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What Can I Expect from an Online Master’s in Computer Engineering Program?

There are many benefits to enrolling in an online program to earn a master’s degree in computer engineering. Students can expect the same academic quality as a traditional on-campus program, and eliminating the need to commute to campus will give you more time to fulfill your personal or work obligations. You’ll also have the option of attending a school outside your area without the cost and inconvenience of physically relocating. When deciding on which online master’s in computer engineering program you will attend, do your research and find the best match for your personal needs and career goals.

Available concentrations

If you prefer to work in a particular niche in computer engineering, look for a program that allows you to focus your studies on this specialty. Some of the most common concentration options include:

  • Data Engineering: The curriculum centers on the infrastructure to collect, analyze, and manage big data.
  • Software Engineering: Focuses on the design and development of software applications, including maintenance, testing of completed designs, and overall evaluation.
  • Computer Architecture: Provides the knowledge to design and operate software and hardware systems.
  • Embedded Systems: Teaches students how to merge computer science and electrical engineering. The curriculum focuses on developing hardware and software for electrical control systems, mobile communication devices, medical devices, etc.
  • Communications and Signal Processing: Learn about the systems processing and transmitting data. Training involves identifying issues in efficiency and developing practical, real-world solutions.

Common degree curriculum

It’s important to note that some distance-learning programs still require on-campus attendance for one or more classes. If you’re unwilling to relocate, you must stick with 100% online programs or those within your local area.

The exact curriculum will depend on your school and whether you pursue a concentration. Still, there are some topics covered in just about every master’s in computer engineering program, including:

  • Cybersecurity: Teaches students about the different threats to computer security, including hacking, routing attacks, and weaknesses in TCP/IP protocols, and how to use available defense tools.
  • Computer Architecture: Focuses on the inner workings of computer hardware and using that knowledge to improve hardware designs.
  • VLSI System Design: Introduces students to VLSI CAD software, which designs integrated circuits and semiconductor chips. This course may also cover CMOS processing technology, clocking strategies, and MOS transistor theory.

Certification and license preparation

After earning a master’s degree, you should consider furthering your education and bolstering your resume through professional certification programs. Such credentials will demonstrate to employers that you are well-qualified to work in this industry. Some of the most valuable certifications for computer engineers include:

  • Principles and Practices of Engineering (Electrical and Computer): Passing this exam offered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying is a requirement for many state engineering licensing boards.
  • Certified Data Management Professional: Choosing a data engineering concentration for your master’s in computer engineering program will help prepare you for the CDMP exam. CDMP certification is offered by the Data Management Association and awarded to all database professionals who can meet the education and experience requirements and pass the exam.
  • Google Cloud Certified Professional Data Engineer: A data engineering concentration can also help you pass Google’s two-hour data engineer certification exam. To earn this credential, you must be familiar with creating big-data infrastructure and processing systems while maintaining security, reliability, and compliance standards.

Program accreditation

Only apply to schools approved by a DOE–recognized accrediting organization — these organizations evaluate postsecondary institutions to ensure they provide students with a high-quality education. Also, attending an unaccredited school can make it difficult to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed. It’s worth noting that some employers and state licensing boards will only accept applicants who graduated from an accredited program.

Program completion timeframe

Most online master’s in computer engineering programs take about two years to complete for full-time students. Part-time students may need up to five years, depending on how many courses they take per semester. Some schools offer accelerated programs that allow you to earn your degree in 12 to 18 months, but this requires a heavy courseload that might not be manageable for students with obligations outside of school.

The delivery structure of a program can also affect the amount of time it takes to earn your degree. Cohort-based programs will require you to remotely attend classes and complete all your courses simultaneously as other students. If you want to earn your master’s in computer engineering as quickly as possible, look for a program that offers asynchronous courses you can complete at your own pace.

Employment Outlook for Master’s in Computer Engineering Graduates

A master’s in computer engineering should provide you with strong job security. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the total number of jobs in the United States is projected to increase by 3% over the next decade, while most occupations related to computer engineering are expected to grow much faster than that. So, plenty of employment opportunities should be available once you graduate, making it easier to get hired and negotiate pay raises.

It is also an excellent degree for those who want to earn a significant income. Indeed, most computer engineering jobs offer six-figure salaries.

Of course, you should adjust your salary expectations according to where you plan to work. Areas with a higher cost of living tend to offer higher pay. For example, the average salary for software developers is over $50,000 higher in New York than in North Dakota.

Job Title Job Description Median Yearly Salary Projected Growth Rate (2022 – 2032)
Database Administrator Database administrators manage the storage and organization of data using specialized software. Access by authorized users is granted by the database administrator, who is also responsible for keeping the data secure from unauthorized use. $112,120 8%
Electronics Engineers Electronics engineers handle the development of electronic devices, designing the components, systems, and software needed to make them work and providing the maintenance and testing procedures for each device. $104,610 5%
Software Developer Software developers design computer programs. They may also be involved in a program’s testing, evaluation, and maintenance once it’s finished. $124,200 25%
Computer Network Architect Computer network architects are responsible for designing and developing data communication networks of all sizes, including intranets, local area networks, and wide area networks. They are also responsible for keeping networks secure and upgrading components as needed. $126,900 4%

Professional organizations

Computer engineers can join one of the many professional organizations dedicated to their field, which provide benefits like educational courses, networking opportunities, career-building tools, and industry publications. Here are a few notable professional organizations that may be helpful to computer engineers:

  • Association for Computing Machinery: ACM members can use conference networking opportunities and enroll in several training programs.
  • Society of Women Engineers: SWE provides female engineers with the tools they need to advance their careers. Mentoring services, networking events, industry publications, and an advanced learning center are all available to members.
  • Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers: IEEE encourages members to network with other professionals through numerous local events, provides the opportunity to self-promote with a profile on their website, offers a range of industry publications through a digital library, and maintains a large selection of educational and career-enhancing programs.

Financing Your Online Master’s in Computer Engineering Degree

Online programs are often more affordable than their on-campus counterparts, but you may still need assistance to cover the cost of college. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will determine your eligibility for grants and loans provided by the federal government. There are also several scholarships offered by state-level agencies and private organizations that you may qualify for.

Student Finance Resources and Guides

As mentioned above, a wide variety of financing options are available for your master’s in computer engineering program, each with its own set of eligibility requirements and application deadlines. The resources listed below will help you sort through all this information and save as much money as possible.

Online Master’s Degree Scholarship Database

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"A Helping Hand" Scholarship

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$25k "Be Bold" No-Essay Scholarship

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(ISC) Graduate Cybersecurity Scholarship

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(ISC) Women in Information Security Scholarship

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Interested in a degree?

Learn more about online degrees, their start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.