Faculty
Graduate programs generally have professors and instructors who are leading experts within their fields. These faculty members may also work on real-world solutions and research. You can review faculty profiles to learn more.
Common Computer Engineer Skills
What are some of the key skills computer engineers might use? There are various skills that may come in handy in this profession, and depending on your role, one may prove more useful than another. On the whole, being a computer engineer often calls for technical and analytical skills. In the same vein, rational reasoning may help these professionals complete work tasks, accomplish goals and invent new technological structures.
Another skill computer engineers employ is creativity—especially when it comes to problem solving or creating new technical systems.
Technology is rapidly evolving. Computer engineers do well to maintain a current knowledge of key programming languages and software tools so that they know their way around a computer’s hardware and software components and can apply principles of design, science, physics and mathematics across various scenarios. Though some of a computer engineer’s work may be done in isolation, some professionals invest in honing their communication and teamwork abilities. By doing so, they learn to collaborate with team members and external stakeholders, depending on the work environment.
As you can see, computer engineers employ a combination of hard and soft skills. The goal of an online degree in computer engineering is to help you develop relevant knowledge and skills for a career in the field. Once you obtain work in the field, you can further your education with certifications in key areas like cybersecurity to continue developing new skills.
What Does a Computer Engineer Do?
Computer engineers are in the business of problem-solving. They synthesize concepts from computer science and electrical engineering to improve and develop systems, applications and technologies. The field evolved from electrical engineering as computers became increasingly common. Today, the two disciplines share some characteristics.
Computer engineers are well-versed in hardware and software. The solutions and ideas they dream up may involve finessing either or both. They often focus on making computers more powerful, intelligent and accurate—all as devices shrink in size. Unlike electrical engineers, who may work outside of an office and on building infrastructure, computer engineers might work in government buildings, corporate offices, colleges and more, shuffling between computers and devices.
Computer engineering isn’t limited to personal computers or laptops. Today, computer engineers help to develop a wide range of emerging technologies, from virtual reality (VR) to robotics to artificial intelligence (AI). Their work can be found in multiple facets of daily life. For example, they may develop the computers found in medical equipment, cars and even smart home devices (for instance, a mattress or a coffee pot).
Bachelor’s vs Master’s in Computer Engineering Degree
If you’re beginning your journey toward becoming a computer engineer, you may be wondering what level of education you’ll need to break into the field. A number of entry-level computer engineering jobs require, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Overall, education requirements for computer science and STEM careers vary. As in other industries, BLS data show that higher levels of education are generally associated with higher earnings and lower unemployment.
A bachelor’s degree generally takes longer to complete than a graduate degree—approximately four years as opposed to one to two years. Remember that the average curriculum will include core courses and electives, per your institution’s guidelines. Computer engineering majors typically begin their studies with core classes. Among the topics covered are calculus, data structures, and digital systems design. Electives delve into technical areas like systems programming, wireless communications and nanoelectronics. At the master’s-level, students take a deep dive into subsets of the field, such as machine intelligence and high performance architectures.
Cost is another factor to consider when deciding which degree may be best for you. Tuition rate per credit hour varies by program—when totaled, the total cost of a program may be thousands of dollars. As you budget for your education, you may consider scholarship and grant opportunities geared at students enrolled in STEM graduate programs. A number of schools, government agencies and private corporations offer such opportunities. Confirm the eligibility requirements for scholarships just as you would for admissions requirements because they may vary.
The degree that is right for you depends on your career goals, interests and current needs. The good news is that both degrees are designed to equip candidates with knowledge and skills to work in the field—and some schools offer online programs.
Job Outlook and Salaries
As technologies like AI, IoT, and robotics continue to advance and spread into everyday products and systems, organizations will increasingly rely on computer engineers and related professionals to design, build, and maintain that infrastructure. The BLS projects that electrical and electronic engineers’ jobs will grow 7% between 2024 and 2034. Job outlook will differ from position to position. Keep in mind that industry and location may also affect employment outlook.
The median annual salary for electrical and electronic engineers was $118,780 in May 2024, according to the BLS. The highest 10% of these professionals earned more than $175,460. Like the job outlook, computer engineer pay varies. A number of factors can affect how much you earn. Take the industry, for example: The median yearly wage for those working in aerospace product and parts manufacturing was $136,570. The BLS also reports that the median annual salary for computer hardware engineers was $155,020.
A master’s degree in computer engineering may open the door to a variety of jobs. And for those who are already in the field, earning this advanced degree might allow you to take on more job responsibilities or advance to a senior role in the workplace. Depending on your job title, you’ll perform multiple technical tasks such as completing designs for the integration of devices in processors and other components of computers. With a deep knowledge of analytical software, computer-aided design, object- or component-oriented design, and operating systems, computer engineers are also likely to be relied upon in the development and maintenance of new and existing computer systems.
FAQs
Is a master’s in computer engineering worth it? Determining whether or not a master’s in computer engineering is worth it depends on your career goals. As noted above, an advanced degree may help you gain a competitive edge and could lead to opportunities like more on-the-job responsibilities or a higher salary. It’s also important to note that some specialized jobs may require a master’s degree.
What can I do with a master’s in computer engineering? There are numerous opportunities for those who hold a master’s in computer engineering. It is important to check education requirements when researching roles to ensure you have an appropriate background for the job you want. According to O*NET OnLine sample reported job titles for electrical engineers include circuits engineer, design engineer, test engineer, and instrumentation and electrical reliability engineer.
