Become a leader in a rapidly growing field by earning your M.S. in Computer Engineering online from San Diego State University. This fully-online program is designed to help working professionals earn a valuable degree in a research-intensive environment.
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About the Program
SDSU’s online M.S. in Computer Engineering Program is an intensive, research-driven engineering program led by renowned faculty and lecturers from SDSU’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. With emerging industries, massive capital investments in technology start-ups, and a growing reliance on mobile technology, there’s never been a greater demand for high-level professionals to design, develop, and implement the next generation of computer-based technological advancements.
This computer engineering master’s degree program is fully online, which makes it easier for working professionals to partake in a graduate program without sacrificing their regular work commitments. Through intensive virtual lessons, specialized elective courses, and a project, you’ll be able to earn a valuable master’s degree in just 1.5 years.
Get the Best of Both Worlds
Embark on a journey of online learning with all the support you need to thrive. Experienced instructors foster a tight-knit community, connecting you with your classmates. Dive into engaging virtual discussions and enjoy live one-on-one time with instructors, empowering your progress throughout the program.
Open to International Students
This graduate program welcomes aspiring computer engineers from anywhere in the world. Through SDSU Global Campus, you have the opportunity to attain a prestigious degree from an accredited American university, all within the convenience of your home country.
Use Your STEM Degree to Apply
Leverage your bachelor’s degree in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or any other STEM-related field to qualify for this program! Through proper preparation, students with undergraduate degrees in diverse areas can confidently excel in our master’s program in computer engineering.
Designed For Busy Working Adults
Attain the essential master's degree for advancing your engineering career with ease through flexible online lessons. No need to pause your life—learn from industry experts, bond with fellow learners, and apply practical knowledge to fuel tangible growth in your profession.
Is This Program Right for Me?
Because the M.S. in Computer Engineering program is held entirely online and can be completed in as little as 1.5 years, you’re earning a degree that will help you prepare for a rapidly-growing job market.
Most students in computer engineering find careers in either hardware engineering or software engineering. Hardware engineers focus their skills on computer systems and components, designing integrated circuits, such as microprocessors, and other embedded devices. Software engineers develop and verify programs and applications that run on computing devices.
Within those two fields, you’ll have a wide range of career opportunities in various positions, including:
- VLSI Systems
- Embedded Systems
- Object Oriented Programming
- Wireless Networks
- Machine Learning
- Database & Web Programming
Best of all, upon graduation, you’ll have earned the same degree as SDSU’s on-campus students: a Master of Science in Computer Engineering from San Diego State University.
What Can I Learn?
SDSU’s M.S. in Computer Engineering program blends the fields of electrical engineering and computer science to deliver a research-driven, highly intensive program that will prepare you for work in a variety of fields. You’ll develop a broad knowledge of software programming and hardware design to make computing platforms and applications more efficient and effective and enhance the capabilities of networks and communications systems.
The program culminates in a hands-on project that’s designed to demonstrate your progress throughout the program. You’ll complete a project report and present your project before your Project Advisor.
Career Outcomes
Program Analysis
M.S. Graduate in Computer Engineering — Nationwide
503,448
Job postings in the last 12 months
+17.19%
Projected job growth Over 10 years
$80,000-$117,000
Average Salary (nationwide)
Source: BLS & Burning Glass Technologies, 2020
Graduates with a master’s degree in computer engineering have many lucrative professional opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were over 500,000 jobs posted seeking individuals holding an M.S. in Computer Engineering over the past year, and those numbers are projected to grow by more than 17% over the next decade. The average salary for computer engineers with a graduate-level degree is $101,335 — $107,826 in the State of California alone.
Why Should You Choose Us?
Diversity
SDSU is committed to promoting and supporting diversity throughout the academic community. The University has received the INSIGHT Into Diversity Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award for five consecutive years. The American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Diversity Recognition Program granted SDSU’s College of Engineering the Bronze Level Award with the highest level of Exemplar status.
Versatility
Your curriculum is made up of courses that are also part of other programs within the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, including Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. And with our specialized elective courses, you’ll have a unique opportunity to tailor your curriculum to fit your personal interests and professional needs.
Accessibility
At its core, the online Master of Science in Computer Engineering program is designed with today’s busy working professionals in mind. Our courses are 100% online and taught by the same expert faculty and lecturers who teach courses with SDSU’s College of Engineering. Upon completion, you’ll have received a high-quality education that matches the rigors of any on-campus offerings.
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To earn your master’s degree, you’ll need to complete 30 units of 500-, 600-, or 700-level courses. You should plan on taking at least 15 units of 600- and 700-level courses, and no more than 15 units of 500-level courses.
Students will take 10 of the following courses:
- CompE 510: Machine Learning
- CompE 560: Computer Networks
- CompE 561: Database and Web Programming
- CompE 571: Embedded Operating Systems
- CS 635: Advanced Object Oriented Design and Programming
- CS 660: Algorithm Analysis and Design
- EE 603: Optimization
- EE 660: High Speed Networks
- EE 662: Wireless Sensor Networks
- EE 671: VLSI Testing
- EE 798: Project
Click here for information about our drop policy.
