MBA/MS Software Engineering Dual-Degree Program

General Information

Q: I think my company may be interested in sponsoring a company-specific cohort. Who do I contact for more information?

A: You can find more information at http://www.engr.sjsu.edu/ges/. You can also contact Dr. Ahmed Hambaba, Associate Dean of Graduate and Extended Studies, in the College of Engineering. He can be reached at 408-924-3968 or hambaba@sjsu.edu.

Q: I am interested in the MBA/MS Software Engineering program. Who do I contact for more information?

A: You can find more information at http://ms.se.sjsu.edu/mba-se.htm. You can also contact Dan Harkey, Director of Software Engineering in the Department of Computer Engineering. He can be reached at 408-924-4038 or Dan.Harkey@sjsu.edu.

Q: I am interested in the General Engineering MBA/MSE program. Who do I contact for more information?

A: You can find more information at http://www.engr.sjsu.edu/ges/. You can also contact Dr. Michael Jennings, Director of Graduate Programs in the Department of General Engineering. He can be reached at 408-924-3968 or jennimi@email.sjsu.edu.

Q: I want to be informed of any upcoming MBA/MSE information sessions or open houses. How can I add my name to your mailing list?

A: Information sessions for all prospective Software Engineering students are held weekly. See the advising news item at http://www.ms.se.sjsu.edu/advising.htm for more detail. You can add yourself to our mailing list at http://www.engr.sjsu.edu/ges/forms/mbamse-se/.

Applying to the MBA/MS Software Engineering Dual Degree Program

Q: What are the application deadlines?

A: Admission deadlines are listed at http://www.ms.se.sjsu.edu/mba-se-admissions.htm.

Q: Do you accept late applications?

A: Occasionally late applications are accepted. If you wish to inquire about a late application, contact Dan Harkey at Dan.Harkey@sjsu.edu.

Q: How do I begin my application?

A: Please follow the application submission process at http://www.ms.se.sjsu.edu/mba-se-admissions.htm.

Q: What is the Graduate Studies and Research office?

A: The Graduate Studies and Research office administers all graduate admissions. It checks that your applications fulfill the minimum university criteria for admission. It checks your transcripts, degree certificates, TOEFL scores, visa status, and financial information. Once Graduate Studies is satisfied that you are qualified to join the university, then it forwards your file to the department. In the Computer Engineering department, we check your qualifications for the master's program in software engineering. The College of business will check your qualifications for the MBA degree.

Q: What are the application fees?

A: Please check with the university web site (http://www.csumentor.edu) for university fees.

Q: I fulfill all requirements for admission. Am I guaranteed to be accepted?

A: Unfortunately, no. When there are more qualified applicants than we have space available in the program, we offer admission to those whom we consider the most promising applicants, until all space is filled. 

Q: What is an ABET accredited program?

A: ABET is the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. It is the official accreditation board for Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Computer Science programs in the United States. You will find a list of accredited universities at the ABET web site.

Q: My undergraduate degree is not from an ABET accredited program. What should I do?

A: Although the GRE is not required at this time you should consider taking it. Admissions is competitive and a good score on the GRE can give you an edge over another applicant that has not taken the GRE or is has a lower score.

Q: What TOEFL, GRE, and GMAT scores do I need to have to be accepted?

A: If you are an international student (and your medium of instruction for your undergraduate studies was NOT in English), you need a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (or 213 computer based). This is a University Graduate Studies and Research requirement. Students that submit TOEFL scores lower than the minimum will be denied admission.

For the GRE test, there are no hard cut-offs. We use the scores to compare and rank candidates.

For the GMAT, the minimum test score is 550 and both verbal and quantitative scores must be in the 50th percentile or higher. The GMAT exam is not required for students that have completed a PhD.

Q: What is the status of my application?

A: The status of your application can be found on http://my.sjsu.edu.

Q: Did you recently change the admission requirements?

A: Admission to the MSSE program is a competitive process. We continually monitor the number of applicants and the number of spaces in the program. We periodically revise our guidelines to give students accurate guidance for submitting successful applications.

Q: What are my chances of being admitted?

A: Please note that I cannot predict your "chances" of being admitted to the program. However, you may find the following guidelines helpful. We are looking for students with BS Computer Science, BS Computer Engineering, or BS Software Engineering from an ABET accredited program, or from similar background. Students with professional experience in the software field will also be considered if you you have a strong academic background. If you meet these criteria, we encourage you to apply.

Q: I took certification courses in (CISCO|Novell|Unix|NT) system administration. Can I use them instead of college courses as course equivalencies?

A: No.

Q: What is a typical set of computer science, computer engineering, or software engineering courses that you might expect of an applicant?

A: Here are some typical courses. This is not a complete list or would we expect you to have experience in all of these subjects, but it should give you a flavor of the kind of courses that are typically a part of a BSSE, BSCmpE, or BSCS degree.

