Computer Engineering (Computer Systems), MS
Develop a distinct combination of computer science and electrical engineering skills and expertise.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
The Master of Science program in computer engineering is a transdisciplinary offering that provides you with advanced training at the intersection of computer science and electrical engineering, preparing you to design and optimize state-of-the-art computing systems.
Building on strong foundations in computing, applied mathematics and the physical sciences, the program provides you with advanced expertise for designing and implementing state-of-the-art systems.
You benefit from coursework and projects that span the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence and the School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering, gaining exposure to core areas such as:
- computer architecture and systems design
- computer networks and distributed systems
- embedded and cyber-physical systems
- machine learning and AI for hardware and systems security and dependable computing
- VLSI and digital hardware design
The program is designed to deepen your technical knowledge beyond the bachelor's level and prepare you for careers in industrial R&D or doctoral research. You analyze and synthesize key theories and methods in computer engineering, while also generating and evaluating innovations that can advance the field. More specifically, you develop the skills to advance the design, system integration, testing, evaluation and deployment of state-of-the-art hardware and software for systems that include computing, communications and networking (wired and wireless), control functions, sensing, signal processing and actuation.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
30 credit hours and a portfolio, or
30 credit hours and a thesis
Required Core (6 credit hours) Electives (18 or 24 credit hours) Culminating Experience (0 or 6 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information
CSE 551 Foundations of Algorithms (3)
EEE 554 Probability and Random Processes (3)
CEN 599 Thesis (6) or
portfolio (0)
This program has a thesis and a nonthesis option for the culminating experience. Students in the nonthesis option take 24 credit hours of electives, and students in the thesis option take 18 credit hours to reach the 30 credit hour requirement. Electives are selected in consultation with the academic unit.
Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's degree or equivalent or a master's degree from a regionally accredited college or university of recognized standing in a related field such as computer engineering, computer science, computer systems engineering or electrical engineering. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. All applicants must submit: Additional Application Information The personal statement should indicate professional goals and reasons for applying the program. Depending on prior academic preparation and accomplishments, it is recommended that some students consider taking the following courses to ensure adequate background preparation: CSE 230 Computer Organization and Assembly Language Programming *Note that completion of CSE 310 is required to be successful in this program. This course may be assigned as additional coursework upon admission. Students must complete this class with a grade of ''C'' or higher (scale is 4.00 = ''A'') within two semesters of admission to the program. Students should see the program website for application deadlines.
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of current residency by scoring at least 4 on the Internet-based TOEFL (iBT)®, or a score of 80 if taken before January 21, 2026 in a testing center; 6.5 on the IELTS; or 105 on the Duolingo English test.
CSE 310 Data Structures and Algorithms*
EEE 203 Signals and Systems I
EEE 335 Analog and Digital Circuits
EEE 350 Random Signal Analysis
MAT 243 Discrete Mathematical Structures
MAT 265 Calculus for Engineers I
MAT 266 Calculus for Engineers II
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 12/31 | Priority* |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 08/15 | Priority* |
*A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space-available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Admission Services.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Graduates have a distinct combination of computer science and electrical engineering skills, positioning them at the forefront of innovation in computing systems. These skills can be applied in high-demand growth areas such as autonomous systems and robotics; distributed, dependable and secure systems; and embedded systems for media processing and communications.
Graduates may work under the direction of scientists and engineers who hold doctorates in high-tech lab settings, assisting in developing innovative products and systems that require strong foundational knowledge in the underlying sciences and the ability to synthesize and analyze engineering principles as they relate to the development of new computer engineering technology.
Career examples include:
- computer hardware engineer
- computer systems engineer
- systems software engineer
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
Computer Science and Engineering Program
|
CTRPT 105
SCAI.Grad.Admission@asu.edu
480-965-3199
Admission deadlines
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
