Software Engineering
Earn your master’s in software engineering degree
Are you ready to solve real-world problems and lead teams in a high-demand industry?
The Master’s in Software Engineering (MSE) at UW–La Crosse offers the hands-on experience, expert faculty and industry-aligned curriculum you need to thrive in today’s technology landscape.
With a focus on applied learning and leadership development, our program prepares students for some of the most in-demand software engineer jobs, with alumni working at top companies like NASA, Amazon, Microsoft, SpaceX, IBM, Trane, Epic and more.
Whether you’re an undergraduate planning your next step, a professional looking to advance your current career or transitioning into technology, UWL’s program is designed to help you succeed — with a nearly 100% job placement rate.
If you're wondering "what do software engineers do?" — you're not alone. Software engineers are problem-solvers and team leaders who design, build, test and maintain software systems that power everything from mobile apps to aerospace navigation.
While software engineering shares roots with computer science and computer engineering, it’s more focused on managing complex software development projects, breaking them down into manageable pieces, and ensuring all parts work together efficiently. They also examine how to maintain and integrate various software components to make sure that all parts work well together.
Software engineers must think creatively, communicate clearly and lead development teams to deliver reliable software that meets real-world needs.
Career outlook
Why choose UWL’s Master’s in Software Engineering program?
Each student completes a 12-credit capstone project under the one-on-one guidance of a faculty mentor. Working with real clients and using industry-standard tools and methods, these projects often result in fully-deployed software used by actual end users.
From development labs to specialized systems, students gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge computing technology, preparing them for careers across the tech landscape.
Our faculty are more than instructors — they're active researchers and industry experts who bring current, real-world insights into the classroom.
Each year, UWL invites a nationally-recognized leader in computing as part of the Distinguished Lecture Series in Computer Science, offering students the chance to learn directly from top minds in the field.
UWL’s Computer Science and Computer Engineering Department is one of the oldest in Wisconsin, with a reputation built on five decades of academic and professional excellence.
Featured courses
International excellence
Our international students work alongside domestic students in the classroom. Learn more about our partnerships with international institutions, or about how we support international students at UWL.
Important dates
Fall semester applications are due by May 1, and spring semester applications by November 1. To be considered for a graduate assistantship (starting in the fall), apply by February 1.
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Hear from an alum
Kaaviyashri Saraboji, MSE graduate student
“Everything in this program is so applied. The exams, the projects — you’re expected to build things that work in the real world ... It is a good experience. I’ve learned a lot from my friends — and now I can use what I’ve learned to give back.”