In the fall of 1997, the Department of Computer Science and Engineering launched the Master of Science in Software Engineering (MSSE) program in collaboration with the Center for Technological Leadership (CDTL). Since the MSSE program began, 205 students have enrolled, including the 79 current students. The students' employers represent a wide cross-section of companies, including some of Minnesota's giants such as 3M, Best Buy, IBM, Guidant, Lockheed Martin, St. Paul Companies, United Defense, UNISYS Corp., University of Minnesota, and West Group.

The program is a rigorous two-year graduate program for software professionals seeking to expand their theoretical and practical knowledge of software development. Candidates must be working professionals with at least one year of on-the-job software development experience and a B.S. or B.A. degree in computer science or a related field. Admission to the program is competitive. Classes are held one day a week, on alternating Fridays and Saturdays, and are taught by our regular faculty as well as business professionals with extensive research, teaching, and corporate experience. By all accounts the program has been highly successful and we are looking forward to expanding the program offerings over the next few years. To give a feel for the program on a personal level, two of our alumni have the following to say:

Megan Graham, MSSE '99: Process Lead, Software Verification Group, Guidant Corporation.
Pluses: "Each week, I brought something new back to work with me that I could use immediately. There was a symbiotic relationship between my education and my work experience that allowed me to enhance both simultaneously."
What She Says: "There is an opportunity to gain from other students' work experiences, which enhances the learning environment. The format allows students and professors to develop into a team, and as a team we are better able to learn from each other. I would definitely recommend the program and have! It's a great opportunity to take your career to the next level, as well as to develop relationships with software professionals."

Larry Zalesky, MSSE '01: Senior Principal Engineer, Deltec
Recent Move: Deltec promoted Zalesky the same year that he completed his Master of Science degree in software engineering.
His Story: Zalesky decided to attend the program with his wife, Pam. The two worked collaboratively on a capstone project to explore the software issues behind the use of palm pilots in drug delivery. The capstone was the start of work that continues today.
What He Says: "I wanted a degree with a technical emphasis. I liked the software engineering classes in design and was able to take ideas from class back to work."

If you want more information regarding the Master of Science Program in Software Engineering, please contact Shelli Burns, MSSE Recruitment/ Admissions (shelli@cdtl.umn) or get the information on line at www.cdtl.umn.edu (click on software engineering).

The program only admits students in the Fall-application deadline June 15, 2003. We hope to see some of you back in the classroom for your MSSE degree in the fall.

-Mats Heimdahl, Associate Professor,
MSSE Director of Graduate Studies