• Data Structures
• Java Programming
• Database Management Systems
• Computer Networks
• Software Engineering
• Computer Architecture
• Operating Systems
• Computability Theory
• Computer Graphics
• Graphical User Interface Programming
• Object-Oriented Programming
• Compiler Design
• Analysis of Algorithms
• Artificial Intelligence
• Parallel Processing
• Information Theory
• Coding Theory
• Cryptography and Computer Security
• OO Analysis and Design
  

Q: I will be completing my undergraduate degree in the same semester in which I submit an application. Is that ok?

A: For students in the US, yes. Be sure to clearly indicate that you expect to earn your BS in the current semester. Completing the degree will be a condition for admission.

For international students, an application can submitted but the undergraduate degree must be completed before the the beginning of the semester in which they are accepted at SJSU. In other words, the date that the degree is conferred must be before the first day of classes in the graduate program. For the admission application, students should submit an official transcript showing work completed to date. The coursework in the transcript is used for the 60 semester unit or 90 quarter unit GPA evaluation. Students that meet CSU admissibility requirements and state that graduation will occur prior to start of their desired term of admission will be referred to the department for review. If admitted, a provisional admission will be given. The student must then provide an official transcript showing the posted graduation date to SJSU Graduate Studies within the first five weeks of the admission term to retain admission.

Q: I do not have a 4-year Bachelor degree. Can I be admitted to the MBA/MSE Software Engineering program?

A: A 4-year Bachelor degree is a minimum requirement for admission to the graduate school.

Q: The California State University policy states that in unusual cases, the department may make exceptions to the 4-year Bachelor degree requirement. Does your department make these exceptions?

A: Very rarely. We may make an exception if you can demonstrate a strong background in a computer related field.

Q: My application was rejected, but I disagree. Can I appeal?

A: No.

Q: My application was rejected. Can I find out why?

A: No. We rank applications, and pick the highest ranking ones. For privacy reasons, it is not possible for you to compare your application against others.

If you were not accepted, then that does not mean that we find you unqualified. It usually means that we have had more applicants than we were able to accommodate, and that you did not rank among the top ones.

Q: My application for a previous semester was rejected, but I would like to be reconsidered for the next semester. Can I submit additional materials without reapplying?

A: No. Your previous application is no longer active. You need to reapply. The Graduate Studies and Research office may be able to locate your old transcripts. Check with the Graduate Studies office to see if your old materials are still available.

Q: My application was rejected, and I would like to reapply. What can I do to improve my chances?

A: Here are some suggestions:

• Take the GRE CS Subject test and do well in it.
• Complete an undergraduate computer-related degree such as Software Engineering.
• Submit letters of recommendation that show exceptional promise
• Submit other evidence of exceptional promise such as publications, open-source software contributions, patents, etc.

Q: Can units be transferred from other programs or universities?

A: No, course transfer units from other programs or universities are not permitted in this program.

Q: Can I substitute other courses?

A: Courses may not be substituted. The program is lock-step and must be taken as scheduled.

Current MBA/MSE Software Engineering Students

Policy Information

Q: How can I learn about the various policies and procedures that graduate students need to follow?

A: The Graduate Studies & Research office has several important resources:

• A nicely organized web site for prospective and current graduate students
• An informative handbook for current graduate students
• A list of forms

Meeting the Writing Requirement

Q: I have already published a master's thesis, a PhD dissertation, or a book or article solely authored by myself. Do I still have to take Technical Writing at SJSU?

A: Your publishing work will be evaluated first by the graduate coordinator. If the work is deemed substantial enough for consideration, a memo will be written to the Director of Graduate Admissions for further review. If the work passes this review, taking ENGR 200W will be waived.

Q: I have completed a Technical Writing course in another university? Do I have to take Technical Writing at SJSU?

A: Your technical writing course needs to be evaluated by Dr. Jeanne Linsdell, Director of Technical Communications in the College of Engineering. If the classes passes this review, taking ENGR 200W will be waived.

Q: I have taken a ENGR 100W or similar course at another California State University. Do I need to take ENGR 200W?

A: No.

Academic Standards

Q: Is there a minimum GPA requirement for graduate students?

A: Yes. Graduate students must maintain a 3.0 (“B” average) GPA at all times.

Q: If graduate students are required to maintain a 3.0 GPA, then are “C” grades considered failing grades?
.
A: A grade of “C” or better is considered a passing grade. However, students must compensate for the “C” grade by earning an “A” in subsequent course(s) to maintain an overall 3.0 GPA to avoid probation or disqualification.

Q: Is a “C-“ considered a passing grade?

A: A “C-“ grade is not a passing grade and the class must be repeated. The improved grade will NOT replace the failing grade. The repeated course grade will be averaged into the student’s GPA. The failing grade will remain on the student’s permanent record.

Q: What happens if I get a C- or lower in a class?

A: (1) You cannot use that class for graduation. You can repeat it or select another course. (2) Your GPA will suffer, and you'll probably go on probation. For more information, see the graduate program section in the university catalog at http://info.sjsu.edu/web-dbgen/narr/catalog/rec-970.html

Q: What if I receive a grade of “D” or “F”? Am I automatically disqualified?

A: Normally no. The course in which the “D” or “F” grade was earned must be repeated. However, students who receive two or more failing grades may be disqualified from the program.

Q: What happens if my GPA drops to 3.0 or less?

