Master of Science in Software Engineering
Master advanced software engineering and management
The Master of Science degree program in Software Engineering provides a basic foundation in technical software concepts and design techniques as well as management and teamwork approaches that are needed to oversee computer software engineering projects of high technical complexity. The program will prepare students to learn skills important to an application software engineer, including the ability to develop efficient and scalable software products and services for industry and government in a cost-effective manner. Individuals who want to be a software engineer and are looking for a computer engineering university may benefit from our Master of Science in Software Engineering program. Request more information from Stratford today.
The emphasis of the program is on implementing advanced software engineering projects within cost and schedule by applying proven and innovative practices for application software engineers that overcome the shortcomings of the current paradigm. The graduates of the program will be able to define software requirements, identify conceptual design, develop detailed design, verify and validate the software product, identify key issues and trends in the software engineering industry and manage key phases of the software life cycle.
Software Engineering Program Requirements and Online Options
Students who want to become a software engineer can complete the program through classroom instruction at our locations in Virginia, online instruction, or a combination of both.
| Credits Required | Number of Classes |
|---|
| Core Component |
22.5 |
5 |
| Electives |
31.5 |
7 |
| Total Required for Graduation |
54 |
12 |
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Click on each group of courses below to expand the course list and descriptions.
Core Requirements
Software Engineering
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
The course covers basic concepts and practices within the field important to both the practitioner and the theorist, as the rate of change in software engineering technology continues to increase. It also examines current issues in systems engineering, software architectures, product assurance principles, and software project management, all described in terms of established software process improvement models. Various industry life-cycle models are presented, with examples of their use. Case studies may also be included. Prerequisite: None.
SOF500
Software Engineering
4.5
Issues & Trends in Software Engineering
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course examines the technological advances in computer systems and in the many environments affected by advancing technology. Problems relating to ethics, security, the proliferation of databases, risk analysis, telecommunications, artificial intelligence, and human-machine interaction are examined. The rapid development of computer-based information systems in response to management needs, as well as trends and developments in the field are discussed. Prerequisite: None.
SOF585
Issues & Trends in Software Engineering
4.5
Software Engineering Capstone
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course provides experience in applying software-engineering techniques by giving the students an opportunity to produce software when working in teams under the schedule constraints commonly experienced in industry. As a component of the course, the instructor will emulate the vagueness shown by typical customers in describing requirements. The instructor serves as a guide and mentor, not as a traditional teacher. This course can only be taken during the last quarter of the degree program. With permission of the instructor or the Dean, Curricular Practical Training (CPT) may be used to satisfy some requirements of this course. Prerequisite: None.
SOF590
Software Engineering Capstone
4.5
Research Methods
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
The course focuses on methods for the conduct of research and development projects. Specifically, students learn about the scientific method, as well as research/design requirements and objectives. Course work involves qualitative, quantitative, and case studies; performance metrics; design procedures and control; sources of error and bias. In addition, evaluation tools and formal validation methods are discussed. Prerequisite: None.
EBM502
Research Methods
4.5
Project Management
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
The course focuses on the effective organization of projects, tracking of costs and time expenditures, management of quality and risks, evaluation of human resources requirements, and the overcoming of potential obstacles. Prerequisite: None.
EBM680
Project Management
4.5
Elective Requirements
Student must choose seven (7) from the following courses.
Data Structures and Algorithms
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course introduces the definitions, implementations, and applications of the most commonly used data structures used in Computer Science, including the concept of abstract data types. The course also introduces the basic formalism and concepts used in the analysis of algorithms and in algorithm design. The relative efficiency of the algorithms studied is estimated by the informal application of these ideas. The algorithms and data structures discussed include those for sorting, searching, graph problems, dynamic programming, combinatorial search and others. Prerequisite: None.
SOF510
Data Structures and Algorithms
4.5
Relational Database Management
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
The course aims at explaining the basic concepts of database architecture, data storage, and the relational database model. The students will be able to express queries in relational algebra, SQL, and ordinary English, and be able to embed SQL queries in a PL/SQL program. Students design a relational database. Students also understand and apply the concepts and techniques of concurrency control and database recovery. Prerequisite: None
SOF515
Relational Database Management
4.5
Software Verification and Validation
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
The evaluation of software for correctness, efficiency, performance, and reliability is addressed. Specific skills covered include program proving, code inspection, unit-level testing, and system-level analysis. The difficulty and cost of some types of analysis are examined in addition to the need for automation of tedious tasks. Problem-solving skills are stressed, especially in analysis of code. The textbook world is contrasted with the real world using case studies from the book and personal experiences. Industry attitudes toward reliability and performance are also discussed. Prerequisite: None
SOF520
Software Verification and Validation
4.5
Software Maintenance
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course provides a guide for the transition from programming for the short term to programming for the long term. The role of creation and maintenance in the software development process as well as analysis and implementation of a software design is reviewed. The need for software maintenance and evolution, software maintenance process and performance issues, planning for extended software life, and effective mechanisms to control software change are additional topics of discussion. Prerequisite: SOF500.
