With the near constant talk of things like self-driving cars, household robots, smartphones, and tablets, it’s no wonder computer engineering is one of the most popular master’s degrees available. Perhaps you have been considering a master’s degree in computer engineering for yourself, but have some concerns about things like cost and time commitment.
That’s where Computer Science Degree Hub comes in.
We rounded up a long list of accredited, four-year universities offering master’s degrees in computer engineering. Because so many graduate degree seekers these days are parents and/or busy, working professionals, we chose to focus on just those programs offering their degree entirely online. Once we had a solid list of nearly 50 online degree programs, we used the following points-based system to narrow the schools down to just the top 30.
Annual Out-of-State Tuition
$5,000 or Less — 5 points
$5,001 to $10,000 — 4 points
$10,001 to $20,000 — 3 points
$20,001 to $30,000 — 2 points
$30,001 to $40,000 — 1 point
Annual Percentage of 20-Year Net Return on Investment (ROI):
9%+ — 5 points
7-8% — 4 points
5-6% — 3 points
3-4% — 2 points
1-2% — 1 point
Graduation Rate:
Above 90% — 5 points
Above 80% — 4 points
Above 70% — 3 points
Above 60% — 2 points
Above 50% — 1 point
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:
5:1 and more — 4 points
10:1 and more — 3 points
15:1 and more — 2 points
20:1 and more — 1 point
Note: In the event of a tie in points, the higher ranking was given to the university with the lower out-of-state annual tuition. All tuition numbers and other statistics are accurate as of November 2021.
#30. Auburn University
Online Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Auburn, Alabama
Annual Tuition (Out-of-State): $30,240
Total Points: 7
Auburn University offers an online M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering. The degree can be completed from anywhere in the world, and courses are taught by the same professors who teach on-campus engineering classes. No thesis is required. Courses cover a variety of topics, including embedded computer systems and digital signal processing, to name two. Admission to Auburn’s online computer engineering program requires a bachelor’s degree, and general GRE scores.
#29. University of Arizona
Online Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Tuscon, Arizona
Annual Tuition (Out-of-State): $32,065
Total Points: 8
The M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering offered by University of Arizona can be completed entirely online. This flexible degree allows students to choose from eight different focus areas. Regardless of how one chooses to customize their degree, students must complete 51 units. Potential classes include Software Engineering Concepts and Principles of Artificial Intelligence, among others. Classes are recordings of live lectures, which means students can learn at the time and place that best suits them.
#28. Old Dominion University
Online Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Norfolk, Virginia
Annual Tuition (Out-of-State): $29,851
Total Points: 8
Students pursuing a M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Old Dominion University can complete their degree 100% online. The master’s degree program consists of 30 credits, including a capstone project. Courses are taught by the same professors who teach on campus. In addition to “attending” class, students are required to participate in live online class meetings on a regular basis.
#27. Florida International University
Online Master of Science in Computer Engineering
Miami, Florida
Annual Tuition (Out-of-State): $21,393
Total Points: 8
Florida International University offers an online M.S. in Computer Engineering. The degree consists of 30 credits. Classes are taught over the course of eight weeks, which allows students to complete more coursework in a shorter amount of time. In fact, a full-time student can complete the online master’s in computer engineering in as few as 10 months. Required courses include Advanced Malware Reverse Engineering and Random Signal Principles, to name two.
#26. Florida Atlantic University
Online Master of Science in Computer Engineering
Boca Raton, Florida
Annual Tuition (Out-of-State): $16,695
Total Points: 8
The M.S. in Computer Engineering offered by Florida Atlantic University can be completed entirely online. The degree program consists of 30 credits, and students may choose whether or not they would like to complete a thesis. Courses cover a variety of topics, though students are given the opportunity to develop their own “Plan of Study” that aligns with future career goals. Classes may be attended “live,” or watched later.
