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A degree in computer engineering teaches students the electrical engineering necessary to build physical computers and the computer science experience necessary for software design.

While computer engineering is similar to software engineering and computer science, computer engineering is more focused on physical components than software development.

Online computer engineering bachelor's degrees usually require 120-128 credit hours and four years of full-time study. Some fully online programs have eight-week courses that allow students to take more credits per year and finish more quickly. Some programs offer specializations such as cybersecurity or software development. Taking classes in one of these specializations can open up new career opportunities in the software and networking side of computer technology. Most degree programs finish with a capstone course where students design an original computer model. Online students might also need to complete a supervised internship with a company in their area.

Explore similar bachelor's degrees that are 100% remote, including online cybersecurity degrees, software engineering degrees, and computer science programs. 

To apply for an online bachelor’s in computer engineering, you’ll typically need a high school diploma or GED. Since the major blends electrical engineering and computer science, schools may require prior coursework or placement tests in subjects like calculus or physics. If needed, these prerequisites are often built into general education during the first two years. 

Most programs expect a minimum GPA between 2.5 and 3.0, and while SAT/ACT scores may be considered, many institutions no longer require them.

Computer engineers need a knowledge base that's heavy on applied mathematics, electronics and materials science, and computer programming languages. A bachelor's curriculum reflects this expertise and includes classes on engineering ethics and business communication that encourage graduates to work collaboratively and responsibly.

We've listed several common courses below to give prospective students a sense of what they'll find in an online bachelor's program in computer engineering.

• Calculus for Computer Science: Calculus helps computer engineering students understand the mathematics behind circuits, transistors, and signal processing. Most computer engineering programs require Pre-Calculus, Calculus I, and Calculus II. Topics include applying differential and integral calculus, continuity, logarithms, and the fundamental theorem.
• Circuit Analysis: Students learn the behavior of circuits, voltage, and resistance in this class. Then, they apply what they've learned to build circuits in a lab while practicing electricity safety. As with calculus, many programs offer a sequence of circuitry classes, allowing students to build on their previous training and get hands-on experience.
• Digital Logic Design: This course is a foundational part of computer engineering and covers how to apply math concepts to computer hardware. Students use binary code, Boolean algebra, and verification algorithms to build electronic circuits that transmit information. Professors discuss different types of circuits, including combinational logic circuits and synchronous sequential circuits.
• Microprocessor Design: Students will learn about microprocessors and their importance in computer architecture. The syllabus generally covers embedded systems, computer system design, timing sequences and interrupts, and microcontroller programming.
• Engineering Ethics: This class covers professional ethics for computer engineers and explores the ethical implications of engineering technology for society. Professors will use case studies and other resources to help students confront different ethical dilemmas in engineering.

Computer engineering graduates are trained to design and test electrical hardware, but their expertise extends beyond that niche. With foundational knowledge in math, programming, and systems thinking, many apply their skills in areas like software development, IT infrastructure, and network architecture. The problem-solving, reasoning, and analytical abilities developed in this major translate well across multiple tech careers.

Here are several common career paths for graduates of an online computer engineering program:

• Computer Hardware Engineers: Hardware engineers design and test the physical components of computers and related systems. They often work in research and development for tech firms or government contractors. Some pursue licensure by passing the PE Electrical and Computer: Computer Engineering exam, though requirements vary by state and employer.
• Computer and Information Systems Managers: With experience, computer engineers may move into IT management roles. These professionals oversee the planning and coordination of computer systems within organizations. A graduate degree in information technology or business can support advancement into these high-level positions.
• Electronics Engineers: Electronics engineers focus on devices beyond traditional computer, such as communication systems, navigation equipment, and consumer electronics. Their work involves designing, testing, and improving complex electronic systems. Licensure is sometimes preferred for roles involving public or government contracts.
• Computer Network Architects: Network architects design and maintain the systems that keep organizations connected. This career draws heavily on knowledge of hardware, cybersecurity, data architecture, and cloud infrastructure. Engineers in this role often bridge the gap between hardware systems and IT strategy.
• Software Developers: Many computer engineering graduates pursue careers in software development. Developers write the code that powers applications, operating systems, and embedded systems, often building software to run on the very hardware their degree has trained them to understand. Opportunities exist across nearly every industry, from tech and healthcare to finance and education.

