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College of Engineering

Software Engineering Systems

Master's

The Master of Science in Software Engineering Systems degree prepares students for in-demand careers as software developers engineering complex software systems for social impact.

A person wearing glasses and a blue shirt is focused on writing code on a computer. Two monitors display lines of code in a bright, modern workspace. A cup and pen are on the desk beside the keyboard.
Program Format
On ground
Time Commitment
Part time, Full time
Duration
2 Year(s)
Entry Term(s)
Fall, Spring
Meets F1 visa requirements
Yes

Program overview

Gain the skills that advance careers

The Master of Science in Software Engineering Systems approaches software development from the analytical and methodological perspective of an engineer. You’ll build advanced design and engineering skills, enhance knowledge in cloud computing, and develop machine learning algorithms.

Your knowledge of the three-way intersection of computer science, engineering, and ethics will enable you to have real-world societal impact in a high-demand field across industries.

Our program offers a multitude of courses in Big Data engineering and analytics in addition to supplementary courses to deliver the data analytics results in a meaningful way to management.

Due to the high-level mathematical operations required to run these programs, only software engineers have the capacity to work in such complicated areas.

  • Can be combined with a Gordon Engineering Leadership certificate.
  • Can be combined with a graduate certificate in the College of Engineering
  • Graduates of the program have been very successful in obtaining employment during the last 10 years.

Our courses cover data management, advanced data management, business intelligence, column databases, data science, and Big Data engineering. We offer advanced functional programming using the powerful Scala language and a course on advanced data science as well as cloud computing.

Multithread concurrent computing is also offered, which is important for synchronizing a huge set of servers working in parallel to help large-scale analytics run faster by a hundredfold increase in speed.

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 USNovember 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 2025-2026 academic years

  • Statement of purpose

  • Resumé

  • TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo for international applicants unless the waiver requirements are met

  • 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

Our MS in Software Engineering Systems students are intuitive problem solvers, experienced engineering architects, and result leaders who will have a great impact at the exciting three-way intersection of computer science, engineering, and ethics.

Master advanced software engineering

Learn the most up-to-date engineering methodologies, from machine learning algorithms to big data management, to solve real-world challenges across industries.

Lead in software innovation

Develop the ability to architect, optimize, and scale complex software systems that address key challenges in both public and private sectors.

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

  • $61,728
    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
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