MS Software Development and Management

Frequently Asked Questions


What's the difference between the MS program in Software Development and Management and an MBA in Information Systems?

An MBA is a management degree with a technical slant. This is a technical degree program with a management slant designed specifically for experienced software developers and today's software development environments. The focus of this program is more on the management of technology than on managing people.

What computer programming skills are needed for this degree program?

This is a practitioner's degree. Students need to have at least intermediate-level skill in object-oriented programming (typically equivalent to two programming courses), in the Java language. Those individuals whose undergraduate preparation or industrial/work experience does not satisfy this prerequisite, can make up this deficiency through study, taking one or more of courses as prescribed by the Graduate Program Coordinator. This requirement may be satisfied through study at any accredited college or university that is convenient. The IT Department offers 4002-714, Java Programming, as a prerequisite course for experienced programmers.

Students are expected to achieve a 3.0 ('B' grade) or better average in coursework completed to satisfy prerequisite requirements. Prerequisite study is not part of the 48-quarter credit hours of study required for the master's degree. Grades for prerequisite course(s) taken at RIT are not included in a student's graduate grade-point average if completed before matriculation. However, grades for bridge course(s) taken after matriculation are included in the student's graduate grade-point average.

What is meant by the requirement for "at least two (2) years of full-time employment experience in the software development process?"

This degree is intended for individuals who have had an opportunity to experience the issues that impact the success and failure of the software development process in today's corporate environments. Program candidates should have had the opportunity to be a member of a software development team - although not necessarily as a programmer. The IT faculty considers this two-year experience requirement essential for successful participation in this degree program.

There has been a lot of discussion recently in the press about outsourcing and the demise of programming as a career. Will this degree program help me to maintain my professional marketability?

Yes. As the dust is settling on this issue, it's becoming clear that creative individuals with "advanced" software development skills will continue to be in demand. While "coding" is being outsourced more or less successfully, management functions are not and are expected to remain here for the foreseeable future. The ability to analyze user needs, design and implement a comprehensive solution, architect and manage data, work productively in a development team, and manage the overall development process are still skills in demand. The MS/SD&M curriculum is constantly reviewed and revised by our faculty to keep it current with the needs of business and industry. This program is specifically designed to provide the skills that software development professionals need for today's enterprise environments.

What is the Software Development and Management capstone requirement?

The SD&M capstone is a 4-credit course that is taken as the final educational experience before program graduation. It provides an opportunity to pull together what you have learned and demonstrate your professional capabilities. The advantage of the course format is that it's more convenient to complete than the typical graduate program capstone project or thesis.

What is the Cooperative Education experience (co-op) at RIT?

An optional cooperative educational experience is available to SD&M students who wish to add an employment experience to their education. Students register for the course 4002-888, Graduate Cooperative Education , for zero (0) credits at no cost. The Office of Cooperative Education and Career Services (put link to site here) can assist you in finding a coop position, or you can find a position on your own and have it approved. Students should complete at least two-thirds of their coursework (8 courses) before considering coop. A maximum of six (6) months of co-op can be done as part of this degree. Co-op must be completed prior to graduation.

How long will it take to complete the Software Development and Management MS degree?

Students take either one or two courses per academic term depending upon their personal and employment schedules. Many students prefer to take the summer term off. At two courses per term, it can take between 1 1/2 to 2 years to complete the degree. At one course per term, it can require from 3 to 3 1/2 years to complete the degree.

Is there any on-campus residency requirement?

No. This degree can be completed entirely in on-line learning format. For information about distance education at RIT, click here.

Is there any difference between this degree and other graduate degrees offered by RIT?

No. There in no difference between graduate degrees earned on-campus or in distance-learning format at RIT. As one of the first universities in the country to offer distance education, RIT is committed to academic excellence regardless of learning format. There is no indication of learning format printed on the actual degree.

Who teaches the Software Development and Management courses? Are they RIT faculty?

Yes, the SD&M Program and its courses were all designed by the IT/RIT faculty; and RIT faculty members teach these courses. While the IT Department does occasionally hire adjuncts, they use our curriculum, and their performance is evaluated each term. Click here to meet the SD&M faculty.

©2007 RIT Information Technology Department
Built with XHTML, CSS, & MAML