35 Best Master’s in Computer Engineering

Designed for busy working professionals, the master’s in computer engineering at Texas A&M University-College Station is available both on-campus and online. The two programs are identical to each other, so you don’t have to worry about sacrificing quality when you choose to study from a distance (though studying on-campus will provide you with some of the best opportunities for networking and career development). 

Regardless of the location you choose, you’ll benefit from extensive opportunities for research and degree customization. You can pursue your own unique career interests and goals as you work your way toward a degree. Some of the most popular areas of research include electronic design automation, computer networks and internet, and network security and reliability. 

You’ll gain a strong foundational training in core concepts like chemistry, physics, and mathematics so that you don’t necessarily have to have a background in these fields to apply. You can choose between multiple tracks, too, including electrical engineering and computer science. You’ll take core classes like Network Coding and Mobile Wireless Networking regardless of the pathway you select. 
A top-ranked university by U.S. News & World Report, Texas A&M University is not only one of the best schools when it comes to academic quality, but also in terms of its affordability and flexibility, too. No GRE scores are required to be admitted, and multiple fellowships are available.

Purdue University is located in West Lafayette, IN, but you don’t have to live anywhere near the Midwest in order to apply to this school’s exemplary master’s in computer engineering. In fact, this 30-credit hour program is offered both on-campus and online. 

This department is home to more than  700 graduate students from nearby as well as around the world. Many of these students will also enroll in eventual doctoral studies, making it a great program if you’re considering a Ph.D. Despite the program’s large size, you’ll enjoy close connections with faculty and staff and a small student-to-faculty ratio as you complete your degree. 

It’s equipped with numerous specializations so that you can tailor your studies toward your unique interests and career goals. Some of the courses you will take include fields and optics, communications and networks, and automatic controls. 

Don’t just take our word for it, either—Purdue is top-ranked by major publications such as U.S. News & World Report. It’s hailed by this ranking organization as one of the Best National Universities and its graduate engineering programs are highly regarded, too. 

Another great program for candidates considering doctoral studies is the master’s in computer engineering at the University of Illinois. This program requires approximately 32 credit hours of study, but you won’t be pigeonholed by a restrictive list of course requirements. Instead, you can take roughly a dozen credits from any other department.

As a result, this degree is one of the most flexible programs on this list. You can take courses in a number of specializations, including computer engineering, signal processing, power and energy systems, and biomedical imaging, just to name a few. 

Your opportunities to learn will extend far outside the classroom, too. You can work closely with faculty members as you complete research in a number of areas, such as integrated circuits or communications, and in many cases, you’ll be able to publish that research, too.

One of the best (and most unique) features of this program is that it also enables you to pursue a vast array of funding opportunities. You can choose to apply for fellowships through the university (both institutional and endowed fellowships are available) as well as to apply outside fellowships or even industrial fellowships from a third-party source to your tuition and fees. These awards will not only help you gain experience, but to cover most (or all) of the expenses associated with graduate study, too. 

Each year, the graduate programs in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Maryland prepare more than 300 students for a successful career in research, development, and hands-on computer engineering work. 

This is done not only through the department’s many integrative, research-oriented programs, but also through the extensive opportunities for research and career training here. You’ll be able to work in an interdisciplinary fashion alongside colleagues in other college departments like mathematics and chemistry as you complete your degree. 

You’ll also be granted the opportunity to work with a number of technical facilities and international laboratories located on or in partnership with the University of Maryland campus. Regardless of how you choose to structure your studies, you’ll take core classes in subjects like Bioelectronics and Systems, Quantum Research, and Signal Processing. 

The opportunities you’ll have for research here simply cannot be overlooked. You’ll have access to state-of-the-art research facilities where you can conduct work to support new developments in areas like communication networks, plasma science, fiber optics, and more. In fact, the University of Maryland’s research programs are supported by funding in excess of more than $36 million each year. 

Ohio State University is another university with a prestigious program in computer engineering. In fact, it’s so prestigious that only about 10% of all applicants each year are admitted to this program. It is academically rigorous and well-recognized within the industry. 

