Computer Engineering Program Guide

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, and students can expect to receive an education at the same level of quality as a traditional, on-campus program. Choosing a distance-learning program lets you enjoy the flexibility of online attendance, making it easy to work toward your degree while still fulfilling your personal or work obligations. When you factor in the ability to choose a school almost anywhere in the country without the need to relocate and the lower average cost of tuition, opting for an online program can seem like the easy choice. When looking at your options for an online master’s in computer engineering program, take the time to consider several to ensure you find the one that fits your lifestyle and career goals.

Concentrations Offered for an Online Master’s in Computer Engineering

Curriculum for an Online Master’s in Computer Engineering

The curriculum offered in a graduate computer engineering program can vary between concentration options and educational institutions. The best program for you is one that best aligns with your career goals and personal obligations. It’s important to note that some distance-learning programs still require attendance at one or more classes on-campus. If you’re not willing to relocate, you may want to stick with exclusively online programs or those that are within your local area.

The differences in curriculum means your experience can be difficult to predict, but there are some courses that are commonly found in most programs. If you’re pursuing a master’s degree in computer engineering, you should expect to see variations of the following courses:

How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Master’s Degree in Computer Engineering?

Most online programs for computer engineering master’s degrees are expected to take two years to complete with a normal, full-time course load. Part-time course loads lengthen that time but how much is determined by the number of credit hours completed each semester. Some schools offer accelerated programs that can fast-track a degree in 12 to 18 months. These schedules usually require a heavier course load and may be difficult for students with other obligations.

The delivery structure of curriculum can also affect the length of time it takes to complete a program. Courses that are offered asynchronously are more flexible, with multiple opportunities each year. Synchronous programs are more rigid and may only begin once or twice in a school year.

Certifications and Licenses an Online Master’s in Computer Engineering Prepares For

Accreditation for Online Master’s in Computer Engineering

Choosing an accredited program is crucial to keeping your professional and educational options open. Without accreditation, courses you take may not be transferable, preventing you from pursuing a post-graduate degree at another institution. Some employers will not recognize a degree from an unaccredited school, and it may disqualify you receiving many professional licenses and certifications. Most importantly, accreditation shows the school has developed a program capable of providing you with an education that meets the quality standards necessary to perform your professional duties with competence.

When looking for your school’s accreditation, there are three agency types you should be aware of. National agencies give accreditation based on meeting general standards of education, such as the guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Education, a well-respected national accrediting agency. There are six regional accrediting agencies, including the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, that only focus on schools within their regional boundaries. There are also industry-specific agencies that develop their guidelines based on the real-world application of the curriculum and how it fits with professional quality standards.

Employment Outlook for Master’s in Computer Engineering Graduates

Job Placement: Master’s v. Bachelor’s

When it comes to technical career fields like engineering, education and experience are often the deciding factors for employment recruiters. Making the effort to earn your master’s degree in computer engineering gives you a competitive advantage over applicants who hold bachelor’s degrees. A graduate degree is also beneficial for job security. Research by the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that professionals with graduate degrees have a lower unemployment rate than those with a bachelor’s degree. The extra negotiating power can also affect job satisfaction, giving you leverage to command better benefits and intangibles, such as increased vacation time, preferred work hours and choice of work environments.

Expected Salary

Career fields that attract graduate computer engineering degree-holders offer sizable salary potential for professionals. As the table below shows, most positions offer a starting wage of around $50,000 per year and can more than double with enough experience.

Completing your online master’s in computer engineering program raises your earning potential significantly when compared to the wages of entry-level professionals with undergraduate degrees. The following chart shows the average salary growth when compared to experience levels.

Career Opportunities

With a number of specializations available, a master’s in computer engineering offers a variety of career tracks to choose from. Within these fields, a graduate degree also provides greater leverage in getting your preferred position with the benefits and perks you want.

Professional Organizations

Computer engineer professionals have the option of joining one of the many professional organizations dedicated to their field, providing benefits like educational courses, networking opportunities, career-building tools and industry publications. Here are a few professional organizations that may be helpful to computer engineers.

Association for Computing Machinery: The ACM offers a range of benefits to members. Those who join can take advantage of networking opportunities at one of the hosted conferences and subscriptions to industry publications and can enroll in a number of training programs.

Society of Women Engineers: The SWE provides female engineers with the tools they need to build their engineering careers. Mentoring services, hosted networking events, industry publications and an advanced learning center are all available to members.

Institute of Electrical and Electronics and Engineers: The 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

Online programs are often cheaper when compared to their on-campus counterparts, but you may still find yourself unable to cover the tuition without assistance. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) should always be your first option when looking for financial help with your college expenses so you can find out if you qualify for government grants and loans. There are also a number of scholarships you can apply for, or you can take out a personal loan if necessary. The resources below are just the start of your financial aid options.

Resources

Scholarships

Interested in a degree instead?

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