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.
Program overview
Gain the skills that advance careers
Northeastern University in Arlington’s 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.
Northeastern University in Arlington’s 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.
- Pursue a graduate certificate along with your master’s degree such as in Block Chain and Smart Contracts Engineering. A variety of certificates are offered, allowing you additional flexibility to specialize in areas that map to your career goals. Not ready for a master’s degree? Earn a graduate certificate, such as in Software Engineering Systems. In just four courses, you will enhance your skills or build expertise in a new area. Credits earned can be applied toward an eligible master’s degree in the College of Engineering at Northeastern University, such as the MS in Software Engineering Systems.
- Select from coursework-only or thesis-based options
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.
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 | November 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 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.
Learn the most up-to-date engineering methodologies, from machine learning algorithms to big data management, to solve real-world challenges across industries.
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
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$61,728Tuition 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)