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Deciding which college to attend can be a daunting task. For many, it will be the most important decision that they make in their lives. To make an informed decision, you have to consider a lot of variables, such as cost of attendance, financial aid, student-teacher ratio, academics, student life, and more. These factors will either positively or negatively impact the quality of education that you receive.

Do you want to acquire a master’s degree in computer engineering but don’t know what institution you should attend? Well, if you are as ambitious as I was in my late teens, then you want to attend a top school, instead of an average or mediocre one. Fortunately, we have already done the legwork for you. To help you find the right school for your interests and goals, we’ve compiled a list of 2022’s best master’s in computer engineering programs.

What institution did we omit from this list? Leave your suggestions in the comment section below.

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA

Massachusetts Institute of Technology acknowledges that computer engineering is a necessary discipline for innovation. Their graduates are equipped to alter the world after experiencing a degree program that couples foundational science with discovery. Learners play a large role in developing their degree and career paths. Because MIT emphasizes the importance of new, pioneering research, learners will take classes in the same areas they conduct research. Sample course concepts consist of information systems; computer systems: AI, systems, theory; circuits; applied physics and devices; and biomedical sciences and engineering.

Also, graduates of this degree program benefit from a one-of-a-kind alumni and professional network that is rivaled by no other institution.

2. Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA

Carnegie Mellon offers learners a thorough background in the fundamentals of electrical and computer engineering as well as opportunities for in-depth concentration in a specific area. Learners will work with professors and an individual academic advisor to select educational programs that are most suitable for their backgrounds, academic goals, and interests.

Learners will take 60 units of core coursework that cannot be waived or substituted with coursework from another institution. A dual degree program is available that enables learners can obtain an MS in electrical and computer engineering or technology ventures.

3. Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA

The master’s degree in computer engineering at Georgia Tech is designed for full-time learners to finish the degree in just under 12 months. A dual BS/MS degree program is available to allow undergraduates to accelerate their degree completion. Although learners need to meet certain coursework requirements, a great degree of flexibility is available to Georgia Institute learners in creating their degree pathways. Required and recommended classes consist of the following: introduction to information security, computing for data analytics, real-time system concepts and implementation, secure computer systems, applied cryptography, software architecture and design, programming languages, video game design and programming, and computability and algorithms.

4. University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA

The University of California’s Berkeley campus offers a master’s of engineering in computer science that is specially designed for learners planning careers in industrial research and development. This small, close-knit degree program is designed for learners with previous research experience and can serve as a pathway to a PhD degree program. Along with standard master’s degree programs, Berkeley also has an accelerated degree program that enables learners to move through an undergraduate and a graduate degree in a minimal amount of time. Key classes include data science and systems, physical electronics and integrated circuits, robotics and embedded software, signal processing and communications, and visual computing and computer graphics.

Learners will finish a team-oriented capstone project before leaving campus. Learners face real-world challenges and develop practical solutions, many of which can be carried forth into the workplace.

5. Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

Cornell University is recognized for its capacity to “revolutionize the sector.” Learners are taught, through research and competitive coursework, to challenge conventional thought and to work in a cooperative environment. Learners will engage in an individualized, rigorous course load with the chance to pursue individual interests in creative research.

Learners may select from two separate master’s degree programs at Cornell. A broad master’s of engineering degree program enables learners to study at the Ithaca Campus with a lot of freedom to pursue individual interests. Learners will take classes such as: bio-electrical engineering; computer engineering and digital systems; information, systems, and networks; solid-state devices, electronics, and photonics; space science and plasma physics; and data science/signal processing and entrepreneurship.

Learners in either degree program will have access to the finest thinkers in the field. Faculty members are dedicated to supporting learners and developing independent thinking. Learners will be encouraged to develop leadership and problem-solving skills.

6. Columbia University, New York, NY

The computer engineering degree program at Columbia University enables learners to take basic coursework that prepares them for work or further study. Coursework prepares learners in fields such as digital computer engineering, digital communications, and the design of embedded computer systems.

Learners are required to take 30 credits of coursework at Columbia. Credits might consist of concepts in the following: computer networks, networking laboratory, digital VLSI circuits, hybrid computers for signal and data processing, computer architecture, embedded systems, systems-on-chip platforms, and wireless networks and systems.

Many research groups at Columbia such as Computer Architecture Laboratory, allow learners to work on projects connected to computer engineering. Through this research, learners will form networks with top-rated industries and professionals; these relationships help learners get a leg up on the job search and future career opportunities.

7. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL

The University of Illinois offers a forward-thinking master of science in computer engineering. This unique degree program enables learners to pair with professors based on areas of research interest. Learners will then work with professors to read and study related literature, conduct research and take classes in appropriate areas.

The degree program requires 32 credit hours, 12 of which may be from any department. This flexibility allows learners to pursue an array of interests. The degree program can lead to further study culminating in a PhD degree or prepare learners to enter directly into the workforce. Required classes consist of classes in the following concentrations: biomedical imaging, bioengineering, and acoustics; integrated circuits; communications; computer engineering; electromagnetics and remote sensing; microelectronics and quantum electronics; power and energy systems; signal processing; and computational science and engineering.

8. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

The University of Michigan has master’s and doctoral degrees in computer science and engineering. The programs are offered by a directly knit department that enables learners to tailor programs within their interests. The master’s degree program lasts two years and requires 30 hours of coursework. While most coursework consists of in-class experiences, learners can also engage in volunteer opportunities such as independent research. Learners will take classes in technical areas such as artificial intelligence; chip design, architecture, and emerging devices; databases and data mining; embedded and mobile systems; human-computer interaction; languages, compilers, and runtime systems; networking, operating systems, and distributed systems; and robotics.

9. Princeton University, Princeton, NJ

Princeton University offers a quick, direct pathway for learners looking to graduate with a degree in computer engineering. A bachelor’s degree in computer science is not required. Candidates must simply have a background in some sort of engineering, science, or mathematics.

Learners have the choice of completing several programming requirements by completing a project that involves programming or by taking a course(s) and receiving a high grade. In addition to programming basics, learners are also required to take classes in the following subjects: artificial intelligence, fundamentals of machine learning, theoretical machine learning, foundations of probabilistic modeling, computer architecture, automated reasoning about software, advanced algorithm design, and computational complexity. Faculty engage learners in first-class research groups centered around concepts such as theory, networks/systems, graphics/vision, programming languages, and security/policy.

10. University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX

The University of Texas has nine electrical and computer engineering-based graduate programs. These fields allow learners to take advantage of the breadth of resources available at UT, especially the vast interdisciplinary options. Graduate learners may work on state-of-the-art original and team-based research with prominent faculty researchers.

Learners will take classes specific to the topic of computer engineering, along with research methods classes and coursework in other departments. Required classes consist of a sampling of the following: operating systems, introduction to system theory, data mining, topics in system theory, engineering programming languages, fundamentals of robot and mechatron, probability and stochastic processes, and design of computer-controlled systems.

All nine computer engineering tracks overlap, so learners can investigate a sampling of classes from all tracks, while at the same time homing in on the specialty that suits them best.

11. Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN

Purdue has four distinct master’s degrees in engineering, which enable learners to apply and engage in a high-quality, research-based degree program. Required classes consist of the following: physics and manufacturing of solar cells; fundamentals of nanoelectronics; computer network systems; psychophysics; diffraction, Fourier optics, and imaging; fundamentals of BioMEMS and micro-integrated systems; measurement and stimulation of the nervous system; and computational methods for power system analysis.

The master’s degree program at Purdue invites over 700 graduate learners from around the world, with over two-thirds of these learners enrolled in a PhD degree program. The degree program is perennially rated among the top schools offering programs in electrical and computer engineering. Despite having large programs, learners are given close, individualized attention from faculty and staff.

12. Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD

Johns Hopkins University has a degree in computer engineering. The university’s size enables its faculty to provide learners with a solid grounding in foundational concepts as well as the skills necessary for career advancement.

Most learners enter into this degree program with a background in electrical and/or computer engineering, which allows faculty to progress directly to key skills and professional research. Within five years, all learners are expected to finish at least 10 classes, though most will finish much more swiftly. Sample classes consist of the following: microprocessors for robotic systems, computer architecture, embedded microprocessor systems, high-speed digital design and signal integrity, computer and data communication networks, FPGA design using VHDL, system-on-a-chip FPGA design laboratory, and human-robotics interaction.

13. Harvard University, Cambridge, MA

Harvard offers a one-year degree program that leads to a master’s degree in computational science and engineering. This rigorous degree program offers extensive training in the mathematical and computing foundations of the discipline. Learners will engage in independent research projects and elective classes that, when coupled, allow them to apply computation to solve problems.

Learners at Harvard will benefit from a degree program that enables them to select and tackle a real-world problem that can be solved using computations. Learners will engage in a dynamic collaboration that prepares them for real-world challenges and teamwork. Other classes consist of work in the following subjects: advanced optimization, decision theory, computational physics, data systems, machine learning, big data systems, and machine learning for natural language.

14. University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD

The graduate programs in computer engineering at the University of Maryland graduate over 300 learners per year to engage in research and development around the country. The graduate programs focus on interdisciplinary research and work extensively with other college departments, such as mathematics, physics, and chemistry.

Along with opportunities to study in other departments, graduate learners may work with various international laboratories and technical facilities. Learners will take graduate classes that include the following concepts: communications and networking, signal processing, photonics and quantum optics, circuits and systems, electronic materials and devices, bioelectronics and systems, applied electromagnetics, and quantum research.

15. The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH

The Ohio State University’s computer engineering degree program prefers candidates to submit a rating from their bachelor’s degree program’s spot on the U.S. News and World Report. Although only 10 percent of candidates will be admitted into this competitive degree program; its academic strength and sector recognition make it one of the most coveted in the country.

In this degree program, learners will have an expansive set of curriculum options. The breadth of the program enables learners to advance their studies and career prospects in the field of electrical and computer engineering. Sample coursework may consist of some of the following concepts: electronic circuits, analog and RF, communication and signal processing, computer and digital systems, networking, computer vision and imaging processing, robotics and intelligent transportation systems, and electro-optics and photo-optics.

Professors in this degree program are renowned worldwide as sector experts. Learners will be granted the chance to work alongside professors on groundbreaking research that helps to advance society as a whole. This prepares them for lucrative, alter-making careers around the world. In fact, the degree program attracts a vast number of international learners, many of whom are granted the chance to either stay in the United States or to return to their native countries to implement major computer engineering projects.