Top ranked online graduate program in the Statler College integrating new technologies for student success

Students in the online master of science software engineering program have new technologies integrated in their curriculum to ensure their success.

The West Virginia University Master of Science in Software Engineering (MSSE) online graduate program courses address new technologies, improving software engineering’s ability to architect and design secured advanced complex software systems.

Story by Paige Nesbit, Director of Marketing and Communications
Photos by Paige Nesbit, Director of Marketing and Communications

Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

The software engineering online program in the Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources is enhancing the curriculum by integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning into current courses. Additionally, new courses are being introduced to keep pace with rapidly evolving technologies, aiming to foster student success and stay ahead in the field.

“The program focuses on instruction in the engineering of secure software, not software coding,” explained Dale Dzielski, online software engineering graduate program director and instructor. “Developing architecture of complex secured software systems by considering AI and machine learning is much different than merely software coding which can now be replaced in part by generative AI and similar development technologies.”

AI and machine learning tools allow software engineers to become better architects, collaborators and innovators so they may focus on complex problems to create advanced solutions. AI is extremely fast at automating repetitive tasks such as coding and testing, traditionally performed manually by software engineers, leading to accelerated development cycles, increased quality software, reduced cost and significant innovation. 

By applying these principles, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, software engineering graduates will be proficient in seamlessly integrating and employing AI within collaborative team environments to address challenges in real-world software systems.

With recent AI and similar technology enhancements to courses, adding the new engineering secure software course, and a partnership with Coursera — one of the largest online learning platforms, the program's rank jumped seven spots in 2024.

U.S. News & World Report recognized the software engineering program as the 13th best online masters in information technology programs, earning top rankings consistently for the last six years.

Dzielski said the program’s success is largely due to its instructors who includes industry leaders working for nationally recognized agencies and firms such as NASA, IDEMIA National Security Solutions and TMC Technologies and renowned professors at the top of their field.

The comprehensive program provides in-depth learning possibilities, with classes focused on agile software project management and quality to prepare students for real-world applications upon entering the career field. Cutting-edge course offerings with technical topics like mobile applications, data analytics, engineering secure software, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, provide opportunities for students to plan and shape their graduate education to fit their career goals. 

“Our objective has always been student success,” said Anurag Srivastava, Lane Professor and Chairperson of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering. “Through shaping our course offerings and swiftly adapting to evolving technology and educational platforms, together, we are empowering students to achieve their goals and excel in their chosen endeavors.”

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