The computer engineering program provides learners with a vast array of options as they relate to the field of computer engineering and electrical engineering. You’ll take a variety of hands-on classes such as Communication and Signal Processing, Networking, and Electro-Optics and Photo-Optics.

The degree comes with two potential tracks—a research track and a project track. The research track requires a thesis, while the project track will enable you to complete a personally-designed project in an area of interest instead. 

Classes are taught by industry-recognized experts. Not only will you have the opportunity to learn from these experts as you complete your courses, but you’ll also be able to engage in groundbreaking research in computer engineering as you do so. You’ll be able to pursue a wide variety of career opportunities upon graduation. 

If you can’t decide where exactly you’d like your work in computer engineering to take you, you may want to consider pursuing the Master of Computer Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. This large university offers nine separate programs based out of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, enabling you to pursue the program of your dreams while also exploring all the resources offered at the university. 

Each concentration is incredibly handsome and research-focused. You will be able to work in state-of-the-art laboratories as you conduct individual and team-based research with the university’s accomplished faculty members. 

Although each set of courses will vary for every student depending on his or her area of concentration, some of the most common requirements include Design of Computer-Controlled Systems, Topics in System Theory, and Data Mining. When it comes to concentrations you can choose from, you’ll enjoy options such as  Plasma/Quantum Electronics, Software Engineering and Systems, and Architecture. 

Located in Atlanta, GA, Georgia Institute of Technology is one of the country’s leading public research institutions. With a commitment to improving the world via science and technology, Georgia Institute of Technology (often referred to simply as Georgia Tech) is one of the top ten public universities in the country, according to the U.S. News & World Report.

Enroll at Georgia Tech, and you’ll enjoy a technology-focused education as you study alongside a large student body of 25,000 other students. Despite the large enrollment, class sizes here are small, helping you get the most out of expertly designed courses that are rigorous, hands-on, and career-relevant. 

Some of the courses you will take include Computational Data Analysis, High-Performance Computing, and Wireless Networks. In all of these courses. You’ll enjoy a tech-focused education that will prepare you to invent, create, develop, synthesize, and troubleshoot in all areas of computer engineering. 

To apply, be prepared to submit an official application along with transcripts, GRE or GMAT test scores, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a resume. 

Another one of the country’s top public research universities is the University of Florida, located in Gainesville, FL. This school, home to a whopping population of more than 54,000 students, is ranked among the top ten public universities in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

This reputation is due in part to its extensive prestige as a major research institution, but that’s not all this school has to offer. It’s also home to an impressive alumni network, an incredibly diverse student body, and programs that are not only academically rigorous, but also affordable.

Here, you’ll find one of the world’s best master’s in electrical and computer engineering. This program is available both as a Master of Science as well as a Master of Engineering. With more than 80 graduate courses offered each year in ten separate areas of specialty, you’ll enjoy a high level of flexibility as you select your courses and research focus. 

Some of the most popular courses include Advanced Systems Programming, Foundations of Digital Signal Processing, and Reconfigurable Computing. However, you’ll be able to pick and choose among many other courses as you design your plan of study.

Enroll at the University of Florida, and you’re making a smart choice for your career, your future, and your wallet. In fact, more than 95% of students admitted to this program will complete it successfully, with students recruited to top organizations around the globe for internships and full-time employment opportunities.  

If you want to pursue a degree that will practically guarantee your success in finding a job, you might want to consider enrolling at the University of Georgia. The College of Engineering here offers eight different undergraduate and seven graduate degree programs, along with multiple dual degrees and combined bachelors and masters. 

Earn a Master of Science in engineering with an electrical and computer engineering emphasis and you shouldn’t have any problem finding a job. In fact, 97% of all graduates find employment within just six months of graduation, with undergraduate candidates earning an average $62,000 salary upon completing their degrees. 

All programs are accredited by ABET, the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. The master’s in computer engineering comes with two separate options—a thesis option and a non-thesis option. The thesis option requires a minimum of six hours of research, while the non-thesis will enable you to take six credit hours in additional emphasis area courses. You’ll also be able to complete a research project and a master’s project report in an area of interest. 

