Accelerated Computer Engineering Degrees: How to Get Your Computer Engineering Degree Fast

If you’re thinking of exploring computer engineering career paths, getting a degree is a great place to start. Computer engineering degree programs are usually time intensive, especially if you plan to complete a graduate program. However, with accelerated computer engineering degrees, it is possible to quickly get a computer engineering degree without missing out on any coursework.

In this guide, we’ll expose you to the concept of accelerated degree programs and how easily you can secure one. In addition, we’ll provide a list of some of the best accelerated engineering degree programs and highlight some jobs you can get with them.

What Is an Accelerated Computer Engineering Degree? 

Accelerated computer engineering degrees are programs that are identical to regular computer engineering degrees but different in their duration. Combined degree programs are the most common type. They merge your undergraduate and graduate studies so you can finish both in a shorter timeframe.

Accelerated degree programs are excellent options because of their speed, affordability, and flexibility. According to the UK Government Social Research Department for Education, these programs facilitate better learning outcomes, save tuition and living expenses, and provide career development and employment opportunities.

How Fast Can You Get a Computer Engineering Degree?

You can earn a bachelor’s and master’s in computer engineering in as little as five years. 

For a regular computer engineering bachelor’s degree, your undergraduate studies may last four or five years, while a master’s degree can take two years or more. If you enroll in an accelerated program of study, you can become a full-fledged computer engineer in five years.

What Jobs Can You Get with an Accelerated Computer Engineering Degree?

• Software Development Manager. Software managers oversee programming projects and ensure their successful completion. Computer engineers working this job need broad-based professional competencies, including communication skills and hands-on experience writing code to manage their team skillfully.
• Computer Network Architect. Computer network architects design communication networks for businesses that need them. They develop reliable networks from their firm understanding of an organization’s processes and operations. 
• Software Developer. Software developers write programs and create applications that solve problems. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, software development is one of the fastest-growing job categories, with an employment projection of 22 percent. 
• Database Administrator. Database administrators are in charge of elementary data structures and database systems. They maintain, back up, and modify data systems as needed to meet business objectives.
• Information Security Analyst. Information security analysts build a business’s defense system. They work with network architects to protect valuable business information from hackers, viruses, and other threats. 

How We Ranked the Best Accelerated Computer Engineering Degrees

After considering specific parameters like coursework quality, credit hours, flexibility, and affordability, we compiled a list of the best accelerated computer engineering programs. We also paid attention to their potential value on the job market.

The Best Computer Engineering Accelerated Degrees in 2022

The Best Fast-Track Computer Engineering Degrees in 2022, Explained

Below, we discuss our list of accelerated programs that cover the fundamental concepts of computer engineering like circuit analysis and embedded systems. We’ve included basic information about each program, including the location, application requirements, and cost per credit hour. 

BS in Engineering and MS in Computer Engineering | Arizona State University

• Location: Tempe, Arizona
• Online Option: No
• Tuition Per Credit: $765 in-state, $1,200 out-of-state
• Required Time: 5 years

ASU electrical engineering students enrolled in this program fuse their undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework and graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering and Master of Science in Computer Engineering.

BS in Electrical Engineering and MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering | Louisiana State University

• Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
• Online Option: No
• Tuition Per Credit: $731 in-state, $1,513 out-of-state
• Required Time: 5 years

This bachelor of science and master of science program allows undergraduate students to earn graduate credit by taking graduate courses during the semester. This program combines two different but related degree programs to allow students to finish a year earlier than average. 

BS and MS in Computer Engineering | Michigan Tech

• Location: Houghton, Michigan
• Online Option: Yes
• Tuition Per Credit: $629 in-state, $1,400 out-of-state
• Required Time: 5 years

Undergraduate students looking to enroll in this program must complete all of their undergraduate courses, apply to graduate school, satisfy the minimum credit hours, and take graduate-level courses. A maximum of six

 credits from those graduate courses will be counted toward both their undergraduate and graduate degrees.

BS and MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering | New York Institute of Technology

• Location: Old Westbury, New York
• Online Option: No
• Tuition Per Credit: $1,290 in-state, $1,290 out-of-state
• Required Time: 5 years

In this program, undergraduate students may take up to three graduate-level courses that count toward their undergraduate and graduate degree requirements.

BS and MS in Computer Engineering | Rochester Institute of Technology

• Location: Rochester, New York
• Online Option: No
• Tuition Per Credit: $1,760 in-state, $1,760 out-of-state
• Required Time: 5 years

Among the degree requirements for the Kate Gleason College of Engineering program are 48 weeks of cooperative education experience and internships. Students work on programming projects and discuss engineering theory with electrical engineering and computer science professionals. In some ways, the culminating experience is just as valuable as the degrees.

BE in Engineering and MS in Computer Engineering | Stony Brook University

• Location: Stony Brook, New York
• Online Option: No
• Tuition Per Credit: $295 in-state, $1,041 out-of-state
• Required Time: 5 years

Engineering students at Stony Brook can take two graduate courses as electives in an undergraduate semester. The credit hours they earn for these graduate courses are double-counted as undergraduate credit and graduate credit. When they achieve graduate status in their fifth year, students only have 24 credit hours left to complete.

BS and MS in Computer Engineering | University of Central Florida

• Location: Orlando, Florida
• Online Option: No
• Tuition Per Credit: $105 in-state, $616 out-of-state
• Required Time: 5 years

This program teaches fundamental concepts and offers several specialization areas, including computer networks and computer security, computer systems and VLSI Design, intelligent systems, and machine learning. At the time of application, students must choose a specialization area and meet the credit-hour requirement of that field.

BS and MS in Computer Engineering | University of Missouri

• Location: Columbia, Missouri
• Online Option: No
• Tuition Per Credit: $321 in-state, $966 out-of-state
• Required Time: 5 years

This program allows students with an undergraduate major in engineering, with the aid of an academic advisor, to include up to 15 credit hours of graduate-level courses as electives in their undergraduate coursework. They become provisional graduates and only attain full graduate status upon the successful completion of 126 credit hours.

BS in Computer Engineering and MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering | University of Oklahoma

• Location: Norman, Oklahoma
• Online Option: No
• Tuition Per Credit: $164 in-state, $690 out-of-state
• Required Time: 5 years

Prospective students must meet the admission requirements, including a minimum GPA of 3.25 and a background in computer or electrical engineering. Current undergraduate students must fill out the University of Oklahoma Graduate College Accelerated Degree Graduate Coursework Plan and submit it to the undergraduate liaison.

BS and MS in Computer Science and Engineering | University of South Florida

• Location: Tampa, Florida
• Online Option: No
• Tuition Per Credit: $211 in-state, $575 out-of-state
• Required Time: 5 years

Students may be admitted into this program by either meeting the application requirements or obtaining a letter of recommendation from their faculty advisor. The undergraduate requirements for acceptance into the computer engineering education program are a minimum of 15 credit hours in the department, knowledge of basic concepts, and at least a 3.25 GPA.

Should You Get an Accelerated Computer Engineering Degree?

Yes, you should get an accelerated computer engineering degree if you’d like to graduate college faster, save on tuition, and earn a comfortable annual wage. However, if you don’t meet the criteria for admission or your schedule is too tight, flexible programs like computer and software engineering bootcamps might be better alternatives for you.

Accelerated Computer Engineering Degrees FAQ