While earning an online computer engineering master’s degree can be demanding, your search for a quality program doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re looking for a promotion, a career jump, or simply additional knowledge, this guide answers helps you find 2023’s best online computer engineering master’s degree programs for your education and career goals. It also answers key questions about what you’ll learn, how much it will cost, and what your career options are after graduation.
Best Online Computer Engineering Master’s Degrees for 2023
North Carolina State University offers a rigorous, online master’s degree in computer engineering. This program is perfect for anyone who already has an undergraduate degree in the field and previous computer engineering work experience because the program curriculum is highly specialized. The curriculum specializes in computer architecture and systems, networking, and very-large-scale integration (VLSI) systems. All courses are streamed synchronously online at times which work for most working professionals. If students can’t attend class live, they can also watch a recording of the class whenever is convenient to them. If you are employed full-time, it could take longer to complete the degree, as fully employed students can only compete two courses per semester.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Computer Engineering
- Credits: 31
- Length: 1.5 years
- Cost: $390/credit (in-state) | $1,030.20/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
Engineers looking to deepen their knowledge of electrical engineering and/or computer engineering should consider the graduate program from the University of Florida. Designed with the working professional in mind, most classes are offered in the evening and students can choose between in-person and online courses. While the degree can be completed 100% online, online students may not have access to the same equipment and course options as in-person students. Additionally, courses can also be taken on a non-degree basis for anyone looking to deepen their knowledge of a particular topic, such as algorithms or artificial intelligence. Because the curriculum is advanced, successful applicants should already have work experience and an undergraduate degree in a related degree.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $448.73 per credit in-state | $690 per credit out-of-state
- Mode: Online or in-person
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
Engineering professionals wanting to progress their career should consider the masters of computer engineering. Since all students have an undergraduate degree in a related field and some work experience in computer engineering, the courses are quite advanced. The program also offers room for students to take electives in subjects of interest to them, such as electrical engineering and computer filtering. Because the degree is housed in the engineering school, students have the opportunity to take more electrical engineering courses than with a computer science degree. All courses are offered online and at times which should suit most students working full-time while pursuing their degree. The school also offers online professional resources to help students utilize their degree to achieve their professional goals.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Computer Engineering
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $705/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
Anyone looking for one of the best online masters of computer engineering programs should consider the degree from Eastern Carolina University. Since they’ve been offering the degree online for more than ten years, they have perfected the course delivery, so the program is as high quality as their in-person equivalent, but is much more flexible and ideal for a working professional with a busy schedule. All courses in this program are quite advanced, so successful applicants should have an educational and work background in computer engineering. Over the past 25 years, the department has tailored the program, so it’s both technical and practical in nature, making it perfect for anyone wanting a master’s degree to then enter a doctorate program or to enter the business world upon graduation.
Program Highlights:
Master of Sciene in Software Engineering
- Credits: 30+
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $579.22/credit (in-state) | $2,040/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
Computer engineers looking to deepen their expertise should consider the master of computer engineering program from the University of Idaho. This program offers maximum flexibility, with students being able to choose between an online, in-person, or hybrid format. No matter which program a student chooses, they’ll be able to pick from a wide variety of courses and class times. Along with taking courses in both electrical engineering and computer engineering, students complete a research colloquium in their final year. This is an intensive project that can be tailored to their professional goals or to what they may want to study, should they pursue a doctorate in the field. Full-time students can also reduce the cost of tuition by working as a teaching or research assistant while enrolled in the program.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Computer Engineering
- Credits: 32
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $549/credit
- Mode: Online or In-person
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NWCCU |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NWCCU |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | MSCHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | MSCHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | ACICS |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NASAD |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | ACCSC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
Inside 3 Popular Online Master’s in Computer Engineering
It’s important to make your time and money spent worthwhile. Because finding a school that meets all your flexibility, accreditation, affordability, and quality needs can be difficult, we’ve researched three of today’s most popular online computer engineering master’s programs in the nation. Look inside these programs to see if they make sense for you.
North Carolina State University
North Carolina State University offers an online master of science (MS) in computer engineering comprised of only 30 credit hours. Students learn about computer architecture, cybersecurity, error control codes, and more. This is the perfect degree for anyone wanting to start or further their career in coding, developing and designing software, and programming.
