Computer Engineering

From cars to cell phones to refrigerators, computers are embedded into nearly every aspect of modern-day life.

With a master of science (M.S.) or master of engineering (M.E.) in computer engineering, you’ll have the high-level hardware and software knowledge, refined research skills and strong industry connections you need to help develop the next generation of computer innovations.

Here, you focus on an area of computer engineering that fits your career goals and research interests.

Emphasis areas include:

• Digital hardware design
• Digital systems design
• Computer systems
• Other related areas

The computer engineering graduate program incorporates concepts from both electrical engineering and computer science, focusing on the architecture, programming and application of digital computers. As a student in the program, you explore the concepts and methodologies needed for the design, analysis, interfacing and utilization of hardware and software digital systems.

At Idaho, you have the opportunity to work alongside faculty members who are internationally recognized for excellence in teaching and research, and widely respected for their significant scientific contributions to the industry. You may also participate in collaborative research projects with industry and governmental partners such as NASA, the U.S. Department of Defense, Micron, Hewlett Packard and other top firms.

The master’s degrees in computer engineering are available on the Moscow campus. Or, earn your degree from a distance via interactive video classes and online learning provided by the comprehensive Engineering Outreach program.

Prepare for Success

The ideal candidate for the master’s program in computer engineering will hold a bachelor’s in computer engineering from an accredited institution and demonstrate a strong background in the fundamentals of computer engineering, computer programming, electronics, mathematics, chemistry and physics.

If your undergraduate degree is not in computer engineering, you will be required to complete background courses to remove deficiencies before beginning the graduate program.

Your First Year

During the first semester, a faculty member is appointed to serve as your major professor/mentor. You work closely with your major professor to prepare and submit a study plan for approval as early in the semester as possible.

Both a nonthesis option and a thesis option are available for master’s students. Usually, off-campus students pursue the master of engineering, the nonthesis option, and on-campus students pursue the master of science, the thesis option.

What You Can Do

Whether you are a seasoned professional returning to college to continue your education or a student fresh from an undergraduate program, you will find that a master’s degree in computer engineering greatly enhances your career opportunities.

Potential job titles include:

• Computer software engineer
• Computer hardware engineer
• Applications engineer
• Design engineer
• Quality control engineer
• Development engineer
• Computer architect
• Systems design engineer
• Research engineer

Opportunities

Computer engineering is among the fastest-growing fields with unlimited opportunity in nearly every industry. Computer engineers use their expertise to develop technology for everything ranging from medical devices and automobiles, to MP3 players and video games, to power grids and communication systems.

Our graduates are recruited by top firms in the region and nation. Alumni work for companies such as:

• Idaho Power
• Avista Utilites
• Schweitzer Engineering
• Hewlett-Packard Company 
• Intel
• Micron
• Boeing
• NASA
• Zilog

Current Research

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Idaho is a leader in electrical engineering research, drawing more than $4.5 million in research funding during the last three years.

Our distinguished faculty members are widely known for their research and expertise in such areas as power/energy systems, electromagnetic radiowave propagation, electronic packaging and microelectronics. In fact, two of our faculty members – Jeffrey Young and Aicha Elshabini – have been named distinguished Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Fellows for their contributions toward the advancement of the field.

Research Institutes and Programs

The National Institute for Advanced Transportation Technologies (NIATT): Develops technologies to improve the design and operation of transportation vehicles and systems. Projects include traffic control, electric and hybrid vehicles, clean vehicle technology, and construction materials for highway infrastructure.

The Power Applications Research Group (PARG): Explores new applications in the fields of power and power-electronics.

The Laboratory for Advanced Communications Research (LACR): Focuses on communications theory, neural networks, and magnetic recording.

Center for Intelligent Systems Research (CISR): Dedicated to the advancement of intelligent control of autonomous systems. Recent projects funded by NASA, NSF, and USDA include active structural noise control, passive vibration suppression, an autonomous log-skidder, and intelligent vision-based navigation for Mars Rover-type vehicles.

Laser Electrophotography Lab (LEL): Researches electrophotographic processes and signal processing related to image quality of laser printers.

Hands-On Experience

Industry partnerships: At Idaho, you can play a critical part at one of the nation’s premier centers for power engineering research, education and collaboration between industry and academia. You have opportunities to engage in projects for NASA, the U.S. Navy and top firms in the energy and power industry. Industry partners include Hewlett-Packard Company, Tektronix, Intel, Idaho Power Company, Avista Utilities, The Boeing Company, EG & G Idaho, Inc. and many others.

Teaching assistantships: The department offers six to 10 teaching assistantships to cover our undergraduate laboratory courses. These assistantships are available in both electrical and computer engineering. NIATT also offers teaching assistantships based on qualifications and available funding.

Research assistantships: The Microelectronics Research and Communications Institute typically supports approximately 18 graduate research assistants affiliated through various research contracts. NIATT also offers graduate research assistantships based on qualifications and available funding. Some contracts are budgeted to allow for the payment of graduate course fees.

Facilities

Students have access to our 13,000 square feet of laboratory space equipped with the most modern equipment.

Online & Outreach

The University of Idaho offers one of the best video outreach programs in the country, making it possible to earn a master of science or master of engineering in electrical engineering or computer engineering through interactive video courses and online learning. Certificate programs are also available.

Learn more about the Engineering Outreach program at the University of Idaho.