Top 5 Universities for Computer Engineering in USA

Computer engineering is a discipline that integrates several fields of electrical engineering and computer science required to develop computer hardware and software. A computer engineer, also called a software engineer, is responsible for developing, testing and evaluating the software that make our computers work. They may help in the development of new computer games, business applications or even in the design of entirely new operating systems. A computer engineer may also be responsible for constructing and managing an organization’s computer system and supplying technical support. A computer engineer typically works in an office or laboratory environment as part of a team and enjoys a traditional work schedule.

With new technology driving the development and constant release of new systems for computers, tablets, phones and storage, graduates who have pursued computer engineering in USA are in high demand. Becoming a computer engineer requires an extensive college education that can take from four to seven years to complete. In the first two years of a bachelor’s degree program, students typically finish computer engineering pre-requisites and general education courses. The last two years focus on foundational classes in computer science, electrical engineering and mathematics. Students also learn about software, hardware, networking and security. Many employers prefer engineers with advanced degrees, which means two more years of master’s degree work to qualify for those jobs. Finally, if professional goals include applied research or a career in academia, a PhD in computer engineering may be the answer.

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge

MIT was placed first among all the schools for computer engineering in USA.I It has also been frequently ranked in the top ten over the years. The Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer engineering offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in computer science and engineering, including an interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Computer Science and Molecular Biology. The engineering and computer science curriculum covers topics in electronic and computational technology, communications and engineering. Most programs emphasize experimentation and analysis through laboratories and research.

2. Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh

Carnegie Mellon University is a private research institution that was ranked fifth among the schools for computer engineering in USA. Additionally, the university’s engineering programs have consistently ranked within the top ten over the last two years. The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, which typically combine the study of physics, mathematics and computer science. Computer engineering majors can also take advantage of Carnegie Mellon’s research institutes and centers, such as the Center for Advanced Process Decision-Making and the Data Storage Systems Center.

3. University of California – Berkeley

Through its College of Engineering, the University of California in Berkeley offers computer engineering programs that have consistently received high rankings. Undergraduates can earn a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) and select from one of five disciplines. These include a concentration in computer systems, through which aspiring professionals learn how to design and create operating systems. Students also learn about computational architecture and computer programming.

4. University of Pennsylvania

University of Pennsylvania Engineering department includes programs for both undergraduate and graduate students. The school boasts fifteen centers and institutes for research, including the Center for Engineering Cells and Regeneration; General Robotics, Automation, Sensing, and Perception Lab; Nano/Bio Interface Center; and the Penn Institute for Computational Science. The average SAT math score of students majoring in engineering or applied science is 758. 

5. Johns Hopkins University

Although Johns Hopkins is perhaps best known for its medical programs, the school also has computer engineering and other engineering departments as well. Within the Whiting School of Engineering there are 19 different full-time degree programs in nine departments, including Applied and Computational Mathematics, Computer Integrated Surgery, Computer Science, Engineering for Sustainable Development, Information Systems Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. There are also a number of minors, master’s, and certificate programs, an impressive student/faculty ratio of 9:1, and 19 major research centers and institutes.