You won’t have to make these tough decisions alone. Upon enrollment, you will be partnered with a graduate advisor to help you navigate which courses and pathways are best for your unique career goals. 

At the University of California-Los Angeles, the school is known as “the grounds of optimism.” 

What does that mean? For starters, it means that, as a student at UCLA, you’ll learn far beyond the classroom as you gain the skills necessary to engage with the modern world. You’ll study on the same campus where more than 140 new companies have been created based on UCLA-driven technology, and you’ll become the catalyst for new research and development of your own. 

The programs here are nothing short of remarkable, and that’s especially true when you consider the impressive Master of Science in electrical and computer engineering, offered by the Samueli School of Engineering. This program is designed for students who have an undergraduate degree in engineering or a related area and provides a solid graduate-level education while also allowing students to cater their education to their unique interests. 

You can pursue a course-based, project-based, or thesis-based education here. You’ll complete seven to nine graduate courses as well as upper-division classes in an area of interest. Specialization areas include physical and wave electronics, circuits and embedded systems, and signals and systems. Upon special petitioning with your faculty advisors, you may also be able to create your own academic track. 

Rutgers University, located in New Brunswick, NJ, has dozens of programs for graduate and undergraduate students to choose from. However, its engineering programs are some of the most popular. The Electrical and Computer Engineering department at Rutgers is one of the largest, with more than 350 graduate students and 38 faculty members. 

Accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, the Master of Science degree in electrical and computer engineering has both a thesis- and a non-thesis track. It’s perfect for professionals who wish to enter the industry directly or to continue studies at the doctoral level. Regardless of your career goals or specialization, you’ll learn from world-class faculty who are actively engaged in research of all kinds, from wireless systems to virtual reality technologies.

You’ll take a handful of foundational and more advanced classes to help give you the training necessary for cutting-edge research and top industry employment. You’ll be able to choose from multiple areas of specialization including software engineering, solid-state electronics, computer engineering, systems and controls, communications engineering, and more.

While you’re enrolled in this 30-credit hour program, you’ll be able to explore multiple opportunities for research with expert faculty. You’ll conduct research in the university’s state-of-the-art labs and facilities, including the SiCLAB, the Wireless Information Network Laboratory, and the Center for Autonomic Computing. Students’ research is frequently published in high-profile journals and receives recognition and funding from industry partners. 

Arizona State University, located in Tempe, AZ, offers a master’s in computer engineering program that can be completed both online as well as on-campus. This degree offers a unique concentration in software engineering along with numerous specialized courses that will train you in the fundamental principles of software engineering.

Offered by the Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering, this program is ranked as one of the best in the country. That’s unsurprising, given that Arizona State University-Tempe is frequently ranked as one of the Best National Universities in the country by the U.S. News & World Report. 

Available as a stand-alone program as well as a combined degree, this program makes it possible for you to earn both a master’s and a bachelor’s in as little as five years. As an accelerated program, it’s the perfect choice for motivated students who want to complete their studies as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Requiring 30 credit hours of study, this program includes core courses such as Random Signal Theory and Foundations of Algorithms. There are both thesis and non-thesis options available. Regardless of the option you choose, the application requirements are the same. Be prepared to submit the graduate application or admission along with official transcripts, a personal statement, GRE test scores (if your undergraduate program was not ABET-accredited), and letters of recommendation. 

Founded in 1965, the University of California-Irvine was created with the goal of improving the lives of the local community (and the world) via rigorous academics, public service, and state-of-the-art research. Today, the school, home to more than 180,000 alumni, is ranked as the eighth-best public university in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

With 82 majors and 75 minors to choose from, it might be tough for you to decide where to take your studies when you enroll at this prestigious school. However, the Master of Science in computer engineering should be a top contender as you narrow down your list of choices. This program provides learners with a solid education in the development, design, and evaluation of computer systems. 

It is equipped with several pathways for specialization. You can choose to pursue concentrations in fields like software, computer architecture, and embedded systems, or you can customize your studies to your unique interests. You’ll complete around 12 core courses along with a thesis or a comprehensive examination. You’ll be able to create your own program of study with the help of your faculty advisor. 

