Masters
Part-Time or Full-Time
Fall, Spring
Hybrid, On-Campus, Online
About the MS in Software Engineering at Loyola
With a strong selection of courses in software development and software engineering, the Loyola University Chicago MS in Software Engineering can help you stand out for software engineering jobs.
Through our MS in Software Engineering, you will be well prepared to work as a software developer in a variety of programming environments, including website development, mobile development, systems programming, and machine learning.
The master's program is open to all students interested in software engineering regardless of their undergraduate degree and is well suited for those without a programming or related background who want to transition into a computer science related career. With small class sizes of 20 to 30 students, you will have extensive opportunities to interact directly with Loyola's industry-experienced faculty.
Program Structure
The MS in Software Engineering can be pursued full-time or part-time. Classes are held online or at Loyola's Lake Shore Campus, conveniently located on Chicago's North Side and a short train ride away from downtown.
Are you a current Loyola undergrad?
This program is eligible for an Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's degree. Earn a Master’s with only one extra year of study following the completion of your eligible undergraduate degree.
LEARN MOREWhy Choose Loyola for Your MS in Software Engineering?
- STEM-designated graduate degree
- Led by faculty with real-world experience
- State-of-the-art lab facilities
- Preparation for an ever-changing field
- Wide variety of advanced courses
- Your credits count
Distinguish yourself with a STEM-designated master’s degree. International students: Our STEM designation allows you to extend your training in the U.S. for up to 36 months.
You will learn from faculty members who work in the business world and bring real-world programs and solutions to their classrooms.
You will benefit from leading-edge laboratory facilities, including Windows and Linux development labs, and a wireless interaction area.
Prepare for the challenging, ever-changing world of software engineering through our systematic methodology approach that teaches you how to think, not what to think.
Loyola’s MS in Software Engineering offers a wide base of study so you are prepared for a long, fulfilling (and lucrative) career as a software developer.
You can receive up to 6 credit hours, replacing two Loyola courses, for graduate work completed elsewhere.
Computer Science Department
The Department of Computer Science offers an education that builds skills and careers by starting with projects that require you to use your head, not repeat lessons from a textbook. Find stories showcasing current students and graduates from the Computer Science: Software Engineering MS program and learn more about why Loyola is right for you.
Department WebsiteDepartment News and StoriesMeet the Faculty
Loyola is proud to have talented and nationally-recognized scholar-teachers as part of our diverse community of exceptional faculty, students and staff. Loyola faculty are known for their commitment to teaching, the dissemination of knowledge through innovative and interdisciplinary scholarly research, and a commitment to social justice and cura personalis, or care for the whole person. Visit the department faculty and staff directory to learn more about the teachers and mentors involved with the Computer Science: Software Engineering MS program.
FacultySoftware Engineering: Career Connections
Through the MS in Software Engineering, you will be prepared for a range of software engineering jobs.
Specific job options include:
- Software engineer
- Software developer
- Website developer
Because Loyola is a member of the Jesuit network of 27 colleges and universities nationwide, our graduates can access career advising services, resume and interviewing assistance, career fairs and events, and employment listings in our Career Services center, as well as at career centers at other U.S. Jesuit colleges and universities.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook is a good place to start exploring the job outlook and pay potential for specific careers and fields that interest you.
Curriculum and Program Outcomes
While courses for the Computer Science: Software Engineering MS program may vary from semester to semester, Loyola’s extensive Academic Catalog will always house the official listing of courses, programs of study, academic policies, degree requirements, and specialization or concentration options.
Additionally, this resource will provide Computer Science: Software Engineering MS learning outcomes, showcasing the commitment to specific skills and growth graduates can expect to achieve following completion of the program.
2024-2025 Catalog
Browse Academic CatalogMS in Software Engineering Results and Skills
The MS in Software Engineering at Loyola is for students interested in software engineering careers, specifically software development jobs. Through this STEM-designated degree, you will develop skills in:
- Computer programming and coding
- Software testing and debugging
- Object-oriented design (OOD)
- Software development
- Communication
- Collaboration/teamwork
- Problem solving
- Logical thinking
Costs, Scholarships, and Aid
Loyola University Chicago is committed to making your graduate and professional studies a reality. Our Cost & Financial Aid page can help better inform you about the costs and potential funding opportunities through scholarships, loans, and aid for graduate and professional education.
If you are a current Loyola undergraduate or recent alum, you may be eligible for a Returning Rambler discount. Learn more and see if you qualify on our Returning Rambler Scholarship page.
Tuition and Costs
The estimated tuition and fees for the Computer Science: Software Engineering MS totals $34950.00, or 30 credit hours at a cost of $1,165.00 per credit hour. Please note that tuition and fees for all of Loyola's academic programs are subject to change.
For more detailed information about tuition and fees, and a breakdown of how these costs are calculated on a yearly basis, please visit Tuition and Fees from the Office of the Bursar.
The Graduate School Funding Opportunities
Information about funding opportunities within The Graduate School can be found on The Graduate School website.
Appointments and Events
Whether you’re just beginning your search, in the midst of the application process, or eager to explore our graduate and professional programs, our admissions staff is here to assist you every step of the way.
Schedule an AppointmentThe Graduate School offers graduate open houses, information sessions, individual appointments, open Zoom and text sessions, and a multitude of other ways to get to know us better.
View all EventsVisit and Connect With Us
With our visit opportunities, you can tour our beautiful Chicago campuses and learn more about Loyola's ties to one of the most prestigious cities in the world.
Application Process
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Computer Science: Software Engineering MS are listed below. Please keep in mind that both the application and the required materials must be submitted by the specified deadline.
Fall: Rolling admission
Consideration for funding: February 15
Spring: Rolling admission
Consideration for funding: September 15
Decisions are provided within a week of the completed application submission.
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Computer Science: Software Engineering MS include:
Official transcripts from all institutions attended
3.0 Minimum GPA
Statement of Purpose
Prerequisite Course Requirements
This program requires preparation courses in computer science or a related field before beginning the curriculum, but students who have not completed the designated courses may be admitted to the program and take additional courses to fulfill prerequisite requirements Learn more about the Computer Science: Software Engineering MS curriculum and prerequisite courses on the Computer Science: Software Engineering MS Academic Catalog page.
Statement of Purpose Details
Please write a brief statement describing your academic and research interests as well as your professional goals.
Official Documents
Official transcripts are those that are sent directly by the college/university to Loyola University Chicago. Transcripts sent by the student to Loyola are considered unofficial documents, and while they may be utilized for initial review of your application, official transcripts are still required. Official documents should be sent by the institution to gradapp@luc.edu.
International Applicant Requirements
An official English language proficiency exam is required for international applicants whose native language is not English. If you have non-U.S. educational credentials, you are required to submit an official transcript evaluation. The transcript evaluation cannot be waived.
Please visit our International Applicant Requirements page for specific information regarding the application process for international students.
Start Your Application
Applying online to the Computer Science: Software Engineering MS program is a swift, uncomplicated, and cost-free process. After submission, you can proceed to send and upload any additional requirements.
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