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Degree Overview
See how our online master's programs can help you keep up with the pace of innovation in the fields of computer engineering, systems engineering, and more.
Online master's in computer engineering
Whether you're looking to increase your salary, earn the opportunity to work on higher-level projects, or simply need to keep up with the pace of innovation, CSU's computer engineering master's degree can help you get there.
This program offers a customizable curriculum that you can tailor to meet your interests and career goals, with the flexibility to study online.
Knowledge for our connected world
From autonomous vehicles to smart cities, we live in a hyper-connected world. A degree in computer engineering from Colorado State University will allow you to have an impact well beyond your computer screen. As devices and systems become “smarter” and more connected through the Internet of Things (IoT), computer engineers hold the key to understanding, advancing, and protecting the security of next-generation technologies.
Have an interest in robotics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, or data science management and optimization? With computer engineering at the heart of these disciplines, ECE professors will prepare you to make an impact in these emerging fields.
The M.E. and M.S. programs are coursework-only degrees focused on fundamentals of innovation, from artificial intelligence to big data to robotics. Heavy emphasis is placed on computer system design and exploration, architecture of mobile and warehouse scale computers, network programming, and internet protocols.
Students in CSU's online master's in computer engineering program will learn:
Up-to-date industry trends and technology capabilities.
To apply creativity, in-depth knowledge, and information gained to their own careers – in many cases having access to knowledge that is not broadly known yet due to innovative faculty research.
Information that will provide specific depth in their area of focus such as high-performance computing, embedded systems, networking, etc.
To identify, formulate, and solve advanced engineering problems using fundamental computer engineering principles, methodologies, and tools.
To combine theory and mathematics to create simulations/prototypes using modern modeling software – the same as what is used in industry.
To understand the ethical, economic, environmental, and societal impacts of their work.
Become part of a community of innovation and excellence
As an online student, you will be part of ECE’s close-knit department – a community that thrives on innovation and diversity in thought. Whether online or on campus, computer engineering graduate students learn from faculty who are pushing the frontiers of engineering and science.
ECE professors are responsible for 35% of the university’s issued patents since 2015, and they are a leading contributor to CSU’s research environment, an enterprise that has grown by nearly $100 million in the last decade. The department’s research runs the gamut, from developing satellites designed to improve our understanding of the conditions inside hurricanes to microscale nuclear fusion to the development of virtual non-invasive medical biopsies. This variety in research means that no matter what field you work in — or wish to pursue in your future career — you will learn from faculty at the forefront of technology and innovation.
In addition to being the headquarters of the Engineering Research Center for Extreme Ultraviolet Science and Technology, ECE is home to the CSU Information Science and Technology Center (ISTeC), the CSU-CHILL National Radar Facility, and the Engineering Research Center for Collaborative Adaptive Sensing of the Atmosphere. The ECE department is also part of national and international collaborations through LaserNetUS, a Department of Energy Consortium of ultra-high-power lasers, and LIGO, the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Detector Scientific Collaboration.
Online students take the same engineering courses from the same faculty and receive the same computer engineering degree as students in our on-campus program.
Faculty teaching in CSU's computer engineering program are actively working with large companies in the computing industry, serving as consultants, and also conducting research. Faculty specializations include chip-level circuit design, high performance computing, computer networking, and embedded systems, to name a few.
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering maintains strong ties with leaders in the field by working closely with industry partners to meet the needs of employers through curricular input, classroom lectures, and on-campus events.
Advance in an industry with career opportunities
Make a bigger impact within your company and enjoy the salary benefits that come with it. Computer engineers are in demand across virtually every industry, allowing you to pair your passion with your master's degree.
Computer engineers are consistently listed at the top of the salary range with incomes of $111k-$134k for mid-career professionals, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Payscale.com.
Choose from two degree options in an accredited online engineering program
Students have 2 degree options to choose from within the computer engineering program:
Master of Engineering (M.E.) – Computer Engineering Specialization
Master of Science (M.S.) in Computer Engineering
The program curriculum is highly customizable, with a broad list of courses offered through CSU's Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science, and Mathematics departments. These master's degrees are non-research oriented and focus on enhancing the expertise of computer engineering professionals. Review the requirements and curriculum to learn more.
