Part-Time Master of Science in Software Management 

The part-time Master of Science in Software Management (MSSM) allows software and technology professionals to earn a Carnegie Mellon degree while continuing to work full time. Offered through CMU’s Integrated Innovation Institute (iii), the program integrates five areas of study: business, product, leadership, software and AI. Students attend live, synchronous classes in person at CMU’s Silicon Valley campus or remotely via Zoom. They can complete the degree in as little as two years, with up to seven years to finish.

The standard plan for Carnegie Mellon’s part-time Master of Science in Software Management (MSSM) takes two years over six consecutive semesters, including summer terms. Students are advised to enroll in 24 units per semester to stay on that timeline, can adjust their course load each semester based on work and personal commitments, and have up to seven years to finish the degree. All part-time MSSM students complete 144 units to earn the degree.

Yes. Students in Carnegie Mellon’s part-time Master of Science in Software Management (MSSM) can attend live, synchronous classes remotely via Zoom from anywhere or in person at CMU’s Silicon Valley campus. Classes are taught from the Silicon Valley campus and are offered in the evening. Most required courses meet in two-hour sessions, and electives are available throughout the week. The schedule is designed so students can continue working full time while completing the degree.

Carnegie Mellon’s part-time Master of Science in Software Management (MSSM) is designed for software and technology professionals with five or more years of work experience who want to take on greater responsibility for product direction and business outcomes. Applicants must demonstrate professional or academic experience in software development and typically hold an undergraduate degree in computer science, electrical and computer engineering, information science, information systems, information technology or a related field. Applicants with four or more years of experience who prefer to study full time may be a better fit for the 12-month MSSM format.

Students in Carnegie Mellon’s part-time Master of Science in Software Management (MSSM) complete 144 total units divided between required core courses and electives across six semesters. Core required courses include Foundations of Software Management, Product Management, Software Engineering Management, Process & Project Management, Metrics for Technology Products & Services, Integrated Thinking for Innovation, Problem Discovery & Definition, Product & Business Models, Solution Strategy & Marketing, The Business of Software, and Leadership & Teams. Electives allow students to specialize in topics like AI Applications, Introduction to Machine Learning, Information Security for Product Managers, Intro to Cloud Computing, and Legal Issues in New Venture Creation. Required courses are delivered in two-hour evening sessions. To learn more, view the MSSM Part-Time Curriculum Plan.

Applications for Carnegie Mellon’s part-time Master of Science in Software Management (MSSM) are accepted year-round on a rolling basis, with three entry terms each year: Spring, Summer, and Fall. Because each start term has its own application deadline, prospective students can apply whenever they are ready. You can review upcoming deadlines on the MSSM Admissions Page or Start Your Application.

Tuition for Carnegie Mellon’s part-time Master of Science in Software Management (MSSM) is billed on a per-unit basis rather than a flat program fee, with students completing 144 total units to earn the degree. Overall tuition depends on the number of units taken each term (typically 24 units per semester on the two-year track). Because the MSSM is a self-funded program, tuition and expenses are covered directly by students or through employer tuition reimbursement. Current per-unit tuition rates and fee details are available on the MSSM Admissions Page.