Software engineering (MS)

The Master of Science in software engineering degree program focuses on developing advanced knowledge and abilities in the design and application of software. Students will learn to apply engineering principles to software development, including design methodologies, operation principles and maintenance and testing approaches.The program involves the application of engineering principles to software development including design methodologies, operation principles, and maintenance and testing approaches. The MS in software engineering degree program is offered on the Polytechnic campus.

The MS in software engineering program builds upon the Bachelor of Science in software engineering program and is aimed at developing professional skills in this discipline as well as providing opportunities for students to engage in and develop research abilities.

Graduate admissions

Deadline dates

Program Fall Semester Spring Semester
Software engineering January 15 (MS) September 15 (MS)

Admission requirements

For questions regarding supplemental materials, such as letters of recommendation requirements or your statement of purpose, contact [email protected]. For questions regarding the online graduate application or the status of documents, please contact Graduate Admissions.

Application requirements

Begin by visiting the Graduate Admissions website and completing the Graduate Admissions application and paying the application fee. The fee is nonrefundable and the application will not be processed until the fee is received. In addition to completing the ASU Graduate Admissions application, the following materials must also be submitted to complete your application package:* U.S. Residents:

  • One set of official transcripts from every college and university attended, including ASU, unless the student graduated from ASU
  • Three letters of recommendation^
  • Statement of purpose

International Applicants:

  • Academic credentials (all international records must be submitted in the original language accompanied by an official English translation). If you have attended a U.S. institution, one set of official transcripts from every college and university attended, except ASU.
  • Official TOEFL score, taken within the last two years (please see ASU’s English Proficiency requirements). The TOEFL score must be valid on the first day of class for the term the student is applying for. SCAI required that TOEFL scores must be above 575 (paper), or 90 (iBT). We also accept IELTS with a minimum overall band scores of 7.0 or the Pearson Test of English (PTE) with a minimum score of 65 or higher. Please see the Graduate Admissions website for TOEFL deadline dates. The ASU institution code is: 4007. If a department code is required use: 0000.
  • Three letters of recommendation^
  • Statement of purpose

The required materials should be mailed to:

If sending by stamped mail: Admission Services Applicant Processing Arizona State University PO Box 871004 Tempe, AZ 85287-1004 If sending by FedEx, DHL or UPS: Arizona State University Admission Services Applicant Processing 1150 East University Drive Building C, Room 226 Tempe, AZ 85281

Please include the document reference number on all materials sent. Applications are not evaluated until all required documents have been received.

^Letters of Recommendation are not required for students applying to the Software Engineering MS program.

Calculus and GPA requirements

Knowledge in calculus is required to be successful in a SCAI Graduate Program. Below you will find the calculus courses that must be completed with a grade of  ‘C’ or better prior to applying to the program.

Software Engineering CALC 1 & 2

Below are the minimum GPA requirements for the SCAI Graduate Programs. This GPA is calculated from the last 60 hours of the undergraduate degree. Students who are applying to a PhD following a master’s degree must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 for the last degree awarded.

Software Engineering Master    3.0 or higher
Deficiency Courses

Please see below for a list of the current Deficiency Courses required for admission. A flowchart showing the progression of coursework is also available  At the time of application there should be no more than three deficiency courses pending.

Software Engineering Deficiency Course List and Flowchart