This is a list of schools and programs that focus on the Most Accelerated Online Master’s in Computer Engineering Degree. There is a high demand for accelerated online Master’s in Computer Engineering programs that are flexible enough for working adults. This stems from the rise in job positions that are opening up to professionals in the field. Some of the potential fields available to professionals include business, security, and database administration.
Working professionals are the ones most interested in this type of degree in computer engineering; however, they have specific needs that need to be addressed. These students need affordable and flexible degrees that can work around their work schedule, enabling them to keep pace with the curriculum while also attending to their professional and personal needs. They also benefit from accelerated degree plans because the majority of them have previous work and educational experience in the field, meaning that they are only looking for advanced education and not a refresher on the field.
Methodology
This ranking of accelerated online Master’s in Computer Engineering was built to provide working adults with the necessary information that will enable them to make an informed decision. The list was created by researching an initial pool of 25 schools using the National Center for Education Statistics and its publicly available College Navigator database. Several factors, such as tuition rates and degree completion timelines, narrowed down the list to 20 excellent schools. They are listed below in descending order based on the total estimate in-state graduate tuition cost for the computer engineering program.
20. Syracuse University
Students at Syracuse University are offered the chance to earn a 15-month accelerated online Master’s in Computer Engineering with no campus residency requirements. This computer engineering program is also available as a hybrid program for those that live near campus. The MSCE at this school is helmed by an award-winning faculty and features small class sizes, courses based on faculty’s research in various sub-disciplines, and a state-of-the-art virtual portal. Courses for the degree in computer engineering are offered asynchronously through the platform in 12-week sessions. This means that a student who takes two courses per term will be able to graduate within 15 months. This degree requires 30 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Fundamentals of Data and Knowledge Mining, Introduction to Cryptology, and Advanced Data Structures and Algorithms.
19. Worcester Polytechnic University
Worcester Polytechnic University confers a one-year Master’s in Computer Engineering online that is perfect for professionals who wish to move into more specialized areas of the field. The degree in computer engineering was built for working professionals who have a strong foundation in the discipline and are interested in a practical degree.
There are four concentration areas available with this degree; these include Analog and RF Design, operating systems, Digital Systems Design, Power Systems Engineering, and Systems Engineering. This is a 100 percent online computer engineering program that has no residency requirements. Instead, students will complete all of their coursework, including assignments and labs, online through the school’s learning management system. Courses run in the traditional 16-week session, meaning that students who take on a full course load every term and take courses during the summer term will complete the degree in one year. This degree requires 30 credit hours of coursework, a technical capstone project, and a comprehensive written exit exam. Sample courses include Analysis of Deterministic Signals and Systems, Embedded Core Architectures and Core-Based Design, and Digital Signal Processing.
18. Johns Hopkins University
The affordable accelerated online Master’s in Computer Engineering that is available from Johns Hopkins University is a great choice for working adults who are interested in finding a comprehensive curriculum with different areas of specialization. The degree in computer engineering has two concentrations: Photonics or Communications and Networking. There are also seven focus tracks, including Electronics and the Solid State, RF and Microwave Engineering, operating systems, and Systems and Control.
This is a 100 percent online course of study; there are no campus residencies and students will not be required to take on an internship or practicum. Students will complete all of their assignments online through the school’s virtual portal; courses are held in 16-week sessions, making it possible for students who adhere to a full-time plan of study to complete their degree in less than two years. This degree requires 30 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and an oral exit exam. Sample courses include Iterative Methods in Communications Systems, Satellite Communications Systems, and Computer and Data Communication Networks.
17. Villanova University
Villanova University confers an accelerated online Master’s in Computer Engineering that can be completed in two years when students follow a full-time plan of study. The degree in computer engineering was built for working professionals who need a flexible degree that enables them to take the majority of their courses online. Some required courses are only available as on-campus options so students will be required to attend campus for one term; most students take the required courses during the summer when terms tend to be shorter. All other courses are available asynchronously or synchronously through the school’s learning management system. The school follows the traditional 16-week academic term format. Students can expect to complete 30 credit hours of coursework, a thesis, and an oral defense of that thesis. Sample courses include Cryptography and Network Security, Hardware Systems Design and Models, and Introduction to Photonics.
