A computer engineering master's degree dives deep into computer hardware, software, networks, and architecture. Graduate study can open the doors to research work, and introduce you to professors and peers who are leaders in the field.
If you aspire to work with artificial intelligence or robotics, write or test software, build hardware, or develop systems, this degree can help you achieve your ambition.
It can also allow you to earn more money. According to Payscale, people with a master's in computer engineering earned an average annual salary of $108,000 as of November 2023 — at least $12,000 more a year than those with a bachelor's degree in the field.
Explore the guide below to learn more about the top computer engineering master's degrees, including admissions requirements, career options, and answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Computer Engineering Master's Programs
#1 Best Computer Engineering Master’s Degrees and Graduate Schools
University of California-Irvine
- Irvine, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Founded in 1965, UCI now serves more than 36,000 students and offers 224 academic programs. Five Nobel laureates graduated from UCI, bolstering its status as one of the top public research universities in the U.S.
MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering with a Computer Engineering Concentration
UCI's MS in electrical and computer engineering program offers a concentration in computer engineering. Available through the Samueli School of Engineering, this degree features research areas such as embedded systems, computer architecture, distributed systems, and computer networks.
However, students can customize the degree to match their interests while honing skills in designing and developing computer systems. You can choose from two program plans: a thesis option or a comprehensive exam path. The thesis track requires approval of an MS computer engineering research project.
Applying to UCI
Application requirements include a bachelor's degree in any subject and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Depending on your academic background, you may need to complete prerequisites once admitted.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WSCUC)
- Tuition: $4,088/semester (in state), $9,122/semester (out of state)
- Required Credits: 12 courses
- Program Length: 2 years
- Delivery Format: On campus
Percent Online Enrollment
81%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#2 Best Computer Engineering Master’s Degrees and Graduate Schools
University of Southern California
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in Los Angeles, USC enrolls 21,000 undergraduates and 26,000 graduate and professional students. The school maintains 31 Neighborhood Academic Initiative partnerships across both campuses.
MS in Computer Engineering
USC's MS in computer engineering program from the Viterbi School of Engineering explores the design, development, and testing of computer software and hardware systems. You can pursue this degree online through DEN@Viterbi in a highly interactive but flexible environment. Or, you can complete the program on campus.
The Ming Hsieh Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering research focuses on the design and analysis of computer networks and their protocols, computer architecture and parallel processing, and computer-aided design and verification of VLSI. Required classes include parallel programming, analysis of algorithms, software design and optimization, and linear algebra for engineering.
Applying to USC
Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree in an engineering-related field or demonstrated proficiency in engineering prerequisites. Each applicant must submit transcripts, a resume or CV, and a personal statement. GRE scores not required for 2024, and letters of recommendation are optional.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WSCUC)
- Tuition: $2,424/credit
- Required Credits: 28 credits
- Program Length: 1.5-2 years
- Delivery Format: 100% online (synchronous and asynchronous) or on campus
Percent Online Enrollment
46%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#3 Best Computer Engineering Master’s Degrees and Graduate Schools
University of South Florida
- Tampa, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Founded in 1965, Tampa's USF belongs to the Association of American Universities — a highly regarded group of some of the best institutions in the U.S. and Canada. USF serves nearly 37,000 undergraduates and more than 9,000 graduate students.
MS in Computer Engineering
USF's MS in computer engineering degree from the College of Engineering is available completely online and provides flexibility for working students. The program offers thesis, non-thesis, and comprehensive exam pathways. Consider pursuing the thesis if you want to focus on a concentrated area of study or the non-thesis option if you prefer a broad array of topics available through elective coursework.
Students complete courses in two core areas and can customize the rest of the degree. Required courses include principles of computer architecture and introduction to the theory of algorithms. Major research areas include artificial intelligence, image processing, machine learning, and programming languages.
Applying to USF
Each applicant needs to provide three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, a resume, and a sufficient background in mathematics. The program requires GRE scores of 164 quantitative and 150 verbal (waived for students with an ABET-accredited undergraduate degree).
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Tuition: $348/credit (in state), $467/credit (out of state)
- Required Credits: 30 credits
- Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous)
Percent Online Enrollment
66%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Best Computer Engineering Master’s Degrees and Graduate Schools
California State University-Fullerton
- Fullerton, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
This public research university enrolls nearly 42,000 students. The school emphasizes the importance of its student-faculty collaborative research and its role as an economic driver for southern California.
