In 2007, CMU | Carnegie Mellon University and the UC | University of Coimbra launched the first dual degree MSE | Master Program on Software Engineering with the support from the Portuguese Government. Today, graduates from the program are making a difference in their organizations by leading new business areas, contributing to an increase in the quality of products and changing the way software is developed, boosting both efficiency and innovation. MSE moto was – Creating Agents of Change – and it succeeded.
The EPSE | Executive Program on Software Engineering is born out of that tradition. It combines the knowledge and experience of two leading universities and their industry partners in the creation of a rich and rewarding learning program, providing trainees with a business perspective on Software Engineering.
EPSE is an advanced training program for high potential contributors and first level managers. At the individual level, the program aims not only to provide specialized training but also to create an arena for the exchange of experiences and extend professional networks. At the organizational level, EPSE seeks to develop the critical mass that organizations need to leverage new technologies and processes. At a country level, the program aspires to become an engine for innovation and economic growth, thru its role as a meeting place for industry and academia.
CMU, UC and IPN (Instituto Pedro Nunes, Best Science Based Incubator 2010) would like to partner with Portuguese firms seeking to retain their best talent by rewarding excellence and commitment, to train the leaders of tomorrow but also learn from them. The program intends to do this by forming an advising council to update and review the program content, developing case studies from partners’ projects and by inviting those involved to share their learnings and perspectives.
EPSE goal is to train leading professionals for the software industry. ESPE graduates will be able to lead technical, organizational and business-related activities and teams on software development projects.
EPSE training is focused on 3 main areas: Business and organizational concerns in software development; Software Practices; and Soft Skills. Under the first area, students will learn about managing software development, managing processes, thinking about strategy, competitiveness and innovation, and also about the legal aspect of software creation and commercialization. In terms of Software Practices, EPSE will offer a detailed and technical view over the topics of software development and software logistics, with emphasis on Agile approaches, project and risk management, planning, tracking and measuring software development, deployment, validation and support, quality and assurance, as well as architectures for software systems. The soft skills component addresses negotiation, conflict management, communication, decision making, motivation and leadership.
The Program has a duration of 8 months, 6 months part-time at the University of Coimbra and 6 weeks full-time at CMU.
The course structure can be accessed here (http://epse.dei.uc.pt/).
The tuition fees are 9.300€.
The program targets high-potential individual contributors transitioning into a business or technical leadership role in software development. Applicants must have practical knowledge of programming methods and computer organization, good communication skills and good knowledge of English, both written and spoken. Candidates must be sponsored by their respective organizations.
To apply for a position in one of the CMU Portugal educational or mobility programs visit the Admissions and Scholarships page. For additional questions, email us at apply[at]cmuportugal.org.
