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Computer Engineering is one of the best fields today, with professionals earning an average of $132,360. Although a bachelor’s degree opens up various entry-level jobs, a master’s degree will give you more foundation to enhance your credentials and boost your earning potential.
Additional Information:
- Best Computer Science / Information Science / Computer Engineering Graduate Schools
- Best Grad Schools with Online Master’s in Computer Forensics
- Most Affordable Master’s in Computer Science (MCS) Grad School Programs
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Online master’s degrees in Computer Engineering are the best alternatives for working professionals who want to enhance their bachelor’s degree knowledge. While hundreds of online programs are available, they’re not all created equal. Finding respected programs can be challenging.
We can help you with that choice! We have put together our picks of graduate schools with the best online Master’s in Computer Engineering degrees, selected based on the following criteria:
- Offers flexible learning formats: 100% online or hybrid (a mix of online and campus courses),
- Features advanced coursework covering key content areas related to Computer Engineering that prepare students for relevant industry certifications,
- Taught, developed, and kept updated by faculty who are experts in the field with relevant industry experience,
- Features competitive tuition rates and various financial aid opportunities,
- and Hold the relevant accreditation credentials.
The Best Online Master’s in Computer Engineering Programs
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO
Master of Science/Master of Engineering in Computer Engineering
| Tuition: | $705 per credit |
| Credit Hours: | 30 |
CSU’s master’s in computer science is a highly flexible program, which can be earned as a coursework-only ME or MS degree. The program curriculum focuses on the fundamentals of innovation, including the comprehensive study of robotics, artificial intelligence, and big data.
Although this is among the top master’s programs in Computer Engineering, it might not be the best option for students who want a research-based learning experience. The ME and MS degrees are focused on practical learning to enhance the expertise of Computer Engineering professionals.
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
Master of Science in Computer Engineering
| Tuition: | $2,424 per unit |
| Credit Hours: | 28 |
While the online MS in Computer Engineering at USC is on the more expensive side of higher learning, it receives many applicants each year. In addition to academic rigor, USC boasts one of the country’s most abundant scholarship and financial aid programs, having provided more than $640 million to qualified students.
It can be pursued part-time or full-time, and you can also take on-campus courses. Moreover, the tuition rates for on-campus and online students are the same.
Texas A&M University
College Station, TX
Master of Engineering in Computer Engineering
| Tuition: | $7,204.85 per semester |
| Credit Hours: | 30 |
TAMU’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is known for its rigorous research activities, with a research lab space on campus spanning 52,00 square feet. The ME in Computer Engineering program is perfect for applicants who want to immerse themselves in active research projects while obtaining advanced knowledge and skills in the field.
This program also offers various specialization areas. You can choose one of the seven areas:
- Analog and Mixed Signal
- Biomedical Imaging, Sensing and Genomic Signal Processing
- Device Science and Nanotechnology
- Energy and Power
- Electromagnetics and Microwaves
- Information Science and Systems
- Computer Engineering Systems
The University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM
Master of Science in Computer Engineering
| Tuition: | $533.38 per credit |
| Credit Hours: | 31 |
UNM’s MS in Computer Engineering is an online accelerated program that conducts 8-week classes, allowing students to graduate in a year. This program benefits students who want to specialize in the Internet of Things (IoT).
As one of the best online master’s in Computer Engineering degrees, the program’s comprehensive curriculum is designed as a collaboration with the university’s industrial partners, including the Sandia National Laboratories and Netflix, among others.
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN
Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering
| Tuition: | $833 per credit hour |
| Credit Hours: | 30 |
Purdue’s fully online MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering program is highly customizable. It allows students to study at their own pace and pursue an ECE specialization, such as Automatic Control, Computer Engineering, Fields and Optics, VLSI and Circuit Design, Microelectronics, and more.
The program also includes coursework in several emerging areas, including big data and data mining, the Internet of Things (IoT), and quantum computing.
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY
Master’s in Computer Engineering
| Tuition: | $1,872 per credit |
| Credit Hours: | 31 |
Syracuse’s Master’s in Computer Engineering program is a 15-month degree suitable for students who can commit to full-time learning. It offers a cohort learning program that fosters collaboration among students and networking opportunities in graduate school.
