Carnegie Mellon University
Software and Societal Systems Department  ›  Master of Software Engineering Programs  ›  For Applicants  ›  Graduate Certificates

The growing demand for training and the continuing popularity of online education has compelled the Master of Software Engineering Professional Programs to create a flexible and accessible alternative for professionals who want to expand their knowledge without disrupting their life. Each Graduate Certificate was carefully developed to provide working professionals the option to expand a specific skill set and earn a credential that could lead to a job, raise, or promotion.

The MSE currently offers two online Graduate Certificates, composed of courses from the MSE curriculum, in the following practice areas: Software Architecture and Software Project Management. Individuals earn a certificate by completing 24 units of coursework (four 6-unit classes) and receiving a B- or higher grade. Each 6-unit course is seven weeks long.

Stack it Up

In the near future, the option to stack and combine the certificates with a thesis to obtain a master’s degree will be available.

Graduate Certificate Practice Areas

Software Architecture

  • 17-625 API Design (Fall)
  • 17-635 Software Architecture (Spring)
  • 17-695 Design Patterns (Fall)
  • 17-655 Advanced Architectural Design (Spring)

Software Project Management

  • 17-612 Business and Marketing Strategy (Fall)
  • 17-622 Agile Methods (Fall)
  • 17-632 Software Project Management (Spring)
  • 17-642 Software Management Theory (Spring)

Admissions Requirements

  • An undergraduate degree, preferably in Computer Science or other scientific or technical discipline.
  • Cumulative QPA higher than 2.5.
  • Two years or more of industry experience in at least one software development role, including the ability to describe specific tasks performed in those roles.
  • Knowledge — at least at the level of an undergraduate course — of discrete mathematics, algorithms and data structures, and programming languages.
  • Skills in programming-in-the-small, as well as competence in using imperative block-structured or objective-oriented languages such as Java, C++, and Python.

How to Apply

All aspects of the candidate's packet are given equal weight and consideration. No single admission criterion overshadows another; rather, it is the composite of all the application materials that determines the admission decision. The ability to perform graduate-level work, industry experience in a relevant field and a solid undergraduate background in computer science or related disciplines are several factors considered for admission. In some cases, excellence and promise can balance a lack of formal preparation.

Application fee waivers are available for qualified participants of certain events, organizations, and programs, and to those for whom the application fee would be a financial hardship.

The following materials are required with your application:

  1. Resume/CV
  2. Motivation: Your statement should include what motivates you to pursue a graduate certificate, and how it will help you to further your professional goals.There is a one-page limit for the statement.
  3. Letter of Recommendation: A letter of recommendation should be submitted on your behalf from academic and/or industry personnel who have worked closely with you recently. Letters are typically written by faculty and supervisors. It is encouraged that you contact your recommender as soon as possible in order to allow them enough time to compose your letter. The deadline to submit your letter is approximately one week after the application deadline.
  4. Unofficial Transcripts: You are required to upload electronic transcripts from each college/university that you attended in which you completed coursework. Do not send official transcripts at this time.
  5. Unofficial Language Exam Scores: If English is not your native language, you are required to submit unofficial language scores. Acceptable English-language proficiency exams include the TOEFL and IELTS. We prefer that you take the TOEFL, or IELTS, but if you are unable then we will accept scores from the Duolingo English Test. Should you choose to use Duolingo, we may reach out to you after you submit your application to set up a video interview as well. Do not send official score reports at this time.

    Please note: to keep parity across our applicant pool, there is no complete waiver for this requirement.

Admissions Timeline

Application Portal Opens

March 1, 2023

Application Deadline

May 1, 2023

Letter of Recommendation Deadline

 May 10, 2023

Admissions Decisions Released

June 2023

Fall Semester Begins

August 28, 2023
application portal

FAQs

Is there an application fee?

There is a $50 fee.

Do I have to go through the application process for each certificate I want to earn?

Once you have applied for, and successfully earned your first certificate, you can enroll for additional certificates without having to re-apply to the program. If five or more years have elapsed since the last certificate, you will need to re-apply to the program. 

How much will it cost to earn a certificate?

Students are charged per unit at the same rate as students enrolled in the MSE Online program. Refer to the MSE Tuition page for more information.