The Master of Science (MS) in Computer Engineering is best suited for students who are looking to focus on computer engineering (hardware) aspects. The MS in Computer Engineering program can be a pure course option program, or it can incorporate either a project or a thesis. If appropriate research experiences are included in the degree option, this can also lead toward future doctoral studies. All students in the MS in Computer Engineering program must have previously completed (as documented by their undergraduate transcript), successfully test to place out of, or complete at the start of their program the following courses: CSE 501N Introduction to Computer Science and CSE 505N Introduction to Digital Logic and Computer Design (or equivalent courses offered at other institutions).

The Master of Science in Computer Engineering degree is jointly administered by the Department of Computer Science and Engineering and the Department of Electrical and Systems Engineering

Course Option

This option requires 30 units of graduate credit. Students must also follow the general degree requirements listed below.

Thesis/Project Option

The thesis and project options require 24 units of graduate credit in addition to 6 units of either thesis or project courses (CSE/ESE 599 or CSE 598, respectively). Students pursuing the project option may opt to take 27 units of graduate courses and only 3 units of CSE 598, with advisor approval. Students must also follow the general degree requirements listed below.

General Degree Requirements

• 18 of the 30 units must be from the designated graduate-level Computer Engineering courses. Please visit our MS in Computer Engineering website for a comprehensive list.
• Up to 12 units may be taken from outside the two departments. Such approval will be contingent on the credits being for suitably technical graduate-level content. To count more than 6 units from outside the CSE or ESE department, an appropriate justification for the additional increment must be provided by the advisor and student. Program approval will be evaluated with increasing stringency for each additional increment.
• Up to 12 units of 400-level courses can count for graduate credit.
• None of of the 30 units may be taken as independent study (i.e., CSE 400, CSE 500, ESE 400, or ESE 500).
• CSE courses with an "N" designation do not count toward the master's degree.
• All 30 units required for the degree must be taken for a grade (i.e., not pass/fail), and the grade received in each course must be C- or better.
• Per McKelvey School of Engineering guidelines, students must maintain a grade-point average of at least 2.70.

Contact Info