Best Online Computer Engineering Master's Programs

Based near Manhattan, the Stevens Institute of Technology offers graduate programs that deliver an interdisciplinary curriculum and research opportunities. Many graduate programs are offered on-campus and online. The Schaefer School of Engineering & Science has two degrees for computer engineering candidates: a Master of Science and a Master of Engineering. Four concentrations are offered: embedded systems, software and data engineering, networks and security, and artificial intelligence. Additional degree options in the field are available, including a Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence with a focus in computer engineering or a dual-MBA degree option. All courses are available through the StevensOnline platform.

A public research university in Atlanta, Georgia, the Georgia Institute of Technology hosts several online master’s level degrees. Georgia Tech, as the school is often referred to, offers a Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering. The online learning platform combines virtual lectures, video conferencing, online discussion boards, and a range of digital tools. Students with full-time employment have the scheduling flexibility to complete two courses each semester. Online courses uphold the same academic rigor as their on-campus versions.

USC Online offers a large range of graduate-level programs for those seeking the flexibility of an online degree. The USC Viterbi School of Engineering provides a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering-Computer Engineering. Beyond the general education requirements, graduates must complete 28 credit units, with an emphasis on architecture, VSLI/CAD, and networks. Applicants must have an undergraduate degree in the field of engineering and submit GRE scores.

Villanova University has a robust collection of distance education degrees, including its 30-credit Master of Science in Computer Engineering through the College of Engineering. Students seeking a more flexible degree option can choose to complete courses via the E-Learning platform, which allows students to combine online learning with on-campus classes. Students also may select a part-time or full-time plan with a two-year, three-year, or five-year completion schedule. Full-time applicants must submit a GRE score. Individuals with an engineering undergraduate degree in a specialization other than computer science are expected to fulfill computer science foundational coursework.

North Carolina State University (NC State) offers a Master of Science in Computer Engineering and a Master of Engineering with a concentration in Computer Engineering. The MS program is a 31-credit degree that can be completed full-time or part-time. There is no thesis requirement. The ME program is a 30-credit degree that requires five classes in the chosen specialization but requires coursework from another engineering area, including Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and Nuclear Engineering. No thesis is required. Most online classes at NC State employ a mix of synchronous and asynchronous tools, using the Moodle online management system and Zoom video conferencing software. NC State’s online programs provide participants access to the Career Development Center, an IT Help Desk, resources from NC State libraries, and veteran student services. Admissions to the MS program depend on a completed bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline, with a 3.25 GPA minimum. The ME degree’s admissions GPA is 3.0. Additionally, candidates should submit a completed application packet for fall or spring semesters. Students should also send in official transcripts, a current resume, a personal statement, and three letters of recommendation. The MS program requires GRE scores, and they are preferred for the ME though not a requirement.

Graduate students seeking an online computer engineering degree have two options through the University of Florida (UF): a 30-credit Master of Engineering in Electrical and Computer Engineering or a 30-credit Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering. UF Online, the remote learning platform, awards the same degrees as the on-campus programs. Instructors use a program called EDGE (Electronic Delivery of Gator Engineering) for their online coursework. Students may complete classes on a part-time or full-time basis, with one to three classes per semester. UF Online students have access to career services, academic advising, a 24/7 IT Help Desk, and resources from UF Libraries, including a live chat feature with a librarian. UF has been recognized for its support of veterans. Applications are accepted for fall, spring, and summer terms. Graduate admissions for these online programs consist of a form (with fee), official transcripts, a statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation, a resume, and GRE scores. Students must have completed a bachelor’s degree to apply.

The Master of Science in Computer Engineering from Syracuse University is a 30-credit program offered online through the College of Engineering and Computer Science. Classes are taught by Syracuse University’s own faculty with live, weekly classes and assignments using 2U education technology. The MS in Computer Engineering follows a cohort model. The program is recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education and Research by both the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security. The program can be completed in 15 months and includes in-person immersion opportunities. During these, students connect with their cohorts, attend lectures from guest speakers, and collaborate in hands-on workshops. Accepted students are required to attend at least one immersion weekend on campus. Online students have access to career services, virtual office hours with professors, resources from the Carnegie Library, and membership to WeWork’s global workspaces. Students may apply for four start dates each year, in January, April, July, and October. Candidates should have a completed bachelor’s degree in a related field with a 3.0 GPA. Along with a completed application (with fee), individuals should submit official transcripts, a resume, a personal statement, GRE scores (if applying with less than a 3.0 undergraduate GPA), and two letters of recommendation.

