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Sudeep Pasricha, PhD
Dr. Sudeep Pasricha is a Walter Scott Jr. College of engineering professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, the Department of Computer Science, and the Department of Systems Engineering at Colorado State University. He is the director of the Embedded, High Performance, and Intelligent Computing (EPIC) Laboratory and the chair of computer engineering.
Dr. Pasricha has co-authored seven books, holds multiple patents, and has published more than 300 research articles in peer-reviewed journals and conferences, workshops, and books. He has given multiple invited keynotes at IEEE and ACM conferences on various topics that span optical computing, AI acceleration with silicon photonics, machine learning for IoT applications, sustainable data centers, and robust chip-scale networks. His research has been funded by various sponsors, including NSF, SRC, AFOSR, DOE, ORNL, DoD, Fiat-Chrysler, HPE, and NASA. He is a fellow of the IEEE, a fellow of AAIA, a distinguished member of the ACM, and an ACM distinguished speaker.
OnlineEngineeringPrograms.com: What is something you wish the public understood about computer engineering?
Dr. Pasricha: Computer engineering is an innovative field that combines key aspects of computer science and electrical engineering with a focus on building and realizing the next generation of computing systems.
Today, computing systems are all around us, in our vehicles, smartphones, wearables, and smart homes, as well as part of extensive industrial automation, networking, healthcare, aerospace, and defense application domains. Engineering such systems is a challenging and rewarding career path.
OnlineEngineeringPrograms.com: What advice would you give to new and aspiring computer engineers?
Dr. Pasricha: Computer engineers work with software and hardware systems, and require hands-on expertise with both types of systems. Hence it is important to develop skills and competence with hardware components, software environments, and hardware-software co-design principles.
OnlineEngineeringPrograms.com: What does the future of computer engineering look like to you?
Dr. Pasricha: The penetration of computing systems in our everyday lives has been increasing exponentially for quite some time now, and this trend will continue. More and more, computing systems are becoming invisible, hidden, or embedded inside our environments—to sense, actuate, and process information in a seamless manner. These systems will continue to become smaller, more ubiquitous, and assist us in new and innumerable ways to transform our lives for the better.
Darin Gray, EdD
Dr. Darin Gray is the director of the USC Viterbi School of Engineering K-12 STEM Center. The Center’s mission is to inspire, inform, and impact underserved, disadvantaged, and historically underrepresented K-12 students to develop a lifelong identity in STEM.
In addition to his 27 years of service at USC, Gray has worked as an engineer at Hughes Aircraft and as a part-time teacher for the Los Angeles Unified School District. He is also a sergeant in the California State Guard, where he provides cybersecurity training and assists with the cybersecurity of State systems.
Dr. Gray has presented at the American Society of Engineering Education Conference, the California STEM Symposium, the State of STEM Conference, the American Association for Adult and Continuing Education, and the Magnet Schools of America Conference. In 2020, he received the James E. Ballinger Engineer of the Year award.
OnlineEngineeringPrograms.com: What is something you wish the public understood about computer engineering?
Dr. Gray: I wish the public understood how much computer engineering intersects with their day-to-day life. Most understand that their mobile devices are computers. However, many don’t know that their cars are essentially mobile computers and that their televisions are really computers that show video content. Even beyond that, every smart device from light bulbs to doorbells to thermostats are the result of the design and innovations from computer engineers.
OnlineEngineeringPrograms.com: What advice would you give to new and aspiring computer engineers?
Dr. Gray: In addition to design and performance, be mindful of sustainability and human-centered design. We engineers are always pushing the limits to achieve innovation and the next great thing. We must also remember the people who utilize our technology as well as the people who are impacted by it.
A computer engineering degree is a natural fit for online learning. Students can take advantage of internet connectivity from anywhere in the world to learn software and hardware development from instructors and professors with real-world experience.
Online learning offers a tremendous opportunity for students who want to learn computer engineering but may not have the ability to live near a campus or attend classes at regularly scheduled times. The flexibility of online learning is ideal for non-traditional students who plan to continue to work full-time during school, who have families that they do not want to uproot, and for students in the military who can be forced to move at a moment’s notice.
