[comp.software-eng] M.S. in SE

ncmagel@ndsuvax.UUCP (ken magel) (02/12/89)

   I wish to echo the comments of the person who replied to the question
concerning the lack of M.S. programs in Software Engineering by stating that
his B.S. at an Australian school contained most of the information and techniques
which would be covered in a software engineering M.S.  I believe the time for a
distinct M.S. in Software Engineering has passed.  For example, in our regular
B.S. degree program, the student does seven distinct multi-week group projects
including design, coding, testing and debugging as well as user and maintenance
documentation.  Four other times the student is required to make and document
substantial enhancments or fault repairs to existing code.  We have courses in
the standard B.S. on systems specifications, systems design ( including two
different methodologies such as Jackson and Object-oriented), and testing and
maintenance.  Students may elect to take additional courses which cover other
aspects of software engineering.
     In our M.S. degree, students who do not have substantial expertise in
software engineering are required to take several courses which provide further
experience and concepts in this area.
     Thus, just as a degree program in Systems Programming might have seemed
appropriate in the 1960's, but not today, a distinct program in Software
Engineering is no longer necessary or desireable.
     There are some separate programs in artificial intelligence, but their
lifetimes are probably quite limited as well.  I expect them to either be
merged back into C.S. programs, or to become distinct interdisciplinary programs
with some psychology, some physiology, and some Computer Science as well as some
linguisitcs and semiotics.  In fact, perhaps they will in a few years merge
with the evolving semiotics programs at some schools.

withers@gryhwk.dec.com (There is no life I know to compare with pure imagination.) (02/15/89)

People,

I've been reading the recent notes about a Master's in Software Engineering and
was curious if anyone could tell me where, in the Boston MA area, such programs
existed?  Further, what MSCS (Comp. Sci.) degrees in that area run a good
program?  I am about to apply and would just like to know what people have heard
about the various programs in that area.  [Aside from the brochures which paint
nice pictures about everywhere... :-) ].

bidwell@aucis.UUCP (Dr. Dan Bidwell) (02/15/89)

We have a MSSE program in addition to our MSCS program here at Andrews
University Department of Computer Information Science.  We are not in the
Boston area though,  we are in the southwest corner of Michigan, near lake
Michigan and 20 miles north of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana.
----
Daniel R. Bidwell                         sharkey!aucis!bidwell
Computer Information Science Dept.    Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Mi.

snidely@inteloa.intel.com (David P. Schneider) (02/22/89)

I'm in a MS program through National Technological University.  This school
is  aimed  at  working professionals, is offered by satellite, and students
must be employed by a member [sponsor] corporation.  Check with  your  Site
Training  Office  to  see  if your corporation is involved.  Intel and BiiN
are, and the promotional list of *major*  subscribers  (that  I  was  given
about  3  years  ago)  includes DEC, Kodak, GE, GTE Spacenet, HP, IBM, NCR,
Tektronix, AT&T Technologies, ALCOA, General Dynamics, General Instruments,
Honeywell, Magnavox, RCA, and Sandia National Labs.

Classes are provided by host schools across the country.  I've had material
from  University  of  Massachusetts  (Amherst),  University  of  Minnesota,
Colorado State, and University of Idaho.  I'm currently taking SE-710S from
UofI,  Professor  William Junk presiding.  This is an excellent overview of
system analysis, software design, and other  Software  Engineering  issues,
with some exposure to CASE.

There is no MS/SE program, but the Computer Science degree with emphasis on
Computer Software considers the SE course essential (a "core" course).

NTU is a bit expensive, but I bet most corporate sponsors have a reimburse-
ment program.  That sure helps take the bite out of my schooling.  Check it
out!


                                                David P. Schneider
                                                     BiiN (tm)
                                                   Tuesday, 2.21