This degree isn’t just one of the best in terms of its academic quality—it’s also one of the most affordable. You’ll be eligible to apply for a variety of funding opportunities from teaching assistantships to fellowships and even work as a graduate student researcher. 

The master’s in computer engineering at the University of California-San Diego is competitive in that you must apply not only to the university, but to the program directly when you apply for admission. Don’t let its competitive nature deter you from doing so, though—this university offers some of the best graduate degrees in the country. 

Here, you’ll benefit from a curriculum that includes studies in both software and hardware, enabling you to engage in a number of competency-based assessments so that you can move quickly through the curriculum as you demonstrate what you know (rather than simply that you’ve earned the required credits). You’ll gain the skills necessary to be successful in modern-day computing and engineering as well as to anticipate future developments. 

You’ll take a number of courses and conduct unique research in areas like Computer-Aided Design, Neuro-Computing, Computer Systems, and more. Since the University of California-San Diego is one of the country’s top research institutions, you’ll also benefit from dozens of centers and laboratories here that are dedicated to specific research areas, too. For example, you may choose to conduct interdisciplinary research in specific areas like Nanoscale Devices in one of the country’s top-ranked research facilities. 

As one of the country’s first land, sea, and space grant institutions, North Carolina State University at Raleigh is clearly one of the best schools to consider if you want to pursue a master’s in computer engineering that will provide you with extensive research opportunities. Not only is this school a leader in STEM research and education, but it also provides learners with an excellent return on investment. 

One of the most affordable programs in the country, North Carolina State is ranked as one of the top public universities by Princeton Review as well as by U.S. News & World Report. The Master of Science in computer engineering is available on-campus as well as entirely online. 

Consisting of 30 credit hours of study, this program is perfect for students who possess undergraduate degrees in engineering. You’ll take classes in important subjects such as networking, VLSI systems, and computer architecture. Upon enrollment, you’ll be assigned to a faculty advisor who will help you develop a customized plan of study. 

To apply, you’ll need to have a GPA of at least 3.25. You may be eligible with a GPA of 3.0 as long as you meet certain requirements. Either way, you will also need to submit three letters of recommendation, GRE scores, and a formal application for admission to this program. It can be completed on a full- or part-time basis.  

A public research university and land-grant university, the University of California-Davis is located in Davis, CA and is one of ten campuses within the University of California system. Originally founded as an agricultural branch in 1905, the school became a member of the system in 1959. 

It’s recognized as an R1 university, conducting some of the highest levels of research activity as compared to other schools in the United States. The electrical and computer engineering graduate program promotes cutting-edge research and instruction in a wide variety of areas, such as networking, communications, signal processing, and physical electronics.

In this program, you’ll be able to tailor your studies to meet your specific interests and career goals. You can conduct as much interdisciplinary research as you’d like (it’s actively encouraged as part of the program) and take courses in other departments across the university, too. Not only that, but this program is also an excellent pathway toward the university’s Ph.D., which as an added bonus offers additional training in biotechnology.  

If you’re already working full-time and want to enroll in a master’s in computer engineering that works with your schedule instead of against it, you might want to consider the online master’s in computer engineering at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.

This large public university, located in Ann Arbor, MI, offers one of the best master’s in computer engineering for busy professionals. You’ll be able to take all of your courses remotely, moving through nine core credits in subjects like Computer Architecture Embedded Systems, Computer Networks, and Reconfigurable Computing. 

However, you won’t be forced into a cookie-cutter education when you enroll in this program. There are numerous concentration areas available so that you can tailor your studies toward your unique career interests or goals. Some of the most popular concentrations include intelligent systems, networks and communications, computer architecture and design, and multimedia engineering.

All of these concentrations are top-ranked and have demonstrated success when it comes to graduates finding jobs. The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor has received top marks from the U.S. News & World Report as a whole, but it’s also earned recognition for its graduate engineering programs, too. 

As the flagship campus of the University of Massachusetts system, the University of Massachusetts-Amherst is a public research and land-grant institution located in Amherst, MA. With more than 30,000 students, this school is classified among the R1: Doctoral Universities-Very High Research Activity. 