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How to Apply
Out-of-State Applicants
While we welcome out-of-state students, SDSU Global Campus currently cannot accept applications from students residing in some specific states. Please check back often, as this list of approved states does change. View the list of authorized states here.
International Applicants
Please click here for detailed guidance on how to submit your transcripts.
Admission Requirements
If you’re interested in applying for the M.S. in Computer Engineering program, you’ll need to meet the following minimum requirements for admission:
- A bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or another STEM-related field.
- Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 if you’re an international student, or a minimum GPA of 2.85 if you’re a domestic student, based on 4.0 scale
- Minimum TOEFL score of 85 or a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 if you’re an international student
We understand that every student's academic journey is unique, and we encourage you to contact one of our Student Service Representatives to find out what you'll need to successfully apply to the program.
Application Instructions
To apply for the online Master of Science in Computer Engineering Program, you’ll need to complete the following steps:
- Submit an application to the University through Cal State Apply
- Submit Official Documents and Test Scores to SDSU Graduate Admissions:
- Official transcripts sent in sealed envelopes (issued by the school) from all postsecondary schools attended. Do not send transcripts before submitting the Cal State Apply application as this may result in processing delays.
- If you have international coursework, you must have your school send one record of all academic coursework and proof of degree, both in the original-language. For each original-language document you must also send a certified literal English translation, which can come directly from the school itself or from a professional, certified translator. The translation must contain all information shown on the original-language documents and in the same format.
- Official documents should be mailed to:
Office of Admissions
San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182-8225
- Electronic transcripts are acceptable. Please ensure that you indicate this preference when making your request. If you are required to provide an email address to send the secure online document to SDSU, please use transcriptsforsdsu@sdsu.edu.
- Submit Official Test Scores, which include:
- English Proficiency — All graduate and post-baccalaureate applicants (regardless of citizenship status) applying to SDSU from an international institution where the medium of instruction was not English, must submit passing TOEFL, IELTS, Duoingo or PTE as proof of English proficiency.
Financial Aid
This program is approved for financial aid. To begin the financial aid process, visit the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships website. There, you'll be able to access the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
If you have any questions regarding the financial aid process, please call the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships on weekdays from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at (619) 594-6323.
We encourage you to apply for financial aid as soon as possible.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will my degree say “online”?
No, it won’t. Upon graduation, you’ll have earned the same business degree as SDSU’s on-campus students — a Master of Science in Computer Engineering from San Diego State University.
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How is the program structured?
Our program is fully online and mostly asynchronous, which means you can study and learn mostly on your own schedule. The program consists of required courses and electives that can be completed in as short as 24 months.
For each course, you can expect to spend 17-23 hours per week for 8-week courses and 23-30 hours per week for 6-week courses on coursework and lessons.
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What is the program format?
Courses in our online computer engineering program feature a mostly asynchronous virtual instruction (MA) learning modality. This means:
- Unless otherwise noted, instruction is provided through a combination of recorded and limited direct instruction with academic activities, quizzes, etc., at the arranged times and dates described in the footnotes and syllabus. Content may be open for restricted periods of time.
- Students may be expected to attend any live sessions necessary to complete the course.
- Final exams or assignments will be listed in the course syllabus and may need to be completed at a set time and date.
- Faculty and instructors are available for office hours and instructional support when needed.
Mostly Asynchronous courses may be preferable for students in different time zones as they provide the flexibility to do work on your own schedule at your own pace. However, these courses may require group activities and arranged meetings with faculty.
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Online courses are a large part of SDSU Global Campus. Our instructional design team works directly with academic departments to offer online courses that are the same academic rigor as on-campus courses. We offer a mix of online certificate programs, degree completion and advanced degree programs, and individual professional development courses. Online courses are self-paced, which means that students can complete lessons and coursework at a time that’s convenient for them.
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Do I need a bachelor’s in computer engineering to apply?
Not necessarily. We accept students with a bachelor’s degree in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and other STEM-related fields. With the right preparation, students with undergraduate degrees in areas outside of computer engineering are more than capable of succeeding in our master’s program.
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Yes. San Diego State University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
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Yes; however, a part-time schedule may have an effect on your financial aid and estimated time to completion. We encourage you to speak to one of our admissions advisors to learn more about setting your schedule.
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Yes! Our computer engineering program can be completed from anywhere in the world. With SDSU Global Campus, you can earn a valuable degree from a reputable American university from the comfort of your home country.
Please follow the instructions on our How to Apply tab to learn how to apply as an international student.
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When you enroll in an academic program at SDSU Global Campus, you’re joining the San Diego State University community even if you’re not on campus. This means that you’ll have access to many of the same services, programs, cultural centers, clubs, and resources that SDSU’s on-campus students enjoy. Click here to learn more.
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Related Links
Financial Aid Overview
SDSU Electrical & Computer Engineering Department
Submit this web form and we’ll be in touch to answer all your questions and explain the next steps in the process. Or, you can reach a program recruiter by emailing recruiter.global@sdsu.edu or by calling (619) 594-7700.
