Best Online Master’s in Software Engineering Degrees of 2025
Without leaving your job, an online master’s in software engineering program can help prepare you to advance to senior-level positions in the field.
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At a Glance: BestColleges’ Top Online Software Engineering Master’s Programs
- #1: Stevens Institute of Technology — Stevens focuses on applying complex engineering theories to real-world problems.
- #2: California State University, Fullerton — Cal State Fullerton’s flexible program has built-in networking opportunities to help you make connections.
- #3: Carnegie Mellon University — Carnegie Mellon’s degree emphasizes applying what you learn in real time.
Software developer jobs are projected to grow much faster than the average rate for all occupations over the next several years. An online master’s in software engineering (MSE) degree can help you level up in that field without stepping away from your job.
A software engineering master’s program won’t just help you gain the technical skills to join the fast-paced tech industry. It’ll also help equip you with the reasoning and strategic-thinking skills that are important to employers amid the rise of artificial intelligence (AI).
A master’s degree is a major investment. We ranked programs based on factors like affordability and student success to ensure you’re getting a good bang for your buck.
Top Online Master’s in Software Engineering Programs of 2025
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
Stevens Institute of Technology
Hoboken, NJ4 yearCampus + Online
$41,380
$41,380
43%
49%
Why Stevens Made Our List
Real-world learning is at the core of Stevens' online master of science in software engineering degree. Stevens tailors its degree to full-time professionals with flexible scheduling and asynchronous learning. The program even lets you cut down on the degree cost by getting credit for your work with your current employer. You’ll also learn key leadership skills to help you pursue management positions.
Why Attend Stevens Online
- AI Instruction: Stevens recently rolled out courses in artificial intelligence (AI) with a focus on software engineering and architecture to help you learn the high-demand tech.
- Project Management Focus: Stevens’ program emphasizes organization and leadership in its curriculum, which includes project management instruction.
- Get Credit for Your Work: Stevens offers credit for on-the-job projects with your current employer, so you can cut down on the cost of your degree with real-world work.
Know Before You Go
- High Price Point: Graduate tuition at Stevens is $1,993 per credit.
- Graduate Certificates Available: Stevens offers a number of graduate certificates in high-demand areas like machine learning and quantum computing.
- Test Scores Optional: You don’t need to submit GRE or GMAT scores for admission to Stevens.
$58,680
$58,680
94%
8,842
Private
Yes
$41,380
$41,380
Hoboken, NJ4 yearCampus + Online
$41,380
$41,380
43%
49%
$58,680
$58,680
94%
8,842
Private
Yes
Why Stevens Made Our List
Real-world learning is at the core of Stevens' online master of science in software engineering degree. Stevens tailors its degree to full-time professionals with flexible scheduling and asynchronous learning. The program even lets you cut down on the degree cost by getting credit for your work with your current employer. You’ll also learn key leadership skills to help you pursue management positions.
Why Attend Stevens Online
- AI Instruction: Stevens recently rolled out courses in artificial intelligence (AI) with a focus on software engineering and architecture to help you learn the high-demand tech.
- Project Management Focus: Stevens’ program emphasizes organization and leadership in its curriculum, which includes project management instruction.
- Get Credit for Your Work: Stevens offers credit for on-the-job projects with your current employer, so you can cut down on the cost of your degree with real-world work.
Know Before You Go
- High Price Point: Graduate tuition at Stevens is $1,993 per credit.
- Graduate Certificates Available: Stevens offers a number of graduate certificates in high-demand areas like machine learning and quantum computing.
- Test Scores Optional: You don’t need to submit GRE or GMAT scores for admission to Stevens.
California State University-Fullerton
Fullerton, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$7,176
$16,680
87%
59%
Why Cal State Fullerton Made Our List
Cal State Fullerton’s working professional-focused online master of science in software engineering program features built-in flexibility, coupled with a broad curriculum aimed to help students regardless of where they are in the field. Its curriculum touches on everything from project management to software architecture and scheduling.
Why Attend Cal State Fullerton Online
- Process Management Emphasis: A mix of in-depth study on software processes and communications will help prepare you to work across industries.
- Affordability: At roughly $14,000 for California residents and $26,000 for nonresidents, it ranks as one of the most affordable programs.
- Asynchronous Courses: Cal State Fullerton’s degree comes in a module-based, asynchronous format so you can work around your schedule.
Know Before You Go
- Minimum GPA Requirement: You’ll need at least a 2.5 GPA in previous college coursework to qualify for admission.
