Software Engineering Five-Year Accelerated Degree Bachelor and Master of Science Program
A five-year program is offered in Software Engineering at Fairfield's School of Engineering, leading to a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science accelerated degree. This program embraces the educational objectives of the BS in Computer Science program, as well as those of the graduate program in Software Engineering. It emphasizes experiential learning by promoting industrial internships following the sophomore year, and requiring a final capstone project that guides students through a process of design and innovation at the level of an experienced practicing engineer. Graduates of the program master the knowledge and tools they need to create the next generation of software solutions to ever more complex technological and societal problems.
The Computer Science Department offers a five-year accelerated program through which students can obtain a Bachelor of Science degree as well as a Master of Science degree. The combined five-year program provides students with the opportunity to obtain these degrees in less time than would be required when pursuing them independently. The five-year program offers a simplified process for admission to the graduate school.
Students typically apply to the accelerated Master’s degree program at the end of their third year. Students follow the standard undergraduate curriculum for the first three years, and then complete the baccalaureate degree requirements during their fourth year while taking up to two graduate courses. Up to six graduate course credits taken during the fourth year may be applied towards both the undergraduate and master’s degree requirements. After receiving the baccalaureate degree, students will take an additional eight courses (for a total of ten courses) to complete the MS degree requirements in the fifth year. This accelerated degree is expected to be completed in five years without interruption.
Students accepted in this program are expected to have an overall GPA of 3.00 or higher and receive approval of the faculty advisor. Students will be awarded the BS when all requirements are met, usually at the end of the fourth year. The MS degree will be awarded when all graduate requirements of the combined degree curricula have been satisfied, usually at the end of the fifth year.
Accelerated Degree Curriculum
Students must develop of a plan of study for the MS portion of the degree with approval of their academic advisor, including the following:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Requirements for BS in Computer Science 1 | 127 | |
| Select 8 additional graduate-level electives in Software Engineering 2 | 24 | |
| Total Credits | 151 | |
| 1 | Includes six graduate course credits taken during the fourth year that are applied towards both the undergraduate and master’s degree requirements |
| 2 | Major electives are chosen from the department, with approval of advisor and department chair from among other courses offered in the School of Engineering |
A minimum of 30 credits must be completed at the graduate level.