Master’s program · Rossin College of Engineering
Master of Science in Computer Engineering
Lehigh University’s master’s degrees in Computer Engineering prepare you to design the hardware and software systems that modern computing depends on.
- Credits30
- Typical length1.5–2 years
- DeliveryOn campus
- Degree awardedMaster of Science or Master of Engineering
- GRENeither accepted nor reviewed
On this page
Overview
What the Master of Science in Computer Engineering is
Computer engineering lives at the boundary between electronics and software, so the required core pulls from both sides: digital design or embedded systems, computer architecture, and a course in operating systems or algorithms. From there, electives in electrical engineering and computer science let you go deeper into whichever layer of the computing stack interests you most.
Classmates arrive from computer or information science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, mathematics and the physical sciences, so the program is written for students with different starting points. The department also requires a core in each master’s program to make sure every graduate leaves with real breadth and depth in the discipline.
Choose the MS if you want the option of research or thesis experience as part of your degree. Choose the Master of Engineering if you prefer to build your program from courses alone.
A 30-credit degree, typically 1.5–2 years of full-time study, delivered on campus.
Research areas
Research that powers the computing world
Across its research areas, the department’s faculty and students take on some of the largest and most complex problems in technology: building faster and more efficient computing systems, moving information reliably across networks, delivering electric power sustainably, and creating electronics and devices that improve health. Master’s students can connect with this work through electives, independent study and, in the MS, optional thesis research.
Computing and communication systems
Everything from cloud services to wireless networks depends on hardware that computes quickly and signals that arrive intact. Work in these areas aims at designing computer systems and at sending, receiving and interpreting information in the presence of noise and limited resources.
Focus topics: Computer Engineering, Communications and Signal Processing.
Energy
Electric power systems must keep pace with growing demand while becoming cleaner and more dependable. Research in electric energy addresses how that power is generated, converted, controlled and delivered.
Focus topics: Electric Energy.
Devices, photonics and health
New electronic and light-based devices make faster communication, sharper sensing and better medical tools possible. Work in these areas aims at creating those devices and at applying electrical engineering to biological systems and medicine.
Focus topics: Electronics and Photonics, Bio-Electrical Engineering.
Curriculum
What you study
Both degrees require 30 graduate credits: a 9-credit core, 9 credits of computer engineering electives, and 12 credits of further electives. The two differ only in how those last 12 credits can be used.
- Required core, 9 credits. Complete one course from each of the course areas, with a B- or better in each. Area 1: Digital System Design (ECE 319), Embedded Systems (ECE 336) or Computer-Aided Design of Digital Systems (ECE 363). Area 2: Advanced Computer Architecture (ECE 401). Area 3: Operating System Design (CSE 303), Advanced Operating Systems (CSE 403), Design and Analysis of Algorithms (CSE 340) or Advanced Algorithms (CSE 440).
- Computer engineering electives, 9 credits. Courses at the 300 and 400 level within ECE or CSE, including courses you did not use to fulfill the core.
- Electives, 12 credits. Courses at the 300 and 400 level within ECE or CSE, or advisor-approved electives outside those departments. Up to 6 of these credits may be 200-level courses outside ECE and CSE, with advisor approval, and up to 6 may be independent study (ECE 492).
- Thesis and research (MS only). MS students may count up to 6 of their elective credits as thesis (ECE 490), and research or thesis registration may count toward the 400-level requirement. The Master of Engineering does not include thesis credit.
- Course-level rules. At least 24 credits must be at the 300 and 400 level, with at least 18 of those at the 400 level. At least 18 credits must be in the major field, with at least 15 of them at the 400 level. You need a B- or better in at least 18 credits of your program and in all 300-level courses in the major field, and no course graded below C- counts toward the degree.
- Courses that do not count. Courses with an ESLP or EAPC subject code, ECE 300, CSE 300, doctoral-only 400-level courses (ENGR 441, ENGR 499, ECE 499, CSE 499), ENGR 492 Summer Research, and ENGR 496 Summer Work Experience.
| Code | Course | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| ECE 319 | Digital System Design | Design techniques at the register transfer level. |
| ECE 336 | Embedded Systems | Use of small computers embedded as part of other machines. |
| ECE 363 | Computer-Aided Design of Digital Systems | Digital chip design with EDA tools. |
| ECE 401 | Advanced Computer Architecture | Design, analysis and performance of computer architectures. |
| CSE 303 | Operating System Design | Processes, memory management and operating systems. |
| CSE 403 | Advanced Operating Systems | Advanced operating system principles and design. |
| CSE 340 | Design and Analysis of Algorithms | Algorithm design, analysis and proofs. |
| CSE 440 | Advanced Algorithms | Average-case runtime analysis of algorithms. |
The Lehigh University Course Catalog is the official source for degree requirements, and requirements can change from year to year. Confirm your own plan against the catalog and with your academic advisor.
Careers
Where graduates work
Computer engineering alumni build and lead the technology behind modern computing.
Most of our alumni work in information technology, with others in finance, defense and space, and electronic manufacturing. Typical roles include software engineer, applied scientist, digital design engineer, test engineer and automation engineer, and many move on to staff and principal engineer positions, engineering management and executive leadership.