If any of these apply to you, and you have a dedicated interest in computer engineering, then an online degree may be the right choice for you.
| School | City | State | Website | Undergrad | Graduate | Grads |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Raleigh |
NC | www.ncsu.edu | 251 | |||
College Station |
TX | www.tamu.edu | 204 | |||
Ames |
IA | www.iastate.edu | 190 | |||
Hoboken |
NJ | www.stevens.edu | 160 | |||
New York |
NY | www.nyu.edu | 141 | |||
Auburn University |
AL | www.auburn.edu | 117 | |||
Louisville |
KY | www.louisville.edu | 117 | |||
Gainesville |
FL | www.ufl.edu/ | 115 | |||
Miami |
FL | www.fiu.edu | 103 | |||
Newark |
DE | www.udel.edu | 96 | |||
Rolla |
MO | www.mst.edu | 92 | |||
University Park |
PA | worldcampus.psu.edu | 77 | |||
Los Angeles |
CA | www.usc.edu | 55 | |||
Chicago |
IL | web.iit.edu | 54 | |||
Villanova |
PA | www.villanova.edu | 52 | |||
Albuquerque |
NM | www.unm.edu | 45 | |||
Dearborn |
MI | umdearborn.edu | 39 | |||
Fort Collins |
CO | www.colostate.edu | 21 | |||
Dallas |
TX | www.smu.edu | 20 | |||
Moscow |
ID | www.uidaho.edu | 13 | |||
Colorado Springs |
CO | www.coloradotech.edu | 9 |
Applying to an online computer engineering program is similar to applying to an on-campus program. For the few undergraduate programs available, students should expect to fill out an online application and submit high school transcripts along with standardized testing scores (SAT or ACT) and a personal statement. Students who did not graduate from high school in the U.S. or another English-speaking country will also likely be required to submit test scores from the TOEFL.
Graduate programs will have a slightly different admissions process. In addition to an online application and transcripts from an undergraduate program, some programs have a minimum GPA that they require. Most graduate computer engineering programs also require students to submit GRE scores, in addition to letters of recommendation from undergraduate professors. A short essay or letter of intent may also be required.
Both undergraduate and graduate programs in computer engineering can be accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission sector of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, also known as the EAC of ABET. Seeking out an online program with this type of accreditation is the best way to ensure that the online program has rigorous academic standards.
While specific classes will vary from one school to another, the basic computer engineering curriculum is markedly similar.
Unlike some other undergraduate majors, computer engineering programs often require that students begin taking specific computer engineering courses in their first year of attendance. These basic courses will introduce them to the foundations of computer engineering, such as electronics and circuitry, as well as the basics of computer languages. Students should also expect to take a range of courses in math, as well as sciences like physics and chemistry. As semesters progress, undergraduate computer engineering students will continue to take more advanced engineering courses.
Since graduate students will be expected to have a solid foundation in computer engineering already, courses will be more advanced and highly relevant to real-world applications. These courses may include topics such as algorithms and optimization, network architecture, and even artificial intelligence.
Specialization is less common for undergraduates, but most graduate programs require students to choose an area of concentration for their research and thesis. Some common specializations include:
The University of Southern California - Viterbi School of Engineering
The University of Southern California (USC) Viterbi School of Engineering offers a master of science (MS) degree in computer engineering with courses available entirely online through their Distance Education Network (DEN). The program includes coursework focusing on designing, developing, testing, and evaluating computer components, networks, and systems—all to achieve higher performance in computing. The program is taught by the University's on-campus electrical and computer engineering faculty.
Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related discipline from an accredited institution, official transcripts, a current resume, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and international students whose first language is not English are required to take the TOEFL or IELTS.
Made up of 28 credits, this program involves courses such as computer systems organization; internet and cloud computing; computer systems architecture; an introduction to computer networks; broadband network architectures; and mixed-signal integrated circuit design.
Auburn university offers a master of science program in computer science and software engineering. This program can be completed online as well as on-campus. Students are able to specialize in areas such as computer networks, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human/computer interaction, databases and data science, and machine learning.
In order to be accepted into the program, students must hold a bachelor's degree in computer science and software engineering or equivalent from an institution of recognized standing, with undergraduate experience in areas of computer science or computer engineering. GRE scores are not required of online students, but international students must submit TOEFL scores.
The non-thesis option is made up of 33 credits, while the thesis option consists of 30 credits. Courses in the program include advanced algorithms; advanced operating systems; advanced computer architecture; and research and thesis.
Through its distance learning program, the University of Florida offers a number of master's-level online computer engineering programs, including degrees in electrical and computer engineering, with optional specializations in communication, bioinformatics, and semiconductor device technology. The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Florida offers master of engineering (MEng), master of science (MS), and doctor of philosophy (PhD) degrees.
Admission requirements to these graduate programs include a minimum TOEFL score of 80 or a minimum IELTS score of 6 is required. Also, a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 is specified for master’s applicants and a 3.5 of 4.0 for PhD applicants.