With more than 200 different programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral level to choose from, the University of Massachusetts-Amherst offers aspiring computer engineers with some of the best opportunities to earn their degrees. There are both master’s and doctoral degrees to choose from, with common areas of research including sensing systems, computer and embedded systems, system modeling, and wireless communication.

When you enroll at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, you’ll be enrolling in a program of study that’s taught by faculty members who are experts in their respective disciplines. Not only that, but these instructors are known for their ability to work collaboratively across disciplines, too, so you’ll be able to explore interdisciplinary research in a variety of areas. 

To apply, you’ll need to submit an online application and provide GRE or GMAT test scores, transcripts, reference letters, and a personal statement. 

Move over, plan sheets and rigid prerequisites—graduate education at the University of California-Santa Barbara takes a whole new approach. You’ll be the pilot of your own education, choosing the courses that make the most sense for your career and academic goals.

Here, you’ll be able to take an active role in designing your degree. You can choose classes from a number of departments to create a degree that is versatile and relevant. There are several programs you can choose from here to customize the master’s in computer engineering that works best for your career goals. 

You can pursue a simple degree that will allow you to engage in research in topical software systems and computer systems architecture, or you can enroll in a combined, accelerated undergraduate and graduate program (a 4+1) so you can move more quickly through your degrees. Regardless of the pathway you choose, you’ll take core classes in subjects like Parallel Scientific Computing, Machine Learning, and Translation of Programming Languages. Your opportunities to learn will extend far beyond the classroom walls, too. 

Here, you’ll be able to enjoy all the benefits of studying at a public research institution. Not only will you be able to work with prominent faculty members (the faculty resume here includes numerous Nobel Prize laureates and members of the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Sciences), but you’ll also be able to work in one of twelve different national research centers on campus.  

Originally established as a private research facility for Texas Instruments in 1961, the University of Texas at Dallas is a public research institution with a main campus in Richardson, TX. First known as the Graduate Research Center of the Southwest and later as the Southwest Center for Advanced Studies, this school became part of the University of Texas system in 1969. 

Although there are more than 140 academic programs here for you to choose from, you can’t go wrong with the Master of Science in computer engineering. This program will train you in how to become a leader in research, design, and development, enabling you to pursue a high-paying job shortly after graduation.

You’ll gain skills in both software and hardware development as you complete this degree but you can also specialize in an area of your choosing. Two concentrations are available: embedded systems and computer systems.

Regardless of the specialization you choose, you’ll take classes and conduct research in topics like operating systems, computer graphics, parallel processing, computational geometry, information assurance, and more. You’ll be able to study in the school’s multiple state-of-the-art labs. One of the school’s newest and most prominent features is the cutting-edge information infrastructure, which consists of wireless networks in all buildings along with extensive fiber-optic Ethernet. 

Ranked as one of the country’s top public schools as well as one of the best national universities by U.S. News & World Report, the University of Arizona, located in Tucson, AZ, offers one of the best (and most affordable) master’s in computer engineering in the country. 

Established in 1885, this public research university is ranked as a Top 50 Public University as well as a best value school. You’ll have great success in finding a job after graduation—in fact, 92% of employers report that graduates of the University of Arizona have the skills necessary to be successful on the job. These results apply not only to the Master of Computer Engineering but also to each of the university’s other 150 areas of study. 

This degree is offered on-campus as well as online—or you can pursue courses in a more hybrid fashion. Regardless of the option you choose, you’ll benefit from maximum flexibility and individualization when it comes to designing your courses. Choose to study online, and you won’t just be moving through pre-recorded material. You can watch live lectures and interact in real-time with your peers as you take classes like High-Performance Computing, Digital Signal Processing and Control, and Artificial Intelligence. 

You’ll be able to choose from multiple specializations when you take classes at the University of Arizona. All courses for the specializations are delivered by talented faculty and designed with input from industry leaders.

The University of Central Florida was founded in 1963 by the Florida Legislature, first opening its doors as Florida Technological University with the goal of providing support to the nearby space programs at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and the Kennedy Space Center. 