Employers where our alumni most often work include:
- Amazon
- Microsoft
- Intel
- Apple
- Meta
- IBM
Alumni also work at Qualcomm, NVIDIA, Arm, S&P Global, Lutron Electronics, Lockheed Martin and Da Yardman.
Based on current employers of Lehigh computer engineering alumni who graduated between 1996 and 2024. Class of 2025 master’s graduates across the Rossin College averaged $100,000 in starting salary.
Tuition and funding
What it costs, and what help is available
Base tuition for this 30-credit degree is $52,050.
- Qualified applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships as high as 20% of tuition, with no separate application required.
- International students are considered on the same basis as domestic applicants.
How to apply
What a complete application needs
- Academic record
A bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent from a foreign institution. The department looks for a GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. The program appeals to applicants with backgrounds in computer or information science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, mathematics or the physical sciences. You will also submit official transcripts, a personal statement, a resume, and letters of recommendation.
- GRE
GRE scores are neither accepted nor reviewed.
- English proficiency
International applicants submit a TOEFL iBT, IELTS, Duolingo, Cambridge English or Pearson Test of English score that meets the minimums in the table below.
- Application fee
$50, non-refundable.
- Deadlines
December 15 for a spring start, May 15 for a summer start, and July 15 for a fall start.
| Test | Overall | Speaking | Writing | Reading | Listening |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 81 | 22 | 20 | 20 | 16 |
| IELTS | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.0 | 6.5 | 6.0 |
| Duolingo | 125 | 125 | 120 | 125 | 110 |
| Cambridge English | 176 | 176 | 169 | 176 | 169 |
| Pearson Test of English | 68 | 53 or above on each band | |||
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What master’s degrees does Lehigh offer in Computer Engineering?
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers two: a Master of Science in Computer Engineering and a Master of Engineering in Computer Engineering. Both prepare students to design and analyze computer hardware and software systems.
What is the difference between the MS and the Master of Engineering in Computer Engineering?
The requirements are the same except for the final 12 credits. MS students may count up to 6 credits of thesis (ECE 490) or independent study (ECE 492) there, and research or thesis registration can count toward the 400-level requirement. Master of Engineering students may count up to 6 credits of independent study (ECE 492) but have no thesis option.
How many credits is a master’s in Computer Engineering?
30 credits for either degree: a 9-credit core, 9 credits of computer engineering electives, and 12 credits of further electives.
How long does the program take to complete?
Typically 1.5 to 2 years. Faster completion may be possible through academic planning with your advisor.
Do I have to write a thesis or take a comprehensive exam?
No. Neither degree requires a thesis or a comprehensive exam. MS students who want research experience can count up to 6 elective credits as thesis.
What courses make up the core?
Nine credits, with one course from each of the course areas and a B- or better in each: Digital System Design, Embedded Systems or Computer-Aided Design of Digital Systems; Advanced Computer Architecture; and an operating systems or algorithms course (Operating System Design, Advanced Operating Systems, Design and Analysis of Algorithms or Advanced Algorithms).
Can I take computer science courses as part of the degree?
Yes. The core includes a Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) course, and the 9 credits of computer engineering electives can be drawn from ECE or CSE at the 300 and 400 level.
What are the admission requirements?
A bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent from a foreign institution, and a GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. The program appeals to applicants with backgrounds in computer or information science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, mathematics or the physical sciences.
Is the GRE required for the Master of Science in Computer Engineering?
GRE scores are neither accepted nor reviewed for any Rossin College graduate program.
What English proficiency scores do international applicants need?
Minimum overall scores are 81 on the TOEFL iBT, 6.5 on the IELTS, 125 on Duolingo, 176 on Cambridge English, and 68 on the Pearson Test of English. Each test also has minimum speaking, writing, reading and listening scores, listed in the application requirements section above.
When are applications due?
December 15 for a spring start, May 15 for a summer start, and July 15 for a fall start.
How is the program delivered?
On campus. Consult the program contact for the current term-by-term format.
What does it cost, and is funding available?
Base tuition is $52,050 for the 30-credit degree. Qualified applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships as high as 20% of tuition, with no separate application required. International students are considered on the same basis as domestic applicants.
Which department offers this program?
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
What do graduates earn?
Class of 2025 master’s graduates across the Rossin College averaged $100,000 in starting salary.
How do I apply?
Apply through Lehigh’s graduate application. A complete application includes transcripts, a personal statement, a resume, letters of recommendation, English-proficiency scores where applicable, and a $50 application fee. Deadlines are December 15 for a spring start, May 15 for a summer start, and July 15 for a fall start.
What elective courses can I choose from?
Electives are chosen with your advisor. Courses students can choose from include Advanced Electromagnetics, Computer Networks, Accelerated Computing for Deep Learning, Assistive Technologies, Memory Systems, Advanced Programming Techniques, Autonomous Driving and Robotic Racing, and Computer Graphics, among others. The Lehigh course catalog carries the full list.
Contact
Talk to the program
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Packard Laboratory, 19 Memorial Drive West, Bethlehem, PA 18015
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering »
General inquiries go to engineering@lehigh.edu.