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Written by: James M. Tobin, Edited by: Mitch Jacobson
Published: January 22, 2025
Master's programs in software development can open doors to high-paying careers with faster-than-average job growth. This guide profiles six jobs you can pursue with a software-focused master's degree. Research professional paths and employment options as you prepare to study software development at the graduate level.
Types of jobs in software development
A master's degree in software development can lead to senior- and management-level roles. While some professionals enter and advance in the field with only a bachelor's degree, graduate education offers several important advantages:
- Pursue an academic concentration in a specialized area and enhance your appeal to niche employers.
- Land a higher-level job than you might get with only a bachelor's degree.
- Gain a competitive advantage over applicants with only undergraduate education.
What can you do with a master's in software development and security? Explore specific career profiles in the sections below.
What you can do with a master's in software development degree
Master's in software development career paths include the following roles:
Software developer
Software developers design and develop applications for mobile and desktop systems. Some employers use "software engineer" as an alternate job title.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), software developers earn a median salary of $132,270 as of May 2023. The BLS projects 18% job growth from 2023–33, much faster than the average 4% for all occupations.
Information security analyst
By specializing in software development and security, you could pursue information security analyst roles. These professionals work to safeguard computer systems and networks, as well as the data they contain.
BLS data from May 2023 cites a median annual salary of $120,360 and 33% job growth from 2023–33 for these professionals.
Computer and information systems manager
Computer and information systems managers assess their employer's information technology (IT) needs and design solutions to meet them. They also supervise junior and supporting IT staff members.
Computer and information systems managers earned a median annual salary of $169,510 as of May 2023, according to the BLS. From 2023–33, the Bureau projects 17% job growth for this career.
Web developer
Web developers apply technical skills to create websites that conform to client design, interfacing, and functionality specifications. As of May 2023, they earned a median salary of $84,960. The BLS projects 9% job growth for web developers from 2023–33.
Database administrator
Database administrators build, maintain, manage, and upgrade specialized information databases. They are also responsible for backing up the data contained in those databases and restoring it in the event of an outage.
Database administrators earned a median annual salary of $101,510 as of May 2023. The BLS projects 9% job growth for database administrators from 2023–33.
Chief technology officer
A chief technology officer is a c-suite executive who has supervisory responsibility over all aspects of their employer's technical operations.
The BLS projects job growth of 6% for top executives from 2023–33. As of May 2023, top executives working in technical services roles earned a median salary of $228,590.
How to know if a master's in software development is for you
An in-person or online master's in software development can lead to high-paying career opportunities. However, graduate degrees require significant time and financial commitments. You should carefully consider whether pursuing one is right for you before applying to any programs.
A master's in software development might be a good fit for you if:
- You want to expand your technical knowledge and build a valuable specialization.
- You want to open new paths to senior- and management-level job roles.
- You're struggling to advance in your current tech career.
On the other hand, you may not want to pursue this degree if you're unsure about your career goals or if your current job offers a clear, experience-based path to the tech career you want.
Consider performing a cost-benefit analysis as part of your research. This can help you quantify the value of a software development master's degree.