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Software Engineering M.S. with a Specialization in Software Development

Develop the Capacity to Construct New Tools

Software development is so much more than building the newest and hottest app for smartphones. When you earn a Master of Science in Software Engineering with a Specialization in Software Development from the University of Houston-Clear Lake, you will receive the tools necessary to bring your computer science expertise to the next level. Through both theoretical and practical exercises, this degree has you mastering crucial software fundamentals, including construction, architecture, processes and life cycles.

Focus Your Creative Energies

Your specialization centers upon four key concepts: engineering tools, design patterns, aspect-oriented development and metrics. You’ll also have the chance to engage in either a capstone project or thesis as the finishing touch on your degree. Both can serve as the necessary stepping stone to the next phase of your career – whether you pursue additional graduate studies or look for employment in promising industry.

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Admission Requirements

Explore what the future holds for you by attending University of Houston-Clear Lake's College of Science and Engineering. Find out now what it takes to be admitted.

  • Software Engineering M.S.
  • Admission Deadline

    Standard Graduate Admission Deadline

  • Application
    A standard university application is required.
  • Requirements
    • 3.0 GPA
    • GRE Total Score of 290 (140 Verbal + 150 Quantitative)
    • Additional Requirements – Undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering or closely related field
    Find out if you meet program requirements using the Program Qualification Estimator.


Degree Requirements

Get ready to calculate the course load for your education at University of Houston-Clear Lake! Learn more about the courses required to succeed here in the College of Science and Engineering.

Software Engineering M.S.


Cost Information

Calculate the price of your science or engineering degree at UHCL with our Cost Estimator function.
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Deadlines for Applying

  • Graduate Deadlines
  • Fall
    New Degree-Seeking Students - August 1
    Returning UHCL Students - August 15
  • Spring
    New Degree-Seeking Students - January 5
    Returning UHCL Students - January 15
  • Summer
    New Degree-Seeking Students - May 1
    Returning UHCL Students - May 25

Please note, some graduate programs have special deadlines and requirements. For more information, go to How to Apply as a Graduate Student. Check the status of your application online through E-Services using your UHCL student ID.

The UHCL application is available online through Apply Texas. The online application is scheduled to close for Graduate students after the Formal UHCL Student deadline of each semester.

Applying After the Priority Deadline

New, non-degree seeking, and returning UHCL students applying after the deadlines above may be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the appropriate graduate enrollment counselor for more information. A $50.00 Late Registration Fee or $50.00 Late Payment may apply.

Review the UHCL Academic Calendar for registration and payment dates and deadlines.


  • International Deadlines
  • Fall

    Final Deadline - April 1
    Document Deadline - April 15

    Early Deadline - February 4 (Computer Science, Computer Information System, Data Science)
    Document Deadline - February 15

  • Spring

    Final Deadline - October 1
    Document Deadline - October 15

    Early Deadline - August 1 (Computer Science, Computer Information System, Data Science)
    Document Deadline - August 15

  • Summer*

    Final Deadline - March 1
    Document Deadline - March 15

    Early Deadline - February 4 (Computer Science, Computer Information System, Data Science)
    Document Deadline - February 15

For more information regarding deferring your application, please visit Deferring International Admission.

Students interested in qualifying for scholarships &/or applying for visas outside the U.S. should apply and submit the application documents/test scores by the priority deadline

*International freshmen applicants will not be accepted for Summer semester.


Locations

University of Houston-Clear Lake

University of Houston-Clear Lake

2700 Bay Area Blvd
Houston, TX 77058
Phone: 281-283-7600

About UHCL


Accreditations and Distinctions

UHCL is one of only 10 U.S. universities with computing programs accredited under three different curriculum guidelines of ABET. The College of Science and Engineering's undergraduate degree program in computer engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, while its computer science and computer information systems undergraduate programs are accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. The undergraduate occupational safety and health sub-plans for safety and industrial hygiene are accredited by the Applied and Natural Science Accreditation Commission of ABET. Our chemistry degree program is accredited by the American Chemical Society.


Software Engineering M.S. with a Specialization in Software Development Faculty

Jim Dabney
James Dabney

James B. Dabney

Program Chair and Professor of Systems Engineering,
Science and Engineering

Contact number: 281-283-3852
Email: dabney@uhcl.edu
Office: D108

James B. Dabney Faculty Bio

Soma Datta
Soma Datta

Soma Datta

Associate Professor of Software Engineering,
Science and Engineering

Contact number: 281-283-3838
Email: datta@uhcl.edu
Office: Delta 106

Soma Datta Faculty Bio

Jim Helm
James Helm

James Carlton Helm

Associate Professor of Software Engineering,
Science and Engineering

Contact number: 281-283-3875
Email: helm@uhcl.edu
Office: D101

James Carlton Helm Faculty Bio

S. Andrews White
Sharon Andrews

Sharon Andrews White

Program Chair and Professor of Software Engineering,
Science and Engineering

Contact number: 281-283-3867
Email: whites@uhcl.edu
Office: D105

Sharon Andrews White Faculty Bio