- No Test Requirement: You don’t have to submit the GRE for entrance.
- Options for Non-Computer Science Majors: If you don’t have an undergraduate degree in computer science, Cal State Fullerton will consider you for admission with at least a year of experience in the industry.
$5,742
$17,622
85%
41,962
Public
Yes
$7,176
$16,680
Fullerton, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$7,176
$16,680
87%
59%
$5,742
$17,622
85%
41,962
Public
Yes
Why Cal State Fullerton Made Our List
Cal State Fullerton’s working professional-focused online master of science in software engineering program features built-in flexibility, coupled with a broad curriculum aimed to help students regardless of where they are in the field. Its curriculum touches on everything from project management to software architecture and scheduling.
Why Attend Cal State Fullerton Online
- Process Management Emphasis: A mix of in-depth study on software processes and communications will help prepare you to work across industries.
- Affordability: At roughly $14,000 for California residents and $26,000 for nonresidents, it ranks as one of the most affordable programs.
- Asynchronous Courses: Cal State Fullerton’s degree comes in a module-based, asynchronous format so you can work around your schedule.
Know Before You Go
- Minimum GPA Requirement: You’ll need at least a 2.5 GPA in previous college coursework to qualify for admission.
- No Test Requirement: You don’t have to submit the GRE for entrance.
- Options for Non-Computer Science Majors: If you don’t have an undergraduate degree in computer science, Cal State Fullerton will consider you for admission with at least a year of experience in the industry.
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$48,496
$48,496
11%
15%
Why Carnegie Mellon Made Our List
Carnegie Mellon is a strong software engineering master’s degree option for experienced engineers. This program will throw you head first into complex engineering concepts and their real-world applications, but you’ll be supported by seasoned project mentors who help you tackle the curriculum. The degree takes less than two years to finish, meaning you can see results fast.
Why Attend Carnegie Mellon Online
- Strong Job Outcomes: Carnegie Mellon reports that 100% of 2021 graduates were hired within three months of graduation, and 50% of the program’s graduates were promoted to senior positions within five years of graduation.
- Mentorship: Carnegie Mellon pairs you with an experienced project mentor to help you through the program.
- Affordability: At $547 per credit, this online degree is considered a pretty affordable program.
Know Before You Go
- Focused on Experienced Professionals: Carnegie Mellon aims its online degree at experienced working professionals.
- Certificates Available: You’ll have the opportunity to earn self-paced certificates in areas like project management and cloud computing as part of your degree.
- Test Optional: GRE scores are optional for this online program at Carnegie Mellon.
$62,260
$62,260
97%
16,554
Private
Yes
$48,496
$48,496
Pittsburgh, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$48,496
$48,496
11%
15%
$62,260
$62,260
97%
16,554
Private
Yes
Why Carnegie Mellon Made Our List
Carnegie Mellon is a strong software engineering master’s degree option for experienced engineers. This program will throw you head first into complex engineering concepts and their real-world applications, but you’ll be supported by seasoned project mentors who help you tackle the curriculum. The degree takes less than two years to finish, meaning you can see results fast.
Why Attend Carnegie Mellon Online
- Strong Job Outcomes: Carnegie Mellon reports that 100% of 2021 graduates were hired within three months of graduation, and 50% of the program’s graduates were promoted to senior positions within five years of graduation.
- Mentorship: Carnegie Mellon pairs you with an experienced project mentor to help you through the program.
- Affordability: At $547 per credit, this online degree is considered a pretty affordable program.
Know Before You Go
- Focused on Experienced Professionals: Carnegie Mellon aims its online degree at experienced working professionals.
- Certificates Available: You’ll have the opportunity to earn self-paced certificates in areas like project management and cloud computing as part of your degree.
- Test Optional: GRE scores are optional for this online program at Carnegie Mellon.
North Dakota State University-Main Campus
Fargo, ND4 yearCampus + Online
$7,585
$11,377
96%
58%
Why NDSU Made Our List
NDSU combines affordability with flexible options for working professionals in its online software engineering master's degree. The online program’s curriculum covers the whole lifecycle of software development — from design to testing to implementation — to prepare you for specialized senior software development roles.
Why Attend NDSU Online
- High Job Placement Rate: NDSU boasts a 95% job placement rate for its online software engineering graduates.
- Stackable Certificates: NDSU offers stackable certificates in high-demand tech areas that can count toward your degree.