MS in Computer Engineering
Cal State Fullerton's MS in computer engineering program from the College of Engineering and Computer Science focuses on embedded systems, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Students develop hardware and software design skills through classes in advanced cyber-physical systems security, advanced computer architecture, and rapid prototyping for the internet of things.
You can take electives from the computer engineering, computer science, or electrical engineering programs, depending on your interests. The program requires a culminating experience with three options: a thesis, comprehensive exam, or master's project. After graduation, you can apply for leadership jobs in business, education, and government.
Applying to Cal State Fullerton
Each applicant needs a bachelor's degree in computer engineering or a related field. A candidate must possess a minimum 2.5 GPA if they graduated from an ABET-accredited program with an engineering or computer science degree, and a 3.0 GPA if they have completed with a different type of degree or a program without ABET accreditation.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WSCUC)
- Tuition: $8,508/semester
- Required Credits: 30 credits
- Delivery Format: On campus
Percent Online Enrollment
80%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#5 Best Computer Engineering Master’s Degrees and Graduate Schools
Harvard University
- Cambridge, MA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard is an Ivy League school and one of the most prestigious universities in the world. More than 25,000 undergraduate and graduate students attend Harvard, which counts more than 400,000 alumni.
Master's in Computational Science and Engineering
Faculty from engineering sciences, computer science, and applied math help teach in Harvard's master's in computational science and engineering program from the John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Students can pursue the degree as a master of science or engineering. Both options comprise eight courses, but the two-year engineering master's degree requires a thesis.
Core courses include systems development for computational sciences, advanced scientific computing, and computing foundations for computational science. Electives explore machine learning, decision theory, visualization, and data systems. Students can develop communication, collaboration, and technical computational science skills.
Applying to Harvard
The program holistically evaluates applicants and doesn't require a minimum GPA, a degree in a specific field, or formal prerequisites. However, you need to demonstrate the potential for advanced computational work and have a background in computer science, math, or statistics.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
- Tuition: $61,768/degree (MS) or $61,768 (first year) and $30,884 (second year) (master of engineering)
- Required Credits: 8 courses
- Program Length: 1 year (master of science) 2 years (master of engineering)
- Delivery Format: On campus
Percent Online Enrollment
38%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#6 Best Computer Engineering Master’s Degrees and Graduate Schools
Northwestern University
- Evanston, IL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Evanston, Illinois' Northwestern is a top private research university that receives $1 billion annually in sponsored research awards. It hosts 35 university research centers and 90 school-based centers.
MS in Computer Engineering
Northwestern's MS in computer engineering degree from the McCormick School of Engineering offers an interdisciplinary perspective by incorporating computer engineering and electrical engineering. The program explores embedded systems, robotics, parallel processing, and computer architecture. Other topics include systems simulation, large-scale systems, and VLSI design.
Students can choose from 12 specializations, including computer vision and image processing, high-performance computing, photonics and optoelectronics, and sustainable energy and low-power design. You can also earn a certificate in a minor like engineering management, entrepreneurship, cybersecurity, or scientific computing.
The program requires 12 courses to graduate, comprising six core and six elective classes. You can complete a thesis, a master's project, or a coursework-only track.
Applying to Northwestern
The program prefers applicants with bachelor's degrees in computer engineering, electrical engineering, or other related fields but will consider candidates from other backgrounds. GRE scores are not required for 2024. You must submit a statement of purpose, a declaration of research preferences, and letters of recommendation.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Tuition: $21,550/quarter
- Required Courses: 12
- Delivery Format: On campus
Percent Online Enrollment
7%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#7 Best Computer Engineering Master’s Degrees and Graduate Schools
University of Notre Dame
- Notre Dame, IN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Founded by a Catholic priest in 1892 near South Bend, Indiana, Notre Dame is a Catholic university that serves nearly 9,000 undergraduates and more than 4,000 graduate and professional students.
MS in Computer Science and Engineering
Notre Dame's computer science and engineering MS program allows you to design a plan of study relevant to your research and career goals in collaboration with your advisor.
The curriculum explores computer architecture and nanotechnology, algorithms, digital humanities, and cloud and high performance computing. Other classes cover wireless, mobile, and embedded systems, along with machine learning and artificial intelligence.
You must complete 24 credits of regular coursework, six credits of research, and an MS thesis or MS project to graduate. Most students can graduate in about 11 months.
