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    Carnegie Mellon University

    Master of Software Engineering for Professionals

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Pittsburgh, USMSEIn-person16 months
    STEM-OPT
    $105,000.00
    Tuition
    over 16mo
    198
    Credits
    $100.00
    App fee

    Master of Software Engineering for Professionals at Carnegie Mellon University is a 198-credit, 16-month, in-person MSE program based in Pittsburgh, US. Tuition is $105,000 and the program is STEM-OPT eligible for international students.

    About the program

    The program builds on industry experience and covers requirements, architecture, analysis, and project management. It includes a multi-semester real-world development project.

    Focus: coursework

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    Admissions

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    Deadlines

    Fall 2027
    Dec 10, 2026

    Standardized tests

    GRE
    optional
    Min GRE scores are optional. Average admitted: 156 V, 167 Q (2020 data)
    TOEFL
    required
    Min TOEFL (preferred), IELTS, or Duolingo required for non-native English speakers on F-1/J-1 visa if English not native from birth. No minimum stated. Average admitted international: 103 total TOEFL. Scores valid up to 2 or 5 years old depending on US degree status. TOEFL ITP Plus for China discouraged.
    IELTS
    optional
    Min IELTS accepted for non-native English speakers on F-1/J-1 visa if English not native from birth. No minimum stated. Scores valid up to 2 or 5 years old depending on US degree status.

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

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

    $170,000.00
    Avg starting salary
    $32,590.00
    Annual living cost

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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 Software Engineering for Professionals at Carnegie Mellon University cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Master of Software Engineering for Professionals at Carnegie Mellon University is $105,000 across 198 required credits.
    Is Master of Software Engineering for Professionals at Carnegie Mellon University online or in-person?
    Master of Software Engineering for Professionals at Carnegie Mellon University is offered in-person.
    How long does Master of Software Engineering for Professionals at Carnegie Mellon University take to complete?
    Master of Software Engineering for Professionals at Carnegie Mellon University is structured around 16 months and 198 credits.
    What GPA is required for Master of Software Engineering for Professionals at Carnegie Mellon University?
    Per the program's published guidance: Cumulative QPA higher than 2.5
    Is Master of Software Engineering for Professionals at Carnegie Mellon University STEM-OPT eligible?
    Yes - Master of Software Engineering for Professionals at Carnegie Mellon University is STEM-OPT designated, allowing international graduates to extend their post-completion OPT for up to 36 months total.