Master of Science in Software Engineering at Cleveland State University

Cleveland State University's Master of Science in Software Engineering (MSSE) program is the first of its kind in Ohio. The program is the successor to the Graduate Certificate Program in Software Engineering and is intended for both practicing professionals, as well as full-time students in the areas of software engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or information management.

The program introduces students to current and best practices in the engineering of software systems. A distinguishing feature is its emphasis on the architecture, design, quality, management, and economics aspects of software engineering. Students take a project from start to completion, learning the requirements of specific deliverables and the development life cycle. Critical management issues, such as risk assessment, project planning, and market analysis, are also covered. The program exposes students to new technological developments in an advancing field and how to apply their knowledge in the workplace.

The Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department recently commissioned a new state-of-the-art Software Engineering instructional laboratory, fully equipped with hardware and software required to meet the needs of all courses in the curriculum. The department also maintains the Software Engineering Research Laboratory to support research. The lab is equipped with desktop computers and servers connected via a LAN. Students have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research in Software Engineering.

Admission Requirements

• Application Form

• Application Fee
• Undergraduate Transcripts
  • Minimum 3.0 Undergraduate GPA
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• Resume
• GRE Test Scores

  • The GRE General section is required if one or more of the following conditions is true:

  • The undergraduate degree was in a discipline unrelated to software engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or information management.
  • An unaccredited college or university awarded the undergraduate degree.
  • The student's undergraduate cumulative grade-point average is below 3.00.
  • The year of the baccalaureate degree precedes the date of application to the College of Graduate
    Studies by more than six years; however, in this case, the examination requirement may be waived, with program approval, if the applicant's undergraduate grade-point average is 3.0 or above.

    • If the GRE is required, a minimum score of 151 is required. 

    • Admission to the program is based on a combination of a candidate’s undergraduate GPA and the GRE score.  

-International students are required to have met at least one of the following English language proficiency requirements:

• TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based): 78 (including at least 20 in reading, 21 in listening, 17 in writing, and 20 in speaking)
• TOEFL PBT (Paper-Based): 550
• IELTS: 6.0 and at least 5.0 in each section
• PTE (Pearson’s Test of English): 50
• iTEP: 5.0

Admission Deadlines

All applications must be submitted and complete on the following application deadline dates:

• Domestic Students
  • Rolling
• International Students
  • Fall Semester – May 15th
  • Spring Semester – October 15th
  • Summer Semester – March 15th 

Career Outcomes

• Graduates meet the demands of industry and address the needs of information technology professionals, in general, and software engineers, in particular.

• These are some of the local companies that are hiring CSU grads: MRI Software, AXS, CyberCoders, OverDrive, Medical Mutual, Amtrust, Aerotek, and StreamLink Software.