of the academic curriculum, giving you a competitive advantage after graduation. Northeastern has more than 3,000 employer partners worldwide, from large companies to startups, allowing you to choose the right fit for your career goals. Dedicated co-op coordinators will guide you through the entire process.
As an R1 research university, Northeastern offers all students the opportunity to participate in a wide range of interdisciplinary research projects in addition to resources and support to foster innovation. You’ll be able to perform research with faculty in their labs, as part of research centers, on co-op, or on your own as part of an individual research project. You can also present your research at university events and participate in regional, national, and global competitions.
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.
*Decision notification: Applicants will be reviewed for admission on a rolling basis as they are completed.
Fall Semester Entry
| Early Action deadline: | December 1 |
| Final deadline for international applicants out-of-country: | June 15 |
| Final deadline for international applicants in-country: | July 1 |
| Final deadline for domestic applicants: | August 1 |
Spring Semester Entry
| Final deadline for international applicants out-of-country: | November 1 |
| Final deadline for international applicants in-country: | December 1 |
| Final deadline for 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 2025-2026 academic years
Statement of purpose
Resumé
TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo for international applicants unless the waiver requirements are met
Program objectives
Prepare for success
Our master’s degree in engineering is designed to prepare you for whatever you choose to do next by deepening your technical expertise, giving you real-world experience, and building your network.
Develop advanced knowledge and specialized skills, guided by faculty at the forefront of their fields. Achieve the credibility you need to advance in your current career or pivot into a new one.
Apply your coursework in professional settings through co-op, research, and student-led groups—gaining the kind of applied experience that accelerates your path from day one.
Become part of a diverse, driven community of engineers from around the world, connected by a shared commitment to solving the problems that matter most.
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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Cost of attendance
Tuition and financial aid
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$63,264Tuition in USD
Estimated Total Tuition
This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2026-2027 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.
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Arlington is a welcoming environment where anyone can thrive in tech, regardless of gender or background. (SmartAsset, 2022)
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