This degree must be completed within six years with no absence longer than one year. Admission requires an exam score from the GRE, an accredited bachelor’s degree in computer or electrical engineering, letters of recommendation, and a 3.25 GPA (though 3.0 may be considered). Students work with an academic advisor to create a plan for their graduate work.
Boston University
Boston University offers an online MS in computer engineering consisting of 32 credits with the rest being chosen electives. Students can specialize in either computer communications and networks, hardware and computer architecture, software, or cybersecurity.
This degree is extremely flexible, allowing graduates to choose from a wide variety of electives so they can pursue their interests. To top off the degree, students must complete a practicum consisting of a 4-credit thesis, 4-credit project, or two project-intensive courses.
Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech offers an MS in electrical and computer engineering online consisting of 30 credits. Students need a bachelor’s degree, letters of recommendation, and a 3.0 GPA to apply.
In this program, students learn about applying algorithms for engineering, system programming, microcomputer making them highly marketable to potential employers.
While this program is usually considered a terminal program, students who complete it are well-grounded for pursuing a PhD.
Why Earn an Online Master’s in Computer Engineering?
Getting an online master’s degree in computer engineering rather than a bachelor’s degree is beneficial for many reasons. Not only is it useful for salary negotiations, but expanding your knowledge and expertise makes you more appealing to potential employers since you can do more advanced projects. The flexibility and convenience of an online degree, as well as the potential career benefits, make this an easy decision.
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Flexibility
It makes sense that you can do an entire computer engineering program on the computer, right? By taking classes online, you don’t have to move to where your university is. You can get your degree right where you are at a pace that best suits your needs. This allows you the convenience to study whenever and wherever you want, and you don’t even have to get dressed.
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Career Advancement
Whether you’re looking for a change or you want to advance within your current company, getting a master’s degree will open many opportunities for you. A master’s degree gives you an edge over many peers, making you even more valuable and more likely to receive promotions. Possessing an online master’s degree in computer engineering signifies that you are a dedicated, committed person who is willing to tackle challenges.
What You’ll Learn in an Online Master’s in Computer Engineering Program
Computer engineering concepts are technical and complicated. Students explore the theoretical foundations of programming language, algorithms, abstract interpretation, performance modeling, and software development. The study of optimization, applications, machine learning, and artificial intelligence are joined with discussions of operations, networks, databases, and design parameters within computer engineering.
Popular Courses
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Protection of Power Systems
This course teaches you how to protect the computer, including devices such as coils, resistors, and condensers. Students learn to differentiate between the various protective relays such as directional delays, differential delays, distance, and wire pilot delays.
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Digital Signal Processing
This course covers the theory of digital signals and basic processing concepts such as discrete Fourier series; linear and circular convolution, discrete Fourier transform, fast Fourier transform; digital filter design techniques; discrete random signals; and discrete Hilbert transform.
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Wireless Communications
This course covers the technical problems and solutions to the physical and link-layer designs of wireless communication systems. Some of the course topics include digital modulation techniques, characterization of the wireless channel, spread spectrum, the cellular concept, and multiple access techniques.
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Transients in Power Systems
This course focuses on the advanced topics of interruption arcs, restriking voltage, harmonic oscillations, saturated systems, switching of rotational systems, magnetic saturation in stationary networks, and the transient performance of synchronous machines.
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Control System Components
In this course, students will come to understand the practical and theoretical requirements for analog and digital control systems. The class will discuss amplifiers, sensors, encoders, actuators, resolvers, and other electromagnetic devices. Students will learn how to measure functionality, cost, and reliability to analyze problems affecting system performance.
Specialization Options
A concentration within a degree allows students to narrow their focus to personal and professional interests. Specializing gives you expertise that other computer engineers won’t have, thus making you even more valuable and more prone to higher salaries. Below are the top four specializations in computer engineering.
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Hardware and Computer Architecture
This specialization is for those more in the physical building of computers. While there are some software courses, this concentration focuses more on designing and creating the physical parts of computers.
