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Dr. Cristina Comaniciu is an associate professor and the associate chair for graduate studies in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Stevens Institute of Technology. She earned her PhD in electrical and computer engineering from Rutgers University and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Princeton University.
Dr. Comaniciu’s research focuses on game theory, machine learning, and wireless communications, with applications in smart grids, network security, and resource allocation. Dr. Comaniciu has been recognized with numerous awards, including the IEEE Marconi Best Paper Prize in Wireless Communications and the Stevens ECE Outstanding Service Award. Her work is supported by grants from agencies such as the NSF and ONR, and she actively contributes to professional societies like IEEE.
OnlineEngineeringPrograms: What is something you wish the public understood about electrical and computer engineering?
Dr. Comaniciu: I wish the public better understood how critical electrical and computer engineering is to virtually every aspect of modern life. From the smartphones in our pockets to the power grids that light up our cities, ECE forms the backbone of our digital world. ECE is about solving real-world problems, innovating for the future, and making technology more accessible and efficient for everyone.
ECE is also a foundational backbone for the development and integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in our world. Electrical and Computer Engineering isn’t just about building circuits or writing code—it’s about creating the intelligent systems that power AI applications, from autonomous vehicles to smart healthcare devices. The synergy between ECE and AI is driving some of the most significant technological advancements of our time.
OnlineEngineeringPrograms: What advice would you give to aspiring students in electrical and computer engineering?
Dr. Comaniciu: To aspiring students, my advice is be curious, persistent, and open to collaboration. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and dive into complex problems—this is where true learning happens. Learn to work well with others. Some of the best innovations come from collaborative efforts, where diverse perspectives lead to creative solutions. Stay updated with the latest technologies and trends, but, most importantly, develop a strong foundation in the fundamentals—math and sciences—as they will guide you through your engineering design challenges.
OnlineEngineeringPrograms: What does the future of the field look like to you?
Dr. Comaniciu: The future of electrical and computer engineering is incredibly exciting and filled with opportunities. I see ECE playing a pivotal role in the advancement of artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and the Internet of Things (IoT). We’re moving towards a world where smart devices are seamlessly integrated into our lives, cities become smarter and more efficient, and sustainable technologies help combat climate change.
The field will continue to evolve rapidly, with new discoveries and innovations that push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Many individuals may be drawn to the idea of pursuing a degree in electrical and computer engineering online due to the possibility of earning a degree without ever setting foot on campus, or only rarely having to do so. And while that is certainly a wonderful convenience, an aspiring student interested in this field of study should consider several factors before selecting an online program.
To begin with, students may have restricted access to professors. In some cases, particularly with self-paced courses and recorded lectures, the professor may not be present as the student takes the class. In cases where a program includes courses with scheduled start times, the professor may indeed be present and teaching, but depending on the size of the class and how it is delivered, he or she may not be able to field questions as they arise.
Outside of class, professors often have virtual office hours and allow email questions or forum-based questions. So in that sense, the online program experience may more closely resemble that of a campus-based program.
In an online program, students may be asked to progress through most of the coursework at their own pace. They may only be required to adhere to a semester schedule, providing significant flexibility in completing and submitting assignments. But the flexibility of schedule can be a blessing and a curse; anyone who has difficulty working with little oversight or without a strict routine may struggle in an online degree program.
But an online ECE program may be an appealing option for organized self-starters who are employed or busy by day or who would have difficulty attending a physical campus. Gainfully employed people, parents of young children, military personnel, and people who live in remote areas often find online degree programs to be the right fit.
As with other institutions of higher education programs, those wishing to pursue an online degree in electrical and computer engineering must meet specific admissions requirements before they can enroll. Because of this, if you consider participating in one of these programs, you must familiarize yourself with these criteria before moving any further in the process.
While the admissions requirements will vary based on the specific institution and the level of study (undergraduate vs. graduate), certain key components will likely remain the same.
At the undergraduate level, all institutions will generally require:
At the graduate level, all schools will generally require:
In many cases, aspiring students will also be asked to submit personal essays; letters of recommendation from previous teachers, professors, or employers; and even a CV or resume that provides additional information that could prove relevant to the admissions process.
Aspiring students should be aware of the application timeline, as well. For programs that start in the fall, many schools will require applications to be submitted by the beginning or middle of January; those that start in the spring may request applications by early fall.
While students in online programs have a great degree of flexibility regarding their studies, particularly within any given semester, most often, they must follow the academic calendar set by the physical campus administration.
Similar to other engineering specialties, electrical and computer engineering programs are eligible to obtain accreditation from a national body, as long as they meet certain requirements.
Programs that meet specific eligibility requirements may achieve accreditation through the Engineering Accreditation Commission through the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology, Inc. (ABET), the primary national accreditation body for programs involving engineering and technology. ABET also acts as an umbrella organization for other agencies focused on the improvement of education in engineering, one of which is the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
This organization plays an active role in the accreditation process of educational programs focused on electrical and computer engineering.