#25. Colorado State University
Online Master of Science in Computer Engineering
Aurora, Colorado
Annual Tuition (Out-of-State): $9,000
Total Points: 8
Coming in at #25 on our list of the best online master’s degrees in computer engineering is Colorado State University. The online M.S. in Computer Engineering consists of 30 credits, and is typically completed within two years. Courses focus on a variety of hardware and software applications. Neither a thesis nor an oral exam is required.
#24. University of South Carolina
Online Master of Science in Computer Engineering
Columbia, South Carolina
Annual Tuition (Out-of-State): $29,760
Total Points: 9
University of South Carolina offers an online M.S. in Computer Engineering. The degree consists of 30 credits. Students may choose to specialize their degree in one of eight options, including Computer Architecture and Micro-Architecture, or Internet of Things. Students may choose whether or not to complete a thesis. Regardless of their choice, a comprehensive exam is required before graduation.
#23. University of Idaho
Online Master of Science in Computer Engineering
Moscow, Idaho
Annual Tuition (Out-of-State): $26,990
Total Points: 9
Students pursuing an M.S. in Computer Engineering from University of Idaho can complete their degree 100% online. Students may choose from a number of focus areas, and/or may work with a faculty advisor to customize their degree towards their future career goals. A thesis is required to complete the M.S. in Computer Engineering from University of Idaho.
#22. Kansas State University
Online Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Manhattan, Kansas
Annual Tuition (Out-of-State): $23,050
Total Points: 9
The M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering offered by Kansas State University can be completed entirely online. The degree consists of 30 credits. Students have the choice of two emphases: Communications and Networking, or Electric Power Systems. Regardless of choice, students must travel to Manhattan, Kansas sometime before graduation to complete their oral exam.
#21. University of New Mexico
Online Master of Science in Computer Engineering w/ a specialization in Internet of Things
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Annual Tuition (Out-of-State): $18,489
Total Points: 9
University of New Mexico offers an online M.S. in Computer Engineering with a specialization in Internet of Things. The degree program consists of 31 credit hours, and most students complete the program in about 18 months. Courses are eight weeks in length. This arrangement, ideal for working professionals, allows students to complete more classes more quickly. Required courses include Advanced Networking and Machine Learning, to name two. A graduate seminar is also required.
#20. Fairleigh Dickinson University
Online Master of Science in Computer Engineering
Teaneck, New Jersey
Annual Tuition (Out-of-State): $9,732
Total Points: 9
Kicking off our top 20 best online master’s in computer engineering is Fairleigh Dickinson University. Fairleigh Dickinson’s M.S. in Computer Engineering consists of 30 credits, and it can be completed entirely online. Required courses include Software Engineering and Logic System Design, to name two. By the end of the degree program, students will have the design skills necessary for a successful career in computer engineering. No thesis or capstone project is required.
#19. Syracuse University
Online Master of Science in Computer Engineering
Syracuse, New York
Annual Tuition (Out-of-State): $40,392
Total Points: 10
The M.S. in Computer Engineering offered by Syracuse University can be completed entirely online. The degree program consists of 30 credits, including 12 required credits and 18 elective credits. Students complete coursework in object orient design, and advanced data structures and algorithms, among other courses. Uniquely, all classes are live. This allows students to interact with their professors and classmates in a way that is not possible in other programs. Four start dates are scheduled throughout the year.
#18. Michigan State University
Online Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering
East Lansing, Michigan
Annual Tuition (Out-of-State): $37,056
Total Points: 10
Students pursuing an M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Michigan State University can complete their degree 100% online. Coursework covers computer hardware, and automation and communication networks, plus a slew of other useful topics. Students also have the opportunity to tailor this flexible degree program to align with their personal and professional goals. All courses are taught by the same professional faculty who teach the on-campus courses.
#17. University of Delaware
Online Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Newark, Delaware
Annual Tuition (Out-of-State): $34,164
Total Points: 10
University of Delaware offers an online M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering. The 30-credit degree programs covers a variety of topics, including information processing and cybersecurity, among other subjects. Required courses include Digital Communication and Modern Machine Learning, to name two. No thesis or capstone is required for this degree.
