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Online Master’s in Computer Engineering
Students who are interested in breaking into the flourishing career field of Computer Engineering will almost certainly need to hold a master’s degree in this area. Many programs require rigorous in-person time commitments and might be highly expensive, but fortunately, we’ve designed this page to help you navigate all the aspects that go into finding an Online Computer Engineering Masters Degree. This page will review cost, timeframe, and other resources important to helping you make the decision that can bring your career prospects to a new level. Is an online master’s degree in Computer Engineering worthwhile? Check below to find out.
Featured Online Programs
Most Affordable Master’s in Computer Engineering Programs Online
Worried about the price tag that can come with pursuing a graduate-level program? Most people are. No need to worry, though; here is a list we’ve put together of the most affordable online master’s degrees in Computer Engineering.
Worried about the price tag that can come with pursuing a graduate-level program? Most people are. No need to worry, though; here is a list we’ve put together of the most affordable online master’s degrees in Computer Engineering.
Link to this Page| College Name & Address | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| #1 University of New Mexico 1700 Lomas Blvd NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106 | $5,156 | 54% |
| #2 Texas A&M University JKW Administration Building, Suite 200, College Station, Texas 77843 | $6,677 | 82% |
| #3 University of Idaho 875 Perimeter Drive MS 2282, Moscow, Idaho 83844 | $7,754 | 56% |
| #4 Mississippi State University Lee Boulevard, Mississippi State, Mississippi 39762 | $8,800 | 61% |
| #5 Florida International University 11200 S. W. 8 Street, Miami, Florida 33199 | $8,912 | 63% |
| #6 North Carolina State University 2101 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695 | $9,095 | 94% |
| #7 Purdue University Hovde Hall of Administration, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907 | $9,208 | 92% |
| #8 Iowa State University 1750 Beardshear Hall, Ames, Iowa 50011-2103 | $9,758 | 74% |
| #9 Auburn University Auburn, Alabama 36849 | $9,828 | 79% |
| #10 Old Dominion University 5115 Hampton Blvd, Norfolk, Virginia 23529 | $10,207 | 53% |
| #11 Kansas State University 919 Mid-Campus Drive, Anderson Hall, Manhattan, Kansas 66506 | $10,212 | 65% |
| #12 Missouri University of Science and Technology 300 W.13th Street, Rolla, Missouri 65409 | $10,452 | 66% |
| #13 Colorado State University 102 Administration Building, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523 | $10,520 | 83% |
| #14 University of Florida, Gainesville Tigert Hall, Gainesville, Florida 32611 | $10,770 | 88% |
| #15 University of Michigan, Dearborn 4901 Evergreen Rd, Dearborn, Michigan 48128 | $12,770 | 78% |
| #16 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University 210 Burruss Hall, 800 Drillfield Dr., Blacksburg, Virginia 24061 | $12,055 | 86% |
| #17 University of South Carolina Columbia-Campus, Columbia, South Carolina 29208 | $13,737 | 77% |
| #18 Georgia Institute of Technology 820 N Washington Ave, 225 North Ave, Atlanta, Georgia 30332 | $14,064 | 97% |
Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available
Best Online Master’s in Computer Engineering Programs Online
Affordable pricing is definitely a good quality to look for in an academic program, but there are other qualities that are important to consider, as well. Here’s a list of some of the highest-rated online master’s degrees in Computer Engineering based on other factors such as financial support available to students, graduation statistics, and student selectivity. Here is a list of best colleges for computer engineering that offer online masters programs:
Link to this Page| College Name & Address | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Texas A&M University JKW Administration Building, Suite 200, College Station, Texas 77843-1248 | $6,677 | 82% |
| #2 Florida International University 11200 S. W. 8 Street, Miami, Florida 33199 | $8,912 | 63% |
| #3 Colorado State University 102 Administration Building, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523-0100 | $10,520 | 70% |
| #4 North Carolina State University 2101 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695 | $9,095 | 94% |
| #5 Iowa State University 1750 Beardshear Hall, Ames, Iowa 50011-2103 | $9,758 | 74% |
| #6 University of Michigan, Dearborn 4901 Evergreen Rd, Dearborn, Michigan 48128 | $12,770 | 78% |
| #7 Villanova University 800 Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, Pennsylvania 19085 | $20,506 | 96% |
| #8 University of Southern California University Park, Los Angeles, California 90089 | $46,272 | 92% |
| #9 Stevens Institute of Technology Castle Point On Hudson, Hoboken, New Jersey 07030 | $36,680 | 85% |
| #10 Worcester Polytechnic Institute 100 Institute Road, Worcester, Massachusetts 01609 | $28,188 | 89% |
| #11 Syracuse University 900 South Crouse Ave., Syracuse, New York 13244 | $38,880 | 83% |
| #12 Purdue University Hovde Hall of Administration, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907 | $9,208 | 92% |
| #13 Georgia Institute of Technology 225 North Ave, Atlanta, Georgia 30332 | $14,064 | 97% |
| #14 University of Florida, Gainesville Tigert Hall, Gainesville, Florida 32611 | $10,770 | 88% |
Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available
Understanding an Online Master’s in Computer Engineering Program
Designed for current IT professionals or those with a background in computer or data science, a master’s in cyber security teaches a broad range of skills, including cloud security, data protection, and network analysis, and leads to a variety of careers.