Applying to Notre Dame
Each applicant needs a bachelor of science degree and must submit a CV, a statement of intent, and three letters of recommendation. The program does not require GRE scores for admission.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Tuition: $32,178/semester
- Required Credits: 30 credits
- Program Length: 11 months
- Delivery Format: On campus
Percent Online Enrollment
4%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#8 Best Computer Engineering Master’s Degrees and Graduate Schools
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
- Ann Arbor, MI
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
U-M offers more than 280 degree programs. The school has participated in 415 All-time Big 10 athletic championships and has 29 NCAA Division I teams.
MS or MSE in Electrical and Computer Engineering
U-M's MS or MSE in electrical and computer engineering program takes 1-2 years to complete. If you enter the program with an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering, you can choose to pursue the MS or MSE. Students without electrical engineering bachelor's degrees can pursue the MS.
The 30-credit program offers 12 areas of emphasis, including robotics, power and energy, and computer vision. You can also complete an optional thesis. Students accepted into this program can apply to U-M's doctoral program in electrical and computer engineering, although admission is not guaranteed.
Applying to U-M
Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree in engineering, physical sciences, or mathematics. Students who graduate from a non-U.S. institution must submit GRE scores. Other requirements include three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a statement of purpose. Each applicant typically needs a minimum 3.5 GPA.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Tuition: $2,117/credit (in state), $3,628/credit (out of state)
- Required Credits: 30 credits
- Program Length: 1-2 years
- Delivery Format: On campus
Percent Online Enrollment
34%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#9 Best Computer Engineering Master’s Degrees and Graduate Schools
Tufts University
- Medford, MA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in Medford, Massachusetts, and established in 1852, Tufts boasts more than 300 student groups, including 30 graduate and professional clubs.
MS in Computer Engineering
Tufts' MS in computer engineering degree can help you learn to design software, hardware, and networking systems. The Department of Computer Science and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering jointly offer this program.
Students must take at least one class from the three core areas of computer networking, computer software/systems, and computer architecture. The program requires completion of 10 courses with a grade of at least B- to graduate. An enrollee can write a thesis under faculty supervision or complete additional coursework that can include up to six credits of directed study, internship, or MS project.
Applying to Tufts
Application requirements include a resume or CV, a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and a writing sample. GRE scores are optional for applicants who have received bachelor's degrees from U.S. colleges at the time of application.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
- Tuition: $1,730/credit
- Required Credits: 30 credits
- Program Length: 12-24 months
- Delivery Format: On campus
Percent Online Enrollment
47%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#10 Best Computer Engineering Master’s Degrees and Graduate Schools
Duke University
- Durham, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
This private research university, founded in 1924 in Durham, North Carolina, serves more than 16,000 students. Popular majors include computer science, economics, and biology.
MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Duke's MS in electrical and computer engineering program offers thesis, project, and coursework-only capstone pathways. Available through the Pratt School of Engineering, the interdisciplinary program provides customization opportunities. You can choose from five concentrations, including semiconductor technology, machine learning and big data, and computer hardware engineering.
Students can develop professional experience through internships and teaching assistantships. The curriculum includes fundamentals of computer systems and engineering; programming, data structures, and algorithms in C++; and an electrical and computer engineering master's success seminar.
Applying to Duke
Each master's applicant must hold an accredited bachelor's degree in engineering or science. Other requirements include short answer essays, a resume, three letters of recommendation, and an interview or video introduction. GRE scores are optional for 2024.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Tuition: $32,560/semester
- Required Credits: 30 credits
- Program Length: 3-4 semesters
- Delivery Format: On campus
Percent Online Enrollment
24%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
How We Rank Colleges And Bootcamps
ComputerScience.org ranks computer science degree programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. We also rank bootcamps and certificate programs. Our top priority is making sure you find the best possible fit for your education. We use up-to-date national statistics and focus on factors like return on investment, academic quality, and affordability.
Take a closer look at our rankings on our rankings methodology page.
Why Get a Computer Engineering Master's Degree?
Computer engineering started in the 1940s when Dr. John Vincent Atanasoff, a professor at Iowa State College, and his student Clifford Berry built the first electronic digital computer. Formal computer engineering education, however, did not launch until 1971, when Case Western Reserve offered the first accredited computer engineering degree in the U.S.
Today, more than 78,000 computer hardware engineers work in research, development, and manufacturing settings across the U.S. In 2022, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projected that the field would add 3,600 new jobs by 2032. Hardware engineers earn a median annual wage of $132,360 — almost three times the median salary for all occupations.