While attending a program that has received accreditation from ABET and IEEE is not required, it is a prerequisite for obtaining a Professional Engineering license (which also requires the completion of four or more years of related work, generally). It may certainly help with employment prospects upon graduation.
While the curriculum for a program focused on electrical and computer engineering will not be identical across the board, there are several courses and subjects that aspiring students should expect to cover throughout their studies.
For example, undergraduate students, along with taking general elective courses, will likely need to study:
Graduate students will likely need to cover similar topics, although they may not be required to take elective courses; that being said, graduate students may need to take more research-based courses that require the publication of a paper upon completion.
Depending on the institution, there may be additional opportunities for specialization within the degree itself. To be sure, a student may have the option to pursue an additional specialization in electro physics, control systems, embedded systems, robotics, or any number of other areas.
Here, we have detailed highly-regarded electrical and computer engineering programs that offer degrees online and some professors who lead classes therein.
Stevens Institute of Technology
The Stevens Institute of Technology offers master’s degree programs (MS or MEng tracks) in computer engineering and electrical engineering, both online and on campus.
The computer engineering degree is available in four concentrations: embedded systems, software and data engineering, networks and security, and artificial intelligence. The electrical engineering track has five concentrations: communications, power engineering, robotics and automated systems, microelectronics and photonics, and artificial intelligence. Notably, these programs can be taken concurrently as a dual degree program with an MBA.
At Kansas State University, students can pursue a master’s degree in electrical and computer engineering. Students in this program can choose a specific emphasis: electric power systems or communication and networking. This program is ideal for working professionals as this is a 100 percent online program.
Made up of 30 credits, the program prepares students with the advanced skills needed to advance their careers in electrical and computer engineering. The electric power systems concentration includes courses such as advanced systems theory; computer engineering methods for analysis, simulation, and design; and applied probability theory and random processes, among others. The communication and networking curriculum includes courses such as communication systems; wireless communications; network theory; and research in electrical engineering, to name a few.
Admission requirements for the program include a bachelor’s degree in ECE from an ABET-accredited institution (GRE scores required if a bachelor’s degree is not from an ABET-accredited university), background in calculus, statement of objectives, curriculum vitae, three professional academic references, and unofficial transcripts.
At the end of the program, graduates can pursue opportunities such as design engineers, reliability engineers, project engineers, field engineers, sales engineers, systems design engineers, and research and development engineers.
Ohio University allows students to pursue a master’s degree in electrical engineering with a focus on computer engineering. It is also possible to obtain this degree in as little as two years, and without ever visiting the campus. The program helps students develop the knowledge and skills for solving complex problems expanding their leadership skills and expertise. Apart from the computer engineering focus, the program offers several other concentrations, such as autonomous unmanned vehicles, electrical engineering, communications & digital signal processing, micro nano devices & systems, and electronic navigation systems.
Students in this program will take two foundational courses in computational tools for engineers and engineering writing. They will then grow in their area of expertise by specializing in one of six concentrations. The computer engineering concentration includes courses in embedded systems; computer architecture; design of digital circuits; micro-nano fabrication; computer communications network; nano electric devices & applications; and information theory and coding.
The major admission requirements for the program include a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or other engineering disciplines from an ABET-accredited university, a grade point average of 3.0, and TOEFL or IELTS scores for international students.
Graduates of the program will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to research, design, develop, and test new technologies and industry applications and position themselves as leaders.
Georgia Institute of Technology
Through Georgia Tech, students may obtain a master’s degree in electrical and computer engineering on their schedule. The program is fully online, although the online program is held to the same standards as those provided on campus. Students in this program gain technical knowledge about this high-tech industry of computer development.
Ideal for working professionals, this online program allows students to earn their degree on their schedule, in their own homes, and without sacrificing their careers. They’ll connect with their fellow learners, instructors, and the material itself using multi-platform digital learning tools.
To get accepted into the program, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, official transcripts from every institution attended, references, professional resumes, personal statements, lawful presence documents, and TOEFL scores for international students.
Consisting of 30 credits, the program includes courses such as convex optimization; linear systems and controls; optimal estimation; wireless networks; statistical methods; modeling & simulation design; reliability engineering; and data & visual analytics, among others.
At Drexel University, students can pursue a master’s degree in electrical engineering with an emphasis on computer engineering. This highly interactive program, with nearly a third of the faculty members being IEEE members, equips students with technically challenging research, development, and industry careers. It is ideal for working professionals, helping them build a strong foundation in theory and exploring and understanding new trends and technology.
The program comprises 45 credits, including courses such as advanced power electronics, topics in circuits and systems, topics in communications, controls, and computers, computing and control, modern transistors, modern photonics, techniques of electrical and computer engineering research, machine learning and artificial intelligence, applied machine learning engineering, and neuromorphic computing.
Applicants to the program must have a 4-year bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or any other related field from a regionally accredited institution in the US or an equivalent international institution, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, a completed application, official transcripts, a 500-word essay, two letters of recommendation, a current resume, and TOEFL scores for international students.
