Computer engineers have very technical jobs that require at least four years of higher education.
Keep reading to discover the educational requirements for computer engineers and some of the top computer engineering programs in the country.
What Is a Computer Engineer?
Computer engineers are responsible for researching, designing, developing, and testing computer software or hardware systems.
Their job duties of a computer engineer may include:
- designing new computer hardware and software
- ensuring hardware and software components work together
- modifying designs as needed
- researching the latest news in computer technology
- testing the hardware and software and analyzing the results
- troubleshooting computer problems as they arise
Most computer engineers work for companies that create computer systems or provide computer-related services.
Computer engineers may also work for research and development companies or component and equipment manufacturing.
Education Required to Be a Computer Engineer
Most of the time, entry-level computer engineers need at least a bachelor's degree. Sometimes, employers require a master's degree.
Bachelor's Degree for Computer Engineering
Bachelor's degrees are typically the minimum degree required to work as a computer engineer. These are undergraduate degrees that usually take about four years to complete.
A major in computer engineering is the perfect option for those who want to be computer engineers.
However, not many schools offer computer engineering degrees. If you aren't able to find a good option, a degree in computer science or a related field is a great option as well.
These programs cover computer concepts such as:
- computer algorithms
- computer organizations and systems
- computer programming and programming languages
- computer structures
Master's Degrees
To advance your career, you may want to consider earning a master's degree in computer engineering. These are graduate programs that average two years in length.
These programs provide a more advanced education in computer engineering and may also allow you to specialize in a particular area of computer engineering.
Master's degree programs in computer engineering may cover concepts such as:
- computer architecture
- embedded systems
- microprocessor systems
- multicore programming
Top Computer Engineering Programs
There are many computer engineering programs in the United States. We've listed just a few of our top picks below.
All colleges and universities listed are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
1. California Polytechnic State University
California Polytechnic State University, also known as Cal Poly, is a public university in San Luis Obispo. It offers a Bachelor of Science in computer engineering.
This program includes courses such as:
- Computer Architecture
- Computer Design and Assembly Language Programming
- Digital Design
- Microcontroller-Based Systems Design
This degree program can be blended with a few different master's programs, allowing students to complete their bachelor's and master's in five years total.
2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a world-renowned private research university in Cambridge. It offers a bachelor's and master's in computer engineering.
The bachelor's degree in computer science and engineering covers a range of topics in computer studies. It includes courses such as:
- Computation Structures
- Computer Systems Engineering
- Fundamentals of Programming
- Software Construction
The engineering master's degree in computer science requires 66 total credits as well as a thesis.
3. National University
National University is a private university based in San Diego, CA. It's aimed at adult learners and offers an online Bachelor of Science in electrical and computer engineering.
The program includes courses such as:
- Computer Architecture
- Digital Logic Design
- Embedded Systems
- Discrete Structures and Logic
Classes are offered in four- or eight-week terms, allowing students to finish their degree faster.
4. Purdue Global
Purdue Global is a public research university in West Lafayette, IN. It offers a bachelor's and a master's in computer engineering.
The Bachelor of Science in computer engineering program requires 125 credits. It includes core courses such as:
- Electrical Engineering Fundamentals
- Introduction to Digital System Design
- Microprocessor Systems and Interfacing
- Python for Data Science
The Master of Science in electrical and computer engineering offers several tracks for students, including one that's fully online. It requires 30 credits in courses like:
- Communications Networks and Signal and Image Processing
- Computer Engineering
- Microelectronics and Nanotechnology
- Power and Energy Systems
5. University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
The University of Illinois in Urbana Champaign is a public research university, the flagship of the University of Illinois system.
It offers a Bachelor of Science in computer engineering. This program is 128 credits and includes core courses such as:
- Computer Systems and Programming
- Computer Systems Engineering
- Discrete Structures
- Introduction to Algorithms and Models of Computation
The university also offers a master's concentration in computational science and engineering that can be done through several different majors.
It requires eight credits from courses like:
- Applied Parallel Programming
- Numerical Analysis
- Scientific Visualization
FAQs About Computer Engineering Education Requirements
Discover the answers to frequently asked questions about the education required to be a computer engineer.
How Long Is the Education to Become a Computer Engineer?
At a minimum, you'll likely need a bachelor's degree, which is usually four years. If you earn a master's, that often takes an additional one to three years.
Do I Need a Degree to Become a Computer Engineer?
While it's certainly possible to learn computer engineering on your own, a degree provides you access to mentors and technology and also gets you in the door for job interviews.
Can I Learn Computer Engineering Online?
There are a few different computer engineering programs available online, including some listed above.
Become a Computer Engineer
Computer engineers need at least four years of higher education. By following the requirements above, you can be on your way to becoming a computer engineer.
