Graduate Study
Software Development and Management
Program Overview
The software development and management degree program enables the matriculated student to study, develop, and become proficient in the practices, methodologies, and techniques at all levels in the software development process. The program is designed for individuals whose undergraduate majors were in a computing discipline or who have extensive work experience in software development. Applicants must have at least two (2) years of full-time employment background in software development before entering the program.
Curriculum Review
This program of study consists of twelve courses (48 quarter credit hours), which include the core coursework (an overview course, foundation study in software development and project management theory and practice, and a business elective), an upper-level 3-course concentration, and the SD&M Capstone experience.
An optional cooperative work experience is possible.This program is designed for part-time study at a distance (online learning).
Courses:
a foundation course that focuses on themes and trends in software development
Software Development coursework:
Project Management coursework:
A business elective in organizational behavior or management concepts
An upper-level, 3-course concentration in one of the areas below:
Software Development and Management Capstone (a one-term course experience)
Career Outcomes
Job TitlesProject manager, software engineer, systems/analyst, information specialist, information analyst
Functions
Software development, software engineering, project management
Recent Employers
Adobe, Texas Instrument, Harris Corporation
Admission Requirements
Applicants should have a baccalaureate or equivalent degree from an accredited institution and a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (a "B" average). Applicants must submit two professional recommendations.
Since this is a part-time program, visa forms cannot be issued by RIT.Applicants whose native language is not English must take the TOEFL examination; a minimum score of 570 (paper-based), 230 (computer-based), or 88 (Internet-based) is required.
Prerequisites
Individuals wishing to enter the master’s program must have at least two years of full-time employment experience in the software development process and a solid background in object-oriented programming (Java). If a student does not have the necessary programming background, bridge courses are provided to allow students to meet these prerequisites. Formal acceptance into the master’s program may be possible even though the applicant must complete bridge program courses.
The bridge program
Students whose undergraduate preparation or industrial experience does not satisfy the Java prerequisite can make up this deficiency by completing one or more of the following RIT courses, as prescribed by the graduate program coordinator.
Java programming language
4002-217 Programming for Information Technology I
4002-218 Programming for Information Technology II
(or)
4002-414 Java for Programmers
(or)
4002-714 Java Programming (requires prior programming experience)
The bridge program courses are not part of the 48 credits required for the master’s degree. Grades for bridge courses are not included in a student’s graduate grade point average if taken before matriculation; they are included if taken after matriculation.
A bridge program can be designed in a variety of ways. Other courses can be substituted or courses at other colleges can be applied. Contact the graduate program coordinator for approval.
Prerequisites
Students wishing to enter the master’s program must have at least two years of employment experience in the software development process and a solid background in object-oriented programming (Java).
If a student does not have the necessary programming background, bridge courses are provided to allow students to meet these prerequisites. Formal acceptance into the master’s program may be possible even though the applicant must complete bridge program courses.