- Affordability: At $492 per credit hour, NDSU is one of the most affordable programs on our list.
Know Before You Go
- Accelerated Pathway Available: NDSU offers a 4+1 program, meaning you can earn both your bachelor’s and an accelerated master’s degree through the school.
- Flexible Electives: You’ll have access to a wide range of electives, which make up nine out of the 30 credits in the program.
- GRE Recommended: While it isn’t a requirement, a GRE score above the median is “strongly recommended” for admission. You’ll also need at least a 3.0 GPA in most cases.
$9,309
$13,963
77%
11,952
Public
Yes
$7,585
$11,377
Fargo, ND4 yearCampus + Online
$7,585
$11,377
96%
58%
$9,309
$13,963
77%
11,952
Public
Yes
Why NDSU Made Our List
NDSU combines affordability with flexible options for working professionals in its online software engineering master's degree. The online program’s curriculum covers the whole lifecycle of software development — from design to testing to implementation — to prepare you for specialized senior software development roles.
Why Attend NDSU Online
- High Job Placement Rate: NDSU boasts a 95% job placement rate for its online software engineering graduates.
- Stackable Certificates: NDSU offers stackable certificates in high-demand tech areas that can count toward your degree.
- Affordability: At $492 per credit hour, NDSU is one of the most affordable programs on our list.
Know Before You Go
- Accelerated Pathway Available: NDSU offers a 4+1 program, meaning you can earn both your bachelor’s and an accelerated master’s degree through the school.
- Flexible Electives: You’ll have access to a wide range of electives, which make up nine out of the 30 credits in the program.
- GRE Recommended: While it isn’t a requirement, a GRE score above the median is “strongly recommended” for admission. You’ll also need at least a 3.0 GPA in most cases.
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$36,234
$36,234
78%
23%
Why Drexel Made Our List
Elective courses make up a substantial portion of Drexel University's online master of software engineering program. It is the most customizable degree on our list. That flexible, custom learning means you’ll be able to build a degree based on your personal career goals without putting your career on pause.
Why Attend Drexel Online
- High-Demand Electives: Drexel allows you to delve deeper into fields like cybersecurity with electives in privacy and network security.
- Customizable: Drexel also allows additional courses from outside of its computer science and engineering college, letting you build a degree tailored to your interests.
- Industry-Focused Curriculum: You’ll have access to courses in areas like machine learning, security engineering, and economics.
Know Before You Go
- More Courses: At 45 credits, Drexel requires more coursework than other programs on our list.
- Capstone Required: You’ll be required to finish a capstone or thesis project to finish the degree.
- Higher Cost: Drexel’s online program costs $1,481 per credit, second only to Stevens on our list in terms of expense.
$58,293
$58,293
90%
21,597
Private
Yes
$36,234
$36,234
Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$36,234
$36,234
78%
23%
$58,293
$58,293
90%
21,597
Private
Yes
Why Drexel Made Our List
Elective courses make up a substantial portion of Drexel University's online master of software engineering program. It is the most customizable degree on our list. That flexible, custom learning means you’ll be able to build a degree based on your personal career goals without putting your career on pause.
Why Attend Drexel Online
- High-Demand Electives: Drexel allows you to delve deeper into fields like cybersecurity with electives in privacy and network security.
- Customizable: Drexel also allows additional courses from outside of its computer science and engineering college, letting you build a degree tailored to your interests.
- Industry-Focused Curriculum: You’ll have access to courses in areas like machine learning, security engineering, and economics.
Know Before You Go
- More Courses: At 45 credits, Drexel requires more coursework than other programs on our list.
- Capstone Required: You’ll be required to finish a capstone or thesis project to finish the degree.
- Higher Cost: Drexel’s online program costs $1,481 per credit, second only to Stevens on our list in terms of expense.
Why You Should Get a Master’s in Software Engineering
- Lead in a Fast-Growing Industry: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects rapid growth for software developers and other related roles over the next several years.
- Learn New Skills: MSE degrees dive deep into complex software architecture and other advanced topics to help you stand out in senior and specialized roles.
- Gain High-Demand Human Skills: Many MSE degrees on our list focus on leadership and project management, skills that are in demand with employers even as AI grows in importance.
Benefits of Getting a Software Engineering Master’s Online
- Online master’s degrees in software engineering are designed for working professionals, meaning you won’t have to leave the workforce to earn your degree.
- Online master’s degrees are generally more affordable than their in-person counterparts.