It offers an interactive and challenging curriculum that provides comprehensive coverage of advanced topics, including security and assurance, network systems, object-oriented design, data structures, computer architecture, and advanced programming.
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, GA
Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering
| Tuition: | $1,100 per credit |
| Credit Hours: | 30 |
Georgia Tech’s MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering is a flexible program that allows students to commit at least three hours per credit hour per week of their time. It features a rigorous curriculum that maximizes students’ learning experience and gives them a solid base of real-world knowledge and skills.
The State of Georgia also authorizes the program to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), which has benefits for out-of-state students.
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC
Master of Science in Computer Engineering
| Tuition: | $525.50 per credit |
| Credit Hours: | 30 |
The online MS in Computer Engineering at NCSU allows students to complete the program in as long as six years, making it the perfect choice for working professionals. The program is known for its strength in VLSI Systems, networking, and computer architecture, among others.
Students are assigned their academic advisor to help them develop their own individual Plan of Graduate Work. This program also does not require completing a thesis for its final project component.
Florida International University
Miami, FL
Master of Science in Computer Engineering – Network Security
| Tuition: | $25,000 total tuition |
| Credit Hours: | 30 |
FIU’s MS in Computer Engineering – Network Security is best for those who want to break into cybersecurity. The program’s curriculum is continually evolving to keep up with state-of-the-art technologies. It includes coverage in the areas of forensics, network security, malware analysis, and ethical hacking, among others.
The program also prepares students to earn a number of in-demand industry certifications, including Network+, Security+, and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) Certifications.
Iowa State University
Ames, IA
Master of Science/Master of Engineering in Computer Engineering
| Tuition: | $782 per credit |
| Credit Hours: | 30 |
Iowa State offers two pathways for a Master’s in Computer Engineering Degree: an ME and an MS. Students who wish to focus on course-based learning will pursue the ME program, while those interested in a Ph.D. will be enrolled in the MS program.
This master’s degree offers three graduate certificates in addition to core and foundational courses. You can pursue the computer networking, embedded systems, or software systems certificate.
The Popular Career Paths for Graduates Of Online Master’s Programs in Computer Engineering
A Master’s in Computer Programming leads to specialized and advanced roles in the field, including biomedical engineering, software engineering, and electrical engineering, among others.
Below are some of the most popular career paths for master’s in Computer Engineering graduates.
| Job | Duties |
| Information System Manager | Responsible for designing, managing, and monitoring information systems, often overseeing a team that installs hardware and software upgrades. |
| Computer Network Architect | Build and customize infrastructures such as communication, internet, and intranet. |
| Computer Systems Analysts | Design various computer systems or analyze their various metrics with the overall goal of improving efficiency. |
| Software Developer | Design and develop software, either as individual programs or as components in a larger suite of applications. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Computer Engineering master’s degree encompass?
Master’s in Computer Engineering involves the exploration and mastery of computers and computer-based systems, from their design and hardware to the building and design. One can expect computer engineers to be able to build computer-based systems in planes, appliances, cars, phones, and electronics, among others.
This degree level prepares students for lucrative Computer Engineering positions. They include the elements of Computer Engineering, including data analysis, data engineering, software systems, computing systems, embedded systems architecture, and project management.
How does a Master’s in Computer Engineering differ from a Master’s in Computer Science?
The main difference between Computer Engineering and Computer Science is their focus. Computer Science is largely focused on software (e.g., software development and optimization, algorithms, machine learning, cloud computing, etc.). On the other hand, Computer Engineering is centered on both computer hardware and its associated firmware.
Both professionals collaborate on projects, as computer systems need various hardware and software to communicate seamlessly, for example.
Key Takeaways
- Master’s in Computer Engineering online programs are designed to teach students advanced knowledge in both hardware and software-related aspects of the field.
- Master’s in Computer Engineering programs, often offered as Master of Science degrees, provide specialization areas for students with a Computer Engineering degree or similar engineering bachelor’s degree.
- Master’s in Computer Engineering online programs focus on computer hardware, while Computer Science programs focus on software. Both fields collaborate on system development within larger teams.