#16. University of Southern California
Online Master of Science in Computer Engineering
Los Angeles, California
Annual Tuition (Out-of-State): $47,880
Total Points: 11
The M.S. in Computer Engineering offered by University of Southern California can be completed entirely online. Students who pursue this degree can be assured they are completing the same courses, taught by the same professors, as on-campus students. Required courses cover three main areas, including Computer Architecture and Parallel Processing. Full-time students can complete the M.S. in Computer Engineering from USC in 1.5 to two years.
#15. University of Florida
Online Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Gainesville, Florida
Annual Tuition (Out-of-State): $27,335
Total Points: 11
Coming in at #15 on our list of the best online master’s degrees in computer engineering is University of Florida. This degree consists of 30 credits. Uniquely, students are able to customize their degree almost entirely by choosing just the courses and goals that fit their interests. Most students complete 1-3 courses each semester, though the program also allows for one semester off without penalty. No thesis is required to complete the M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from University of Florida.
#14. Missouri University of Science and Technology
Online Master of Science in Computer Engineering
Rolla, Missouri
Annual Tuition (Out-of-State): $29,558
Total Points: 11
Missouri University offers an online M.S. in Computer Engineering. Students may choose from four emphasis areas, including Computer Architecture and Embedded Systems, and Computational Intelligence, to name two. Required courses include Principles of Computer Architecture and Advanced Microcomputer System Design. Students may also choose whether or not to complete a thesis. An oral exam, however, is less negotiable.
#13. Iowa State University
Online Master of Engineering in Computer Engineering
Ames, Iowa
Annual Tuition (Out-of-State): $24,720
Total Points: 11
Students pursuing a Master of Engineering in Computer Engineering from Iowa State University can complete their degree 100% online. To earn this degree, students must complete 30 credits of coursework. Most students who choose to enter this degree program are working professionals. Uniquely, only one class is required per semester. This allows students to work through their degree on a part-time basis and graduate within five years.
#12. University of Utah
Online Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Salt Lake City, Utah
Annual Tuition (Out-of-State): $23,537
Total Points: 11
The M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering offered by University of Utah can be completed entirely online. The degree consists of 30 credits, and most students are able to graduate within two years. Courses are offered live, or as recordings. Classes include Optics for Energy and Micro Actuators, to name but two of the required 10. Online students even have access to live faculty office hours to ensure they receive assistance as necessary.
#11. Johns Hopkins University
Online Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering w/ a focus on Computer Engineering
Baltimore, Maryland
Annual Tuition (Out-of-State): $57,010
Total Points: 12
Johns Hopkins University offers an online M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering. The degree consists of 10 courses, all of which must be completed within five years of admission into the program. Two concentration options are available: Communications and Networking, and Photonics. Potential applicants should carefully look over the website for the Johns Hopkins online M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, as a number of prerequisites are required.
#10. Stevens Institute of Technology
Online Master of Science in Computer Engineering
Hoboken, New Jersey
Annual Tuition (Out-of-State): $37,414
Total Points: 12
Kicking off our top 10 best online master’s in computer engineering is Stevens Institute of Technology. Students pursuing this degree have two concentration options: Networks and Security, and Communications and Signal Processing. Regardless of their choice of concentration, all students must also complete a short series of core courses. These include Digital Signal Processing and Linear Systems Theory, to name two.
#9. Michigan Technological University
Online Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Houghton, Michigan
Annual Tuition (Out-of-State): $21,744
Total Points: 12
The M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering offered by Michigan Technological University can be completed entirely online. Students may choose from a selection of focus areas, including Signal Processing and Communication Theory, to name two. Uniquely, there are no required core courses for this degree. Students may also choose to complete a thesis, a report, or only coursework. Admission to the M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Michigan Tech does not require a GRE score.
