Program Information

Software engineering is an established discipline based on requirement analysis, design, construction, testing, maintenance, economics, and ma`s that build and sell computers, research and development laboratories, aerospace companies, government contractors, banks, insurance companies, and manufacturing organizations. Software engineers are concerned with the theoretical and practical aspects of technology, cost, and social impact of software systems that are both effective and efficient.

The Master of Science Degree in Software Engineering is designed for software engineers who want to expand their knowledge and experience in developing and modifying large, complex software systems. It emphasizes technical and management aspects of the software engineering process. The program offers experience from both academic and industrial perspectives. Through challenging curricula, innovative courses, and a technical emphasis, students learn and apply practices, tools, and techniques in a real-world project environment. The program is designed to produce industry leaders and researchers who are technically astute and possess advanced managerial, leadership, and communication kills.

Individuals completing this program will be able to lead and improve the industry and the state of the practice in the years to come. This may certainly contribute to the diversification and strengthening of the Saudi economy, as measured by job creation, and new industry development and growth in GDP per capita.

Degree Name

Master of Science (MSc.) in Software Engineering.

Degree Requirment

In addition to the general requirements of the university, the MS in Software Engineering (option II) requires the student to fulfill the following in order to be awarded the Master’s Degree in Software Engineering:

• Completion of 42 credit hours (SWE Master’s Degree Program courses and project) as follows:
  • Minimum of 8 core courses (3 Credit Hours each) including the graduation project.
  • Minimum of 6 elective courses (3 Credit Hours each).

By default all the new students will be in the courses/project track. However, based on the student request and department approval, he/she can move to thesis track later.

Program Educational Objectives

The program is designed to achieve the following:

1. Producing industry leaders and practitioners who are technically astute and possess advanced managerial, leadership, and communication skills in software engineering field.
2. Producing researchers, in the field of software engineering, who can pursue further post-graduate studies and contribute to the research community in Saudi Arabia.
3. Producing research studies in the field of software engineering that contribute to advancing the technology in Saudi Arabia.

Admission

Admission Requirements

In addition to the general admission requirements of the university, the applicant to the MSc. Program in Software Engineering must meet the following requirements:

1. Applicant should hold a B.Sc. degree from an accredited university in Software Engineering, Information Systems, Information Technology, Computer Science, or Computer Engineering. (Applicants with other equivalent B.Sc. degree in Computing may be considered with some prerequisite courses to meet the core courses of the Software Engineering B.Sc.)
2. Applicants should have earned a grade point average of “Very Good” or better in the courses of undergraduate study.
3. Applicant should have an English proficiency exam by submitting one of the following tests:
   • TOEFL with minimum of 450 (paper based), 45 (internet based), or 133 (computer based).
   • IELTS with minimum of 4.
   • STEP with minimum of 67
4. Applicant should have the ability of problem-solving by submitting the GRE quantitative reasoning part with minimum of 144
5. For Saudi students, the GRE requirements can be alternatively fulfilled by Qudarat exam with a score 70 or above.

Selection Criteria
 The final recommendation for admission to SWE master program will be based on the following criteria:

1. GPA
2. GAT general aptitude test (GRE/ Qudarat) & English proficiency (TOEFL/ IELTS/ STEP)
3. Previous university status/ranking
4. Previous degree program
5. Program nature (full time)
6. Practical/Academic experience in related field/industry
7. Publication of conference/journal papers

Study Plan