M.S. in Software Engineering

As software constantly reshapes every industry, software engineers are architect tomorrow - crafting scalable solutions, delivering mission-critical systems, and building the platforms that power global innovation. Be one of them.

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M.S. Programs

Program Summary

The M.S. in Software Engineering (MS-SE) provides comprehensive expertise in designing, building, and evolving large-scale software systems. Students delve into the entire software development lifecycle - from requirements and architecture through implementation and maintenance - while gaining deep experience with modern development methodologies and tools. The program covers both technical dimensions (system performance, reliability, security, scalability) and organizational aspects (project management, team coordination, software economics).

Unlike tasks that can be automated, software engineering requires complex problem-solving, stakeholder collaboration, and architectural thinking that remains uniquely human. Graduates emerge prepared to architect complex software solutions, lead development teams, and drive innovation in any industry where software creates competitive advantage - skills that become even more valuable as AI reshapes routine programming tasks.

Studying at NJIT

NJIT offers an exceptional educational environment that combines academic excellence with unparalleled opportunity. As a top-50 public university and R1 research institution situated just 20 minutes from New York City, NJIT provides students with access to both outstanding education and the vast professional network of the metropolitan area. Students join a diverse and vibrant community, and can also enjoy the flexibility of taking online some of the program's courses.

Essential Information

Detailed curriculum and requirements for the M.S. in Software Engineering are available in the MS-SE catalog.

Prerequisites & Admission Requirements ▼

The MS program in Software Engineering requires an undergraduate degree in computing. At a minimum, such a degree must have exposed the prospective student to object-oriented languages, and to materials from at least three from the following courses:

For students not eligible for direct admission, NJIT offers a Graduate Certificate in Software Engineering, Analysis and Design, which provides a pathway to the MS-SE program. Earning the certificate with a GPA of 3.0 or higher guarantees admission into the MS-SE program.

Application Requirements ▼

All applicants are required to submit:

  • Transcripts from a prior degree in computing
  • At least one letter of recommendation

Certificates of completion of online computing courses, are taken into consideration.

All international applicants are required to submit scores for the following standardized tests:

  • GRE
  • TOEFL, or IELTS, or Duolingo

Score reports do not have to be submitted directly by the companies that administer the tests (e.g. ETS etc.) The scores can be reported by the applicant, by either uploading a pdf with the official score report or by sharing a link to their score report.

Test Waiver: International applicants who hold a degree from an accredited US institution can ask for a waiver of standardized tests. To request a waiver, please first submit your application and then contact the NJIT admissions office, by directly emailing our staff responsible for international recruitment.

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Learning Outcomes ▼
After completing the program, graduates will be able to:
  • Analyze a problem and identify and define the software requirements appropriate to its solution.
  • Design, implement and evaluate software projects to meet desired needs.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and skills in the design and architecture of large-scale programs.
  • Work in groups on real-life software projects.
  • Demonstrate the ability to communicate the outcomes of a software project in both written and oral forms.
Campus Options & Cost ▼

Campus Options

  • U.S. residents can choose a combination of face-to-face and online courses
  • F-1 students can take at most one course per semester online, or at Jersey City

Tuition & Fees by Campus (based on AY 2024-2025 rates)

  • Newark, NJ residents: $36,426-$46,450
  • Newark, non-NJ residents: $44,748-$63,120

For Newark students, the ranges reflect different course loads per semester:

  • Highest amount: Based on taking at most 3 courses per semester, no summer courses
  • Lowest amount: Based on taking 4 courses in two different semesters
  • Additional fee savings are available for summer semester courses

For details, see NJIT's Tuition and Fee Schedule.
For information about cost of living see Tuition and Costs at NJIT.

Financial Support ▼

All applicants are automatically considered for financial support during admission, with no need for additional communication. However, guaranteed financial support for MS students is limited and typically reserved for doctoral candidates.

After enrollment, MS students can apply for campus jobs such as grading, tutoring, research assistantships, or roles in the library and academic departments to help offset expenses.

Well-performing students are often hired as graders, earning up to $9K annually. In 2023-2024, the CS department paid over $600K to MS graders.