Common Specializations for an Online Master’s in Computer Engineering
Like many degree programs, “Computer Engineering” often acts as an umbrella term for a variety of emphases students are allowed to pick from based on their goals. It is important to know that many schools offer an online master’s in computer engineering along with their electrical engineering programs. This is because, computer engineering also involves hardware technologies which are based on electrical engineering. Below are a few emphases that you may have the option to specialize in when completing your online master’s degree in Computer Engineering.
| Area of Focus | Description | Careers This Concentration Prepares For |
|---|---|---|
| Communications and Networking | Students who are interested in a Networking and Communications focus will learn to handle the necessary operations that link a series of computers together, whether locally or wide-range. | Network Administrator; Network Manager; Telecommunications Specialist; System Technician |
| Electronics and Solid State | Students studying in this area will be learning to design and develop a wide range of electronic devices utilizing solid semiconductors. | Electronics Engineer; Manufacturing Engineer; Product Design Engineer |
| Signal Processing | Most people know that when data or signals are imputed into a computer, they are translated into a series of 1’s and 0’s. Students interested in specializing in Signal Processing learn to manipulate and manage these digital signals. | Digital Signal Software Engineer; Analog Design Engineer; Communications Algorithm Engineer |
| Optics and Photonics | An emphasis in Optics and Photonics will help students better understand the side of computer engineering that deals with lasers, holography, and the processing of optical data. | Adaptive Optics Software Engineer; Computer Vision Scientist; Photonics Engineer |
Online Master’s in Computer Engineering Admission Requirements
So what does it take to get into one of these programs? Most students are aware that they need to be applying into graduate-level programs, but aren’t entirely sure what requirements they need to be meeting. Below are a few common pre-admissions requirements students may come up against when considering applying into a program.
- GPA: Grad programs are always wanting to bring in students they think will be successful in their academic pursuits. One of the best ways to get an idea for a student’s academic potential is by looking at their GPA, which many programs want to see at a 3.0 or higher.
- Field-Related Experience: Work experience isn’t always required prior to putting in an application, but it’s important to keep in mind that when you’re applying to a graduate-level program, you’re applying against other applicants. Work experience can give you a competitive edge against these other students.
- Bachelor’s Degree: Students applying to a master’s degree program will be required to hold a bachelor’s degree from a properly accredited institution. Many of these programs will also be looking for students with an undergraduate background in computer science or engineering-related field.
Curriculum for an Online Master of Computer Engineering Program
- Communication Systems Engineering: In this course, students will learn about the principles and relevant applications for computer communication systems. This course covers topics including coherent and noncoherent detection, samplings, and quantization.
- Computer Architecture: This course gives students an in-depth look at the modern computer and everything that goes into building and maintaining it. Students will learn about topics such as cache systems, control circuitry, and analog to digital processes.
- Electronics Material: Computer engineers need a solid understanding of electronics materials and their applications. This course dives into material types and their specific properties.
- Nanostructures: Nanostructures are structures that are of intermediate size between microscopic and microstructures. In modern computers, these structures are uses for nanotechnology to keep up with the pace of miniaturization of computer chips. In this course, students are exposed to nanostructure optical properties, quantum, confinements and fabrication, and characterization.
- Digital Signal Processing: Digital Signal Processors are used for processing of signals that contain a discrete, discontinuous representation of numbers, letters. In this course, students are taught about DSP’s and various theories involved with digital signal processing and how this technology is in modern-day communication equipment that uses digital technology.
- Software/Hardware Design for Embedded Systems: Embedded Systems is a field where software is created to control and operate hardware devices. Certain types of hardware designs are required for these devices to respond to commands that are coming from software applications. In this course, students are taught how hardware and software are designed to function as embedded systems.
Online Master’s in Computer Engineering Program Length
Typically, the time frame for degree completion is dependent on how quickly the student wants to graduate and what individual time constraints they may have. Many graduate programs offer both full-time and part-time scheduling, so students can choose whatever path that best meets their individual needs and pacing.
