Will online students get a student ID card?

Online students can get access to a student ID card if they request one.

Are internships part of the program?

Internships are not part of the program.

Is there an application fee?

Yes. The application fee is $60.

What is the payment schedule?

You can read about payment plans and schedules at https://studentaccounts.wvu.edu/payment.

Do I need to pay for the entire degree upfront?

No, you will not need to pay for the degree upfront. You can read about payment plans and schedules at https://studentaccounts.wvu.edu/payment.

What appears on the degree certificate?

Your degree will say "Master of Science in Software Engineering."‎

Master of Science in Software Engineering

West Virginia University

Accredited degree

R1 classified research University

24 months

10 courses total, 15-18 hours per week

$22,380 USD total cost

Pay tuition for courses as you go ($746 per credit hour)

All backgrounds welcome

No STEM background required

100% online

Lecture videos, hands-on projects, and connection with instructors and peers

Earn your Master of Science in Software Engineering from a nationally ranked program- regardless of your professional or educational background.

Master the development and management of software applications and systems to impact communication, transportation, energy, education, and healthcare—the cornerstones of modern life. Whether you're a current student expanding your studies or a professional seeking career advancement, gain skills from industry professionals and expert faculty while building your professional network through collaborative team projects and tackling real-world industry challenges head-on.

This program is ideal for advancing or jumpstarting your career in the field of software engineering. The need for software engineers is expected to rise by 25% from 2022 to 2032 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Because of rapidly evolving industries, WVU has implemented advancements in technologies, machine learning and artificial intelligence to enhance the curriculum aiming to foster student success and opportunities in the field. In addition, WVU's Master of Science in Software Engineering was ranked the #1 most affordable online master's in software engineering in 2024 by TechGuide.

Upon earning your degree, you’ll be ideally positioned to pursue careers in any number of industries, including technology, healthcare, automotive manufacturing, green energy, remote sensing, aeronautics, finance and more. Are you ready to make a significant impact and enrich the quality of human life with a degree in software engineering?

What’s in this degree program?

10 courses (30 credits) master’s degree taught by a leading public research university.

Applications for the Fall 2025 cohort are open!

Application deadline: August 4, 2025
Classes start: August 20, 2025

Upcoming events

Stay tuned!

Fall 2025 cohort deadline: August 4

Start your application or request more information.

Accredited degree

R1 classified research University

24 months

10 courses total, 15-18 hours per week

$22,380 USD total cost

Pay tuition for courses as you go ($746 per credit hour)

All backgrounds welcome

No STEM background required

100% online

Lecture videos, hands-on projects, and connection with instructors and peers

Accredited degree

R1 classified research University

24 months

10 courses total, 15-18 hours per week

Earn your Master of Science in Software Engineering from a nationally ranked program- regardless of your professional or educational background.

What’s in this degree program?

10 courses (30 credits) master’s degree taught by a leading public research university.

Applications for the Fall 2025 cohort are open!

Application deadline: August 4, 2025
Classes start: August 20, 2025

Upcoming events

Stay tuned!

Learners from all backgrounds eligible for provisional acceptance

The Master of Science in Software Engineering is now accepting applications for students from all educational and professional backgrounds. Requirements now include:

An accredited bachelor’s degree (in a STEM or unrelated field)
Personal statement
Resume
2 letters of reference (academic of professional)
English language proficiency (for International applicants only)

Learn more about provisional acceptance and admission requirements here. Start your application and make WVU your new home next term!

$22,380 total tuition degree cost The total tuition cost of the 30-credit Master of Software Engineering degree program is $22,380.
Tuition is subject to change.
Pay-as-you-go tuition You won’t be billed upfront for the whole degree. Instead, you’ll pay tuition for courses as you go.
Interest-free payment plans available West Virginia University offers interest-free monthly tuition payment plans. You can read more about payment plans, payment methods, and more at https://studentaccounts.wvu.edu/payment.

Take your career in software engineering to the next level

Elevate your career with a Master of Science in Software Engineering from a nationally ranked program, regardless of your professional or educational background. This program equips you with the skills to develop and manage software systems impacting communication, transportation, energy, education, and healthcare.

Whether you’re expanding your studies or seeking career advancement, you’ll learn from industry leaders and build a professional network through team projects and real-world challenges. Ideal for those looking to advance or jumpstart their careers, the need for software engineers is expected to rise by 25% from 2022 to 2032, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

WVU's curriculum, enriched with the latest advancements in technologies, machine learning, and AI, is designed for success. Graduates are well-positioned for careers in various industries, including technology, healthcare, automotive, green energy, and finance. Ready to make a significant impact and enrich the quality of life with a degree in software engineering?

Fall 2025 deadline: August 4

Don’t miss your chance to join the intake!

Frequently asked questions

Students can enroll in up to 3 courses per semester.

Yes.

You will need to submit your official scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). WVU’s minimum score requirements for English proficiency are: TOEFL iBT: 79 (WVU accepts MyBest scores). If you completed your bachelor’s degree in one of the following countries, then you have met the WVU English proficiency requirement and do not have to submit a TOEFL test score: Australia, Canada, Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States, Liberia, Nigeria, Commonwealth Caribbean Countries (Anguilla, Antigua, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caico).