Master of Science degree in Software Management (MS in SM)

[Degree awarded: Master of Science (MS); Major: Software Management]

[14 courses]

To keep up with increasing demands for high quality software, software development has shifted from the linear development of a few programs by a centralized software powerhouse to more incremental and iterative development of rich systems from cooperative sources across the globe with increasingly strong overseas off-shoring assistance.

As a result, software professionals are now faced with unprecedented challenges in effectively planning, managing, and developing software engineering projects with distributed and limited resources. Only strong leaders who have a clear understanding of both software development techniques and business management approaches can adequately tackle these challenges to meet business needs.

This program provides students with the most relevant, practical, and applicable knowledge available in software engineering and software management. With the appropriate mix of technical and business skills, graduates of this program can systematically analyze business situations and propose, plan, and manage rigorous software development strategies and efforts to fulfill organizational objectives.

Since this program focuses on both technical and development management issues, graduates of this program can apply the acquired skills and knowledge to advance their careers in software architecture, strategic software business planning, and project portfolio and program management jobs. It can also advance more experienced software engineers and project managers to pursue technical leadership roles in the modern software business.

Entrance Requirements

1. Bachelor's degree in any discipline from an accredited educational institution, and two years of work experience in IT/IS (i.e. developer, manager, business analyst, project manager, etc.).
2. Two years of work experience can be waived for students with a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, information systems (MIS, BCIS), or business administration.
3. Official transcripts bearing an institutional seal sent directly to the Graduate Programs in Software (GPS) office by the issuing institution.
4. For applicants whose native language is not English, a TOEFL (550 or above on the written version, 213 or above on the computer-based version) or MELAB (85 or above) score is required. TOEFL or MELAB scores more than two years old are not accepted. Exam bulletins are available from International Admissions at 651-962-6450.
5. An essay stating why the applicant wishes to work toward a master's degree.
6. A grade point average (GPA) of 2.7 or above for undergraduate education.
7. Resume with work history and listing of computing-related courses not appearing on transcripts.

To complete the requirements for the Master of Science with a major in software management, students must successfully complete 14 courses (42 graduate semester credits) and with a GPA of at least 2.7. Students must complete 8 required technical courses from GPS, 2 electives from GPS, and 4 elective courses from the Opus College of Business graduate course curriculum.

• SEIS 605 = [CSIS500] Technical Communications (Oral, Written, Visual)
• SEIS 610 = [CSIS510] Software Engineering
• SEIS 625 = [CSIS600] Software Project Management
• SEIS 626= [CSIS605] Software Quality Assurance/Quality Control
• SEIS 630 = [CSIS530] Database Management Systems and Design
• SEIS 645= [CSIS625] Computer and Network Communications
• SEIS 705= [CSIS645] Strategic Information Systems
• SEIS 785= [CSIS685] Enterprise Architecture and Design
• 2 SEIS course electives from the GPS course list.
• 4 electives from the Opus College of Business (OCB) graduate course curriculum:
  Full-time UST MBA Core Courses
  Evening UST MBA Core Courses
  UST MBA Elective Courses
  Executive UST MBA Course Descriptions
  Master of Business Communication Course Descriptions 
• Students may transfer up to 2 courses (6 credits) from a school other than the University of St. Thomas. The transfer courses must have been taken at the graduate level. The transfer school must be accredited. For information on transfer courses, please see Transfer Courses.
  

Suggested course sequence :

Semester 1: SEIS 605 =[CSIS 500] and SEIS 610 =[CSIS 510]
Semester 2: SEIS 630 =[CSIS 530]and SEIS 625 =[CSIS 600]
Semester 3: SEIS 645 =[CSIS 625] and SEIS 626 =[CSIS 605]
Semester 4: Enterprise Architecture and Development SEIS 7xx =[CSIS 6xx] and 1 Elective (SEIS / OCB course)
Semester 5: SEIS 705 =[CSIS 645] and 1 Elective (SEIS / OCB course)
Semester 6: 2 Electives (SEIS / OCB course)
Semester 7: 2 Electives (SEIS / OCB course)