For the master’s degree, a minimum of 30 credits must be completed. For the PhD degree, at least 90 credits beyond the bachelor’s degree are required. Courses in these programs might include image processing and computer vision; reconfigurable computing; the principles of computer system design; computer architecture; wireless communication; and the fundamentals of machine learning.
University of Michigan, Dearborn
The University of Michigan, Dearborn offers an online master of science in engineering degree focused on computer engineering. The program is specifically tailored to working students with courses offered both online and in the evening for those who choose the on-campus option. In-person courses are held at the Dearborn campus.
Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree in computer or electrical engineering and an overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Standardized test scores (e.g., GRE) are not required. Applicants whose undergraduate degree is in a field other than the subjects mentioned above may also be granted admission, but they will be required to take courses in electrical or computer engineering.
The curriculum consists of 30 credits and explores topics such as embedded systems; computer networks; computer architecture; cloud computing; advanced computer architecture; and computer networks.
Students in the program build a strong foundation in the theoretical techniques and principles of engineering, mathematics, and science. They also develop an ability to use modern engineering processes, software, diagnostic tools, and devices for advanced engineering design and development.
Georgia Institute of Technology
The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is one of the top-ranked computer engineering programs in the country, according to U.S. News & World Report. Georgia Tech offers an online master of science program in electrical and computer engineering, allowing dedicated students to earn this valuable degree from anywhere in the world. The online students have access to the same wide range of services as on-campus students.
Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree, a minimum grade point average of 3.25, official transcripts from each institution attended, TOEFL scores (for international applicants), three references, and personal statements.
Made up of 30 credits, courses in the program include advanced computer architecture; dependable distributed systems; interconnection networks for high-performance systems; combinatorial strategies for engineers; advanced programming techniques; advanced VLSI systems; digital systems in nanometer nodes; statistical machine learning; and digital image processing.
Johns Hopkins University offers an online master of science in electrical and computer engineering. This program prepares students to develop systems for computation, communication, information transformation, measurement, power generation, and control. The program offers the following focus areas:
Admission requirements include an ABET-accredited degree in electrical and/or computer engineering, a grade point average of at least 3.0, and transcripts from all college studies, among others.
The program includes courses such as an introduction to wireless technology; computer architecture; embedded microprocessor systems; high-speed digital design; FPGA design using VHDL; analog electronic circuit design; and introduction to electric power systems.
The program helps students develop the ability to apply advanced theories in computer and electrical engineering, conduct simulations and experiments, and use advanced mathematical techniques.
Colorado State University offers two degree options within the computer engineering program:
Both programs can be completed entirely online. These are coursework-only degrees that focus on hardware and software applications. There is also an emphasis on network programming, computer system design, internet protocol, and mobile architecture.
Admission requirements for the programs include a bachelor of science degree in engineering, computer science, physics, or related field (including coursework in calculus), a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, a current resume, a statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation, and international students must have passing scores in any one of the English proficiency exams (TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE).
Made up of 30 credits, the program curriculum includes courses such as digital control and digital filters; computer organization and architecture; computer networks; digital signal processing; signal processing for power systems; and electrical power engineering.
Students learn about technology capabilities and current industry trends, identify and solve engineering challenges, create simulations and prototypes, and gain an understanding of the economic and societal impact of their work.
It is important to note that engineering schools do not uniformly report campus visitation requirements for online learning programs. Program requirements could change from year to year, depending on courses and professors.
However, in general, there are no campus visit requirements for these programs and the degrees earned are exactly the same as those bestowed upon campus-based students. Some programs, particularly those graduate degree programs that include a thesis, do have campus visitation requirements for defending said thesis and for the oral exam portion of their degree. This is true, for instance, at Auburn.
Students should be sure to thoroughly investigate any campus visitation requirements for programs to which they apply, especially if those requirements could present an obstacle to ultimately completing the degree program.
Choosing the right computer engineering program is no small decision. The school you choose can have a big impact on the career opportunities you have. For example, students who wish to apply their computer engineering education to the automotive industry would be hard-pressed to find a better choice than the University of Michigan—a school that is already deeply entrenched in the auto business.
When earning a degree online, professors become even more important. Students should be sure to seek out programs where professors have similar interests to them and are willing to help them throughout the program.
Farheen Gani has researched a wide array of topics related to engineering since 2018. She has written about electrical and computer engineering programs, structural engineering programs, mechanical engineer salaries, environmental engineering programs, and many other subfields of engineering. She...
Matt Zbrog is a writer and researcher from Southern California. Since 2018, he’s written extensively about a wide range of engineering disciplines, with a particular focus on the potential impacts of major technological breakthroughs. His work largely centers around conversations with engineeri...
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