Based on EPAM’s deep engineering expertise and learning design experience, the EPAM School of Digital Engineering (ESDE) equips students with the skills they need to successfully land an engineering job after graduation. Our own technology experts, along with our broad educational network, serve as ESDE instructors throughout the university program, which offers both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree.
EPAM School of Digital Engineering
Students will leverage EPAM’s online learning platform, which supports flexible learning models and personalized learning experiences – from blended learning and self-paced curriculum to mentoring opportunities and cohort-based learning. The digital learning content and coursework has been created by EPAM’s experts, so students know they are learning the latest technologies, tools and methodologies that are used in real-life scenarios.
Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) program teaches fundamentals in math and computer science, as well as critical teamwork and project execution skills. Covering all core topics of a traditional software engineering degree, our program focuses on real competencies and hands-on experience required for a dynamic career in IT. The undergraduate program in software engineering offers two different paths: The three-year program requires 180 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) and the four-year program requires 240 ECTS.
Students will study general subjects – math, English and soft skills disciplines (50+ ECTS) – core professional disciplines (89 ECTS) and electives (115 ECTS). The core professional disciplines include:
- Fundamentals of Programming – 12 ECTS
- Fundamentals of Web Development – 5 ECTS
- Introduction to Digital Technologies – 5 ECTS
- Algorithms and Data Structure – 5 ECTS
- Introduction to Specialty – 3 ECTS
- Operating Systems and System Software – 3 ECTS
- Databases – 7 ECTS
- Web Development (JavaScript) – 5 ECTS
- Functional Software Testing – 5 ECTS
- Object-oriented Programming – 3 ECTS
- Networks and Communications – 4 ECTS
- Fundamentals of Business Analysis – 5 ECTS
- Fundamentals of Data Analytics – 5 ECTS
- Fundamentals of DevOps – 4 ECTS
- Cloud Computing – 4 ECTS
- Software Systems Engineering – 6 ECTS
- Fundamentals of Information Security – 4 ECTS
- Fundamentals of Big Data – 4 ECTS
By the time students need to choose the specialization, they will be able to select among an in-depth list of available electives (115 ECTS). The program offers the following specializations:
Back-end Development
A back-end developer is responsible for creating applications on the server side. Throughout the curriculum, students will learn the basics of web development, databases, object-oriented programming and design patterns, as well as Java language.
Front-end Development
A front-end developer designs the user interfaces of websites. Students will learn the hypertext markup language (HTML), CSS, JavaScript programming language and one of the most popular front-end frameworks.
Mobile Development
A mobile developer creates applications for mobile devices including smartphones and tablets. Students will learn Java programming language, Kotlin programming language, how to develop for Android, as well as Flutter and React Native frameworks.
QA in Software Engineering
A quality assurance (QA) engineer is responsible for the quality of the software applications being developed. Students will learn about functional testing, the basics of automated testing, databases and more.
Big Data
A big data specialist processes large amounts of information and reveals patterns and regularities based on the analysis. Students will study the basics of data storage, information processing, databases design patterns, etc.
Cybersecurity
A cybersecurity specialist performs analysis and prevents cyberattacks through computer networks. Students will learn the basics of cybersecurity, cryptography, computer networks security, as well as how to audit computer threats.
Systems Engineering
A systems engineering specialist synchronizes all stages of the software product creation process, applies methods of systems engineering to develop modern systems, and combines technical efforts related to the development, testing, deployment, use and maintenance of the programming systems.
As part of the B.S. program, an internship will provide students with an opportunity to gain relevant knowledge and skills from real project experience curated by EPAM experts (15 ECTS). During the last term, students will dedicate their time to the diploma project (15 ECTS). This is a culmination of the program that fulfills the learning goals and incapsulates all the skills learned by students through their years of study.
After completing this program, graduates will be prepared for an in-demand career in software engineering. The key skill of the engineer will be determined by their chosen specialization.
Master’s Degree in Software Engineering
The Master of Science (M.S.) program offers an advanced software engineering degree that increases deep technical knowledge combined with hands-on training. The program provides access to advanced tooling, courseware and a global community of delivery experts who act as mentors through academic and practical work.