As the school grew to offer more programs (today it has more than 200 majors to choose from, spread out among 13 colleges and schools), it also grew in prestige. Today, the University of Central Florida is an award-winning institution, having been repeatedly ranked as the third-best up-and-coming national university by U.S. News & World Report. 

The Master of Science in computer engineering offers students the opportunity to specialize in a variety of research areas. All offer both thesis and non-thesis options along with an accelerated bachelor’s to master’s program. Not only will you be able to specialize in a research area of your interest, but you’ll also gain the broad background skills necessary to be successful in multiple technical areas. 

Some of the most common specializations here include software systems and algorithms, computer systems and VLSI design, and computer networks and computer security. No matter which direction you decide to take as you pursue your studies, rest assured that you won’t go broke doing so—tuition starts at just $369.65 per credit hour. 

With a main campus in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public research institution that’s considered one of the best and most student-focused universities not just in the state, but in the entire country. With the goal of improving the world through creation and knowledge, this school has more than 100 different majors to choose from spread out among ten schools. 

The online master’s in computer engineering is just one of the many hands-on and career-relevant programs offered by this institution, founded in 1858. It’s facilitated by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and enables students to create their own schedules. You will be able to take as few as one class per semester, or you can take classes full-time to graduate in just a couple of years, if desired. 

You will need to take 12 credit hours of study in a major area of focus. You can start your studies in any semester, with applications accepted on a rolling basis. You’ll need to submit an application at least a month before the start of the semester, but it’s important to note that, for this program, GRE scores are not required if your GPA is 3.0 or higher. You’ll need to submit a formal application, transcripts, a statement of purpose, and several letters of recommendation to apply. 

With an impressive graduation rate of 94%, it’s easy to see why the University of Virginia makes the list as one of the best schools at which to pursue a master’s in computer engineering. It’s ranked as one of the top three public universities in the country by the U.S. News & World Report and is home to more than 24,000 students. Located in Charlottesville, VA, this school was founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson himself. 

You’ll be able to choose from 138 different advanced degree programs here, each of which has a reputation for producing successful graduates. The Master of Engineering program is perfect for candidates who are already at work in the field and want to take classes at their own pace. You can take just one class per semester if you choose, or you can progress more quickly through the curriculum.

Curious about the classes you’ll take? You’ll have a lot of flexibility when it comes to designing your courses, but some of the classes you might pursue include Digital Signal Processing, Fundamentals of Nanoelectronics, and Wireless Communications.

To apply, you will need to submit a formal application, GRE scores, references, and official transcripts. You may also need to complete some supplementary assessments such as an Engineering Oral Communication Assessment, an Engineering Technical Writing Assessment, and an Engineering Analysis Assessment. 

The University of Utah is so prestigious and well-known that, to its many students, faculty, and alumni, it is known simply as “The U.” This school is a public research university located in Salt Lake City, UT, and it’s the flagship university of the Utah System of Higher Education. 

Home to more than 32,000 students, this school is the second-largest public university in the state. It’s also home to one of the best master’s degrees in electrical and computer engineering. This program has three separate tracks, making it easy for you to develop a program that will mesh with your unique career and professional goals.

The coursework option requires no thesis or research but instead provides students with all the required training via coursework alone. The project option allows learners to complete some credits through a research project of your own design, while the thesis option is the most traditional track. This final option enables candidates to perform research, write a thesis, and define that thesis with a dissertation. It’s the perfect option for students considering doctoral studies. 

A state research university located in Pittsburgh, PA, the University of Pittsburgh is often referred to simply as “Pitt.” This school was founded in 1787 as the Pittsburgh Academy and is home to 17 graduate and undergraduate schools. 

Among them is the Swanson School of Engineering, which offers a Master of Science in electrical and computer engineering with both professional and research tracks. Pursue the research track and you’ll be able to work on a thesis under the supervision of a faculty advisor. Enroll in the professional track and you will take 30 credit hours of graduate coursework. 

Regardless of the pathway you choose, you’ll be able to complete this degree in about a year of full-time study. There are multiple specializations available, including those in electric power engineering, control, electronics, biomedical engineering, image processing-computer vision, and signal processing-communications. 

