Software Engineering (SE) welcomes new students to our work-based program!

SE is an upper-division program that takes five semesters to complete. The first semester is an in-person, M-F, 9-5 on-site “Academy” experience at St. Paul College in St. Paul, Minnesota. During the Academy students do an industry project on a team, take core courses, develop professional skills, learn how to learn independently, and look for and get hired into their first paid industry co-op placement.

Following the Academy, students work in a paid co-op position full time while finishing the SE program via virtual coursework on nights and weekends

Lower-division courses follow the common computing core that is shared between Computer Science, Computer Information Technology, Management Information Systems, Computer Engineering and Cognitive Science, along with courses that will earn a minor in mathematics and completion of the Minnesota State Transfer Curriculum for general education.

Admission to the upper-division SE program requires an application and interview. First year students should start by following the major's four-year plan.

If you are ready for upper-division, apply with this form if you are currently a Minnesota State Mankato Student or with this application if you are transferring to the University.

(Note: You may apply for both Computer Science and Software Engineering – we encourage you to do this if you’re not sure which program would be best for you.)

You will be asked to include the following in your application:

1. Unofficial transcript(s)
2. An essay (300-500 words) describing why you want to participate in this work-based Software Engineering program.
3. An essay (300-500 words) describing what approach you will take to finding four semesters of co-op work. Include a discussion of which countries you have the legal right to work in, what kinds of companies you will approach, and how you will seek co-op positions in those companies. (Note: International students will be able to use CPT to work for a maximum of two semesters in the US, so should address the question of where and how to find work for the other two semesters.)
4. Sample code (25-100 lines) from an outside project or your Algorithms class with a brief description of what the code does (100 words).
5. Either one letter of recommendation addressing your ability to succeed as a computer scientist in this project-based program or the name of a current College of Science, Engineering, & Technology faculty member with whom you have spoken about your interest in this program. It is strongly recommended to have a math, science, computer science, engineering, or computing professor or an industry mentor be your recommender. Recommenders can send a letter directly to lin.chase@mnsu.edu.

Want to learn more about the work-based Software Engineering program and how to succeed in winning a seat in an upper division cohort?

Please join us for a fun and interactive information/advising session.

• Tuesday, February 20, 5-6:30 pm in WH 284A
• Monday, March 11, 5-6:30 pm in WH 284A

No need to reserve, just come on in! 

Learn more about the Software Engineering program and its unique and powerful ties to industry.

• Meet faculty and students
• Learn how to maximize your chances for earning a seat

Any questions? Please email lin.chase@mnsu.edu.

Applications for the Fall 2024 entry into the Software Engineering upper division program are due March 13, 2024.

Applications will be accepted after March 13 but admission for applicants who apply after that date will be granted only on a space-available basis.