MSSM Program Details:
16-Month Degree Format
Take your studies a step further and gain hands-on experience at an internship in the software industry.
The 16-month program allows more experienced professionals to advance their careers while providing a gateway to the software industry for new technologists or those ready to pivot careers.
Program Features:
- 16 months (August-December), with summer internship & additional fall semester
- Ideal for candidates seeking more professional experience or to pivot careers
Curriculum Requirements & Plan
To earn the MSSM degree, you must complete a total of 144 units. Of those, about half are required courses and half are electives of your choosing. The MSSM degree takes place over three semesters and a summer: Fall, Spring & Fall, plus a summer internship.
- Students must have a minimum QPA of 3.0 to graduate.
- For additional details regarding degree requirements, review our full Graduate Student Handbook.
16-Month Curriculum Plan
Fall Semester 1 |
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| Foundations of Software Management Full Semester Course |
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| Strategies for Your Career Full Semester Course |
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| Elective Full Semester Course Choose One:
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| Integrated Thinking for Innovation Half Semester Course |
Product Discovery & Definition Half Semester Course |
| Product Management Half Semester Course |
Software Engineering Management Half Semester Course |
Spring Semester 1 |
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| Process & Project Management Full Semester Course |
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| Product & Business Modeling Half Semester Course |
Solution Strategy & Marketing Half Semester Course |
| Metrics for Technology Products & Services Half Semester Course |
The Business of Software Half Semester Course |
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Electives Choose Two:
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Summer Semester 1 |
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| Internship Full Semester Course |
Fall Semester 2 |
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| Applied Learning Requirements (ALR) Full Semester Course Complete one of the following applied learning courses during the final fall term:
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| Leadership & Teams Half Semester Course |
| Elective Full or Half Semester Course Take 30 units of 12-unit full-semester or 6-unit half courses
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Application Deadlines
Applications Now Open
January 20, 2025
Learn How to Apply
Start-Term: Fall 2025
Practical Experience: Summer Internships
All 16 month MSSM students complete a summer internship to put their skills learned to use in a practical, hands-on setting. Students often land internships at companies like Salesforce, Google, Amazon, and more.
Deepank Srivastava
MSSM '24
IT Architect Intern
Boston Consulting Group
During my summer at , I worked on three key projects in the insurance, technology, and financial sectors. I developed a roadmap for incorporating new digital tools into a major U.S. insurance provider's systems, using storytelling to align stakeholders. I improved the software development lifecycle at an AI-based SaaS platform, applying a hypothesis-driven approach to refine processes and tackle ambiguities with minimal data. I created a six-month CRM transformation plan, ensuring clear communication and collaboration among stakeholders. I navigated complexities, learned quickly, and managed time effectively across multiple high-stakes projects.
Shivani Ghuge
MSSM ‘24
Product Manager Intern
ServiceNow
I was a Product Manager Intern at in Santa Clara, focusing on workflow automation. My main project involved designing and implementing a certification process for production automations to address operational inefficiencies and risks from outdated scripts and applications. The goal was to streamline operations by removing unused workflows and maintaining updated ownership information. Key challenges included navigating a large organization to find the right contacts and managing a vast data set of over 2,200 workflows and 700 scripts. These experiences helped me improve my networking skills, data organization, and prioritization abilities.
Dipam Paul
MSSM ‘24
Inbound Product Manager Intern
ServiceNow
I served as an AI specialist at , managing a multilingual Responsible AI Bot and developing AI governance strategies. My role involved simplifying complex AI concepts and aligning diverse teams. I created an AI Bot that dramatically improved response times, from 40 minutes to 4 seconds, winning over beta testers. Key challenges included unifying five teams around a shared data model, balancing explanations for both AI experts and beginners, and navigating ambiguity in decision-making. Handling AI governance felt like coordinating five teams with differing technical perspectives—a true balancing act.
Featured Course
Software Management Practicum
Apply the lessons of software management to real-world projects at leading companies.
You'll act as a consultant to companies on complex software problems, working as a team to develop a project plan and detailed statement of work. At the end of the semester, you’ll present your solution to your clients.
The MSSM Experience: In Their Own Words
Sneha Kedlaya & Chithroobeni Shankar (MSSM '15) joined the 16 month MSSM program looking to launch a career in product management— mission accomplished. The internship experience, rigorous curriculum and diverse backgrounds of their peers prepared them for their current roles as product managers.