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Why Earn Your Certificate in Software Engineering?

UMBC’s Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Software Engineering is tailored for professionals aiming to enhance their technical skills and stay ahead in the rapidly evolving field of software engineering.

This program offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of contemporary software engineering practices, from design and development to testing and implementation. Whether you’re looking to refine your expertise or pivot into a software engineering role, this certificate provides the foundational knowledge and advanced skills required to excel.

The curriculum includes courses in advanced software engineering, systems analysis, software testing, and a capstone project that integrates all learned concepts. These courses not only provide in-depth technical knowledge but also emphasize practical, real-world applications.

At a Glance

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FINANCIAL AID ↓HOW TO APPLY ↓APPLICATION DEADLINES ↓PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS ↓PROGRAM CONTACTS ↓

What Are My Career Options Studying Software Engineering?

With the skills gained from this program, you will be equipped to tackle complex software projects and contribute significantly to the development, implementation, and maintenance of software systems across diverse industries.

Tuition, Scholarships & Financial Aid

Find opportunities to further advance your career and academic studies.

UMBC participates in all federal and state student financial aid programs and offers scholarships and assistantships through the Graduate School, Graduate Departments and the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

2025–2026 Graduate Cost Calculator Graduate Assistantships Fellowships Funding Your Education

Ready to Apply?

Review Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Software Engineering Requirements

B.S. degree with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
Introductory programming courses completed in the last 10 years with a grade ‘B’ or above (see note below)
Official Transcripts
Goal statement outlining the student’s goals and expectations in the program
Resume or CV
Recommendation letters (optional)
Additional Recommended Admission Criteria:
– One year of work experience in IT
– A course in data structures and algorithms (equivalent to UMBC course CMSC 341)
– Knowledge of a scripting programming language (such as UMBC courses CMSC 433 or IS 448)

Note:

IT industry work experience that demonstrates the applicant’s programming abilities might be considered as a substitute for introductory programming courses.

Applicants who do not have introductory programming courses or IT experience should take courses equivalent to IS 147 and IS 247 or CMSC 201 and CMSC 202 and earn a ‘B’ or above.

Start Your Graduate Admissions Application

Please note that application decisions can take 6-8 weeks after the program’s deadline, and depend on how many applications a department receives. You will receive an email once the department processes your decision letter. You will be able to see your decision letter by logging in to the application website. Your decision letter will be where the application checklist was. You may also check your recommendation statuses to send reminders or update contact information from the user page. If you are having trouble logging back in, you can recover your account.

Have Questions?

Please contact the appropriate Graduate School staff member for assistance, or contact our Main Office at gradschool@umbc.edu or 410-455-2537.

Application Deadlines

Fall Semester

Domestic Students:
Apply by August 1

International Students:
Apply by May 19

Spring Semester

Domestic Students:
Apply by December 1

International Students:
Apply by November 1

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Contact Information

Software Engineering Program Contacts

Main Contact

Admissions
softwareengineering@umbc.edu

Graduate Program Director

Dr. Mohammad Samarah
msamarah@umbc.edu

Program Coordinator

Current Student Help
opp-studentsuccess@umbc.edu

UMBC Graduate School Admissions Office Contact Information

Mailing Address

UMBC Graduate School
1000 Hilltop Circle Baltimore, MD 21250

Admissions Staff

Staff are available from
Mon - Fri, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 410-455-2537

Request Help

Email Graduate Admissions at gradschool@umbc.edu.

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Software Engineering