- 97% of online master’s students and graduates surveyed in BestColleges’ 2024 Online Education Trends Report said they think earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
How to Choose the Best Online Software Engineering Master’s Program for You
You should apply to an accredited, affordable program that fits your schedule when looking for an online MSE degree. The good news is that most online MSE degrees are built with working professionals in mind and have flexible, asynchronous courses.
How Much Does an Online Software Engineer Master’s Degree Cost?
Online Math, Engineering, and Computer Science Master’s Degrees, 2019-2020
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) puts the average annual tuition and fees of an online math, engineering, and computer science master’s program at $11,079, as of the 2019-20 school year. That number is cut down to less than $8,400 after scholarships and aid are applied.
Relying on that number to pin down the price of an online software engineering master’s, however, isn’t very helpful. Private, prestigious schools tend to charge significantly more than public institutions — even for online degrees.
Take the schools on our list for example: Stevens Institute of Technology charges nearly $2,000 per credit, whereas North Dakota State University only charges $492 per credit.
Cost also varies based on where you live, even for some online programs. The cost of the full degree for California residents to attend California State University, Fullerton’s program is $14,000, but it rises to $26,000 for out-of-state residents.
Of course, you can cut down on the price of your degree by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and landing financial aid or scholarships.
Find Financial Aid for Your Software Engineering Master’s Program
How Long Does It Take to Get a Master’s in Software Engineering?
Typical Number of Credits
30-45 Credits
Typical Program Length
1-2 Years
The time it takes to finish the software engineering degrees on our list varies significantly. Most require between 30-45 credits and take between one and two years to complete.
The time it takes to finish a master’s degree also depends on your schedule. A 30-credit program like Stevens’ or California State University, Fullerton’s will typically take two years to complete, whereas Carnegie Mellon University’s fast-tracked program takes 16 months.
Software Engineering Program Application Requirements
Letters of Recommendation: Most online master’s programs generally require several letters of recommendation from your professional network.
Statement of Purpose: Some schools require an entrance essay.
Background in Computer Science: Some schools require you to have a bachelor’s degree in a related field with limited exceptions. California State University, Fullerton, for example, requires you to send a resume to the program coordinator if you don’t have a background in the field.
GMAT/GRE scores: The schools on our list are generally test-optional, but scores are sometimes still encouraged.
What Can You Do With a Software Engineering Master’s Degree?
The software developer and systems analyst roles you can pursue with an online software engineering master’s degree are projected to see rapid growth.
The BLS projects employment for software developers to grow by 18% from 2023-2033. If you specialize in cybersecurity, you can pursue a job as an information security analyst — a role projected to grow by 33% during that time period.
A master’s degree can also help you land senior roles when coupled with work experience.
Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Description |
---|---|---|
Software Developer | $133,080 | Creates and manages computer applications and programs |
Web Developers | $90,930 | Builds and manages websites and projects |
Computer Systems Analyst | $103,790 | Helps companies improve their information technology (IT) systems |
Information Security Analyst | $124,910 | Helps safeguard a company’s data and applications from cybersecurity threats |
Quality Assurance Analyst and Testers | $101,800 | Tests and recommends improvements for programs and applications |
Learn More About Software Engineering Jobs
Is an Online Master’s in Software Engineering Degree Worth It?
A master’s degree in software engineering is a major investment, but it can pay off in a big way.
When coupled with work experience, a master’s in software engineering can help you pursue senior-level roles in fast-growing, higher-paying areas like software development and cybersecurity.
The master’s programs on our list report good job outcomes for graduates, including a significant number landing senior roles and leadership positions after graduation. All five of these programs also tailor their degrees directly to working adults, meaning you won’t have to pause your career to earn your degree.
A master’s degree isn’t right for everyone, and it isn’t usually a requirement to advance in the software engineering field — but it may unlock new opportunities and prepare you for leadership positions in the sector.
Education Beyond a Master’s in Software Engineering
A master’s degree doesn’t have to be the end of your learning journey.
A number of colleges offer short-term credentials in tech fields like AI, cybersecurity, financial technology, and more. Those short-term credentials can showcase your skills on a resume, and they are generally far more cost effective than a degree.
If you want to teach software engineering at the collegiate level or dive deeper into research, you can also earn a doctoral degree in a related field like data science or AI.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Master’s in Software Engineering Degrees
A master’s in software engineering is generally the best all-around degree for a software engineer since it touches on the lifecycle of software development and high-demand areas like AI.
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