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.
The basics at-a-glance
Earn your degree in 9-12 months by completing 12 credits according to one of the following plans:
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.
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.
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.
Students can choose from the following specializations, or create a custom program to gain exposure in any number of areas of interest.
Round out your expertise through cutting-edge research experience, career-shaping minors, and connections to Chicago-area industry and research partners
Northwestern Engineering offers a robust research environment, including 16 research centers with which we actively collaborate. Our research spans the following divisions:
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:
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, such as Northwestern Medicine, the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, and Lurie Children’s Hospital.
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.
Students benefit from professional development throughout their experience, with weekly tech seminars, industry-leading guest speakers, monthly networking events, company showcases, and career fairs. In addition, our career advisors in Engineering Career Development and Northwestern Career Advancement provide personalized guidance and assist students with placement.
While many of our graduates move into industry roles after graduates, others pursue PhDs at prestigious universities throughout the world.
Where alumni work in industry
Request a customized program guide about the master of science in computer engineering.
