2023 Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Computer Engineering

Southern Illinois University (SIU) is a public institution that offers an online Master in Electrical and Computer Engineering totaling 30 credit hours. This fully remote graduate program is designed for working professionals with undergraduate degrees in engineering, computing, physics, or other related fields. Prospective students can spend two years completing this program at a full-time pace.

SIU facilitates asynchronous and synchronous distance learning on D2L Brightspace. The electrical and computer engineering program prepares students to obtain leadership roles in the field through courses such as Clean Electric Energy, Programmable ASIC Design, and Edge Computing. Graduates may pursue careers like technical support specialists, computer programmers, and game developers.

Kansas State University (K-State) is a public institution offering an online Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering that requires 30 credit hours. This online degree has two emphases: (1) Electric Power Systems and (2) Communications and Networking. Full-time students take at least two years to finish this degree.

At K-State, online students complete coursework asynchronously and synchronously on the platform Canvas. This program helps students obtain the skills necessary to further their electrical and computer engineering careers. The program’s courses are Advanced Systems Theory, Applied Probability Theory and Random Processes, and Distribution System Engineering. In addition to taking classes online, students must visit the campus to complete an oral exam at the end of the program. Prospective careers include electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, and computer systems analysts.

At Mississippi State University (MSU), a public institution, future students can pursue an online Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering requiring 30 credit hours. The program offers thesis and non-thesis tracks, and it can take students two years to complete.

MSU delivers coursework in asynchronous and synchronous formats on Canvas. The electric and computer engineering program is for professionals who want to further their skills in this field. Sample courses are Signals and Systems, Digital Devices and Logic Design, and Intermediate Electronic Circuits. Students on the thesis track must complete six credit hours for thesis research. Potential career options include database administrators, information systems managers, and computer engineers.

Old Dominion University (ODU) is a public institution that offers an online Master of Science in Engineering - Electrical and Computer Engineering. This program requires 30 credit hours, and it's designed for students who want to obtain advanced electrical and computer engineering skills. Full-time students can complete this program within two years.

At ODU, online students complete coursework asynchronously and synchronously via the learning management system Canvas. In this program, students explore engineering theory and application, with courses that include Model Engineering, Solid State Electronics, and Linear Systems. A final project is required for graduation. Alums may pursue careers as software developers, firmware engineers, and data scientists.

The University of Idaho (U of I) is a public institution offering two online master’s degrees in computer engineering: (1) Master of Science in Computer Engineering and (2) Master of Engineering in Computer Engineering. These online graduate programs in computer engineering — which each total 30 credit hours — offer several areas of emphasis, like Digital Hardware Design and Computer Systems. Future students typically spend around two years completing one of these degrees.

U of I facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning through Canvas. Both programs explore topics revolving hardware and software systems. Some sample courses are Microcontrollers, Ordinary Differential Equations, and Digital Logic. The first program requires a thesis, while the latter is a non-thesis degree. Prospective careers include computer software engineers, applications engineers, and computer architects.