Is a master's in software development worth it?
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Many aspiring tech professionals choose to pursue advanced education in order to enter the fast-growing tech industry. Is software development a good career choice, and will an advanced degree give you an edge? Explore the data surrounding these common questions.
What is a master's in software development?
Building on undergraduate foundations, a master's in software development can lead to proficiencies in:
- Software architecture, design, and security
- Testing and quality assurance
- Software project management
These programs provide students with knowledge of the technical skills used across the software development lifecycle. Schools often structure their programs to help students build an adaptable skill base capable of evolving alongside the fast-moving industry.
Some institutions offer intensive programs that lead to graduation in 12–16 months. Others follow a standard schedule that takes about two academic years to complete.
Why get a master's degree in software development?
A master's degree signals your commitment to advanced knowledge and professional development. In competitive hiring situations, holding a master's degree may also give you an advantage over candidates with lower levels of education.
Additional advantages include:
- Opportunities to specialize your learning
- Career advancement potential
- A possible path to higher pay
Advanced degrees also build a broad knowledge base that can help you earn optional professional certifications and open doors in your career.
Is software development a good career choice?
Software development professionals are well-positioned to benefit from a fast-growing labor market. However, consider whether this career path and industry align with your credentials and career goals before committing the time and money to an advanced education.
Successful software development professionals have strong technical expertise and are able to learn and apply new skills quickly. The software industry moves fast, and you will need to constantly upgrade your knowledge to keep pace. Good communication and organizational skills, proactive self-reliance, and an intuitive understanding of end-user needs are also important.
If you possess these traits, a career in software development might be a good match.
How much does a master's program cost?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), graduate students in computer and information sciences programs paid average tuition and fees of $17,793 in 2020. This figure only covers tuition and does not account for other educational expenses like transportation, textbooks, or housing.
You could save money by studying online. The NCES reports average tuition fees of $8,176 for computer and information sciences graduate students at schools offering 100% online instruction.
If you need help meeting costs, look first to scholarships, fellowships, and grants, as they do not contribute to education debt. Reserve federal and private loans as a last resort.
Are software developers in demand?
Software developers have a strong projected job outlook. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 18% job growth in labor market demand for these professionals from 2023–33. The BLS also expects about 303,700 openings for software developers across the decade.
Your location can also impact your employment prospects. As of May 2023, the BLS lists California, Texas, New York, Washington, and Virginia as the states with the highest employment level of software developers.
Will pursuing a career in software development have a good ROI?
To determine the potential return on investment (ROI) of earning a master's in software development, compare program costs with the salary you could earn after graduation. Here's what the BLS data says:
Job Title | Median Annual Salary (May 2023) |
|---|---|
Software developers | |
Software quality assurance analysts and testers |
These higher-than-average salaries could offset the cost of earning a master's in software development, making a positive return on investment.
However, keep in mind that advanced education requires an up-front investment and, depending on the program, you may not be able to work while you study.
Consider your current path and whether it might lead to this level of earning potential. If not, earning this degree might be a worthwhile investment.