Computer Engineering (Computer Systems), MS
Computer, Computer Engineering, approved for STEM-OPT extension
Develop a distinct combination of computer science and electrical engineering skills and expertise.
The Master of Science program in computer engineering is a transdisciplinary offering that provides advanced training at the intersection of computer science and electrical engineering, preparing students 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 students with advanced expertise for designing and implementing state-of-the-art systems.
Students 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 for students who want to deepen their technical knowledge beyond the bachelor's level and prepare for careers in industrial R&D or doctoral research. Students analyze and synthesize key theories and methods in computer engineering, while also generating and evaluating innovations that can advance the field. More specifically, students 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.
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering
- Location: Tempe
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their 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:
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.
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.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
U.S.
applicants | International
applicants | English
proficiency
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:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- personal statement
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
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.
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
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
*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.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 12/31 | Priority |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 08/15 | Priority |
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
Computer Science and Engineering Program
|
CTRPT 105
SCAI.Grad.Admission@asu.edu
480-965-3199
Admission deadlines
Program term definitions
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.