#8. Texas A&M University
Online Master of Engineering in Computer Engineering
College Station, Texas
Annual Tuition (Out-of-State): $19,048
Total Points: 12
Students pursuing a Master of Engineering in Computer Engineering from Texas A&M can complete their degree 100% online. The degree program consists of 30 credits, not including an optional seminar. Neither a thesis, nor a comprehensive exam is required to graduate with a master’s in computer engineering from Texas A&M. To tailor their degree towards their future professional goals, students may choose to concentrate their degree program in one of seven focus areas.
#7. Kettering University
Online Master of Science in Engineering in Electrical and Computer Engineering — Advanced Mobility
Flint, Michigan
Annual Tuition (Out-of-State): $15,252
Total Points: 12
Kettering University offers an online M.S. in Engineering in Electrical and Computer Engineering — Advanced Mobility. The first of its kind, this degree program prepares students for a career developing autonomous vehicles and mobile robots. All courses can be completed online, in as few as 24 months. Applicants should have a general GRE score and an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better.
#6. Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Online Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Worcester, Massachusetts
Annual Tuition (Out-of-State): $28,980
Total Points: 13
The M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering offered by Worcester Polytechnic Institute can be completed entirely online. To complete this degree, students must work through 10 courses totaling 30 credits. Degree seekers may choose to study electrical and computer engineering broadly, or one of six focus areas. Among these focus areas are systems engineering and computer engineering. This program does not require a thesis, though students wishing to complete a thesis may organize that option through an academic advisor.
#5. Purdue University
Online Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering
West Lafayette, Indiana
Annual Tuition (Out-of-State): $28,010
Total Points: 13
Coming in at #5 on our list of the best online master’s degrees in computer engineering is Purdue University. Purdue’s online M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering consists of 30 credit hours. Typically, students are able to complete their degree in about one year. Seven different focus areas are available, including computer engineering. At the start of the degree program, students will work with an academic advisor to create a plan of study that fits both their study schedule and career goals.
#4. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Online Master of Science in Computer Engineering
Blacksburg, Virginia
Annual Tuition (Out-of-State): $27,614
Total Points: 13
The M.S. in Computer Engineering offered by Virginia Tech can be completed entirely online. Coursework for this degree program focuses on various computer systems, though networking and machine intelligence are also covered at length. A thesis is required to complete this degree, which may require some students to travel to Blacksburg, Virginia to complete the thesis in person. Virginia Tech also offers an online Master of Engineering in Computer Engineering.
#3. North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Online Master of Science in Computer Engineering
Raleigh, North Carolina
Annual Tuition (Out-of-State): $26,421
Total Points: 13
Students pursuing a M.S. in Computer Engineering from North Carolina State University can complete their degree 100% online. The degree program consists of 30 credits, and does not require a thesis. Students work with an academic advisor to compose a plan of study that fits their needs and goals. To apply to North Carolina State’s online computer engineering master’s degree, applicants should have a relevant bachelor’s degree and a GRE score.
#2. Georgia Institute of Technology
Online Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Atlanta, Georgia
Annual Tuition (Out-of-State): $29,140
Total Points: 14
Second on our list of the best online master’s in computer engineering is Georgia Tech. The online M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering emphasizes career development. This means students can be assured they are graduating with some of the best preparation available. Coursework is asynchronous, and covers topics ranging from solving technical problems to building entire systems. Students may choose to begin their degree in either the fall or the spring.
#1. Villanova University
Online Master of Science in Computer Engineering
Villanova, Pennsylvania
Annual Tuition (Out-of-State): $20,619
Total Points: 14
Villanova University tops our list of the best online master’s degrees in computer engineering. The university’s online M.S. in Computer Engineering consists of 30 credits, totaling 10 courses. These include a six-credit thesis and some independent study work. To ensure their degree is preparing them for their future career goals, students complete and submit a degree plan during their first semester. Potential courses include Ethical Hacking, and UNIX and C Programming, to name two.
Related Resources:
