MS Software Development and Management
Background
Each software development project is a unique combination of tools, data, development software, processes, infrastructure technologies, and people - under pressure to produce a quality product within strict deadlines and tight budgets.
This degree program investigates contemporary and classical approaches to enterprise-wide software development with an emphasis on improving the probability of successful outcomes. The underlying principle of this curriculum is that software development is a manageable process - i.e. that the software development problems encountered now and in the future will be amenable to solutions based on sound managerial methodology and reasoned application of technology. The curriculum includes current programming environments, software development processes, and management techniques to provide a comprehensive approach to the issues faced by software development professionals.
Students in this program graduate with the necessary skills to compete effectively in an industry that is challenged by issues such as the redesign of infrastructure, personnel changes due to the "graying" of the workforce, and outsourcing.
Program DescriptionThe MS program in Software Development and Management (MS/SD&M) offered by the Department of Information Technology at RIT is a forty-eight (48) credit degree program: twelve 4-credit courses including the capstone experience. This program of study begins with core study which includes an overview course on theory and practice, two (2) 3-course concentrations on software development and management, and an approved business elective. The degree is completed with an upper-level 3-course concentration in an area of the student?s interest and the SD&M Capstone experience. The upper-level concentration can be chosen from several pre-approved options or designed by the student with the approval of the SD&M faculty. Students who wish to add practical experience to their studies may work for up to six (6) months on a cooperative educational experience (co-op).
Applicants wishing to enter this masters program must have the equivalent of at least two (2) years of full-time employment experience in the software development process, or other relevant employment experience, and knowledge of one or more modern programming languages. Expertise in specific programming languages may be required. Currently students must know the Java language. Bridge coursework is available to satisfy the programming language requirement.
This degree program is offered for part-time, distance study. Since this is a part-time program, RIT cannot issue I-20 paperwork to foreign students for study in the United States. However, international students may study part-time at a distance. All courses are available in distance-learning format. Courses in the Software Development concentration are periodically available for on-campus study.
Students typically take 2 - 3 years to complete this MS degree.
Note: The SD&M program was revised by the IT faculty and re-approved by New York State effective winter term 2004-5. Anyone already matriculated in the program prior to this date is NOT affected, but may elect to do a modified course plan with the prior approval of the Graduate Program Coordinator. Click here to view the pre 2005 program.