Graduates of the program will be well-equipped to work as circuits engineers, electrical controls engineers, design engineers, electrical design engineers, power systems engineers, electrical project engineers, and project engineers.
Students at the University of Delaware are allowed to pursue a master’s of science degree in electrical and computer engineering. Here, students may complete the degree in as little as two years. The online MS in ECE helps students in mastering the skills taught in other electrical and computer engineering programs and provides them with the critical insight for securing, protecting, and implementing the systems they create.
The program consists of 30 credits using hands-on training and foundational theory to challenge students to develop algorithms and efficient designs that incorporate defenses against cyber threats during information exchange. The curriculum includes courses such as signals and systems; digital signal processing; digital communication; modern machine learning; computer networks; and applied cryptography, among others.
Admission requirements for the program include a baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year university, a grade point average of 3.0, three letters of recommendation, a current resume, a statement of purpose, three reference letters, GRE scores (waivers available), and TOEFL scores for international students.
On successful completion of the program, graduates can take up roles such as R&D engineers, hardware engineers, software engineers, electrical engineers, network systems administrators, computer or design engineers, cybersecurity specialists, and information security analysts.
The University of Arizona offers an online master of science program in electrical and computer engineering, preparing students to lead technological innovations by designing, testing, and developing complex systems. The program is ideal for working professionals who wish to excel in a design-oriented role. The program's faculty includes experienced educators and cutting-edge thinkers in fields ranging from advanced computer systems and networks to communications and signal processing.
The program, which comprises 30 credits, includes courses such as computer networks, digital signal processing, communications, and control, detection and estimation, computer vision, control, and robotic systems, software engineering and artificial intelligence, remote sensing, wireless communications and networks, holography and diffractive optics, and high-performance computing.
Michigan State University’s online master of science program in electrical and computer engineering offers students a state-of-the-art curriculum informed by groundbreaking research. Students in this program build the problem-solving abilities needed for applying computer and electrical engineering concepts in multidisciplinary applications and the technical proficiency needed for designing innovative solutions. Professionals in this program will be equipped to lead advances in areas such as automation, communication networks, and computer hardware.
With both thesis and non-thesis options, the program is built to empower students to follow their passions, confront technical challenges, and develop powerful new devices. The 30-credit program includes courses in embedded cyber-physical systems, advanced power electronics and applications, computer and communications networks, sensing and control for autonomous vehicles, neural networks and deep learning, electronic circuit design, advanced power systems, and signal processing.
Old Dominion University’s Batten College of Engineering & Technology offers an online master of science program in electrical and computer engineering taught by experienced faculty members with decades of training and expertise. Students in this program will learn both practical application and engineering theory. The program’s faculty are active in cutting-edge research projects and work with several research centers on campus.
The program comprises 30 credits, including coursework in model engineering, cyber defense fundamentals, cyber-physical system security, network engineering and design, foundations of cyber security, solid-state electronics, linear systems, machine learning, and computer networking. Students were also required to complete a final project instead of a thesis.
Applicants to the program will need a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or computer engineering with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Past graduates of this program have been employed in manufacturing, systems integration, automotive, shipbuilding, defense, aerospace, and telecommunication industries.
University of Utah’s online master of science program in electrical and computer engineering prepares students to achieve organizational goals and lead multidisciplinary teams. Students in this program will explore the latest techniques and thinking in this constantly evolving field and learn from educators who work at the cutting edge of real-world applications and theoretical advances.
This master's program provides students with valuable problem-solving skills, in-depth knowledge of current developments, and powerful analytical skills that can be used in several electrical and computer engineering career paths.
The program, which consists of 30 credits, includes courses such as physics of nanoelectronics and related devices, power systems analysis, fundamentals of micromachining processes, and optics for energy. Students are required to complete weekly assignments and have the opportunity to participate in live faculty office hours.
Graduates of this program will be able to identify and solve engineering problems, design and conduct experiments, analyze and interpret data, communicate effectively, demonstrate ethical and professional responsibility, and create systems, components, or processes for meeting desired needs within realistic constraints.
Most often, students pursuing an online degree in electrical and computer engineering will never be required to visit the campus throughout their studies.
Indeed, this is the case with a degree at Georgia Tech, which declares that students can obtain a degree without needing to set foot on the physical campus. That being said, some programs may require students to visit the campus once or twice per year, possibly for exams or other activities; because of this, it is imperative to pose these questions to the administration before enrolling.
Lastly, aspiring students should consider a few other factors before they begin one of these online programs. For one, students should familiarize themselves with their selected institution’s career placement services, as the quality and commitment of these services can help ensure that students successfully find employment upon graduation.
Furthermore, students may wish to research alumni groups or other networks that exist for graduates of the program, as a strong alumni network can be extremely beneficial throughout a future career.
These numbers represent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics from May 2023—the latest figures available as of November 2024.
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