Graduate Software Engineering Education: Adapting for the BSSE?

Abstract

Summary form only given. As the number of undergraduate software engineering programs increases, what does this imply about the future role of graduate programs in software engineering? This panel will explore changes that may be required to existing graduate software engineering programs to adapt to the increasing number of undergraduates with bachelor?s degrees in software engineering entering graduate software engineering programs. In particular, the questions the panel will consider include: How should graduate software engineering programs adapt to accommodate the arrival of students with BSSE degrees? Should graduate software engineering curricula change because of the growth in BSSE programs, and, if so, how? Should a BSSE degree substitute for the industry experience requirement commonly used in MSSE programs? Will graduate software engineering education still have value in industry for a BSSE graduate? What is the role of post-baccalaureate certificate programs in relation to graduate software engineering degree programs? How does the arrival of accreditation for software engineering impact graduate software engineering education? The panel participants have experience with both undergraduate and graduate software engineering education delivered in both degree and certificate programs. The panel has also been organized to include perspectives from the U.S. and Europe as well as a perspective from industry.