Program Overview

Master of Science in Computer Engineering

The MS in Computer Engineering at Northwestern is built for those ready to leap forward — to lead, to innovate, and to shape the technologies that will define the next decade. This is not just a degree — it’s a transformation.

In a world driven by AI, high-performance computing, health tech, autonomous systems, and cybersecurity, the ability to master both software intelligence and hardware architecture is what sets true tech leaders apart. That’s what computer engineering is. That’s what we do.

You’ll work side-by-side with world-renowned faculty, tackle real-world research projects, and collaborate across disciplines to engineer powerful, scalable, and intelligent systems. This is where breakthroughs happen — and where engineers evolve into impact-makers.

Graduates leave not just with a credential, but with the mindset, experience, and vision to lead in a world that demands technical depth, cross-domain fluency, and bold thinking.

Curriculum and Program Planning

The basics at-a-glance

Earn your degree in 9-12 months by completing 12 credits according to one of the following plans:

• Plan A: Research Thesis Track
  • 9 courses + thesis
  • Join a deep, research-driven experience under the guidance of world-renowned faculty. You’ll complete advanced coursework and develop a thesis featuring original research contributions—solving real-world challenges and preparing for PhD programs or high-impact innovation roles.
• Plan B: Research Project Track
  • 9 courses + applied research project
  • Combine cutting-edge coursework with a hands-on research project guided by top-tier faculty. You’ll deliver a professional report grounded in advanced techniques or theory, with results applicable to real-world engineering and technology domains.
• Plan C: Professional Coursework Track
  • 12 advanced courses
  • Customize your path with 12 rigorous graduate courses in computer engineering and adjacent areas of interest. Ideal for professionals looking to deepen technical expertise across computer engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science—with access to faculty shaping the future of tech.

Specializations

Students can choose from the following specializations, or create a custom program to gain exposure in any number of areas of interest.

• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• Computer Vision and Image Processing
• Cybersecurity
• Embedded Systems
• High-Performance Computing
• Internet-of-Things and Edge Computing
• Network and Communication Systems
• Photonics and Optoelectronics
• Quantum Computing, Sensing, and Communications
• Robotics and Autonomous Systems
• Semiconductors
• Sustainable Energy and Low-Power Design

Why Northwestern?

Round out your expertise through cutting-edge research experience, career-shaping minors, and connections to Chicago-area industry and research partners

• Collaborate with world-class researchers across Northwestern
  • With a culture of collaboration and a commitment to excellence, our faculty members and students are shaping the future of electronics, computing, and intelligent systems. As a top-tier research department within a world-renowned institution, we turn bold ideas into real-world impact — from deep theory to transformative technologies.
• Develop complementary skills by earning a minor
  • Prepare yourself to secure funding, lead high-impact teams, or develop/use custom software for your research by adding a minor that helps you deepen technical expertise and build leadership skills in one of the following areas:
    • Cybersecurity
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Engineering management
    • Scientific computing
• Easy access to Chicagoland research and industry partners
  • Situated along the lake, 12 miles north of downtown Chicago, Northwestern’s unique location offers unsurpassed access to research partnerships and networking opportunities with neighbors such as Argonne National Laboratory, Fermilab, Ford, Motorola, Nokia, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Sandia National Labs. The department also has robust connections with Northwestern's other schools, including Northwestern's Feinberg School of Medicine, and local hospitals.

Career Paths and Next Steps

Where do we go from here?

• Students who earn the master of science in computer engineering gain a competitive edge over their peers, working in fields such as design and management; micro-electronics and semiconductors; application-specific hardware and software systems; and computer-aided design tools for digital, aerospace, defense, and networked systems.
• Median starting salary for our graduates: $130,000
• 72% industry, 28% PhD studies
  • While many of our graduates move into industry roles after graduation, others pursue PhDs at prestigious universities throughout the world.