What is software engineering?
Software engineering applies engineering and management principles to the challenges of constructing and maintaining software intensive systems and products. In other fields of engineering, known technologies, empirical data, theories, quantitative analysis, experimentation, and testing are brought to bear on the problem. Software engineers apply very similar practices. However, their analysis and decision-making work leverages computing and software foundations discovered by computer scientists, mathematicians and the like. Software engineers, then, uses facts and data together with process-oriented thinking and logic to ensure that software products will meet organizational, financial, market, and technical requirements.
What is the difference between Software Engineering and Computer Science?
Computer Science studies the theoretic, structural, and algorithmic foundations of computing and software. In contrast, Software Engineering is focused on building software-based products and system solutions using best industry practices. Software engineers must understand how to apply the underlying science of computing and software. In addition, they need to understand and apply management and decision-making techniques to business issues in order to manage project costs, schedules and budgets, and manage technical software development process.
Why should I learn about software engineering?
Enhancing your command of software engineering principles and best practices will make you more proficient and increase your confidence on the job. When you have mastered them you will find that you are able to develop better software products. You will learn to avoid the mistakes that make so many software products miss the market, cost too much, and even fail completely. So far as your career is concerned, you will be worth more to any company that understands the value of better software products, and the true lifecycle costs of poor quality software.
What are the prerequisites for taking an OMSE class?
To take any OMSE course, you are required to have a four-year bachelor's degree from an accredited US university (or equivalent) plus at least two (2) years of intensive software development or software support experience. You must have written some code and have experience with the practical problems of producing software within the constraints of cost, quality and time. If there is any doubt as to whether you meet these prerequisites, OMSE faculty and staff will gladly assist you with a personal assessment.
Do I need to apply to the master's or the certificate program before taking an OMSE class?
No, you can register as a professional development student. In fact, you can take up to five (5) courses before you need to apply for admission (beware of PSU's "Credit Transferability Rule"). We recommend that students first take OMSE 500: Principles of Software Engineering. This course will give you an overview of the entire OMSE curriculum and allow you to determine if the OMSE program is a "good fit" for you.
How do I register for an OMSE class?
The first time you register for an OMSE course you will be expected to submit a resume showing that you have met program requirements. Once you have been approved to register, you will be required to complete and submit certain forms. The course registration page provides complete details.
How do I apply for the certificate and masters programs?
The procedures for admission to both programs are very similar, but they do vary a little. Full details are posted on this web site.
When do I need to apply for admission to the Certificate in Software Engineering?
The Certificate in Software Engineering consists of five (5) Tier 1 OMSE core courses which also qualify for credit towards the master's degree. You may apply for admission to the certificate program at any time during the period you are taking Tier 1 courses. Students who have been admitted to the master's program may choose (at their option) to apply for the Certificate of Software Engineering once they completed all five Tier 1 courses.
What is PSU's "Credit Transferability Rule"?
Qualified students may take ONLY 15 credits (5 courses), including electives, prior to admission. Ensure that you leave adequate time to process your application for admission to avoid violating this rule. We suggest at least one full term of lead time. You should contact the OMSE Program Office if your timeline for submitting your application is approaching this limit.
What is PSU's "Seven-Year Rule"?
Portland State University (PSU) mandates all coursework for a degree be completed within a seven-year timeline. Please plan your program accordingly. You should contact the OMSE Program Office if your timeline for completing OMSE courses is approaching this limit, for clarification of credit transferability and the seven-year rules.
Is financial aid available?
OMSE has been designed for working professionals who typically receive full or partial support for tuition by their employers. Unfortunately, OMSE does not offer any financial assistance at this time.
Where are face-to-face classes located?
Face-to-face classes are typically held one evening per week from 6:00 - 8:50 p.m. at the Distance Learning Center, Room 304, at Portland State University. Most face-to-face classes are digitally recorded and are posted in the web for later review by students who have not been able to attend a class. Students are expected to notify the instructor in advance of absences and make arrangements to ensure that learning continuity is maintained. Instructor policy on recurring or chronic absenteeism vary.
What about OMSE online courses?
For the most part, students taking OMSE online courses are able to schedule their own time for study over the duration of the week. Online students are paced by the instructor's prior web posting of readings, assignments and on-line (asynchronous) discussions. The study week for an online course typically (but not necessarily) starts Monday morning with instructions for the week, and ends Sunday evenings when the assigned activities are due.
What is an OMSE "hybrid" course offering?
Hybrid course offerings integrate face-to-face and online learning models. The classroom lectures are recorded and digitally streamed for broadcast by the next morning after class. Students can elect to attend the face-to-face lectures and wait 24 hours (approx.) to view the audio-video stream. Otherwise, the weekly pacing of courses are the same as the online model, namely, readings, assignments and discussions are posted online.
What if I need to miss a face-to-face lecture?
Face-to-face lectures are captured for video streaming and handouts are posted via "PSU Online". While not designed to take the place of attending the session in person, this availability minimizes the impact of absences that cannot be avoided.
How are face-to-face OMSE courses scheduled?
Each OMSE course is ten weeks in length with the eleventh week used for final exams or take-home papers.
How long should it take me to complete the Master of Software Engineering degree?
OMSE was specifically designed as a part-time graduate degree program for working professionals. At a pace of 4 and 5 courses per year, it is possible to complete the master's program in about 4 and 3 years respectively. Students should carefully review their individual circumstances and progress through the program at a pace that allows them to balance all of their personal and work obligations, including their obligation to achieve positive learning outcomes.
How long should it take me to complete the Certificate in Software Engineering degree?
OMSE is as a part-time program for working professionals. It is anticipated that students should be able to complete the program in 1 or 2 years. Students should carefully review their individual circumstances and progress through the program at a pace that allows them to balance all of their personal and work obligations, including their obligation to achieve positive learning outcomes.
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