A: If your cumulative GPA is <= 3.0, then you are on probation. If you are on probation, you

• cannot register without seeing an advisor first
• cannot graduate
• cannot start your master's project or thesis
• will be disqualified from the MSSE program if your semester GPA is <= 3.0

See http://info.sjsu.edu/web-dbgen/narr/catalog/rec-970.html

Once your cumulative GPA is again > 3.0, you are no longer on probation.

You should try very hard not to get onto probation in the first place. You should plan on getting a B+ or better in all your courses. If you do end up getting a B or less in one course, make sure that you have another course to make up for it.

Q: I was put on probation, and now I can't register for classes. What should I do?

A: See your graduate advisor.

Office Hours

Q: I need to meet with an advisor. When are advisor office hours and how do I schedule an appointment?

A: Group advising hours for prospective and current students are listed at http://www.ms.se.sjsu.edu/advising.htm.

Class Registration

Q: How are MBA/MSE Software Engineering students registered for classes?

A: Students will be given a registration packet.

Q: What happens if I must miss a class?

A: It is not advised to miss any courses due to the difficulty of rescheduling. Occasionally a student will have a compelling reason and must miss a course. We do our best to help arrange for the student to take the course at another time. If courses have to be taken on-campus, they will be a full semester in length rather than the eight weeks offered by this program. It is also possible that in missing a course, one could delay their graduation date.

Q: What is my status as a student while I participate in this program?

A: Six courses are offered each year, which qualifies as full time student status.

Textbooks

Q: How do I know which books will be used in each class?

A: About three weeks before each class an email will be sent to all students with the information (title, author, ISBN) for the required text. You may purchase books anywhere you like. Students in other Cohorts use the Internet (amazon.com, university text, bigbooks.com) and have the books shipped directly to their home/work. When ordering please check to make sure that the book is available immediately and does not have to be back ordered.

Program Costs

Q: How much are the program fees?

A: Course fees are $1629.00 per three-unit course. Yearly expenses including course fees and textbooks are approximately $10,500.00 per year. All courses are 3 units except for the 1 unit orientation course. Fees are reviewed annually and may change.

Q: When are class fees collected?

A: Students in the program are registered for a class by our office at the beginning of each class. The university sends an invoice and requires payment be made within 5-7 days.

Q: What is provided by SJSU to help me with fee reimbursement from my company?

A: You will be provided with a receipt/grade letter from our office for possible reimbursement from your company 2-4 weeks after the completion of the course.

Q: If my company is not helping me with expenses, is there any financial aid provided by SJSU?

A: Financial aid is available to qualifying students, click here for more info.

Curriculum and Professors

Q: How is this program recognized by SJSU and the California State University (CSU) system?

A: Curriculum is approved by the university and qualifies for two separate master's degrees-—a MBA and a MSE.

Q: Will there be changes to the program over the three-year offering?

A: Periodically the curriculum is updated and course changes are made. When this occurs, students are notified prior to the start of the course.

Q: What is the qualifications of the faculty for the program?

A: Courses are taught by fulltime Ph.D. qualified or industry experts from the College of Engineering and College of Business faculty who have extensive experience.

Class Location

Q: Where are the classes held?

A: All courses are taught off-campus at the Rose Orchard Tech Centre, 180 Rose Orchard Parkway, San Jose, CA. See map for more detail.


Grades

Q: How do I receive my grades?

A: At the end of each class, the professor will submit the grades to our office. We then send you a grade letter/receipt for payment to submit to your company for reimbursement. This usually happens about 7-10 days after the class ends.


On-campus Services

Q: Do I get the same benefits/services as on-campus students?

A: Off-campus program students do not pay the same type of fees as on-campus students. Your fees do not support any special interest groups, the student union, etc. You will not have access to the fitness center, light rail passes, or the swimming pool.

You have to obtain a student ID card (Tower Card) for library purposes. The student ID card center is located in the Student Services Center at 9th and San Fernando Street. If you decide to obtain an ID card be sure and tell them you are in an “Off-Campus Program”.

Graduation

Q: What are the requirements to graduate?

A: To graduate you must:

• Be a classified student
• Have a GPA of 3.0 or better in the program of study
• Have a “Candidacy for Graduation" filed for both MBA and Software Engineering
• File an application for graduation for both MBA and Software Engineering and pay a graduation
  fee
  

Q: Who will file the Candidacy and Graduation forms?

A: You will be mailed the forms from the Graduate & Extended Studies office. These forms must be filed one year prior to graduation.

• First: The candidacy forms must be typed and submitted to the G&ES office for approval.
• Second: The candidacy must be approved by the College of Engineering Graduate and Extended Studies Office and the SJSU Graduate Studies and Research Office.
• Finally: You must fill out your graduation application. After the form is approved by the Graduate and Extended Studies, you must take it to the SJSU Graduate Studies and Research Office and pay the graduation application fee.

Q: Do I attend the graduation at Spartan Stadium?

A: Yes! At the ceremony the dual degree students sit in a “special location” at the front of the Engineering section. They are double-hooded by engineering and business professors. It is a day that we all honor your dedication and accomplishments to this program.