Computer engineering professionals are building the world of tomorrow. A computer engineering degree can also prepare you for a career as a network architect, software engineer, information systems manager, or research scientist. These fast-growing, high-paying fields can provide meaningful and exciting work for problem-solvers and critical thinkers.
While a graduate certificate or bootcamp may be faster, a master's degree in computer engineering offers several benefits:
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Expand Your Knowledge Base: If you work in technology design, you should be able to apply what you learn in a computer engineering master's degree right away. Your knowledge may help you be more effective in your current role or transition to a new career.
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Work in a Complex Subfield: A master's program can help you qualify for math-intensive jobs, to work with autonomous machines, or do chip or register-transfer level design. A degree can also prepare you for a director or senior director role.
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Prepare for a Doctorate: If you aspire to teach at the college level or perform original research in the field, you need a doctorate. A master's degree can equip you for next-level study.
What to Expect From Computer Engineering Graduate Programs
As the world grows more digitized, employers, from hospitals to national security agencies, need innovative experts who can create groundbreaking technology to advance human flourishing.
Computer engineering graduate programs can help you learn how to build the smart devices that connect the modern world. As a student, you can learn about topics from artificial intelligence to cybersecurity, but your focus will rest on designing, scaling, and programming computer systems.
Earning a master's degree in this field usually takes two years if you enroll in 6-12 credits each semester. Courses could include advanced computer architecture, object oriented design, and network centric systems. You may also have a chance to research and produce a thesis before graduating.
Total costs vary widely between programs, but it's a good idea to plan on spending more than $35,000 on your degree. The good news is that you may find scholarships and discounts to help you meet those costs. Upon graduation, you can pursue a career in computer chip design, aerospace engineering, biomedical engineering, or machine learning and AI.
Admission Requirements
Admission to a computer engineering master's degree generally requires the following:
- Bachelor's Degree: You need a four-year undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. Schools often expect a technology or engineering-related major.
- Minimum GPA: Many graduate programs require a 3.0 or better for admission.
- GRE Scores: Post-COVID, many master's programs have waived the GRE requirement, but others still expect you to submit scores.
- Prerequisites: You should have taken adequate preparatory coursework in computer science and electrical engineering. Some schools may offer bridge courses if you need them.
Degree and Specialization Options
A school might offer a master of science in computer engineering, a master of engineering in computer engineering, or even both. These two degrees, while related, are not the same. The master of science emphasizes research and theory, while the master of engineering leans toward real-world application and practice.
A computer engineering master's degree may include specific concentrations such as computer security, AI/ML systems, intelligent physical systems, or devices and nanofab. You can choose a concentration based on your career goals and academic interests.
Popular Computer Engineering Courses
As you explore computer engineering master's degrees, you may find a variety of courses offered in different programs. While each school's curriculum is unique, computer engineering generally includes courses like the ones below:
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Digital Signal Processing: This course builds on a background in linear systems analysis. Students explore fast algorithms, quantization effects, discrete-time signals and systems, and digital filter design and implementation.
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Embedded Systems and Machine Learning: Students discover how to apply machine learning to embedded applications. Topics in this course include edge computing, the Internet of Things, model compression, latency, data reuse, and hardware codesign for machine learning.
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Biometrics: Learners explore why computers and networks need security measures to safeguard sensitive data. The course covers the theory, tools, and techniques of biometric security design.
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Introduction to System-on-Chip Design: Topics in this course include cell-based system-on-chip design, pipelining, top-down design flow, and software-hardware co-design and co-simulation.
How Much Will Graduate School Cost?
The average computer science master's degree costs $18,274 per year, according to the National Council for Education Statistics (NCES). However, that average stands in the center of a wide range of potential costs. Some schools charge less than $200 per credit, but others go up to almost $2,000.
Factors such as a school's prestige and whether it receives public support can affect the price. Online students may also pay technology fees or other add-on costs.
You do not necessarily have to pay all your expenses out of pocket. Approximately 61% of surveyed online learners receive financial aid such as scholarships, discounts, or employer support.
Jobs for Master's in Computer Engineering Graduates
Earning a computer engineering master's degree can position you for engaging, high-paying positions in technology. Consider the following careers:
Hardware engineers build routers, networks, processors, circuit boards, and memory devices for computer systems. Often working in research, development, and design companies, these professionals may develop entirely new systems or devise processors for devices containing internet-ready systems, like cars, appliances, or medical equipment. Hardware engineers need a strong background in computer science and electrical engineering.