16. Missouri University of Science and Technology
Students interested in an affordable accelerated online Master’s in Computer Engineering that can be completed in two years or less will want to look at the Missouri University of Science and Technology. The degree in computer engineering is available as either a thesis or non-thesis program that is also offered 100 percent online. Students will be able to choose between four concentrations: Digital Systems Design, operating systems, Electrical Engineering, Embedded Computer Systems, and Systems, Intelligence, and Software Engineering. All courses and assignments for this computer engineering program are available through the school’s virtual portal; courses are delivered in asynchronous courses and all exams are proctored. Students will follow the traditional 16-week academic term format; this enables even part-time students to complete this degree in two years when they take advantage of the summer term. This degree’s requirements and course offerings are available for review upon contacting the distance education admissions office.
15. The University of Delaware
The University of Delaware is home to an excellent affordable accelerated online Master’s in Computer Engineering. This is a 100 percent online degree with no residency requirements that is was designed to be completed in two years or less. The computer engineering program offers six concentrations, including Computer Systems, Signal Processing, and Electromagnetics and Photonics. Students will complete this degree by utilizing the school’s online learning management system; courses are available either asynchronously or synchronously and delivered in sessions that last roughly seven weeks. Students who study just one course per term will be able to graduate within two years. This degree requires 30 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam for graduation. Sample courses include Digital Signal Processing, Introduction to Cybersecurity, and Mathematical Methods for Signal Processing.
14. Purdue University
The accelerated online Master’s in Computer Engineering that is available from Purdue University was built to be earned by working adults. This computer engineering program is currently ranked as one of the top ten master’s programs in engineering by U.S. News and World Report. There are six different specializations available, including Integrated Vehicle Systems Engineering, Computer Science, and Computational Engineering. Computer engineering graduates will find that this degree comes with thesis and non-thesis options, enabling them to make a choice of how to best complete their degree requirements. This computer engineering program has no residency requirements; students will complete their assignments online through the school’s virtual portal. Courses are asynchronous or synchronous and are completed in the traditional 16-week format. This degree was designed as a part-time plan of study; however, full-time students will be able to graduate within two years. This degree requires 30 credit hours of coursework, a thesis or a project, and a comprehensive written final exam. Sample courses include Introduction to Complex Analysis, Computational Models and Methods, and Electromagnetic Field Theory.
13. Georgia Tech University
Georgia Tech University confers an affordable accelerated online Master’s in Computer Engineering that rivals the school’s on-campus offering. This degree can be completed in two years and has no residency requirements. Students will be able to choose the majority of their own courses as the curriculum has no set core requirements for the degree. This makes it easier for students to build a degree that speaks to their interests in the field. All courses are available asynchronously or synchronously through the school’s learning management system; courses are held in the traditional 16-week academic term format. An ambitious student can complete this degree in two years simply by taking two courses every term, including one summer term. This degree requires 30 credit hours of coursework, a thesis or extra coursework, and a comprehensive exit exam. Students are encouraged to contact the school to learn more about the school’s program requirements and to view a list of course offerings.
12. Auburn University
Students at Auburn University are provided with an accelerated online Master’s in Computer Engineering that is 100 percent online. This is a non-thesis degree that focuses on robotics, digital signal processing, and wireless engineering. Students will note that this degree is currently open only to working professionals with prior experience in the field. In order to accommodate their students, this school provides their courses online through asynchronous and synchronous sessions. Students will complete assignments, take quizzes, and engage in team projects by using the school’s virtual portal. Courses last for 16 weeks, making it possible for students to complete this degree in two years. Students can expect to complete 33 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include State Variable Analysis of Systems, Embedded Computing Systems, and Computer Aided Design of Digital Circuits.
11. The University of Arizona
The University of Arizona provides working professionals with an accelerated online Master’s in Computer Engineering that can be completed in two years while students continue with their personal and professional obligations. This program comes with eight specialization areas, including Computer Networks, High-Performance Computing, and Simulation Modeling and Heterogeneous Systems Design. This is a 100 percent online course of study with no residency requirements. This degree is completed entirely through the school’s learning management system; courses are generally offered asynchronously with some courses delivered synchronously. Courses follow the traditional 16-week academic term format, making it possible for a full-time student to complete this degree in two years. Students will be required to complete 30 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Advanced Linear Systems Theory, Advanced Topics in Computer Networks, and Detection and Estimation in Engineering Systems.
