MS in Computer Engineering
The graduate program in computer engineering from Drexel Engineering prepares professionals for applying deepened skillsets and knowledge that will further their career.
What is an MS degree in computer engineering?
A computer engineering master of science degree prepares you to take on the rapid changes in field of computing. Computer engineers work on the components, devices, programs, algorithms, and systems that are used in computers, and on techniques of computation, analysis, and implementation that are applicable to single computers or to computer systems. In the past, work in this area was compartmentalized between hardware and software, but the boundaries between these two categories have become less distinct. As a graduate of the master’s in computer engineering, you will become well versed in both hardware and software with the ability to provide "hybrid" solutions.
A computer engineering graduate program should give you an understanding of the forces governing industry, a global viewpoint, and the entrepreneurial, teambuilding and managerial abilities needed to advance careers in industry and research or as preparation for entry into a PhD program in computer engineering or related fields.
Delivery
- On-campus
- Full-time or part-time
- The program will take approximately two years to complete on a full-time basis or can be completed on a part time basis in 3-4 years.
Curriculum and Requirements
| Core courses (ECEC) |
21 credits |
| Elective courses |
15 credits |
| General ECE courses |
9 credits |
- The master's in computer engineering requires a total of 45 credits; 21 credits of core coursework in electrical engineering; 15 credits of electives.
- A mathematical foundations requirement of 6 credits of coursework (within the 45 total credits in the MS) emphasizing the development of mathematical skills needed in the area of computer engineering are required. See the list of approved courses [PDF].
- The remaining 9 credits can be completed through a coursework only, non-thesis option of independent study, or other additional concentration electives, or with 9 credits of thesis research (recommended for those interested in doctoral study).
- Graduate advisors are available to guide your course selection and scheduling of core and elective courses. Learn more about the Master’s Thesis option.
- Dual graduate degrees are possible. Popular programs to combine with the MS in Computer Engineering are the MS in Robotics and Autonomy, MS in Machine Learning Engineering, MS in Cybersecurity or MS in Engineering Management.
Management Certificate Study Track - Earn the MS in Computer Engineering and a Graduate Certificate in Engineering Management without adding any additional credits to the plan of study. This track is a hybrid program incorporating in-person instruction for the computer engineering courses and online instruction for management courses. For those pursuing an accelerated one-year plan of study, the summer quarter will consist of all engineering management courses, offered entirely online.
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Visit the Drexel Catalog for more information and sample study plans for areas of specialization or learn more about our admissions requirements.
Why choose Drexel for your MS in Computer Engineering?
The master’s degree program in computer engineering deepens knowledge of the fundamentals in computer engineering through rigorous analysis and exploration. You will develop the ability to provide multi-dimensional solutions applicable for wide range of fields and applications that will have you emerge prepared to take on the demands of industry or continue study in a doctoral program in computer engineering or related subjects.
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) combines related diverse fields to educate and turn out a well-rounded engineer that understands that every quandary has a unique set of challenges. At Drexel you are encouraged to be innovative and imaginative in identifying the problem, analyzing and in the quest for a solution.
Programs in ECE offer versatile pathways to the work world. A great diversity of student objectives and specialties is supported by a progressive, flexible curriculum developed by our renowned faculty to address emerging trends and incorporate industry leading technology. Traditional study areas include circuits and electronics, telecommunications, power, and controls with additional areas of study and research including work in audio, optics, robotics, biomedical, and nanotechnology, robotics, self-driving cars, Internet of Things, nanotechnology, cybersecurity, computer chips, and renewable energy technologies.
The focus of Drexel Engineering programs is to equip you with the tools for finding sustainable and achievable outcomes to solve for society’s biggest challenges while making them relevant to your career goals.
Philadelphia
The city of Philadelphia is our campus – a diverse urban environment with a variety of social, cultural and learning opportunities that will enrich your educational experience. Philadelphia is also a draw for talented instructors and researchers, meaning you will engage with some of the best minds in engineering and other disciplines. Learn more.
Graduate Co-op
Graduate co-op is an optional three or six-month work experience woven into academic studies for full-time master’s students. Drexel University co-op provides the opportunity to apply theory learned in class to a work experience before graduating. The insights help to direct the vision you have for your career and provide context for the remainder of your learning. You will take advantage of resources from the Steinbright Career Development Center, including programming that enhances your professionalism and resume writing and provides resources for your job search.
For more information, visit the Steinbright Career Development Center.
Research
All students in the Master’s in Computer Engineering program are welcome to engage in research as part of their degree or as extra-curricular participation. Full-time master’s degree candidates are encouraged to base their master’s thesis on some aspect of faculty research.
Our labs house research conducted by our world-renowned faculty, funded by the U.S. Department of Defense, Transportation, Health and Human Services, Commerce and Homeland Security as well as with many notable industry partners.
Current research in the ECE Department covers areas such as:
- Adaptive signal processing
- Alternative energy
- Biomedical imaging
- Circuit design
- Computer architecture
- Controls and robotics
- Cybersecurity
- Digital signals processing
- Electro optics
- Entertainment engineering
- Financial engineering
- Flexible electronics
- Image processing
- Information theory
- Machine learning
- Magnet sensors
- Mathematical modeling of networks
- Microwave systems
- Nanoelectronics
- Networking
- Nuclear engineering
- Power engineering and smart grid technology
- RF and antenna design
- Telecommunications
- VLSI
- Web science
- Wireless communications
Visit research areas for more about other research activity at the College of Engineering.
“My experience at Drexel was transformative,” Morton recalls. “It’s where I became a researcher and learned the how to discover new knowledge. Drexel’s Music Entertainment Technology Lab gave me a great opportunity to pursue my interest in how people listen and engage with music.
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Career Opportunities in Computer Engineering
Computer engineering graduate programs prepare you for a career path that could include continuing your education in a PhD program or pursuing advanced technical, research or management positions in industries such as defense, electronics manufacturing, systems design, telecommunications, automation or robotics.
Overall, employees with graduate degrees can earn up to 28 percent more than bachelor’s degree holders over the course of their career. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the outlook for computer hardware engineering jobs is stable, with demand for employment expected to grow 2% through 2029, slightly lower average for the overall projections for all occupations. However, as reported by payscale.com, electrical engineers with master’s degrees can earn 10% or more per year more than those with only a bachelor’s degree. Workers in the computer engineering field are among the highest earners of all engineering disciplines.
Faculty
Drexel places a high value on industry connections and experience at every level. Teaching faculty in your program are experts with industry experience or are at the forefront of research and teaching.
Anup Das
Associate Professor
Associate Department Head for Graduate Affairs and Research
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