SOF525
Software Maintenance
4.5
Object Oriented Analysis and Design
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
The course discusses the following topics: object-oriented systems, software reusability, software modularity, top-down and bottom-up approaches, object classification, genericity, meta programming, and concurrent, object-oriented programming languages. Prerequisite: None
SOF535
Object Oriented Analysis and Design
4.5
Distributed Systems
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
Topics central to the design and management of distributed computing systems, including distributed synchronization and resource sharing, concurrency control in distributed databases, distributed simulation languages for distributed computing, management proof techniques for distributed systems, and distributed operating systems are covered. Prerequisite: SOF535.
SOF540
Distributed Systems
4.5
Middleware and Components Based Software
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
Topics central to the design and management of distributed computing systems, including distributed synchronization and resource sharing, concurrency control in distributed databases, distributed simulation languages for distributed computing, management proof techniques for distributed systems, and distributed operating systems are covered. Prerequisite: SOF535.
SOF545
Middleware and Components Based Software
4.5
C# Programming
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course will give the student a basic overview of programming in C# in the .NET framework. This course emphasizes use of visual studio, C# language essentials, object oriented programming, database programming and other skills needed for C# developers. This is a beginner’s course in object oriented programming which will guide the students how to use business classes, inheritance and interfaces the way they are used in the real world. Prerequisite: None.
SOF552
C# Programming
4.5
Java Programming
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course covers the essential elements of the Java programming language, including Class Libraries, packages, and exception handling. Students will be able to write Java programs for both Web and stand-alone applications using primitive types, tokens, operators, and expressions. Students will also use strings, arrays, graphics, and animation tools in their programs. Emphasis in the course will be placed on the development, implementation and execution of projects with an eye to industry standards. Prerequisite: None.
SOF553
Java Programming
4.5
Operating Systems
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
The course offers a hands-on introduction to operating systems, including multiprogramming, communication and synchronization, memory management, IO subsystems, and resource scheduling polices. The laboratory component consists of constructing a small kernel, including functions for device IO, multitasking, memory management, dynamic linking and loading, and socket- driven window management. Prerequisite: None
SOF560
Operating Systems
4.5
Network Security
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
Security concepts needed for the design, use, and implementation of secure voice and data communications networks, including the Internet, are introduced. The course provides an overview of networking technology and standards including an introduction to the Internet communications protocols. Specific security subjects addressed include firewalls, packet filtering, virtual private networks (VPNs), wireless network security, and operating system security. Prerequisite: None.
SOF570
Network Security
4.5
Internet Protocols
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course discusses protocol specifications and formal description methods, finite-state descriptions of internet protocols, specification and description language, and implementation of protocol specification. Prerequisite: None.
SOF575
Internet Protocols
4.5
Data Communications
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course covers the technology underlying data-communications systems, such as transmission media, modulation and demodulation, multiplexing, packet switching, hardware, software, and network operations. Topics included are fiber optics, the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), T-1 and T-3 multiplexers, the open systems interconnection (OSI) model, and integrated voice-data equipment. Methods for determining system requirements as well as approaches to system design are covered in light of current data communications equipment, applications, and services, and their future trends. Prerequisite: None
SOF580
Data Communications
4.5
Database Security
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course focuses upon security threats and issues specific to databases. This comprehensive database security course provides all the information that both Data Base Administrators (DBA) and security professionals need to develop, deploy and maintain a secure database solution. This vendor neutral course expands the security context of database technologies and examines in detail the exploitation of database vulnerabilities – irrespective of the underlying vendor technology. It exposes the pitfalls of database design, their means of identification and the methods of exploiting vulnerabilities. Prerequisite: None.
