Integrating Agile Methodologies in Software Design Education: A Capstone Approach

The increasing adoption of agile methodologies in the software industry necessitates their
integration into software engineering education. Traditional instructional approaches often fail to
provide students with the iterative and collaborative experiences required in real-world
development environments. This brief paper presents the CMPSC 483w Software Design
Methods, a capstone course at Penn State University Brandywine, which leverages agile principles,
specifically Scrum, to enhance both technical proficiency and professional competencies in
students. The course is structured around project-based learning and emphasizes industry
alignment, ensuring that graduates possess the skills necessary to succeed in modern software
engineering roles.