Online Master’s in Computer Engineering Programs
We’ve compiled a list of online computer engineering programs to assist you in your search for the best degree for you. You may also consider program options not on this list. If you represent a university and would like to contact us about editing any of our listings or adding new programs, please send an email to info@mastersindatascience.org, The university’s website is the best place to find the most up to date information on program offerings.
Information last updated: December 2025
Colorado State University
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College of Engineering
Master of Science (M.S.) in Computer Engineering and Master of Engineering (M.E.)
Fort Collins, Colorado
Name of Degree: Master of Science (M.S.) in Computer Engineering and Master of Engineering (M.E.)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 30
Concentrations: N/A
Admission Requirements:
- Three letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Statement of purpose
- Transcripts
- Bachelor’s Degree
- 3.0 GPA
- TOEFL/IELTS
Florida International University
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Master of Science in Computer Engineering
Miami , Florida
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Computer Engineering
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: Less than 1 year
Credits: 30
Concentrations: N/A
Admission Requirements:
- Resume
- 3.0 GPA
- Statement of intent
- TOEFL/IELTS
- Three letters of recommendation
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a bachelor’s degree in a related STEM field
Georgia Institute of Technology
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Masters in Electrical Engineering
Atlanta, Georgia
Name of Degree: Masters in Electrical Engineering
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1 year
Credits: 30
Concentrations: N/A
Admission Requirements:
- Three letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Statement of purpose
- Transcripts
- Bachelor’s
- GRE
- TOEFL/IELTS
- Lawful Presence Document (U.S. Citizens only)
Iowa State University
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Master of Science in Computer Engineering
Ames, Iowa
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Computer Engineering
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 30
Concentrations: N/A
Admission Requirements:
- Three letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Bachelor’s degree
- GRE
- TOEFL/IELTS
- 3.0 GPA
Johns Hopkins University
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Whiting School of Engineering
Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Baltimore, Maryland
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: N/A
Credits: N/A
Concentrations: Communications and Networking, Photonics
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- 3.0 GPA
- Official transcripts
- CV or Resume
- Completion of of prerequisites coursework
Missouri University of Science and Technology
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Master of Science in Computer Engineering
Rolla, Missouri
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Computer Engineering
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 30
Concentrations: N/A
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in related discipline
- 3.0 GPA
- GRE
- International requirement: TOEFL or IELTS
Old Dominion University
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Master’s in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Norfolk, Virginia
Name of Degree: Master’s in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 30
Concentrations: N/A
Admission Requirements:
- Transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- GRE waived through Fall 2022
Purdue University
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Electrical and Computer Engineering Masters
West Lafayette, Indiana
Name of Degree: Electrical and Computer Engineering Masters
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 30
Concentrations: N/A
Admission Requirements:
- Transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Professional resume
- TOEFL or IELTS scores (international students only)
Stanford University
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Master of Science in Computational and Mathematical Engineering
Stanford, California
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Computational and Mathematical Engineering
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 45
Concentrations: General CME, Computational Geosciences, Data Science, Imaging Science, Mathematical and Computational Finance
Admission Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree
- 3.0 GPA
- Unofficial/Official transcripts
- Resume
- GRE Scores
- Statement of Intent
- Three letters of recommendation
- TOEFL/IELTS Score for International Students
Stevens Institute of Technology
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Master of Science in Computer Engineering
Hoboken, New Jersey
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Computer Engineering
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 30
Concentrations: Embedded Systems, Software and Data Engineering, Networks and Security, Artificial Intelligence
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Official college transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- Resume (optional)
- TOEFL/IELTS scores (for international students)
- GRE or GMAT score
Texas A&M University
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Master’s of Electrical and Computer Engineering
College Station, Texas
Name of Degree: Master’s of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 30
Concentrations: N/A
Admission Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree
- 3.0 GPA
- Unofficial/Official transcripts
- GMAT or GRE scores test score
- Resume
- TOEFL/IELTS Score for International Students
University of Arizona
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Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Tucson, Arizona
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1.5+ years
Credits: 30
Concentrations: N/A
Admission Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree
- 3.0 GPA
- Unofficial/Official transcripts
- GMAT or GRE scores test score
- Resume
- Statement of Intent
- Three letters of recommendation
- TOEFL/IELTS Score for International Students
University of Delaware
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Master of Science in Computer Engineering
Newark, Delaware
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Computer Engineering
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 30
Concentrations: N/A
Admission Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree
- 3.0 GPA
- Unofficial/Official transcripts
- GMAT or GRE scores test score
- Resume
- Statement of Intent
- Three letters of recommendation
- TOEFL/IELTS Score for International Students
University of Idaho
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Master of Computer Engineering
Moscow, Idaho
Name of Degree: Master of Computer Engineering
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 30
Concentrations: N/A
Admission Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree
- 3.0 GPA
- Unofficial/Official transcripts
- GMAT or GRE scores test score
- Resume
- Statement of Intent
- Three letters of recommendation
- TOEFL/IELTS Score for International Students
University of Michigan
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Master of Science in Computer Engineering
Dearborn, Michigan
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Computer Engineering
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 30
Concentrations: Computer Architecture and Design, Networks and Communications, Intelligent Systems, Multimedia Engineering
Admission Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree
- 3.0 GPA
- Unofficial/Official transcripts
- Resume
- Statement of Intent
- Two letters of recommendation
- TOEFL/IELTS Score for International Students
University of Virginia
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Master’s of Engineering in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Charlottesville, Virginia
Name of Degree: Master’s of Engineering in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 30
Concentrations: N/A
Admission Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree
- 3.0 GPA
- Unofficial/Official transcripts
- Resume
- GRE Scores
- Statement of Intent
- Three letters of recommendation
- TOEFL/IELTS Score for International Students