SOF620
Database Security
4.5
Secure E-Commerce
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course covers the theoretical foundations, implementation problems, and research issues of the emerging area of electronic commerce. It discusses technological, conceptual and methodological aspects of electronic commerce. The course format combines lectures, seminar presentations and classroom discussions. Cryptography review, cryptographic protocols, secure electronic transactions, public key certificates and infrastructures, authentication and authorization certificates, secure credential services and role-based authorization, mobile code security, security of agent-based systems, electronic payment systems, intellectual property protection, secure time stamping and notarization. Prerequisite: None.
SOF640
Secure E-Commerce
4.5
Intrusion Technologies and Defenses
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
The objective of this course is to provide an in depth introduction to the science and art of intrusion detection. The course consists of lectures and a series of interactive research oriented seminars. Topics covered include: overview of intrusions, history and state of the art of intrusion detection, the principles and techniques of intrusion detection, the limitations and open problems of intrusion detection, countermeasures against intrusion detection, case study of representative techniques used in intrusion detection systems, forensics, virus and worm defense. In addition to the principles and techniques of intrusion detection, the course will have substantial hands-on components. Prerequisite: SOF570.
SOF660
Intrusion Technologies and Defenses
4.5
Wireless Security
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course enables an individual to plan, select, and implement the appropriate wireless hardware and deploy the correct security controls to support a typical environment. A focus on RF (radio frequency) technologies in a vendor neutral environment, with hands-on laboratories to reinforce concepts, allows participants the broadest exposure to key concepts. This course is committed to be the most current in the industry, with professionally developed laboratory exercises and real world hardware. The Wireless LAN Security course consists of hands on learning using the latest enterprise wireless LAN security and auditing equipment. This course addresses in detail the most up-to-date WLAN intrusion and DoS tools and techniques, functionality of the 802.11i amendment to the 802.11 standard, the inner-workings of each EAP type used with wireless LANs today, and every class and type of WLAN security solution available on the market - from wireless intrusion prevention systems to wireless network management systems. Prerequisite: None.
SOF675
Wireless Security
4.5
Current Topics in Software Engineering I
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course addresses current topics in the software engineering field. Course topics vary. Check with the department for details. Prerequisite: Approval of the Dean.
SOF595
Current Topics in Software Engineering I
4.5
Current Topics in Software Engineering 2
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course addresses current topics in the software engineering field. Course topics vary. Check with the department for details. Prerequisite: Approval of the Dean.
SOF596
Current Topics in Software Engineering 2
4.5
Current Topics in Software Engineering 3
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course addresses current topics in the software engineering field. Course topics vary. Check with the department for details. Prerequisite: Approval of the Dean.
SOF597
Current Topics in Software Engineering 3
4.5
Current Topics in Software Engineering 4
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course addresses current topics in the software engineering field. Course topics vary. Check with the department for details. Prerequisite: Approval of the Dean.
SOF598
Current Topics in Software Engineering 4
4.5
Curricular Practical Training
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
Allows a student to enrich the learning experience in their chosen career area and enhance their career development. Provides a three-way cooperative educational partnership among student, employer, and Stratford University with each sharing responsibility through a part-time (maximum 20 hours per week) supervised work experience. Prerequisite: Permission of the Dean.
SOF599
Curricular Practical Training
4.5
IT & Corporate Transformation
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course examines how organizations are dependent on information technology not only for management of operations, but more also as a key enabler of competitive advantage. Also examined is the growth in corporate spending on IT components such as hardware, software, telecommunications, and for information systems (IS) personnel. Specific topics to be discussed include strategic planning for IT activities and projects, project-level planning and management, the role of the IT leader or chief information officer, and achieving the balance between insourcing and outsourcing of various IS functions. Prerequisite: None.
EBM535
IT & Corporate Transformation
4.5
E-Commerce WEB Site Development II
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
The emphasis of this course will be the advanced development of websites for business development. In this course, specific business websites will be studied for content, advertising, structure and usefulness. The participant will develop a number of business related websites and analyze them for effectiveness. Data warehousing and retrieval techniques will be addressed. In addition, future website development tools will be studied. Prerequisite: EBM540.
EBM545
E-Commerce WEB Site Development II
4.5
Wireless Telecommunications
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course concentrates on developing a fundamental understanding of international wireless networks. Both fixed and mobile systems are addressed from a practical design and implementation point of view. This course considers propagation effects for outdoor and indoor systems, modulation technologies, data encoding, antenna design, cellular layout, and the design of personal communications devices. Particular emphasis is placed on new Low Earth Orbit (LEOs) Satellites and other technologies emphasizing wireless communications. Prerequisite: None.