Additional details of the program include:
- Each M.S. program covers 90 ECTS and lasts three academic semesters
- Programs include general courses, mandatory professional courses and elective courses
- All M.S. programs are delivered in an online format
- Each program includes specific field, project-based practice (12 ECTS over a 12-week period)
- Up-to-date digital content covers theoretical materials, practical tasks and assessments
- Contact hours include webinars and workshops, which are delivered by leading specialists in the relevant field of the IT industry
There are four specializations offered for the M.S. program – Data Engineering (Big Data), Systems Engineering (Cloud & DevOps), Solution Architecture and Delivery Management – with plans to add Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Business Analysis in the future. More information about these specializations can be found below:
Data Engineering (Big Data) – 90 ECTS
Today, data is becoming increasingly relevant in our highly connected, AI-driven world. Enterprises need to have the ability to track and analyze massive volumes of business information in real time through modern methods of data processing. The goal of the specialization is to prepare big data professionals for the development, QA, implementation and maintenance challenges they will face in the real world. The Data Engineering (Big Data) specialization will provide students with theoretical and practical knowledge derived from leading-edge engineering practices and effective software development processes, so they are prepared for real-life big data projects.
Systems Engineering (DevOps & Cloud) – 90 ECTS
DevOps is a highly demanded business capability that seeks to optimize business operations (versus just IT operations). The goal of DevOps practices is to remove the gap between development and operations by introducing an iterative and continuous approach to change integration and delivery. The Systems Engineering (DevOps & Cloud) specialization is designed by professional system engineers and provides students with critical knowledge and skills in cloud services, as well as the typical flows and best practices of its tools and capabilities. The program helps students become familiar with latest DevOps and cloud tools, frameworks and approaches, preparing them to join real projects and teams as a cloud and DevOps engineer. During the program, students will dive deep into the methodology of modern DevOps practices, script, programming languages and basic tools to form essential skills for software engineers.
Solution Architecture – 90 ECTS
Like construction architecture, IT solution architecture requires combining science with design and usability. Solution architecture can be considered a blueprint for the system and project – an abstract, but verifiable, model of the system. It defines what quality attributes and functional requirements will be addressed and turns mapping of elicited problems into strategic and tactical solutions. The goal of the Solution Architecture specialization is to equip students with the state-of-the-art knowledge and skills necessary to become a solution architect. Students will gain a deep dive into the key areas of solution architecture, study the main technology domains and industry best practices, all while gaining valuable practical experience.
Delivery Management – 90 ECTS
Developing and delivering technology is the most obvious step in IT as it needs to be appropriately coordinated to overcome the risk of delay. Professional delivery managers focus on complicated tasks and supervise business process to ensure the success of the overall business. The Delivery Management specialization helps students develop both the hard and soft skills required to read and analyze any situation against the bigger picture. The program teaches students to complete projects by delivering the right solution that meets the expectations within predefined constraints. This specialization is designed for those who would like to learn the best delivery management approaches, improve their skills in leading-edge engineering best practices and gain advanced delivery management skills. Students will dive deep into many project-related activities that need to be correctly executed and coordinated.
Regardless of which M.S. specialization is chosen, all students must participate in a specific field project-based practice, which provides valuable practical experience so students can apply theoretical knowledge in real life. Covering 12 ECTS and lasting 12 weeks, the project-based practice matches pet projects with real EPAM projects. Students will take on different project roles and have an opportunity to see how these roles interact and work together. The workload will include synchronous teamwork, mentoring sessions and self-study. As a result, students will gain production experience that can be added to their portfolio and master thesis.
University Partners
ESDE has several strategic partnerships with universities across various countries including Ukraine, Lithuania, Poland, Uzbekistan.
IT Park University (ITPU)
Established by EPAM and the Uzbekistan government organization IT Park, IT Park University (ITPU) is the first digital university in Uzbekistan that supports an online/blended learning format across the country. Top students will be selected to study at ESDE for more deep practical education and will be mentored by EPAM engineers. The B.S. program at ITPU starts in September 2022.
European Humanities University
A state accredited program that will support EPAM’s growth in Lithuania and other Eastern European countries, ESDE at the European Humanities University will begin its B.S. program in October 2022.
Arizona State University
Organized in partnership with Arizona State University, EPAM School at the American University Kyiv will start in September 2022 for both the B.S. and M.S. program.
AGH University
ESDE at AGH University in Krakov (Poland) will launch the educational program Cloud and DevOps in September 2022.
ESDE Master’s degree program in Ukraine
The ESDE master’s degree program has been in operation in Ukraine for more than three years and is supported by eight leading universities. There are four specializations featured in this program: Solution Architecture, DevOps and Cloud, Delivery Management and Big Data.