CS 599

### Overview of SWE 277P at UC Irvine

SWE 277P is the second quarter (4 units) of the Capstone Project in Software Engineering sequence in UC Irvine’s Master of Software Engineering (MSWE) program, a professional master’s degree emphasizing AI-integrated software development for full-time students (15 months) or part-time professionals (24 months). Following SWE 276P (Capstone I), it focuses on the advanced implementation, testing, deployment, and evaluation of a novel, team-based software system, often in collaboration with industry clients. Students apply program concepts like AI/ML integration, system architecture, agile methodologies, and quality assurance to produce a deployable prototype. Restricted to MSWE students, it builds leadership and teamwork skills for careers in software/AI engineering at companies like Google or Blizzard.

### USC Equivalent: CSCI 599 Advanced Software Engineering Project

The University of Southern California’s Viterbi School of Engineering (primarily through the Thomas Lord Department of Computer Science) discontinued its standalone Master of Science in Software Engineering program effective Fall 2024, folding it into the broader MS in Computer Science (MSCS) with software-focused tracks. The closest equivalent to SWE 277P is **CSCI 599: Advanced Software Engineering Project** (2-4 units, graduate-level, offered as a special topics course), a flexible, project-intensive course where students undertake advanced, team-based software development projects. It emphasizes end-to-end engineering of complex systems, including design, coding, testing, and deployment, often with real-world applications or client feedback—mirroring UCI’s capstone focus on practical, AI-enhanced deliverables.

– **Key Similarities to SWE 277P**:

  – **Project-Driven**: Both involve collaborative development of substantial software systems, applying advanced topics like AI integration, scalable architecture, and DevOps practices.

  – **Skills Covered**: Requirements analysis, implementation in modern languages/frameworks (e.g., Python, Java), rigorous testing, and professional presentation—preparing for industry roles.

  – **Teamwork and Outcomes**: Group work with milestones, peer reviews, and a final prototype/demo, building portfolios for software engineering jobs.

  – **Level and Units**: Graduate-only, 2-4 units; aligns with MSCS or related master’s tracks.

– **Key Differences**:

  – **Structure**: USC’s CSCI 599 is a one-semester special topics course (topics vary, e.g., “Advanced Software Engineering Project” as a half or full equivalent to older CSCI 665), while UCI’s is a fixed two-part sequence. USC offers more customization via electives.

  – **AI Emphasis**: UCI integrates AI explicitly (e.g., via SWE 270P prerequisite), whereas USC’s can include it but depends on the instructor/project (e.g., pair with CSCI 599 on ML topics).

  – **Prerequisites**: For CSCI 599, completion of core CS courses like CSCI 310 (Software Engineering Principles) and graduate standing; no strict sequence like UCI’s SWE 276P.

  – **Availability**: Offered variably; check USC Schedule of Classes for 2025-2026 terms.

If CSCI 599 isn’t offered, consider **CSCI 694a: Special Project in Applied Deep Learning** (graduate, project-based) as an alternative for AI-heavy software projects, or petition for an independent study under a faculty advisor in the CS department.

### Comparison: UCI SWE 277P vs. USC CSCI 599

| Aspect                  | UCI SWE 277P                                                                 | USC CSCI 599                                                                 |

|————————-|—————————————————————————–|—————————————————————————–|

| **Program Context**    | MSWE (professional, AI-focused, 15-24 months)                               | MS in CS (research/professional tracks, 1.5-2 years; software emphasis)     |

| **Focus**              | AI-integrated capstone (advanced implementation/testing/deployment)         | Advanced software projects (customizable, e.g., systems engineering/AI)     |

| **Prerequisites**      | SWE 276P + MSWE core (e.g., SWE 211)                                        | CSCI 310 + graduate standing; topic-specific prep                          |

| **Team Structure**     | Multi-person teams, industry client required                                | Flexible teams, often with external stakeholders or research tie-ins        |

| **Outcomes**           | Deployable AI-enhanced prototype, industry portfolio                        | Project deliverable (e.g., system prototype), resume booster for tech roles |

| **Workload**           | High (20-25 hrs/week, milestone-driven)                                     | Variable but intense (project-heavy, 15-20 hrs/week)                        |

| **Career Prep**        | Tailored for AI/SWE at OC/tech firms (e.g., Blizzard); strong internships   | Broad for SWE/ML roles (e.g., FAANG, startups); USC’s LA network aids recruiting |

Both courses deliver hands-on experience valued by employers, but UCI’s MSWE provides a more prescribed, industry-aligned path with built-in AI, while USC’s MSCS offers greater flexibility and research opportunities in a top-ranked program (leveraging LA’s tech scene for internships at SpaceX or Snap). USC grads often enter high-paying roles quickly due to alumni networks, though UCI’s capstone sequence may give an edge in structured project management.