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    Carnegie Mellon University

    Master of Software Engineering - Scalable Systems

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Pittsburgh, USMSEIn-person16 months
    STEM-OPT
    $108,000.00
    Tuition
    over 16mo
    153
    Credits
    $100.00
    App fee

    Master of Software Engineering - Scalable Systems at Carnegie Mellon University is a 153-credit, 16-month, in-person MSE program based in Pittsburgh, US. Tuition is $108,000 and the program is STEM-OPT eligible for international students.

    About the program

    Program for studying scalable systems, including large-scale, intelligent systems. Covers software engineering practices with core courses in product management, agile methods, software architecture, DevOps, quality assurance, and electives.

    Focus: coursework

    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

    Fall 2027
    Dec 10, 2027

    Standardized tests

    GRE
    optional
    Min GRE scores are optional. Average admitted: 159 V, 168 Q (2020)
    TOEFL
    required
    Min Admitted international students typically average a 109 total TOEFL score (2020). TOEFL (preferred), IELTS, or Duolingo required for non-native speakers on F-1/J-1 visa; no waivers; scores no older than 2 years if no US bachelor's.
    IELTS
    required
    Min IELTS accepted for non-native speakers on F-1/J-1 visa (no specific minimum stated)

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

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

    $129,000.00
    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 - Scalable Systems at Carnegie Mellon University cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Master of Software Engineering - Scalable Systems at Carnegie Mellon University is $108,000 across 153 required credits.
    Is Master of Software Engineering - Scalable Systems at Carnegie Mellon University online or in-person?
    Master of Software Engineering - Scalable Systems at Carnegie Mellon University is offered in-person.
    How long does Master of Software Engineering - Scalable Systems at Carnegie Mellon University take to complete?
    Master of Software Engineering - Scalable Systems at Carnegie Mellon University is structured around 16 months and 153 credits.
    What GPA is required for Master of Software Engineering - Scalable Systems at Carnegie Mellon University?
    Per the program's published guidance: Cumulative QPA higher than 2.5
    Is Master of Software Engineering - Scalable Systems at Carnegie Mellon University STEM-OPT eligible?
    Yes - Master of Software Engineering - Scalable Systems at Carnegie Mellon University is STEM-OPT designated, allowing international graduates to extend their post-completion OPT for up to 36 months total.