10. Florida International University
The one-year online Master’s in Computer Engineering provided by Florida International University was designed to be a great program for professionals interested in entering the security sector. This school has been designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by both the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.
This program has a stated focus on network security and will prepare students to sit for several certifications, including the Certified Ethical Hacker, Network+, and Security+ exams. This is a 100 percent online degree plan; students will complete asynchronous and synchronous courses through the school’s learning management system. All courses are delivered in eight-week terms, making it possible for students to graduate in 10 months when they take two courses every term. This degree requires 30 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Advanced Digital Forensics, operating systems, Wireless Communications with Multimedia Applications, and Advanced Ethical Hacking and Countermeasures.
9. Virginia Tech University
Virginia Tech University confers an accelerated online Master’s in Computer Engineering that is provided through the Commonwealth Graduate Engineering program. It is possible to earn this degree as either a Master of Science or a Master of Engineering; both are available as 100 percent online degree plans.
This program is available through the school’s online learning management system; courses are delivered asynchronously or synchronously and in the traditional 16-week academic term format. Students who take on a full-time plan of study will comfortably complete this degree in two years. This degree comes with an option to forgo the thesis or a coursework-only program of study. Students can expect to complete 30 credit hours of coursework, a thesis or extra coursework, and a comprehensive oral exit exam. More information can be found in this program by contacting the school’s online education department.
8. Colorado Technical University
Students at Colorado Technical University will be prepared to be qualified professionals in the field once they have graduated with the school’s online Master’s in Computer Engineering. This degree is offered 100 percent online with no residency requirements and can be completed in two years.
Students will complete all of their assignments and take their exams through the school’s virtual portal. Courses are available asynchronously or synchronously and in the traditional 16-week academic term format; for the convenience of all students, it is possible to take this degree as a part-time or full-time plan of study. Most students who take two or more courses every term, including at least one summer term, will be able to graduate within two years. Students will be expected to complete 48 quarter credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Software Systems Engineering Process, operating systems, Leadership and Ethical Decision-Making, and Computer Systems Security Foundations.
7. The University of Idaho
The University of Idaho provides working professionals with two options to complete an accelerated online Master’s in Computer Engineering. Students will be able to choose between a Master of Science or a Master of Engineering that can be completed in two years. Students will note that the Master of Engineering is a non-thesis degree while the Master of Science requires a thesis.
There are three stated concentration areas: Digital Hardware Design, Digital Systems Design, and Computer Systems. Students will complete all of their degree requirements through the school’s online learning management system; courses are delivered asynchronously and in the traditional 16-week term format. Students who take on two courses every term and take advantage of one summer term will complete this degree in two years. Graduation requirements include 30 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written exit exam. Sample courses include Survivable Systems and Networks, computer programming, Data Communication Systems, and Advanced Computer Architecture.
6. Colorado State University
Students who attend Colorado State University will be offered the chance to complete the school’s affordable accelerated online Master’s in Computer Engineering. This is a 100 percent online course of study that was built specifically for working professionals.
Students will find that they may choose between earning a Master of Engineering in Computer Engineering or a Master of Science in Computer Engineering, both of which are available online through the school’s virtual portal. Courses are delivered asynchronously or synchronously, providing students with options that best fit their schedule, and follow the traditional 16-week academic term format. Students can expect to complete 30 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Optical Interferometry and Laser Metrology, computer programming, computer network architect, computer software, Robust Control Systems, and Grid Integration of Wind Energy Systems.
5. The University of Michigan at Dearborn
The University of Michigan at Dearborn is home to an excellent accelerated online Master’s in Computer Engineering. This degree was designed to be as flexible as possible; students can take this 100 percent online or as a hybrid course of study as well as choose between part-time and full-time options. Students who take just two courses each term will be able to complete this degree in as little as two years.
The degree comes with four concentrations: Computer Architecture and Design, Networks and Communications, Intelligent Systems, and Multimedia Engineering. Online students will complete their assignments and projects online through the school’s learning management system; all courses are delivered live during the evening to accommodate working adults. Graduation requirements include a minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework, a master’s project or thesis, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Introduction to Computer Music, software programs, programming languages, Intelligent Vehicle Systems, and Advanced Software Technology for Engineering Problems.
