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Why you should choose Graduate Programs in Software

Why St. Thomas

Graduate Programs in Software at the University of St. Thomas, founded in 1985, is one of the largest, most-established, and ethnically diverse programs in the United States. We have nearly 4,000 alumni from 39 states and 14 countries. If you're looking to advance your career, or start a new career path, we're here for you every step of the way.

Located in the School of Engineering on the St. Paul, Minnesota campus, we offer four master’s degrees and ten graduate certificate programs as well as on-going professional development to help you stay informed and up-to-date in this exciting, ever-changing field.

You can complete your master’s degree at your own pace – in as little as two years – allowing you to maintain your work-life balance. We have three start times a year – Spring, Summer and Fall – so you can start as soon as you are ready.

Our classes are offered in-person and online weeknights from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., Monday – Friday. And with no standardized tests or recommendation letters needed, our streamlined admissions process makes it easy to apply to our graduate programs.

Why attend the University of St. Thomas? The main reason is you.

  • Built for working professionals
  • Student-first faculty
  • Register when ready
  • Open to All
  • Instantly relevant
  • Built for working professionals

    Our class schedules work with your work schedules. You control how quickly you move through the curriculum by tailoring your course load each semester.

    Classes are offered in-person and online weeknights from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., Monday – Friday.

    Student-first faculty

    Our faculty has industry experience and they are focused on your learning. Our extremely knowledgeable and approachable faculty and staff are here to help you in every way.

    Register when ready

    Our non-cohort program has a rolling enrollment letting you start in spring, summer or fall so you can apply and enroll anytime.

    Open to All

    Our graduate programs are inclusive to all backgrounds – not just those with careers in computers, software or data science. We have lawyers, doctors, teachers, economists, marketing professionals, English and science majors all as graduates.

    Instantly relevant

    Our students receive an education they can apply immediately in their careers. Our small class sizes range from 10 -35 students, letting you receive personal attention and build a strong network of like-minded software, information technology, and data science professionals.

    Built for working professionals

    Our class schedules work with your work schedules. You control how quickly you move through the curriculum by tailoring your course load each semester.

    Classes are offered in-person and online weeknights from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., Monday – Friday.

    Student-first faculty

    Our faculty has industry experience and they are focused on your learning. Our extremely knowledgeable and approachable faculty and staff are here to help you in every way.

    Register when ready

    Our non-cohort program has a rolling enrollment letting you start in spring, summer or fall so you can apply and enroll anytime.

    Open to All

    Our graduate programs are inclusive to all backgrounds – not just those with careers in computers, software or data science. We have lawyers, doctors, teachers, economists, marketing professionals, English and science majors all as graduates.

    Instantly relevant

    Our students receive an education they can apply immediately in their careers. Our small class sizes range from 10 -35 students, letting you receive personal attention and build a strong network of like-minded software, information technology, and data science professionals.

    Graduate Programs in Software

    Built for working professionals

    Whether you are looking to heighten your career as a software professional or are embarking on a new career in software, Graduate Programs in Software (GPS) is equipped to provide you with the tools you need to succeed.

    We believe that every student who has demonstrated a drive to succeed and an aptitude to learn should be given an opportunity to apply to our program. As a result, our program accepts students at all levels of experience in software and data science. Your initial coursework will depend on your experience level.

    A graduate student smiles during class.

    Career Changer: New to Software and Data Science

    Our program welcomes career changers and offers gateway courses for people for those without a STEM or computer background. Students build foundational knowledge quickly and so are successful as they move to more advanced courses.

    Two individuals look at a computer.

    Experienced Software or Data Science Professional

    Our programs are designed to build and deepen students’ skill set. Our curriculum is updated twice a year in consultation with industry leaders to provide cutting-edge, practical and needed skills our students can use immediately.

    Degrees & Programs

    We provide a high-quality graduate education that integrates software technologies into workplace solutions. If you want to advance your career, or start a new career path in software, data science or IT, we have a graduate program for you. With over 40 electives, three master’s degrees and eight graduate certificates, you can tailor your education to your interests.

    Master’s Degrees

    Pursue master’s degrees in:

    • software engineering
    • data science
    • information technology
    Master's Degrees

    Graduate Certificates

    Advance your knowledge and skill in a specialized area. Complete a graduate certificate with only four or five courses. This coursework can be applied towards a future master’s degree.

    Graduate Certificates

    Professional Education

    These non-credit short courses include workshops, seminars, and lectures in the fields of data science, software engineering, information technology and more.

    Graduate student stands next to her project.

    Graduate Programs in Software

    Opportunities for Graduate Students

    We have many opportunities for our graduate students including student research, job opportunities, a project/thesis option, and ways to build your network.

    Opportunities for Graduate Students

    Faculty

    You’ll learn from faculty who have extensive industry experience and bring their real-world expertise into the classroom where you will gain practical knowledge that you can apply immediately. We put student learning first. Our faculty are approachable and accessible and with small classes, you’ll get to know your professors well. Throughout your experience, you’ll be surrounded by leadership, faculty, advisers, and staff who are all personally invested in your success.

    Dr. Chih Lai with a small robot.

    Chih Lai, Ph.D.

    Before joining the Graduate Software faculty, Dr. Chih Lai was a principal software engineer, working on a collision avoidance system. Lai received three U.S patents and three European patents. Lai also worked with Medtronic and has pending patents on monitoring and evaluating Parkinson patients.

    Dr. Chih Lai
    Dr. Manjeet Rege teaching class

    Manjeet Rege, Ph.D.

    Dr. Manjeet Rege is an Associate Professor of Graduate Programs in Software and Data Science and Director for the Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence. He is also the co-host of the "All Things Data" podcast, interviewing data scientists, technologists, business experts and futurists which averages over 60,000 listeners. 

    Dr. Manjeet Rege
    Dr. Ron Chiang

    Ron Chiang, Ph.D.

    Dr. Ron Chiang’s research interests include distributed systems, cloud computing, and high-performance computer architectures. He is especially interested in task and resource management algorithms and the design of advanced virtualization systems.

    Dr. Ron Chiang

    Accreditation

    The University of St. Thomas is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges  (1-800-621-7440).