MS Software Engineering: Real-Time Software and Game Systems Concentration

Program Requirements

About the MS in Software Engineering Program

This concentration addresses the principles and foundations of the complex field of real-time interactive software and game systems.

Curriculum Requirements (2026-27)

View program requirements from previous years

Introductory Courses

Introductory courses provide a pathway into the master’s degree for students entering without an adequate technical background. They build the prerequisite foundations needed for the required courses, and are taken in addition to the 48 credit hours of the graduate degree program.

Students who already have this foundation do not take introductory courses. Each introductory course is waived individually under any of the following conditions:

  • The student has completed appropriate coursework covering the introductory course content. The waiver determination happens after a student is admitted and submits the intent-to-enroll form.
  • The student has appropriate and verified professional experience in the introductory course area.
  • The student passes a Graduate Assessment Examination (GAE) in the introductory course area, where an exam is available.

An introductory course may not be substituted for any other graduate course.

  • CSC 400
  • CSC 401
  • CSC 402
  • CSC 403
  • CSC 406
  • CSC 407

Foundation Courses

  • CSC 461
  • CSC 486
  • CSC 588
  • SE 456
  • SE 485
  • SE 585

Major Elective Courses

Students must take a total of twenty-four (24) credit hours of Major Elective Courses.  To ensure proficiency in one area, sixteen (16) credit hours of Major Elective Courses must be taken from either the Game Focus or Software Focus areas below.

  • Game Focus

  • Software Focus

The remaining eight (8) credit hours of Major Elective Courses can be taken from among any CSC, GAM, or SE courses in the 421-699 range, with the following courses suggested:

Suggested Major Electives

  • CSC 435
  • CSC 464
  • CSC 466
  • CSC 471
  • CSC 472
  • CSC 480
  • CSC 536
  • GAM 450
  • GAM 476
  • SE 480
  • SE 533

Degree Requirements

Students in this degree program must meet the following requirements:
 

  • Complete a minimum of 48 graduate credit hours in addition to any required introductory courses of the designated degree program.
  • Complete all graduate courses and requirements listed in the designated degree program.
  • Earn a grade of C- or better in all courses of the designated degree program.
  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
  • Students pursuing a second (or more) graduate degree may not double count or retake any course that applied toward the completion of a prior graduate degree. If a required course in the second degree was already completed and applied toward a previous degree, the student must meet with a faculty advisor to discuss a new course to be completed and substituted in the new degree. This rule also applies to cross-listed courses, which are considered to be the same course but offered under different subjects.
  • Students pursuing a second master's degree must complete a minimum of 48 graduate credit hours beyond their first designated degree program in addition to any required introductory courses in their second designated degree program.

Students with a GPA of 3.9 or higher will graduate with distinction.

For DePaul's policy on repeat graduate courses and a complete list of academic policies see the DePaul Graduate Handbook in the Course Catalog.