Get qualified for recommended admission
Students may apply to the online master's in computer engineering program through a deferred fee program to ensure admissions criteria are met before having to pay the application fee to apply to the program. You can earn a guaranteed admission recommendation from the department, if you meet the conditions below.
Admittance conditions for a guaranteed recommendation:
Complete two classes from the master's degree curriculum with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and with no less than a 2.7 in any course. You can take up to 9 credits as a non-admitted student.
A Bachelor of Science from a regionally accredited institution in electrical engineering, computer science, or related field (minimum 3.0 GPA) is required.
International students must hold degrees equivalent to U.S. bachelor's degrees, and should be among the top students in their classes. Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology (BSEET) degrees are not accepted. International students must have passing scores in any one of the English proficiency exams (TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE).
If you do not meet all the requirements, online students may still be eligible to take coursework before being admitted to the graduate program. Contact an ECE advisor to discuss individual exceptions to these guidelines.
Explore Careers
Computer engineers are in demand across virtually every industry, including areas such as medical machines, communication equipment, and hardware manufacturing. These fields are emerging as part of the new global economy, and having the right skills to not only compete, but to engage, is vital for professional engineers. This master's degree will help you advance your career by equipping you with skills and exposure to applied research.
The online master's programs prepare students for a wide variety of computer engineering careers in diverse industries, including, but not limited to:
Power and energy
Space and aerospace
Government and military sectors
Healthcare systems
Communication equipment and hardware manufacturing
Computer networks, information systems, and cyber security
Natural resources and the environment
Biosciences, biomedical engineering, and health sciences
Computer Engineering Career Outlook
Computer engineering master's graduates are consistently in the top five most coveted degrees for employment according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers Job Outlook report.
Computer engineers are consistently listed at the top of the salary range with incomes of $111k-$134k for mid-career professionals, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Payscale.com.
Curriculum
Learn to apply in-depth knowledge, creativity, and research experience to analyze, design, develop, and improve computer systems. Students will gain experience in state of the art design tools, methods, and theories applicable to computer engineering.
Requirements
Students complete 30 semester credits, 21 of which must be completed after formal admission to Colorado State University. This degree is coursework only; neither a thesis nor oral exam is required.
Minimum of 21 credits earned at Colorado State (must be at 500-level or higher).
Up to 15 credits of coursework may be taken outside of the electrical or computer engineering discipline, subject to approval by the M.E. advisor and the Graduate Admissions Committee.
No independent study, research, internship, supervised college teaching, or practicum credits may be credited toward the degree.
A maximum of 6 credits of 400-level undergraduate courses can be used toward the degree. Up to 8 credits at the 400-level are permitted when at least one course is a 4 credit course. Remaining credits must be in 500-level or higher courses. 400-level courses are only accepted toward the degree when taken after formal admission.
Up to six credits of 500-level, graduate coursework can be transferred from other regionally-accredited institutions; grades must be 'B' or higher in transferable coursework.
Curriculum
Master of Engineering (M.E.) – Computer Engineering Specialization
Select 30 credits from the following courses.
Master of Science (M.S.) in Computer Engineering
Select 27 credits from the following courses and 3 credits of ECE 695.
The objective of the course is to provide students with a solid foundation in computer design. Modern computer technology requires professionals to understand both hardware and software concepts. Accordingly, this course focuses on the interaction between hardware and software at a variety of levels to promote a deep understanding of the fundamentals of computing. Topics that will be covered include instruction set architectures, computer arithmetic, RISC CPU and pipelining, memory hierarchy, networks on chip, parallel programming models, multicores and multiprocessors, graphics and computing GPUs, and game console architectures (such as Xbox360, PS3, Wii).
Today's global information infrastructure consists of various systems and devices interconnected via the Internet. Cellular and wired phone networks as well as TV (cable, dish) networks also play a key role in providing access. Where information resides has become less important compared to ubiquitous and quick availability of information. The quality of service experienced by a user or an application depends on the underlying network hardware (e.g., links, routers), protocols (e.g., TCP/IP) and characteristics (e.g., network traffic, access times and interference). Internet is a dynamically evolving systems held together by a set of protocols, in contrast to many other systems (e.g., microprocessors, workstations) that are designed by a close-knit group of designers. EE 456 introduces computer and communication networking principles and technologies that make such a complex global information infrastructure possible. Course will also provide an overview of sensor networking, an emergent technology that has the potential to dramatically change our interaction with physical world the way the Internet changed how we access information.