CIS520
Wireless Telecommunications
4.5
Digital Communications
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course concentrates on digital communications techniques as utilized in present and future systems. An emphasis is placed on analog to digital conversions, digital sampling techniques, digital modulation and transmission, multiplexing and coding techniques. The uses of Laplace, Z transforms and discrete-time systems are covered. Power spectral density analysis, coherent and non-coherent modulation are important topics. Realization of digital transmission techniques and medium as well as spread spectrum are covered. Satellite communications and multiple access techniques are also important topics. Prerequisite: None.
CIS530
Digital Communications
4.5
Signal Processing
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course emphasizes topics involved with digital signal processing. Topics include digital sampling and filtering techniques. The use of Laplace and Z transforms will be covered. Other topics include discrete time systems, frequency analysis, and design of digital filters. Additional topics covered are discrete and fast Fourier transform, power spectral estimation, and adaptive filters. An emphasis is placed on designing digital filters for communications processing. Prerequisite: None.
CIS540
Signal Processing
4.5
Wireless/Fixed Hybrid Networks
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course emphasizes the design and implementation of wireless/fixed networks needed to deliver wireless access to customers. Topics covered include: cellular interfaces to wire line networks, access to the internet, network management, transmission systems, and internet protocols. The designing of networks including traffic analysis, handoffs, and multiplexing of U.S., European, Asian and Canadian systems are considered. Prerequisite: None.
CIS550
Wireless/Fixed Hybrid Networks
4.5
Satellite Communications
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
The topics included in this course consider the latest digital communications techniques as related to satellite. The design, fabrication, and launching techniques are understood through concepts such as weight power and on board payload design; Propagation effects and path calculations are discussed. Other topics include TDMA/CDMA multiplexing for networks and , Bit error performance for various modulation techniques, and network management and synchronization. Advanced topics such as Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSAT) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) systems are introduced. Prerequisites: Prerequisite: CIS 530 or Permission of the Dean.
CIS560
Satellite Communications
4.5
Fiber Optic Communications
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
The theory and practical implementation of fiber optic systems are addressed. Topics related to electromagnetic transmission over fiber are considered. The design and fabrication of fiber strands will be explored. Implementations of wide band systems using fiber are addressed. Wave Division Multiplexing and Dense Wave Division Multiplexing (DWDM) as well as SONET are addressed. Designs using single and multimode systems are included. Prerequisite: CIS 530 or Permission of the Dean..
CIS570
Fiber Optic Communications
4.5
Data Networking
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
The topics in this course include: data communications, data Link control, data encoding, Wide Area Networks, Local Area Networks, Network Protocols (TCP/IP) and Security related to the Internet. Communications Architecture considering the seven layer protocol system will be addressed. Other topics will be: Circuit and Packet Switching, Frame Relay and Asynchronous Transfer (ATM). Network Management using SNMP will be covered. Understanding of the design and implementation of the Internet will be emphasized. Prerequisite: CIS 530 or Permission of the Dean.
CIS580
Data Networking
4.5
Voice over IP
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course will discuss transmission of Voice over a Packet Switched Network; The students is this course will deal with typical VoIP network scenarios such as campus and multi-site private networks. Communications Protocols for VoIP such as RTP and RTCP will be discussed in detail. In addition, topics such as security and quality issues will also be discussed. Prerequisite: None.
CIS585
Voice over IP
4.5
Broadband Networking
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course will emphasize Telecommunications techniques need to communicate at very wide bandwidths. Topics will include transmission and modulation techniques related to communicating at bandwidths of 1.5 Mbps or greater, up to terabits. The consideration of ISDN, Frame Relay and ATM techniques will be addressed. The use of wide band LANs and WANS will be considered. The use of Fiber Optics and Satellites for broadband communications will be addressed. Topics including Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), Cable systems and Microwave based systems will be covered. Prerequisite: None.
CIS590
Broadband Networking
4.5
Telecommunications Applications Architec
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course will emphasize topics related to Telecommunications applications. Specific topics to be covered are: Video conferencing over Networks, Picture Processing, Video & Audio streaming, Video over Web-enabled Networks. The discussion of mathematical techniques for data compression and picture enhancement will be covered. Three dimensional Image analysis and transmission of data with low signal to Noise ratios will be discussed. Prerequisite: None.
CIS620
Telecommunications Applications Architec
4.5