University of South Carolina’s (UofSC) main campus in Columbia, South Carolina hosts an online Master of Science in Computer Engineering. This is a 30-credit program hosted in the College of Engineering and Computing. Students may choose either a thesis or a non-thesis option. The non-thesis option includes additional elective options and a written comprehensive exam. Learning outcomes include working with discrete mathematics, using models of programming languages, and understanding techniques and technical solutions for developing high-performance computer systems. Online learning through the College of Engineering and Computing relies on video streaming through its APOGEE (A Program of Graduate Engineering Education) program. Courses are offered three times a year, in spring, summer, and fall semesters. Technical support is available through the university’s Help Desk. Online students have access to free tutoring and digital resources through the Thomas Cooper Library. Interested candidates must have a completed bachelor’s degree in the computer science and engineering field. To apply, students must submit two letters of recommendation, GRE scores, and official transcripts.

Southern Methodist University (SMU) has two choices for an online graduate computer engineering program: a Master of Science in Computer Engineering or a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering with a concentration in Computer Engineering. Both degrees are hosted in the Bobby B. Lyle School of Electrical Engineering. The MS in Computer Engineering is 30 credit hours; students are allowed to either complete six credit hours of a concentration or six credit hours toward a thesis. Concentrations are Design Automation, Networking, and Architecture. The MS in Electrical Engineering is also 30 credit hours and has an optional thesis in place of additional upper-level coursework. Classes are recorded live, though students do not have to watch them at a specific time. It’s encouraged that these pre-recorded lectures are viewed within 48 hours, so students keep up with the materials. Content is housed in Canvas learning management software. Classes run in standard terms in spring, summer, and fall semesters. Online students have access to an IT Help Desk, academic advising, disability services, and resources from the SMU library system. Interested candidates must have completed a bachelor’s degree in a closely related field with at least a 3.0 GPA. Candidates must complete an application form (with fee), send official transcripts, and submit three letters of recommendation.

Florida Atlantic University (FAU) has a fully online Master of Science in Computer Engineering through the College of Engineering and Computer Science. Accepted students may consider either a thesis or a non-thesis option. The non-thesis option includes an additional upper-level elective and independent study credit. The 30-credit program allows students to work with an academic advisor to develop a customized plan of study. Prerequisite knowledge of data structures, microprocessor systems, CAD-based computer design, and VLSI is expected. Online students have access to the Center of eLearning which provides virtual tutoring, career services, disability accommodations, and FAU library resources. Online classes operate with live-streamed lectures which can also be downloaded at a later time. Major coursework covers computer architecture and design, software development, and computer systems. To apply, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in a related field with at least a 3.0 GPA. Individuals must submit a completed application, official transcripts, and GRE scores. Applications are accepted for fall, spring, and summer terms.

Iowa State University’s (ISU) Master of Engineering in Computer Engineering has areas of concentration in Computing and Networking Systems, Information Systems Security/Networking, Software Systems, and VLSI Design. The degree is designed for working professionals and only requires one class each semester. Students typically complete the program at this rate in five years. The full program requires 30 credit hours including an optional independent study component. The College of Engineering delivers online content asynchronously and via live lectures; materials are housed in the Canvas learning management system. Classes are designed with a rubric approved by Quality Matters. Online learners attend a virtual orientation. They may utilize disability accommodations, academic advising, and resources from the ISU libraries. To be considered for admission, students must have completed a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA and submit GRE scores (a score of 155 is required for the Quantitative section). Students with an undergraduate major in an unrelated field may still be considered. Applications are accepted for fall and spring semesters. To apply, students should submit three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a completed application.

Johns Hopkins University has two choices for prospective graduate-level computer engineering students: a Master of Engineering Management in Electrical and Computer Engineering or a Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Both programs are available online through the Whiting School of Engineering. The MSM program is part-time and has concentrations in Optics and Photonics, Computer Engineering, RF and Microwave Engineering, and Communications, Controls, and Signal Processing. The MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering is available part-time or full-time, with concentrations in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Photonics, and Telecommunications. Online courses use Blackboard learning management software and Zoom video conferencing. Students can access disability accommodations, 24/7 technology support, and resources from the Johns Hopkins library system. Interested applicants must have a completed bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. In addition to the online application (with fee), admissions requirements include a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, GRE scores, a resume, and official transcripts.