The subject of the course will be focused in describing and analyzing different schemes of interferometers and interferometric measurements. The course will review basic concepts related with light interference such coherence, laser sources, applications, high resolution metrology, etc. Students will be introduced to a number of interferometric techniques and data analysis to extract the information from raw data.
This course covers deregulated electrical power systems, system security, investments in generation and transmission, ancillary services, and nodal pricing.
Signal processing tools for analyzing power systems, voltage frequency, magnitude variations, unbalance, and wave form distortion are covered in this course.
Topics may include fundamentals of computer design, multiprocessors and thread-level parallelism, storage systems, and interconnection networks and clusters.
Embedded systems design including system level modeling, design space exploration, hardware-software partitioning, high-level synthesis.
This course has online exams that require a proctor.
This course helps students develop a conceptual understanding of the systems engineering life-cycle process and familiarity with analysis techniques used in that process. It also introduces concepts of reliability and robustness, and rigorous tools for analysis and design with them in mind. The course utilizes real-world experience and case studies of working with a system through all phases of the system design process.
This class is offered online in a webinar-style format, and can be accessed synchronously or asynchronously. Synchronous means you can log on live and participate in the class as it is occurring on campus, but participation in this format is not mandatory. Asynchronous means you can access the video recording of the class sessions whenever it is convenient for you.
This course discusses energy networks, including generation, storage, and consumers, and a systems approach to analysis of distribution networks and transition to intelligent grid systems.
Interconnecting power electronic devices and renewable energy sources to power systems.
ECE 647 – Synchrotron Rad, FELs and Hard X-Ray Optics (Fall, Odd Years)
Advanced concepts in particle beam accelerator technology and engineering, linear accelerators and principles of intense pulsed electron ion beams. Prerequisite/s: (ECE341 with a minimum grade of C) or (ECE342 with a minimum grade of C) or (PH351 with a minimum grade of C).
This course covers link technologies, multiple access, hardware and software for internetwork routing, switching flow control, multicast, performance, and applications.
Microstructures of physically vapor-deposited films; thin-film morphological development; atomistic processes of condensation, nucleation, and growth.
Learning Experience
All courses are delivered online via our learning management system, Canvas. Courses allow you to watch recorded, campus-based lectures and engage in course content and communicate with peers online. Courses are asynchronous, allowing you to study at the time that best fits your schedule.
Although the online format of this degree offers flexibility, it still requires the same amount of work and time as an on-campus graduate program. Depending on your learning and studying style, expect to spend nine to twelve hours per week on a three credit course.
View recorded campus-based lectures online.
Download and review lecture notes.
Complete assigned and optional readings.
Communicate and exchange ideas with instructors and fellow students through chat rooms, threaded discussions, and email.
Complete individual projects and collaborate on group projects.
Study for, and complete, exams.
Write course-related papers.
Your interactions with faculty depend on the specific course, but generally, your instructors have online or telephone office hours and are available by email or course discussion boards.
This online program allows you to earn your degree while maintaining your busy work and family schedules.
Is online learning right for you?
Watch this video to see how online learning works at CSU.
Why Choose CSU?
As a student in this program, you receive the same education, learn from the same faculty, and earn the same regionally accredited degree as students on campus. Additionally, you can expect:
The Opportunity to Gain a Competitive Edge: Keep up with the pace of innovation by having access to the latest research and trending advancements in the field. Our program prepares you with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the ever-evolving demands of the profession in areas like communication equipment, hardware manufacturing, medical machines, and more.
A Degree with Broad Applicability: The skills you learn in this program are applicable to any industry that uses information, which could include: transportation, healthcare, mobile device market, and more. Such a wide range of relevant industries gives you the flexibility to pursue an array of employment opportunities.
Instruction from Expert Faculty: Be at the forefront of new technology and industry developments by learning from faculty who incorporate their active, and often internationally recognized, research projects and industry expertise into the curriculum. Faculty research interests include robotics, radar technology, communications and signal processing, distributed and embedded system design, and more.
