Master of Software Engineering

Join the Future of Software Engineering

Drive Your Software Engineering Career Forward

The Master of Software Engineering (MSWE) program, offering a 15-month full-time or 24-month part-time pathway, is tailor-made for working professionals and career changers. Our comprehensive curriculum covers essential computer science and modern software engineering practices, including AI for Software Engineering (AI4SE) tools and Software Engineering for AI (SE4AI) systems, alongside intensive training in programming, designing and contributing to larger systems, and delivering quality code.

Students develop both technical expertise in AI-enhanced development and holistic professional skills such as teamwork and leadership. Enhance your knowledge and gain in-demand practical skills, applied through internships and industry capstone projects, preparing you for employment across industries.

Who should apply?

Tech Professionals: Take your skills to the next level and unlock leadership opportunities with advanced software engineering expertise.

Recent Graduates: Build your software engineering career with a program designed to bridge the gap between theory and real-world application.

Career Changers: Leverage your existing tech experience and propel your career forward with a coveted software engineering qualification.

All applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and proficiency in at least two programming languages.

Hear From Current MSWE Students

Adithya Vardhan

MSWE provides dedicated career development resources, including group workshops, one-on-one advising, résumé reviews, and interview preparation—all of which are invaluable as I prepare for the next stage of my career. The capstone project allowed us to work in teams to design and implement a substantial real-world software system, giving us hands-on experience that translates directly to industry settings. The program stands out as a comprehensive, career-oriented master’s that not only delivers an excellent industry-centric curriculum, but also actively supports students as they transition into professional roles.

Cherine Cho

Coming from an engineering background but without a formal education in computer science, I was looking for a program that could help me transition into the software engineering field efficiently. After researching online and reading numerous reviews, I found that the MSWE program was designed specifically for students like me—those seeking to build a solid foundation in CS while gaining the practical skills required in the industry. The curriculum is thoughtfully structured, with hands-on projects that helped me quickly develop real-world experience. These projects not only deepened my understanding but also became valuable additions to my resume. Moreover, the program’s strong support system—especially the dedicated Career Development Team—provides guidance on job search strategies, resume reviews, and interview preparation, which has been incredibly helpful.

Jackson Bolcer

I chose the MSWE program at UCI because it offered exactly what I was looking for as a career changer, which is a rigorous, hands-on software engineering curriculum designed for students with both CS and non CS backgrounds. My undergraduate degree was in Statistics, and while I had a foundation in Python, I had limited exposure to full scale software development. MSWE stood out for welcoming students like me who are ready to pivot and grow rapidly. The program’s strong ties to local industry and its focus on practical software engineering practices, including internships and project based learning, made it an obvious choice. Now, through MSWE, I’ve been able to work on meaningful projects, land internships at exciting startups, and gain confidence.

Career Development That Works for You

Exclusive to ICS Professional Master’s students, our dedicated Career Development team helps you transition into the industry and accelerate your career. From tailored coaching to proven job search strategies, we equip you with the skills, resources, and connections you need to stand out—during your program and long after graduation.

Receive career coaching
Develop job searching skills
Expand your network by connecting with industry professionals and alumni through events and programs
Engage with employers who are actively recruiting from UC Irvine
Access to job boards, career fairs, salary databases, and more

88% of graduates who reported employment engaged with the Career Development team through two primary tracked services—individual appointments and workshops. After completing the program, graduates have stepped into careers as Artificial and Machine Learning Engineers, Cloud Engineers, Product Managers, and Software Developers joining companies such as:

Explore What MSWE Offers

Industry-Ready Curriculum

Our innovative curriculum, designed by academic pioneers and industry leaders, blends the latest theory with in-demand practical skills. You'll graduate with the knowledge and expertise companies are actively seeking.

Master Your Craft

Gain a comprehensive understanding of software engineering through intensive programming exercises and code analysis. This deep dive is equivalent to at least six months of full-time work, ensuring a mastery of core concepts.

Beyond the Code

We go beyond technical skills. The MSWE program equips you with the communication, teamwork, and professional skills needed to become an industry leader.

Want to learn more about how MSWE can help you achieve your career goals?

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