Of course, you can pursue a basic computer engineering specialization as well. This will enable you to take courses like Projects in Algorithm Development, Parallel Performance Modeling and Analysis, and Cluster Computing, and to pursue research in the Pitt Parallel Computer Laboratory, the Swanson Embedded computing and Interfacing Laboratory, and more. 

The University of New Mexico is a public research institution located in Albuquerque, NM. Founded in 1889, this school offers master’s, bachelor’s, doctoral, and professional degree programs to more than 26,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Known for its high level of research activity as well as its top-ranked NCAA Division I athletics, this school is a top choice for students interested in careers in computer engineering.

The Master of Science in computer engineering is just one of many high-profile programs offered by the Electrical and Computer Engineering department at the University of New Mexico. You can also pursue majors in electrical engineering, optical science and engineering, as well as concentrations in project management, entrepreneurship and technology, Internet of Things, and space systems engineering. 

In most cases, you’ll take 24 hours of coursework and complete a six credit-hour thesis. You’ll be able to select an emphasis area or minor to help you hone and customize your studies for a more career-focused degree, too. The department even offers a Ph.D. in computer engineering if you wish to continue your studies past the graduate level.

A nationally and internationally recognized institution, Cornell University, located in upstate New York’s small city of Ithaca, offers a unique program in computer engineering. This degree challenges students to think outside the box via research and competitive coursework. You’ll be able to work alongside a group of highly accomplished peers as you move through a personalized course load of rigorous classes. 

You can choose from two separate majors here, depending on where exactly you would like to study. One Master of Engineering degree is offered at the Ithaca campus and is highly flexible, enabling students to design their own degrees as they have a vast amount of personal freedom. The second is offered in New York City and has a focus on entrepreneurship. 

Regardless of the pathway you choose, you’ll likely take classes in subjects like Space Science and Plasma Physics; Information, Systems, and Networks; and Computer Engineering and Digital Systems. You’ll learn from some of the top thinkers and industry experts, benefiting from small class sizes that foster collaboration and a small student-to-faculty ratio. 

Founded more than 63 years ago in Oyster Bay, Stony Brook University first opened its doors as State University College on Long Island. This school is part of the Association of American Universities, a highly selective group of research institutions in North America. 

Because of this designation, you can expect to conduct a high level of research as you complete your degree here. The Master of Science in computer engineering is offered by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and offers graduate students ample opportunities to participate in independent study and to get involved in research programs.

You’ll be able to choose from thesis and non-thesis options, as well as to pursue coursework that will enable you to receive an eventual Ph.D. You can choose from multiple areas of emphasis, including those in power engineering, circuits and VLSI, semiconductor devices and quantum electronics, computer engineering, and communications and signal processing. 

Can’t decide which specialization is right for you? Don’t worry. The department also offers multiple certificate programs so you can continue your education even after you’ve earned your degree. 

Columbia University in the City of New York offers another one of the country’s best master’s in computer engineering. If you aren’t sure whether doctoral study or entering the workforce is in your future, you’ll want to give this program a shot. It offers students an excellent pathway to either option. 

You’ll take coursework in subjects like Systems-on-Chip Platforms, Wireless Networks and Systems, Digital VLSI Circuits, and Computer Networks. You will be required to take 30 credit hours of coursework with an optional nine additional credits of research with faculty members. 

There are multiple research groups at Columbia, all of which enable students to work on projects that interest them most. You can work in one of the school’s many laboratories, such as the Computer Architecture Laboratory, on individual or faculty-guided projects. No matter where your research interests take you, you’re guaranteed to build relationships and networks with top-ranking professionals, alumni, and industry partners. There’s no better way to get a leg up on the career-seeking competition! 

With 12 colleges offering more than 200 areas of study, it might seem that the University of Iowa offers training in everything that’s a mile wide and an inch deep. Don’t let the vast array of program offerings here mislead you, though. Despite offering numerous degrees, the school offers one of the best (and most in-depth) degrees in computer engineering. 

The Master of Science in electrical and computer engineering at the University of Iowa is offered by the Graduate College. Available both with and without a thesis, this degree will provide you with the theoretical know-how and the technical skills necessary to revolutionize an industry, from healthcare to transportation.