- Required Education: Bachelor's degree or higher
- Median Annual Salary: $132,360
- Job Outlook (2022-32): +5%
Software developers envision, design, and create computer programs and applications. Usually working under the direction of a software engineer, these professionals may create user-specific operating systems, such as games or commercial software. Software developers typically need a bachelor's degree, but many employers may require a master's degree. Strong coding skills are a must-have for this profession.
- Required Education: Bachelor's degree or higher
- Median/Average Annual Salary: $127,260
- Job Outlook (2022-32): +26%
Computer programmers write, edit, and test the codes that run computer applications and software. These professionals often have expertise in multiple coding languages. AI's automation of routine work is shrinking the need for computer programmers. Nevertheless, AI cannot do the strategic planning, analysis, or project development that the field requires.
- Required Education: Bachelor's degree or higher
- Median Annual Salary: $97,800
- Job Outlook (2022-32): -11%
Sometimes called network engineers, computer network architects design and manage computer networks, including local area networks, wide area networks, and intranets. These professionals often have experience as systems administrators, database administrators, or computer systems analysts. Network architects may need industry certifications in addition to experience and a relevant degree.
- Required Education: Bachelor's degree or higher
- Median/Average Annual Salary: $126,900
- Job Outlook (2022-32): +4%
Working in government agencies, universities, and computer design firms, researchers create new computer systems or improve existing ones. They can specialize in areas such as robotics or programming. These innovative specialists may solve problems in medicine, business, or science. Some researchers also serve as postsecondary professors.
- Required Education: Master's degree or higher
- Median Annual Salary: $136,620
- Job Outlook (2022-32): +23%
Choosing the Right Computer Engineering Graduate Program
To maximize your learning experience, choose an accredited computer engineering program that is affordable, convenient, customizable, and local.
- Accredited: An institutionally accredited school gives you access to financial aid and career opportunities that non-accredited institutions cannot match. Program accreditation does not apply to graduate-level CS degrees.
- Affordable: Look beyond the price tag. Does your potential school offer scholarships, locked-in tuition, free textbooks, discounts, or other incentives?
- Convenient: Many students find asynchronous courses and shorter terms help them finish their requirements on time while maintaining work, family, or community obligations.
- Customizable: Can you choose a concentration relevant to your career goals? Does your program incorporate professional certifications, micro-credentials, digital badges, or trade skills certificates?
- Local: Online education lets you choose from schools worldwide, but learning locally may be your best option. If you live near campus, you can participate in on-site laboratories, special events, and job fairs specific to computer engineering.
Should You Get Your Master's Degree Online?
In the fall of 2021, the NCES reported that 56% of graduate learners were studying online, and 40% were earning their entire degrees by distance education. The field is burgeoning, but is online education effective? Research says yes — with some qualifications.
Wiley's 2023 study of online learners found that 91% of online students viewed their educational experience positively, and 92% of graduates said they had achieved a positive outcome because of their degree. Still, 18% of learners planned to switch to a campus-based program, primarily because they missed the peer-to-peer interaction.
Discover more paths to learning computer science:
Computer Engineering Certificate Programs
Computer Programming Certificate Programs
Master's in Computer Science Degrees
Master's Degrees in Artificial Intelligence
More Questions About Master's in Computer Engineering Programs
What can you do with a master's in computer engineering?
With a master's in computer engineering, you can pursue a career as a hardware engineer, network architect, cybersecurity analyst, or information systems manager. This degree can also position you for a Ph.D. and a subsequent career in teaching or research.
Is a master's in computer engineering the same as a computer science master's?
Computer engineering and computer science are related but different subjects. Computer engineering focuses on building hardware systems, while computer science is a holistic field concerned with theory and analysis.
How long does it take to finish a computer engineering master's?
Most computer engineering master's programs take two years to finish. However, not all students work on the same timeline. Part-time learners may need more time, but accelerated BA/MS students might earn both degrees in five years.
Is going to graduate school for computer engineering worth it?
In November 2023, Payscale reported that people with a master's in computer engineering earned an average annual salary of $108,000. People with a BS in computer engineering earned an average of $96,000.
According to the NCES, the average CS master's degree costs $18,274 annually. Assuming a total cost of $37,000 for a two-year degree and average salaries before and after earning your master's, you could realize a positive ROI in 25 months.
Page last reviewed February 13th, 2024.
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