4. Texas A&M University
Engineering professionals interested in an accelerated online Master’s in Computer Engineering need to look no further than Texas A&M University. This degree was created to be flexible for working professionals and can be completed 100 percent online.
With no residency requirements associated with the degree, students will complete all of their coursework online through the school’s virtual portal. Courses are held either asynchronously or synchronously and follow the traditional 16-week academic term format. Students who take two courses every term and attend at least one summer session will be eligible to graduate within two years. Graduation requirements include 30 credit hours of coursework, a capstone report, and a comprehensive oral exit exam. Students are encouraged to speak with the admissions office to learn more about program requirements and to view a list of course offerings.
3. Old Dominion University
Old Dominion University confers an accelerated online Master’s in Computer Engineering that focuses on research and application. This degree is offered 100 percent online and does not carry a residency requirement. Students will complete all of their coursework and attend their synchronous courses online through the school’s learning management system; courses are also recorded so that students can access their materials at any time.
ODU follows the traditional 16-week academic term format, enabling students to complete their degree in two years should they choose to study full-time. Students can expect to complete 30 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Solid State Electronics, software programs, hardware engineers design, Introduction to Game Development, and Wireless Communications Networks.
2. North Carolina State University
Students at North Carolina State University can graduate with an accelerated online Master’s in Computer Engineering. This is a 100 percent online degree that is open to students with previous educational experience in the field. Students will not be required to attend campus for any reason and will instead complete their coursework requirements through the school’s online learning management system.
Courses are 16 weeks long and are delivered either asynchronously or synchronously. Students who take two courses every term will be eligible for graduation within two years. This degree requires 30 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam for graduation. More information on program requirements and sample course offerings in engineering and computer science can be found by contacting the school’s graduate admissions office.
1. The University of Florida
The University of Florida confers an accelerated online Master’s in Computer Engineering that can be completed in two years. This program is currently ranked as one of the top 25 online engineering programs by U.S. News and World Report. Students will find that this is a non-thesis master’s degree that is offered 100 percent online with no residency requirements.
This degree is delivered 100 percent online through the school’s virtual portal; it utilizes asynchronous and synchronous courses that are offered in 16-week sessions. This degree requires 30 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Foundations of Digital Signal Processing, engineering and computer science, computer engineering focuses, software engineer, programming languages, Principles of Computer System Design, and Fundamentals of Machine Learning.
What are the Career Options for an Online Accelerated Master’s in Computer Engineering Degree?
- Software Development Engineer
- Network and Computer System Administrator
- Computer Hardware Engineer
- Business Continuity Analyst
- Senior Database Administrator
- Senior Network Analyst
- Computer Programmer
- Portal Administrator
- Systems Software Developer
- Computer Network Architects
- Telecommunications Manager
- Network Security Administrator
- Application Software Developer
- Computer Network Support Specialists
- Solutions Architect
- software engineer
- computer design
- software engineers
How Much Can You Earn in this Field?
The current median salary for a computer engineer is $83,988. Salaries can range from $75,000 to $160,000. This range includes positions from all sectors, positions that require additional education or endorsement, and international employment placement. Most of these positions can be held with just a bachelor’s degree, but some require a master’s degree or a doctorate degree in order to be considered as a qualified candidate.
What are the Various Disciplines of Computer Engineering?
Computer engineering is a field that combines both computer science and electronics engineering into one discipline. This means that there are a lot of disciplines that inform the field, such as math, science, engineering, statistics, computers, software programming, and more.
The field is also home to several sub-disciplines that serve as specialties for professionals who are interested in honing their skills in one particular area. Some of these sub-disciplines include cryptography, network security, computer vision and robotics, computational science and engineering, hardware engineering, and software engineering. While sub-disciplines can be found spanning the field, most professionals will focus on one or two disciplines throughout their career.
Computer engineers are in high demand as the economy moves to rely more on computers and electronics as a way to ensure that business continues to move forward. With so many specialties involved in the field, it is possible for every professional to find a sub-discipline that speaks to their interests and will ensure that their work will be beneficial to society. While it is difficult to find a traditional program that will fit the needs of working adults, an accelerated online Master’s in Computer Engineering is the best way forward to advance a professional’s education.
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