Carnegie Mellon University

The software systems that empower society require more than clever programmers. Now, more than ever, advances in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and autonomous systems demand engineers who can build reliable and trustworthy systems. Our program taught by top faculty at the #1 School of Computer Science will teach you to see the big picture and cut through vast quantities of information so you can negotiate trade-offs and build bridges faster.

The scale of modern software is unprecedented and multi-disciplinary. Our program will teach you to integrate engineering, managerial, and communication skills that top tech companies are eagerly competing for. With an integrated approach to engineering applied to real-world, industry-sponsored projects, you can grow to lead teams and master the design, construction and maintenance of complex systems without compromising quality.

Let your imagination guide us to a better future. From robotics to usability, machine vision to natural language processing — you will learn from, and build, lasting relationships with the world’s top experts. Becoming part of our alumni network will break down professional barriers and provide an instant connection to hundreds of accomplished, influential software engineering mentors and professionals across the globe.

The Master of Software Engineering degree from CMU is a strategic investment toward your future goals and ambitions. Find out how we can help you achieve your career dreams.

By the Numbers

100%

2021 Grads hired within 3 months of graduation

50%

Grads promoted to senior positions within 5 years after graduation

18%

Grads (2017-21) hired directly into senior software engineering positions

18 Months

Average time to a senior level position
(up to 12 months faster than non-CMU masters)

17.6 years

Average years of project mentor experience in software engineering and project management

1,270

Alumni working in software engineering positions worldwide

Programs at a Glance

MSE – Scalable Systems

For entry-level developers with less than two years experience, or equivalent internship/project experience. Students study scalable systems, including large-scale, intelligent systems.

Duration: 16-months, on-campus, full-time, internship during program required
Median Starting Salary: $128,250
Employed by: Amazon/AWS, Aurora, Dremio, Google, Interactive Brokers, Loom, Meta, Microsoft, Outreach, Roblox, Uber

MSE – Embedded Systems

For entry-level developers with less than two years experience, or equivalent internship/project experience. Students study embedded systems, including Internet-of-Things (IoT) and cyber-physical systems.

See MSE-Scalable Systems data.

MSE for Professionals

For experienced software developers with at least two years of full-time professional experience. 

Duration: 16-months, on-campus, full- or part-time, no internship required
Median Starting Salary: $140,000
Employed by: BeaconFire, CMU Robotics, Hivemapper, LinkedIn, Nimble Robotics 

MSE Online

For experienced software developers with at least two years of full-time professional experience. 

Duration: 24-months, online, part-time, no internship required

This program requires students to write a term paper as a reflective practice.

MBA/MSE Dual Degree

For engineering or science professionals who have at least two years of full-time professional experience.

Duration: 24-36 months, on-campus, full-time, internship during program required

Meet our Alumni

IS-MSE Accelerated Master's Program

For undergraduates majoring in Information Systems in the Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Carnegie Mellon. 5th year AMP students may choose either the Scalable Systems or Embedded Systems program.

What makes the MSE programs special?

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Take it to the next level and deliver.

The software systems that drive our modern world are not built on clever code alone. Our approach to learning takes you beyond foundations and teaches you how to build massive software systems that are on spec, on budget, and on time. Applying lessons learned in requirements gathering, project scoping, estimation, team management, architectural design, and assurance, our graduates are perfectly suited to do what few others can: DELIVER.

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Don’t just join a program. Join a community.

The MSE is a family, a tribe. That's no joke! The MSE community is one of the largest, most accomplished, and most engaged of any graduate program across our campus. While you are here, you are going to form bonds that will last a lifetime — friends and colleagues you can call on. And, as a part of our alumni network, you will have an instant connection to hundreds of accomplished, influential software engineering professionals across the globe.

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Collaborate with the absolute best and brightest.

Our department, the Software and Societal Systems Department (S3D), was established within the School of Computer Science over twenty years ago for one purpose: Transdisciplinary Collaboration. And that purpose will suffuse your experience in the MSE. You are going to work with the best and brightest; not just from software engineering, but across the entire tech spectrum. From robotics to HCI, ML to NLP — you are encouraged to tap the expertise and call upon the guidance of some of the foremost minds in their respective fields.