This degree is one of the most hands-on, enabling students to participate in extensive opportunities for experiential education, such as study abroad, research, internships, or co-ops. You can join one of thirty different engineering-specific student organizations, too, if you choose. As a result of these exceptional opportunities, the program has an impressive 94% career placement rate. 

To apply, you’ll need to submit an online application to provide supplemental materials like a resume, an application for graduate awards, and a state of purpose. Letters of recommendation are also requested. 

Founded in 1819 as Cincinnati College, the University of Cincinnati is the oldest university in the city as well as one of the largest. It has an enrollment of more than 44,000 students, and as part of the University System of Ohio, also offers graduate students with some of the best opportunities for customized, interdisciplinary learning. 

The computer engineering program at the University of Cincinnati takes most students just two years to complete and consists of 30 to 33 credit hours of study. You’ll be able to work on exciting, challenging projects in areas like hardware and software systems, image processing, microsensors, nanoelectronics, and more. 

There are two separate graduate degrees offered by the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computing Systems, with the other degree being the Master of Science in electrical engineering. 

Both of these degrees provide learners with access to research opportunities that are funded by national and state research agencies like the NSF, NASA, the Army Research Office, and more. The school is home to some of the country’s best teaching and research facilities, with 32 faculty members teaching in state-of-the-art research laboratories. 

Founded in 1880, the University of Southern California is one of the state’s largest and most prestigious public research institutions. As such, the school’s main goal is to foster collaborative, original research among students. 

Because of this, the Master of Science in computer engineering is one of the most hands-on. You’ll be able to conduct all kinds of relevant research on a practically daily basis, focusing your studies on one of three specific areas: Design and Analysis of Computer Networks and their Protocols, Computer Architecture and Parallel Processing, or VLSI Design and Computer-Aided Design. 

Regardless of the pathway you choose, you’ll take around 27 credit hours of study. Six of these consist of elective credits, meaning you’ll have the ability to customize your degree. Some required courses include Computer-Aided Design of Digital Systems, Parallel and Distributed Computation Units, and Network Processor Design and Programming Units. 

You’re sure to be successful upon graduation, too. The school consistently ranks among the world’s best when it comes to alumni contributions and career placement rates. It’s also ranked as one of the top 25 schools in the country, particularly in regards to innovation and entrepreneurship, by the U.S. News & World Report and other ranking publications. 

Chicago, IL is a city with plenty to offer visitors and residents alike. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, this school is known for being an international hub for culture, finance, commerce, education, industry, telecommunications, technology, transportation, and more. It’s also home to the University of Illinois at Chicago which, due in part to its location alone, is one of the best places to earn a master’s degree in computer engineering.

The Master of Science in electrical and computer engineering requires 36 to 40 semester hours of credit. You can earn those credits either through a thesis or a coursework-only option. Regardless of the option you choose, you’ll be able to choose an academic track in a specific area of research. 

You’ll take courses in a number of relevant, industry-focused areas such as Pattern Recognition, Network Analysis, and Digital Signal Processing. Your courses aren’t the only places where you’ll learn, either—the department sponsors regular departmental seminars that will give you the opportunity to learn about research advances and other developments in the field. 

To apply, you will need to have a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a scale of 4.0. You will need to submit an online application for admission, official transcripts, GRE test scores, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation.

The University of Oklahoma, located in Norman, OK, was first founded in 1890—that’s right, before Oklahoma was even recognized as a state! Today, the school enrolls more than 31,700 students and has over 160 different master’s degrees to choose from. 

The School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Oklahoma is one of the best and most research-focused in the country. The school is sponsored by multiple organizations and regional industry partners, including the Oklahoma Center for Advancement of Science and Technology.

The Master of Science in electrical and computer engineering can be pursued with a thesis or non-thesis pathway. Both are excellent pathways toward the university’s Ph.D. program, with one year of full-time study required in most cases for graduation.

You’ll take about 30 to 33 credit hours of study, nine of which can consist of technical electives. In addition to classes in research areas like computer systems, bioengineering, communications, and electromagnetics, you’ll also be able to participate in an internship.