Online learning offers the added benefit of flexibility. Online master’s programs give students the flexibility to learn where and, in some cases, when works best for them. A student who wants to finish their programs a bit faster is able to complete their degree in about 1.5-2 years, whereas another student might prefer a slower pace, spread out over the span of 2.5-3 years.
Other Types of Online Master’s in Computer Engineering Programs
Free or Low-Cost Master’s in Computer Engineering Programs
Graduate students continue to seek out affordable options for college, but did you know that there are some computer engineering programs that are free? While there are no full master’s programs in computer engineering that are free and accredited by reputable institutions, there are some programs that allow students to watch lectures from past sessions and free courses from reputable schools. Students won’t get a masters diploma in computer engineering, but they can learn on par with master’s students at other online master’s institutions. All of this for free and 100% online. Explore the following programs below:
University of Texas, Austin: University of Texas at Austin offers some programs from past sessions that are free. Here is one program that can be enrolled for free using the edX platform – Embedded Systems
Study.com – Systems Development
Study.com – Hardware and Systems Technology
DelftX, via edX – The hardware of a quantum computer
Online Master’s in Computer Engineering: No GRE Requirement
Many online master’s degree programs in computer engineering do not require applicant’s scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). Explore the following schools to learn more about online master’s degrees in computer engineering that don’t require the GRE:
Colorado State University
Purdue University
University of Michigan, Dearborn
How to Pay for a Master’s in Computer Engineering Degree
With many computer engineering graduate programs costing around $21,000-$45,000 in total tuition, it’s important students explore every avenue available to them when figuring out how to pay for school. Below are a few methods students can take advantage of when covering the expenses of tuition, cost of living, and additional costs like books, course materials, and extra fees.
| Tuition Reimbursement | Work Study | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|
| Some employers offer tuition reimbursement programs for students who are already working in the field and are wanting to go back to school to further their understanding of computer engineering and expand their career opportunities. This not only benefits the students and alleviates the cost of their graduate degree, but employers also benefit from having strong professionals working for them. | Many graduate programs offer a set amount of work study positions, where graduate students who are actively pursuing their degree can land a role working for their department. This can help with the costs of school or the cost of living expenses. There are also many off-campus opportunities, so online students can benefit from work study programs as well. | Financial aid covers scholarships, grants, and student loans, so it’s important that graduate students understand all of the financial aid that’s available to them. Once a student has decided on a program, they should contact the school to learn what program-, state- or school-specific aid is available to them. |
Scholarships for students pursuing Computer Engineering Degrees
- NANOG Scholarship Program: The North American Network Operators’ Group (NANOG) is a nonprofit advocacy group dedicated to the ongoing advancement of an open, secure, and robust internet. They administer a scholarship program to assist current undergraduate or graduate levels students that are pursuing a degree in the computer engineering field. Eligibility includes students to be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at an accredited university and maintain a GPA of 3.0. Award Amount: $5,000 Deadline: Varies
- PSGC Graduate Research Fellowship Program: The Pennsylvania Space Grant Consortium (PSGC) awards a fellowship to students that are pursuing advanced degrees in the field of science, technology, engineering, or humanities-related to NASA research and development. PSGC fellowship is specifically meant for students attending Penn State University. Applicants must be U.S citizens and must be admitted to Penn State’s graduate school in a related program. Award Amount: $5,000 Deadline: Mar 1
- SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund: Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is a trade association of diverse manufacturers, distributors, retailers, etc. of the specialty parts and accessories used in the vehicles. SEMA administers a scholarship fund to foster the next generation of automotive industry leaders and innovators. This award is meant to help students to pay their college tuition fees. Eligibility criteria include that the student pursues a degree in the field of technology in the U.S and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. Award Amount: $5,000 Deadline: Mar 5
- Measurement Science Conference Scholarship (MSC): Measurement Science Conference was founded in 1970 to promote education and professionalism in science and related disciplines. MSC established a fund to grant scholarships to students that are pursuing education Engineering, Science, and Quality Assurance degree programs. Applicants for these awards should be admitted into an accredited university and have a GPA of a minimum of 3.0. Successful award receivers should attend the MSC luncheon. Award Amount: $2,000 Deadline: Jan 15
Find Online Masters in Digital Strategy Programs Near Me
One of the most compelling reasons to pursue an online degree is the significant financial savings it affords students. Online programs do not involve additional educational expenses such as child-care during class hours, meals, transportation, or student residence, as do in-person programs. However, some students may prefer to attend a college far away from home for a variety of reasons, while others may prefer to enroll in one closer to where they reside. Whatever one’s needs and preferences, here are some of the best universities for an online master’s in digital strategy ‘near me’:
