30 Best Master’s in Computer Engineering Programs – 2025
April 7, 2025
Design isn’t just aesthetic. The devices and technology we take for granted are the product of many decisions – from the theoretical to the technical. If the prospect of making these decisions and designing new technology excites you, a master’s in computer engineering could be a good fit. Computer engineering is a multidisciplinary field connecting electrical engineering with computer science, but also reaches into fields like civil engineering and biotechnology. Whether computer engineers work in industry or academia, they need creativity and entrepreneurial skills. This blog post describes what a master’s in computer engineering consists of, if getting a master’s in computer engineering is worth it, a bachelor’s vs. master’s in computer engineering, and what you can do with a master’s in computer engineering. Next, it ranks the 30 best master’s in computer engineering programs in 2025.
What Coursework Does a Master’s in Computer Engineering Require?
A master’s degree in computer engineering incorporates both electrical engineering and computer science. Many programs are joint offerings between these departments or take a multidisciplinary approach. Often, master’s degrees in computer engineering provide multiple concentrations to choose from, letting students build focused expertise. Students frequently have the opportunity to complete theses or project capstones, gain research experience, and explore industry collaborations.
Because it is an interdisciplinary field, there is no uniform master’s program in computer engineering, sometimes even within the same university. Based on your background, interests, and the program offerings, you could graduate with an MS, MEng, MSc, or ME. Programs are also not always labeled “computer engineering,” even though this is what you will study. This article explains the variety of options in depth below.
Is Getting a Master’s in Computer Engineering Worth It?
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for computer hardware engineers in 2023 was almost $140,000. Graduates from top master’s programs can make that much right away. By 2033, the field is expected to grow quicker than average at 7% a year.
Although master’s degrees are normally self-financed, many schools outline financing options for prospective applicants. These include earning money through teaching, research, or fellowships. Most programs offer part-time or online options, which may be more cost-effective. If you are studying while employed full-time, your employer might be able to assist with cost.
Should I Do a Bachelor’s or Master’s?
It depends on your goals. A master’s in computer engineering can provide you with advanced technical background that you would not achieve with a bachelor’s alone. You can also explore a specific interest with a specialty. Based on your program, you will build skills in research or industry, allowing you to begin shaping your future path in a way a bachelor’s would not allow.
In addition, there are many 4+1 programs only available for those with a bachelor’s in computer engineering or a related field. These allow graduates to complete accelerated master’s programs.
What Can I Do with a Master’s in Computer Engineering?
Computer engineering graduates typically go into either academia or industry. But since computer engineering touches so many spheres of modern life, your imagination is your only limitation on what you can achieve with a master’s degree. Whether you design nano-robots for delicate surgeries or come up with technologies packaged in unprecedented ways, the scope is dizzying.
Your job will not just connect hardware and software, but also our physical and virtual realities, shaping the interface that determines the future of human culture.
Best Master’s Programs in Computer Engineering
Rankings are not a hard science, so look carefully at which programs best match your aims. Given the range of computer engineering master’s programs, it’s important to be extra clear about your further education goals. Almost all schools offer part-time and online routes.
1) Cornell Tech and Cornell University
Cornell Tech provides students with exciting opportunities to collaborate and experiment in New York City. The MEng in Computer Science lets students help local businesses solve technological challenges with peers from the business and law schools. The MEng in Electrical and Computer Engineering emphasizes prototyping new products and building entrepreneurial abilities. The main Ithaca campus offers an MEng in Computer Engineering and MEng in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Business skills and exploration are a priority here too.
2) University of Michigan
UMich has an MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering and an MEng in Electrical and Computer Engineering. While the MS has 12 concentrations to choose from, the industry-focused MEng only has 3: Autonomous Systems, Data Science and Machine Learning, and Microelectronics and Integrated Circuits. Only those with engineering bachelor’s are eligible. There are also extremely well-regarded MSE and MS programs in Computer Science and Engineering.
3) University of Texas, Austin
UT Austin’s prestigious MSE in Electrical and Computer Engineering gives students access to strong facilities like the Engineering Education and Research Center and the Texas Advanced Computing Center. For working professionals, there is an alternatively scheduled program through the executive education wing.
4) Carnegie Mellon University
The MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering offers multiple concentrations and even locations to choose from: Pittsburgh, Silicon Valley, Kigali, and Bangkok. The university also has an MS in Civil & Computer Engineering, which prepares students to develop technologies that anticipate civil and environmental challenges.
5) Stanford University
Stanford’s location in Silicon Valley consistently attracts students interested in technological innovation. The MS in Computer Science offers a number of specialties relevant to future computer engineers. In addition, the Institute for Computational and Mathematical Engineering’s MS program provides a mathematically-grounded approach to the field.
6) University of Washington
UW’s MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering exposes students to the tech hub of Seattle and highlights entrepreneurship skills. Local businesses habitually adopt student innovations, start-ups are encouraged, and the department boasts numerous patents. There is also a professional MS option.
7) Colorado State University
Electrical and Computer Engineering professors have filed 35% of CSU patents. The MS in Computer Engineering values new ideas and is particularly strong in climate and atmospheric sensing. There is also an ME with a specialization in Computer Engineering. Students from eligible states pay reduced tuition.
8) Northwestern University
The interdisciplinary MS in Computer Engineering, run by the Electric and Computer Engineering department, offers 12 specializations. Students can also design their own master’s in computer engineering, and earn minors in cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, engineering management, and scientific computing. Finally, students can avail of 16 research centers on campus and research opportunities in Chicago.
9) Brown University
The Electrical and Computer Engineering MS encourages personalization. Students have access to a nanotechnology cleanroom, advanced imaging suite, and community makerspace, and can take courses across departments.
10) Duke University
The MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering offers five tracks. Students attending this master’s in computer engineering receive research training and are prepared to join industry or academia. The MEng in Electrical and Computer Engineering is more specifically focused on industry. Duke also offers an international MEng through Duke Kunshan University in Suzhou, China, focused on Chinese industrial needs.
11) Boston University
The MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering explicitly focuses on 21st-century opportunities and challenges. Interdisciplinary and customizable, there is a practical internship option and courses in emerging areas.
12) University of California, Berkeley
MS in Engineering students concentrate in a variety of fields connected to computer engineering, such as Computer Systems, Computer Graphics, Signal Processing and Communications, and Robotics and Embedded Software. To graduate with a master’s in computer engineering, they must also complete capstone projects.
13) Tufts University
The MS in Computer Engineering, part of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, consists of three core areas: Computer Networking, Computer Architecture, and Computer Software/Systems. Classes are small.
14) University of Illinois
Prospective students may choose between MS and MEng degrees in Electrical and Computer Engineering. The MS involves a thesis and is research-oriented. The MEng only has coursework and is industry-oriented.
15) University of California, San Diego
At UCSD’s MS in Computer Science and Engineering, students can select between a thesis option, a regular option with a comprehensive exam, and an interdisciplinary option.
16) Georgia Institute of Technology
As part of Georgia Tech’s MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering, students can focus their interests in numerous technical fields. There is also a Technology Entrepreneurship thesis option.
17) Princeton University
Princeton offers an MSE in Computer Science, in which students write an original thesis, and an MEng in Computer Science, without a thesis. Note that only graduating seniors are eligible for the MEng in Electrical and Computer Engineering.
18) University of Southern California
The MS in Computer Engineering is part of the 900-strong Electrical and Computer Engineering department. About 80% of the cohort is international. The three focus areas are Computer Architecture and Parallel Processing, Design and Analysis of Computer Networks and their Protocols, and VLSI Design and Computer Aided Design and Verification of VLSI.
19) University of California, Irvine
UC Irvine offers MS and MEng degrees in computer engineering. While the MS involves either a thesis or exam, the MEng is focused on industry. Faculty research ranges from ultra-reliable real-time computer systems to programming languages for parallel/distributed processing. MEng students also gain experience in leadership and entrepreneurship.
20) Purdue University
Students can pursue an MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering on both the West Lafayette and Indianapolis campuses, as well as online. Many faculty are practicing professionals. Students can opt to complete a thesis, project, or additional coursework.
21) Harvard University
Harvard offers both SM (Master of Science) and ME degrees in Computer Science and Engineering. The ME involves an extra year focused on producing a thesis. The program sits across the departments of Computer Science, Applied Math, and Engineering Science and has a strong math emphasis.
22) Case Western Reserve University
Case Western’s MS degree in Computer Engineering lets students gain lab experience in areas like embedded systems, computer architectures, and VLSI design. They can participate in design competitions and internships.
23) Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College
Dartmouth’s MEng with a track in Electrical/Computer Engineering focuses on building foundational skills. Students without a previous engineering background can participate in a 10-week summer preparatory course. Looking for a more flexible option? There is also an online MEng with a track in Computer Engineering.
24) Boise State University
Boise State offers MEng and MS degrees in Computer and Electrical Engineering. The MEng allows students to take any classes they like and prioritizes practical learning and industry collaborations. The MS is research-focused, including a thesis and oral presentation. Moreover, exceptional Boise State undergrads can opt to complete an accelerated version of this master’s in computer engineering program.
25) SUNY Binghamton
MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering students can decide between areas of focus such as information assurance and very large-scale integration. They can also pursue an advanced cybersecurity certificate.
26) Arizona State University
ASU’s Master’s in Computer Engineering brings together the schools of Computing and Augmented Intelligence and Electrical, Computer, and Energy Engineering. The program supports students hoping to go into both industry and academia.
27) California State University, Fullerton
The MS in Computer Engineering treats the discipline as more than merely a combination of computer science and engineering. Students decide between completing an exam, thesis, or project to round out their degree.
28) Clemson University
Students in the MS in Computer Engineering program at Clemson can minor in math, physics, computer science, and industrial engineering. There is also a pre-Master’s boot camp for international students.
29) University of Notre Dame
The Notre Dame MS in Computer Science and Engineering is focused on coursework, but students also do master’s projects or theses. It caters mainly to those looking to build industry or government careers.
30) Auburn University
Auburn offers an MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering department and an MS in Computer Science and Software Engineering. Students can enroll in-person or online.
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