Choosing an online program means weighing the pros and cons and deciding what matters most to you. Everyone's personal circumstances are different — including family responsibilities, work, and finances — so choosing a college is an extremely personal decision.

Here are some things to consider when choosing an online bachelor's in computer engineering:

• Is the School Accredited? — If a school has accreditation, it means the college is continually evaluated to make sure it offers a quality education. Attending an accredited college means you'll be able to use federal financial aid if you qualify. It also means you'll be able to transfer credits to another school, which is important if you want to switch schools during your bachelor's program or go to graduate school.
• Is the Program Accredited? — Individual engineering programs can also get accreditation from the (ABET). However, ABET doesn't currently accredit many fully online degree programs in computer engineering. See the next section on this page for more information.
• How Much Does It Cost? — Figuring out how much your degree will cost is an important factor in choosing where to go to school. To calculate how much your bachelor's degree will cost, find your school's annual tuition and fees and multiply that number by four. It can also be helpful to use the school's net price calculator to get a better idea of what you'll actually pay, which can factor in the financial aid you might qualify for. Make sure to research financial aid opportunities at your chosen school and apply for as much aid as possible.
• Can I Work While Studying? — Many students need to work while in college. While working and going to school at the same time is difficult, there are some strategies that can help set you up for success. Some students choose programs without set class times so they can work during the day and finish classwork when it's convenient for them. Part-time degrees can also give you more time to work during the week, but it will take longer to finish your degree.
• How Much Support Will I Receive? — Student support services play an important role in keeping you on track and making sure you finish your degree. Most online schools offer virtual services to help online students stay connected to peers and professors, but some offer better support than others. Check each school's website or ask an admissions officer about academic advising, tutoring, counseling, and library services for online students. You can also read reviews from online students to get a better picture of a school's support network.

Not sure if a computer engineering degree is right for you? Consider exploring other online engineering programs — including electrical engineering degrees and systems engineering degrees.

One of the most important things to look for when choosing a college is accreditation. Both schools and programs can be accredited. If a school is accredited, it means that the college meets high standards for educational quality. Accrediting agencies review a school's faculty, programs, and student services.

ABET evaluates programs to check if they meet engineering industry standards. Students interested in pursuing careers that require licensure should choose an ABET-accredited program because this is one of the licensure eligibility requirements. Some employers also prefer to hire graduates from ABET-accredited programs.

Students can check to see if the online programs they are interested in are on the list.

Although alumni need only a bachelor's degree to enter many jobs in the field, students can also pursue graduate degrees in computer engineering. Master's degrees in software engineering are designed to increase students' engineering knowledge and sharpen their research skills. Some students might pursue a master's in computer science or another related field to gain more experience and be more marketable in the workforce.

Doctoral programs aim to create professional researchers who either teach at universities or lead research and development for businesses or government agencies.

Computer engineers usually need a bachelor's degree because even entry-level jobs require an advanced understanding of math and science. Students might be able to get a related job, such as a quality assurance tester, with a certificate, coding bootcamp training, or an associate degree.

While computer engineering focuses more on hardware and less on coding, you can still become a software engineer with a computer engineering degree because the two jobs have so much overlap. A degree in computer science or a related field would also be a good option.

How hard a computer engineering degree will be depends on the person and their personal interests and strengths. Many people would consider computer engineering to be a difficult degree because of the amount of math and science required.

Those who are stronger in liberal arts and other areas of study may need to put in extra effort to keep up with their studies, which can make it harder to balance things like work and family.

However, students who are interested in figuring out how things work and enjoy STEM may find this degree less difficult than others. Even students who don't think they are good at math and science can excel in this degree if they are determined to do so.

If you want to keep exploring your options, check out our lists of the most affordable software engineering and affordable computer science degrees.