Top 10 Online Master’s in Computer Engineering Programs

Computer engineers develop and build computer systems, which means they play a crucial role in nearly every industry, from auto manufacturing to medicine to cybersecurity.

Computer engineers tend to enjoy ample career opportunities and good pay. Computer hardware engineers, for example, earn median salaries of around $132,000, while engineers conducting computer and information research earn closer to $136,000.

Even higher salaries are possible for graduates of a master-level engineering program.

Getting a master’s degree is a great idea for many students, but finding a program that fits your budget and schedule can be tricky. Luckily, several great online computer engineering programs offer extra convenience, flexibility, and affordability to help you succeed.

Naturally, many graduates of online master’s in computer engineering programs become computer hardware engineers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these workers earned median annual salaries of more than $132,000 in May 2022. Professionals with graduate-level computer engineering skills are especially in demand in industries like scientific research and development, medicine and healthcare services, and electronics.

Other lucrative careers for computer engineering grads include computer scientists and computer information systems managers, which have projected job growths of 23% and 15%, respectively, from 2022-2032 (BLS).

We asked people who got their master’s degree in computer engineering whether it was worth it. Here’s what they told us.

Costs vary when it comes to an online master’s in computer engineering. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average graduate tuition and fees during the 2021-2022 academic year was $12,596 annually at public institutions and $28,017 annually at private institutions. Traditional on-campus programs often assign tuition rates based on your state of residence, while the cost of online tuition may be the same for all students.

Online programs are often ideal for students seeking more flexible learning options. Schools may deliver online courses through synchronous or asynchronous methods. Additionally, online programs also commonly offer full-time, part-time, and accelerated options.

Even as an online student, you may want to take advantage of hybrid courses or campus services, so consider whether proximity to your school is important to you. The location of your school may also impact your career options. Building a local network and securing local internships can help you land a job.

Be sure to pick an accredited college or university — accreditation indicates you’ll receive quality training. It can also signal to future employers that you are sufficiently qualified. In addition to institutional accreditation, some graduate engineering programs are accredited by ABET.

Student support services can be critical to academic success, particularly for online learners. Top programs offer diverse support through tutoring, tech support, career development, alum connections, internships, and mentorships.

An online master’s in computer engineering should prepare you for advanced careers in computer science and IT.

Schools commonly offer this program as a master of science (MS) or a master of engineering (M.Eng). Some may also offer computer engineering as a specialization within an electronics or electrical engineering program.

Graduate-level computer engineering program requirements typically include:

This course delves into the advanced programming of web applications. Examples include relational databases, virtual file systems, and client-server architecture. Students build skills in tools like SQL, HTML, and XML.

Computer engineers need a comprehensive understanding of the electronic components used to build computers. This course explores material types and their electrical, optical, thermal, and mechanical characteristics.

Computer engineering professionals must keep up with the latest technological innovations and master the core elements of contemporary computers. These components include cache memory, control circuits, and analog-to-digital conversion systems.

Designing circuits is a critical part of many computer engineering professions. Computer engineers need expert knowledge of digital integrated circuits to build central processing units and motherboards. This course covers gain and bias considerations, frequency response, chip layout, and transistor design.

Most master’s in computer engineering culminate in a capstone (for nonthesis programs) or a thesis requirement. Thesis and nonthesis programs typically include graduate-level research in a specialization of computer engineering, leading to a final project. To graduate, students must present their final project or defend their thesis during their final semester.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed March 12, 2024.