Online Bachelor's Degrees in Computer Engineering

Students who enjoy logic, technology, and devising out-of-the-box solutions may consider computer engineering careers. Professionals in the field build hardware and software for computer and network systems.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that computer and information technology (IT) professionals earned a median annual salary of $91,250 as of May 2020, more than twice the national average.

Computer engineers build tools for others and stay up to date on current practices. Most positions in the field require a bachelor's degree.

The following information covers what it takes to earn an online computer engineering degree, including admission requirements, courses, and possible careers.

What Is Computer Engineering?

The original computer engineers began work in 1939 when they built the first digital computer. The field did not emerge, though, until personal computers started appearing in private homes in the 1980s. As families, schools, and companies grew increasingly reliant on the technology, the need for software and hardware developers also increased.

Universities across the country then formed computer engineering programs. The first launched in 1996. Today, many schools offer degrees in computer engineering.

Computer science degrees typically appeal to persistent, competitive people who love solving problems. Coders and programmers may advance to computer engineers, but this career requires more than a love for coding. It also takes a blend of passion, creativity, and logic to succeed. Candidates may also need at least a bachelor's degree and relevant experience.

Computer engineering offers one of the fastest-growing and highest-paying career fields. The BLS projects 22% job growth for software developers between 2020-2030, three times more than the national average. These positions pay a median salary of $110,140.

Salaries depend on education, experience, location, and industry. Universities across the country offer computer engineering degrees that can prepare new graduates for work in many industries.

Why Get an Online Computer Engineering Degree?

Computer engineering offers an in-demand field that may appeal to people with a passion for problem-solving and developing new products. This degree can help prepare graduates for careers in the well-paying, fast-paced tech industry. Most tech jobs require a bachelor's degree to get started. Some roles, like coders, programmers, or computer specialists, may accept applicants from associate degree programs computer engineering bootcamps.

What To Expect From Bachelor's in Computer Engineering Programs

Prospective students may wonder: What can I do with a computer engineering degree after graduation?

Degree-holders can choose between developing software or hardware components. While computer hardware engineers may earn slightly more than software developers, they are less in demand, according to the BLS.

New computer engineers join a field that stretches back to 1939 when two inventors developed the first digital computer. Personal computers did not become common until the 1970s-1980s, however.

Today, computer engineering is a fast-growing, high-paying field. Typically, an undergraduate computer engineering degree requires 120 credits. Coursework comprises general education courses, electives, and technology-focused classes such as cybersecurity, programming languages, and full-stack development.

By taking 12-18 credits per term, a degree-seeker can finish in about four years. To accelerate this timeline, students can maximize credits during terms, transfer in credits, or take summer courses.

Although a computer engineering salary surpasses the median wage in the U.S., paying for school upfront can be challenging. Students may save money by attending public universities in their home states or completing two years of community college before enrolling in a bachelor's program.

Admission Requirements

Each college has its own admission requirements. Many schools expect applicants to have significant math prerequisites. Prospective students should hold a high school diploma or a GED certificate. Some institutions set minimum GPA requirements, and several also require minimum SAT or ACT scores.

Schools consider applicants with academic backgrounds in math, technology, and computer science. Holding an associate degree in computer science or certification in a related field may also benefit applicants.

Prospective students should expect to submit an application along with a fee, transcripts from previous schools, and letters of recommendation. Most schools now use the Common App, which makes it easier to apply to several institutions at once.

Degree and Concentration Options

Prospective learners can choose from a variety of bachelor's programs in computer engineering. Schools may offer a computer engineering major culminating in a bachelor of applied science (BAS), bachelor of science (BS), bachelor of business administration (BBA), or a bachelor of engineering (BEng).

Comparing Computer Engineering to General Computer Science Degrees

What is the difference between computer science and computer engineering? Which degree is right for aspiring technology pros?

Computer science degrees prepare graduates to work with existing software or hardware. Computer engineering, by contrast, equips students to create new software or hardware.

Computer science alumni usually seek jobs in database administration, cybersecurity, or IT departments. Computer engineering graduates typically pursue careers as software developers or network architects.

Computer professionals in both fields may work on exciting frontiers of technology such as virtual reality, artificial intelligence, or cryptocurrency. For example, an engineer might build a new bot for a computer scientist to program. The table below explains more:

Popular Computer Engineering Courses

Most computer engineering programs include a series of general education courses, a core computer science curriculum, a concentration in engineering, and electives. Core courses usually blend data, programming languages, cybersecurity, and systems infrastructure with architecture and software development.

Nearly all programs include a hands-on educational component, such as an internship or real-world capstone requirement. While the specific curriculum varies between programs, degree-seekers generally take classes like these:

How Much Will a Bachelor's in Computer Engineering Cost?

Higher education can be costly, but through careful planning, a degree does not have to break the bank. In general, public in-state institutions charge less than private, for-profit, and out-of-state public school programs.

Prestigious private schools may charge high tuition because their brand holds value in the marketplace. But these same institutions can also give generous financial aid packages to qualifying candidates. For many aspiring computer engineers, though, a publicly supported school with an online program can provide a valuable education at a surprisingly affordable price tag.

Degree-seekers rarely pay the whole cost of their education out of pocket anyway. The U.S. government provides grants and work-study programs, state governments often maintain grant programs, and private donors award scholarships.

Many companies help their employees cover the cost of higher education in exchange for a work commitment. Some schools also offer academic scholarships or grants for students from underrepresented groups.

Jobs for Bachelor's in Computer Engineering Graduates

A computer systems engineer degree can prepare learners to enter a variety of tech careers. The computer and IT sector include some of today's fastest-growing, highest-paying, and most in-demand occupations. According to the BLS, jobs in this sector pay a median salary of $91,250 as of May 2020, more than twice the national average for all occupations.

Nearly all of these occupations require new professionals to hold a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. Advancement in computer engineering often means accruing rigorous certifications or going back to school for a master's degree in the field.

Choosing the Right Computer Engineering Program

Aspiring computer engineers should think carefully about choosing the right program. Online rankings can provide a helpful start to learners who are exploring computer engineering degrees. But prospective students should also consider other factors:

Why You Should Get Your Degree Online

For many technology-focused degrees such as computer engineering, online programs are the norm. The vast majority of learners in the major complete their studies online or in hybrid formats.

The National Center for Education Statistics states that roughly 35% of college enrollees took one or distance education classes before 2020. Once the pandemic began, though, nearly every student became an online or hybrid learner, and online education continues to increase in popularity.

Online learning offers many benefits, including accessibility, flexibility, and freedom from the time and expense of commuting to campus. Some online students can combine full-time employment with their studies, reducing the opportunity costs of earning a computer engineering degree.

Prospective students who struggle with time management or who flourish in a face-to-face environment may want to consider a traditional program. But for self-disciplined learners who thrive on flexibility, an online computer engineering degree can offer the best of all worlds.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Computer Engineering Degrees

Top Two Program Rankings

This guide highlights our top two online bachelor's degrees in computer engineering for 2022. Find out about our methods for ranking programs at the link below.