Compare online computer engineering master’s programs
Cultivate the theoretical and practical knowledge of optimizing and maintaining computer systems.
Why earn a master’s in computer engineering online?
Learn in-demand skills for a technology-focused career
Solidly grasp computer systems, hardware, and software to support organizations and their operations.
Deepen your tech knowledge with real-world applications
Design and program computer systems for embedding in devices like smartphones, medical devices, and automotive systems.
Network with like-minded professionals
Cultivate relationships with professional computer engineering colleagues around the world.
Browse master of computer engineering online programs New
What is a master’s in computer engineering?
Master of computer engineering online programs teach students to develop and build a wide range of computer systems. Various industries like auto manufacturing, cybersecurity, medicine, and others use these computer systems to run consumer-facing applications or internal infrastructure.
Often, online computer engineering master’s programs will offer specializations such as:
Very large scale integration design
Embedded systems
Computer networks
Software engineering
Machine learning and artificial intelligence
Master’s in computer engineering requirements
Most online computer engineering master’s programs require a bachelor’s degree, such as an online bachelor’s degree in computer science, or another STEM-related field with an average GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants will most likely submit:
Official transcripts
Résumé or CV
Letters of recommendation
Personal statement
Application fee
Some programs require submission of GRE scores, while others do not have this requirement. The best way to learn about the specific requirements for online master’s programs is to request information from the universities in which you are interested, or visit their admissions pages to learn more.
How to apply
Visit the different computer engineering online master’s programs to explore specific application instructions, including deadlines.
Online master’s in computer engineering curriculum
Designed to provide learners with advanced knowledge and skills in computer engineering, a program’s computer engineering curriculum covers the latest developments and research in computer engineering. Many courses utilize simulation and design software tools to let students practice and implement theoretical concepts paired with practical labs for experience in designing, building, and testing the hardware component of computer engineering systems.
Learning computer science often comes as a pre- or corequisite to learning computer engineering, particularly at the graduate level. For example, a computer engineering curriculum might include learning machine learning or even learning data science as the software portion of the computer engineering curriculum, but these topics alone usually lack the hardware component associated with an online master’s in engineering.
As such, other course topics in the computer engineering curriculum include:
Computer architecture
Digital systems design
Embedded systems
Electrical engineering
Robotics
Internet protocols
Advanced digital signal processing
Network security
Real-time systems design
Advanced topics in computer networking
High-performance computing
Very large scale integration design
Electronics
Data science
What can you do with an online computer engineering master’s?
Master’s in computer engineering jobs cover roles like computer engineer, software developer, data scientist, and computer programmer, but they also encompass other areas such as:
Control and traditional energy systems
In this sector, online computer engineering master’s program graduates will design and optimize control systems for traditional power generation and distribution to enhance efficiency and reliability.
Systems design
Here, graduates of master of computer engineering online programs create integrated hardware and software systems, ensuring compatibility, scalability, and performance while meeting user requirements.
Professional communications
Those holding a computer engineering online master’s will develop communication protocols and networks for business applications, focusing on data security and privacy.
Industrial and power electronics
MS in computer engineering online program graduates may choose to design electronic systems for industrial automation, power control, and energy efficiency.
Broadcast technology
Online master’s in computer engineering programs enable graduates to work on broadcasting equipment and compression algorithms to improve audio and video transmission.
Power engineering
If online computer engineering master’s learners choose to focus on power engineering, they will go on to optimize power generation, transmission, and distribution systems, including renewable energy solutions.
Computer architecture
Master of computer engineering online programs can lead to careers in which graduates design and enhance the architecture of computer systems, optimizing performance and energy efficiency.
Multimedia processing
Once they have completed a master of computer engineering online degree, learners might decide to create algorithms and software for processing multimedia data, including compression and playback.
Nanotechnology
Another option for graduates of online master’s degree in computer engineering programs includes the research and development of nanoscale electronic components and devices with applications in various fields.
Circuits
Graduates of computer engineering master’s online programs may go on to design and analyze electronic circuits, including integrated circuits and printed circuit boards, ensuring functionality and efficiency.
Computer networks
Master of computer engineering online programs prepare graduates to design, implement, and maintain computer networks, focusing on performance, security, and scalability.
Microelectronics
Upon graduation, those holding a master of computer engineering online degree may opt to partake in the design and fabrication of microelectronic components and integrated circuits, putting an emphasis on miniaturization and power efficiency.
Any company which uses these types of technologies can benefit from an employee who holds an online computer engineering master’s. Because of its versatility, an MS in computer engineering online has applications across many industries. Some notable industries with master’s in computer engineering jobs include:
Information technology (IT) services
Hardware and semiconductor manufacturing
Electronics
Telecommunications
Automotive
Aerospace and defense
Energy and utilities
Healthcare
Finance and banking
Gaming and entertainment
Research and academia
Robotics
Environmental monitoring
Transportation and logistics
Manufacturing
Security
E-commerce
Telemedicine
Entertainment and media
Environmental and renewable energy
Master’s in computer engineering salary and computer engineering job outlook
A master’s in computer engineering salary varies by industry and level of seniority, but even mid-level positions tend to fall in the six-figure range. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), computer hardware engineers earned a median annual salary of $132,360 in May 2022, with the highest 10% earning more than $208,200.Footnote 1
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has positive data regarding the computer engineering job outlook. The BLS projects computer hardware engineer positions to grow 5% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.Footnote 2
Frequently asked questions
Online master’s degree in computer engineering programs vary in cost and will be based on a number of factors including your transfer credits, whether you are in state or out of state, and where you choose to complete your program. Check each individual computer engineering master’s online program page for precise figures.
Program length depends on the institution at which you pursue your master of computer engineering online, but program lengths tend to range anywhere from one to two years.
The difficulty of any master of computer engineering online program depends on factors from the preparedness of the student to the support available within the program. Exploring options and understanding support services before committing to a program helps learners manage their academic expectations in their chosen computer engineering online master’s.
An online computer engineering master’s program primarily deals with the intersection of computer hardware and software, combining elements of electrical engineering and computer science. It emphasizes the design and development of computer systems and their components, including processors, memory, communication systems, and embedded systems. Meanwhile, computer science focuses more on solving computational problems and developing software solutions.
Many master’s in computer engineering online programs do have accreditation, but learners should do their due diligence and verify the accreditation status of any program before applying since accreditation ensures a program meets specific educational standards relevant to the degree and its industry.
Choosing the right computer engineering master’s online involves assessing if individual programs align with your goals and desired career outcomes. Often, a program’s available specializations will help you determine if a program fits your specific needs.
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