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Computer Communications and Networks
This discipline includes the designing, building, programming, optimizing, and repairing of both hardware and software within networks.
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Software
Very similar to software engineering, this specialization guides students through designing high-performance programs, embedded systems, and software systems, affording them the software skills and knowledge to be successful in a more advanced role.
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Cybersecurity
This concentration teaches students about protecting digital data, networks, and physical computers from damage. It emphasizes how to prevent cyber-attacks and unauthorized access to both public and private networks.
Accreditation for Online Master’s in Computer Engineering
It’s important to ensure your money and time are well spent, so it is crucial to find a program that’s worthwhile. You can do that by checking the accreditation of the school. The accreditation signifies the program is of a high caliber and, if applicable, meets the licensing requirement of specific degrees. The accreditor you should look for in ab online master’s in computer engineering program is the Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC), one of the four accrediting commissions of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.
What You Can Do with a Master’s in Computer Engineering
There are many different career paths for someone with an online master’s degree in computer engineering but they all revolve around designing, developing, and maintaining computer hardware and/or software. All computer engineering positions pay well, and their demand continues to increase as more of our world goes online. To help with your decision of which specialization to pursue, we’ve listed five popular careers for those with a master’s in computer engineering.
Software Engineer
Software engineers are a creative segment of computer engineering. They usually develop the underlying systems that manage devices or control networks, or they develop apps.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
|
$64,240 |
$107,510 |
$164,590 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
Computer Hardware Engineer
Hardware engineers design, develop, and test computer components. They’re typically responsible for rapid advances in circuit boards, chips, computer data storage, graphics cards, sound cards, other hardware components.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
|
$68,460 |
$117,220 |
$185,240 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
Machine Learning Engineer
Machine learning engineers design models and algorithms that make decisions based on data. The goal is to teach a machine how to learn from this data. For instance, search engines use machine learning to present results and eventually tailor its responses to you.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
|
$76,000 |
$113,000 |
$154,000 |
Source: PayScale, 2021
Data Analyst
Data analysts gather input from multiple sources and use it to find solutions to business problems. They interpret the data to draw conclusions and see trends so businesses can make optimal decisions. Industries that hire data analysts are vast, ranging from banks to social media companies to healthcare to telecommunication companies and more.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
|
$44,000 |
$61,000 |
$86,000 |
Source: PayScale, 2021
Information Security Analyst
Information security analysts focus exclusively on the security of an organization’s sensitive data. Their job is to protect the network from hackers or attackers through risk assessment and defense planning.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
|
$57,810 |
$99,730 |
$158,860 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
Costs and Financial Aid for Online Master’s Degrees in Computer Engineering
College degrees can be a big commitment of not only time but money as well. Before you enroll in an online master’s in computer engineering degree, you should have a plan to pay for it. Fortunately, there is a lot of financial aid out there! A lot of companies offer employer tuition assistance programs. There are fellowships, governmental grants, work-study programs, and scholarships. Everything helps your progress toward achieving a master’s computer engineering degree online.
What Your Online Master’s in Computer Engineering Could Cost
| School Name | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Est. Total Tuition Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
|
30 |
$446 |
$13,380 |
|
|
32 |
$1,777 |
$56,864 |
|
|
30 |
$1,100 |
$33,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Computer Engineering Master’s Degrees
What are the admissions requirements for a master’s degree in computer engineering online?
Each school has its own unique requirements, so it’s difficult to comprise one solid list. However, there are some requirements many schools have in common, so we will list them below. However, be sure to check with whichever specific school you’re considering.
- Educational transcripts
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Professional references
- Proof of a bachelor’s degree
- Purpose statement
How long will it take to finish my online master’s in computer engineering?
Most of the online computer engineering master’s programs take about three years to complete. However, taking classes part-time lengthens the process. If you are considering part-time study, be aware that many schools have a maximum number of years allowed to complete your degree. This limit is usually five or six years.
Can I earn an online master’s in computer engineering degree 100% online or do I need to visit campus?
Absolutely. Many schools have a 100% online computer engineering master’s program, leaving you to study anywhere you like. There are a few schools that require proctored exams, which means there are only certain places you can take your exams.
