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    Carnegie Mellon University

    Master of Science in Software Engineering (MSSE)

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Mountain View, USMSIn-person16 months
    STEM-OPT
    $108,000.00
    Tuition
    over 16mo
    97
    Credits
    $75.00
    App fee

    Master of Science in Software Engineering (MSSE) at Carnegie Mellon University is a 97-credit, 16-month, in-person MS program based in Mountain View, US. Tuition is $108,000 and the program is STEM-OPT eligible for international students.

    About the program

    The program provides a rigorous foundation in software engineering core disciplines, balancing theory and practice through active learning and real-world projects. It focuses on technical expertise, innovation, collaboration, leadership, and professional preparation in building high-quality software systems.

    Focus: coursework
    US News #1 Computer Science (graduate)
    Part-time option

    Your fit

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    Admissions

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    GPA thresholds, GRE/TOEFL/IELTS minimums, essay counts, recommendation letters, prerequisites, admissions contacts, and country-specific requirements like APS certification, portfolio submissions, or GATE scores.

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    Deadlines

    Spring 2027
    Aug 31, 2026
    Fall 2027
    Dec 15, 2026

    Standardized tests

    GRE
    optional
    Min GRE scores are optional. Average scores of admitted applicants: 156 V, 167 Q (professionals); 159 V, 168 Q (recent grads)
    TOEFL
    required
    Min Admitted international students typically average a 103 total TOEFL score (professionals); 109 (recent grads). No minimum stated. TOEFL preferred for non-native speakers on F-1/J-1 visa.
    IELTS
    optional
    Min No minimum stated. IELTS accepted for non-native speakers on F-1/J-1 visa.

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    12 months OPT (US), 24 months STEM OPT (US)

    $32,590.00
    Annual living cost

    Application Checklist

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    Self-reported profiles of past applicants to this program.

    Prerequisites

    Specific coursework this program expects you to have completed: calculus, linear algebra, programming, statistics, and subject-specific prerequisites where applicable.

    Recommendations

    Exact count of letters required, whether academic vs professional references are preferred, and any program-specific guidance on who to ask.

    Essays

    Number of essays required (statement of purpose, personal statement, diversity statement), prompts where the program publishes them, and whether supplemental essays are optional or mandatory.

    Contact

    Direct email and phone for the admissions office handling this program, plus a link to the program-specific inquiry page where available.

    Frequently asked questions

    How much does Master of Science in Software Engineering (MSSE) at Carnegie Mellon University cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Master of Science in Software Engineering (MSSE) at Carnegie Mellon University is $108,000 across 97 required credits.
    Is Master of Science in Software Engineering (MSSE) at Carnegie Mellon University online or in-person?
    Master of Science in Software Engineering (MSSE) at Carnegie Mellon University is offered in-person.
    How long does Master of Science in Software Engineering (MSSE) at Carnegie Mellon University take to complete?
    Master of Science in Software Engineering (MSSE) at Carnegie Mellon University is structured around 16 months and 97 credits.
    What GPA is required for Master of Science in Software Engineering (MSSE) at Carnegie Mellon University?
    Per the program's published guidance: Cumulative QPA higher than 2.5
    Is Master of Science in Software Engineering (MSSE) at Carnegie Mellon University STEM-OPT eligible?
    Yes - Master of Science in Software Engineering (MSSE) at Carnegie Mellon University is STEM-OPT designated, allowing international graduates to extend their post-completion OPT for up to 36 months total.