Masters Degree Question

[ARS Kumar]

Hi
If anybody can help me in deciding about the following course that will be really helpful.
San Jose state has a program called Masters in Engineering - This has multiple concentrations and one of them is Software Engineering. This is different from the traditional MS in Computer Science which is loaded with lots of theory classes and has a kind of loose admition process.
The thing I din't like is that they won't list the concentration in the final diploma [ why are they calling a Masters Degree as a Diploma ] it will just state Masters in Engineering.
Any suggestions thoughts on this please. I had looked at Santa Clara University, they do have similar better program, but really expensive.

[John Dale]

The signed document officially announcing that you were awarded the degree is called a diploma. However, some diplomas announce something other than the award of a recognized degree.

[Tony Collins]

I have both a Masters and a Postgraduate Diploma. In England a Postgraduate Diploma is a Masters without the final project. Alot of people get Postgraduate diplomas from distance learning Uni's, like the OU.
Tony

[Mark Herschberg]

Originally posted by ARS Kumar:

San Jose state has a program called Masters in Engineering - This has multiple concentrations and one of them is Software Engineering. This is different from the traditional MS in Computer Science which is loaded with lots of theory classes and has a kind of loose admition process.

I don't know any degree which lists concentrations. Degrees usually just list the major/field. In this case that is "engineering" (there are schools which offer general engineering degrees). This is not uncommon.
The question is, is this is a general engineering degree in which you take many classes, some in software, or is this is a software degree by a different name? If the latter, then you need to talk to some people in HR and recruiting and ask how the degree is perceived. (I don't recommend the former for IT.)

--Mark

[ARS Kumar]

Thank you Mark, let me quote from the San Jose University's MSE home page,
---------
Program Description:
The interdisciplinary Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) program is based on the concept that an engineer's value increase by pursuing study in areas closely related to engineering work responsibilities. This special need requires a flexible interdisciplinary program of study, not always available in traditional Master's degree programs. Students select concentrations in Client/Server Computing, Electronic Materials and Devices, Engineering Management, Environmental Systems, Manufacturing Systems, Microelectronic Packaging, or Software System. The MSE program prepares engineers for careers in senior level engineering and technical management positions.
----------
I was thinking about the concentration in Client/Server Computing which has
the following courses.
Technical Writing Requirement
ENGR 200W Engineering Reports
Core Courses (9 units)
ISE 201 Engineering Analysis (ISE version of ENGR 201)
CMPE 202 Systems Engineering (CMPE version of ENGR 202)
CMPE 203 Engineering Management (CMPE version of ENGR 203)
Required Concentration Courses (9 units)
CMPE 272 Enterprise Software Overview (formerly ENGR 262 Client/Server Overview)
CMPE 273 Enterprise Software Distributed Objects (formerly ENGR 264 Client/Server with Distributed Objects)
CMPE 275 Enterprise Software Construction with Components (formerly ENGR 268 Client/Server Construction with Components)
Elective Courses (select 6 units)
CMPE 274 Client/Server Databases (formerly ENGR 266)
CMPE 276 XML for e-Business (formerly ENGR 270)
CMPE 277 Mobile Technologies for Enterprise Applications (formerly ENGR 296J)
CMPE 296L Advanced Enterprise Software Components (formerly ENGR 296L Advanced Client/Server Components)
ENGR296K Web Services Technologies
CMPE 206 Computer Network Design
CMPE 208 Network Architecture Protocols
CMPE 221 Software Engineering
CMPE 285 Software Systems
CMPE 287 Software Quality Testing
CMPE 270 Advanced Software Systems
Note: Other electives are permitted with advisor approval
Master's Project or Thesis (6 units)
CMPE 295A Master's Project I
CMPE 295B Master's Project II
OR
CMPE 299 Master's Thesis
Thanks in advance for your time.