A Customizable Curriculum: Our coursework-only electrical and computer engineering degree allows you the flexibility to choose courses that best suit your educational and professional goals.
Career Enhancement Opportunities: Extend your educational background beyond an undergraduate degree to better take advantage of career opportunities in electrical engineering and computer engineering. An advanced degree from a highly recognized research institution and a specialized skill set that spans across disciplines can help you stand out to current and future employers.
This Master of Engineering (M.E.) and Master of Science (M.S.) requires applicants to have the following, at a minimum:
Bachelor of Science from a regionally accredited institution in engineering, computer science, physics, or related field that includes coursework in calculus
3.0 GPA in undergraduate degree
International students must hold degrees equivalent to U.S. bachelor's degrees, and should be among the top students in their classes. Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology (BSEET) degrees are not accepted
Note that meeting the minimum department standards does not ensure admission to the program. Admission to Colorado State University graduate programs is based on a number of factors, including prior academic and professional experience and your statement of purpose.
Do you qualify for recommended admission?
The standard application process into the program requires a pre-application reviewed by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Students who meet the conditions below and submit a pre-application, will be automatically recommended by the department to the Graduate School at CSU.
Complete two classes from the master’s degree curriculum with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and with no less than a 2.7 in any course. You can take up to 9 credits as a non-admitted student.
A Bachelor of Science from a regionally accredited institution in electrical engineering, computer science, or related field (minimum 3.0 GPA) is required.
International students must hold degrees equivalent to U.S. bachelor's degrees, and should be among the top students in their classes. Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology (BSEET) degrees are not accepted. International students must have passing scores in any one of the English proficiency exams (TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE).
Contact Katya Stewart-Sweeney at katya.stewart-sweeney@colostate.edu or by calling (970) 491-7850 if you are interested in the guaranteed recommendation option.
Prepare the materials below and upload when you apply online.
Resume
Statement of purpose
Provide GPA (on a 4.0 scale) and upload unofficial transcripts
Prepare to list the names of schools you have attended through the online application. After submitting your application, upload a copy of your unofficial transcripts through the application portal. If you are recommended for admission, you will be required to submit a copy of official transcripts.
Three letters of recommendation
Three professional recommendations are required. Recommenders should be able to accurately speak to your abilities and potential for graduate study. You will provide information about your recommenders in the online application. CSU will contact them with instructions and a link to a secure form they will submit on your behalf.
Complete the online graduate application and pay the nonrefundable application processing fee (payable online). As soon as you have completed the required information, please submit your application. Your application will not be reviewed until it is complete and all required materials have been received.
Select from the following when choosing a program of study:
If you've been recommended to apply by the department, complete the steps below to finalize your application.
Submit official transcripts
Request one official transcript of all collegiate work completed from all institutions attended. Transcripts from Colorado State University are not required. Transcripts must be received directly from the originating institution to be considered official.
Electronic (preferred):
Digital Transcripts must be submitted by the originating institution using a secure service such as parchment, eScrip-Safe, the National Student Clearinghouse, or e-Quals. Transcripts received via emails are considered unofficial.
Use institution code 4075 for Colorado State University or gradadmissions@colostate.edu if the secure service requires an email address.
Mail (if necessary)
Graduate Admissions
Colorado State University – Office of Admissions
1062 Campus Delivery
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1062
Pay your application fee
If you are recommended to formally apply, log back in and pay your application fee.
View your application status at any time to ensure your application checklist is complete or to check on updates.
Once your complete application, including supporting materials, is received, the department admission committee will review your application and notify you of their decision.
Proof of English language proficiency is required for applicants from countries or United States territories where there are official languages other than (or in addition to) English. This includes the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Puerto Rico.
Tuition and fees are just part of the costs to attend Colorado State University online. Please view additional elements that may be factored into your cost of attendance.
Degree Awarded
Master of Engineering; transcript reflects computer engineering specialization; or Master of Science in Computer Engineering
Time Frame
Can be completed in 2 years
Admission Reqs.
Bachelor of Science from a regionally accredited institution in a closely related field that includes coursework in calculus
