Software Engineering Masters Project I

Catalog description

The first course in a two-course project experience. Students will need to determine, before they take the course, whether they will complete a thesis or a practical project. Students that choose thesis will work with an advisor (called a sponsor) to complete a scientific research study that results in a complete Master’s Thesis. Thesis project details will be determined by the student and their advisor. Students that choose the practical project will preferably work in a group to develop solutions to problems posed by either internal or external customers (also called sponsors). The size of the group may vary, and while a group is preferred, exceptions may be made to allow for one-person projects. The project may require considerable software development or evolution and maintenance of existing software products, and culminates with the completion and presentation of the first major increment of the project solution. Projects will be solicited by the department prior to students selecting (or being assigned to) the project that they will work on for the capstone. Sponsors may be internal or external to the software engineering department; they may be members of other departments, other colleges, other universities, or they may be industry professionals. The primary requirement for sponsors is that the sponsor be an expert in their field.