Did you know that computer engineering associate degree programs can be an alternative to a four-year degree program? The best Associate Degrees in Computer Engineering can help you access several entry-level roles in the tech field.
Not only that, but Associate Degrees in Computer Engineering are also faster and more affordable than more advanced degrees. This article covers the best computer engineering associate degrees, including information about schools, job opportunities, and salary prospects.
What Is Computer Engineering?
Computer engineering is a field of engineering that uses computer science and electrical engineering principles to design and develop computer systems and other technological devices. Computer engineers evaluate, design, and maintain the hardware and software systems used in consumer electronics, medical devices, and communication systems.
Where Can I Get an Associate Degree in Computer Engineering?
The best colleges where you can get an Associate Degree in Computer Engineering are Tacoma Community College, Manchester Community College, and Nashua Community College. However, any student wondering where to get an Associate Degree in Computer Engineering should remember that there are many strong community colleges all over the country.
What Schools Offer the Best Computer Engineering Associate Degrees?
- Manchester Community College
- Tacoma Community College
- Nashua Community College
- Glendale Community College
- Richmond Community College
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Associate Degree in Computer Engineering?
The admission requirements for an Associate Degree in Computer Engineering are typically a high school diploma or its equivalent. Students also need to have a strong background in math and physics, as well as programming skills and a basic understanding of computer systems. You can complete prep classes to boost your skillset if you don’t meet the associate in computer engineering requirements.
Most programs offer introductory subjects to help beginners. The required GPA differs by school but ranges from 2.0 to 3.0. Some schools may request SAT or ACT scores, and others may need prospective students to take placement tests in specific subject areas. The most popular required languages for an Associate Degree in Computer Engineering are usually Python, SQL, and Java.
Computer Engineering Associate Degree Admission Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Completion of placement exams
- At least 18 years of age
- Official school transcripts
- Experience with physics, mathematics, or computer science in a high school setting
How to Get an Associate Degree in Computer Engineering
You can get a computer engineering associate degree by visiting the official website of your chosen school and filling out an application. If you have a high school diploma or your GED, you should qualify for most associate degree programs. Before going to college for a computer engineering associate degree, you may need to know algebra or calculus skills.
How Many Credits Do You Need for an Associate Degree in Computer Engineering?
You will need at least 60 credits for an Associate Degree in Computer Engineering. You may need as many as 66 depending on the program. You can often decide how many credits you want to take per semester.
Computer Engineering Degree Requirements
- 60 credits
- GPA of at least 2.0
- Completion of required core courses
- Completion of required general education courses
- At least 2 elective credits
Best Computer Engineering Associate Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Glendale Community College | Associate of Science in Computer Engineering | Western Association of Schools and Colleges |
| Howard Community College | Associate of Science in Engineering in Computer Engineering | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Manchester Community College | Associate of Science in Computer Engineering Technology | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Nash Community College | Associate Degree in Computer Engineering Technology | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Nashua Community College | Associate of Science in Computer Engineering Technology | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Prince George Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Computer Engineering Technology | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Queensborough Community College | Associate in Applied Science in Computer Engineering Technology | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Richmond Community College | Associate Degree in Computer Engineering Technology | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commissions on Colleges |
| Sandhills Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Computer Engineering Technology | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Tacoma Community College | Associate of Science in Computer Engineering | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
Best Schools for Computer Engineering: Top Computer Engineering Associate Degree Programs
The best schools for a computer engineering associate degree are Tacoma Community College and Sandhills Community College. These top computer engineering associate degree programs will prepare you with a strong foundation to enter the workforce or earn a higher degree.
Some of the best computer engineering associate programs provide students with a transfer degree, so you will want to choose among those schools if your career goals require a bachelor’s degree. This list of the best schools for an Associate Degree in Computer Engineering will help you narrow down your school search.
Best Online Computer Engineering Associate Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| DeVry University | Associate Degree in Engineering Technology | Higher Learning Commission |
| ECPI University | Associate Degree in Electronics Engineering Technology | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Grantham University | Associate of Science in Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology | Distance Education Accrediting Commission |
| Miami Dade College | Associate in Science in Computer Engineering Technology | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| South Florida State College | Associate of Science in Computer Engineering Technology | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| South Seattle College | Associate in Science in Computer and Electrical Engineering | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
| South Texas College | Associate Degree in Computer Science | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Stark State College | Associate of Applied Science in Computer Science and Engineering | Higher Learning Commission |
| Thomas Edison State University | Associate of Applied Science in Computer Studies | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| University of the Virgin Islands | Associate of Science in Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
Best Colleges for Computer Engineering: Top Online Computer Engineering Associate Degree Programs
Many community colleges offer Associate Degrees in Computer Engineering. However, not all of them offer online programs. In the age of COVID-19, online learning is more vital than ever. Below is a brief overview of some schools that offer computer engineering associate degrees online.
What Is a Computer Engineering Associate Degree?
A computer engineering associate degree is a degree that trains students on the basics of computer systems, computer technology, system development, and circuit building. An Associate Degree in Computer Engineering also focuses on how to provide people and organizations with solutions to various technology-based problems.
The degree covers algebra, calculus, civic communication, physical and social sciences, data configuration and programming languages, and software development. It typically lasts for two years and can be used to land entry-level roles in computer engineering. Students can also use the credits earned to transfer to four-year public colleges.
How Important Is an Associate Degree in Computer Engineering?
An Associate Degree in Computer Engineering is very important because it will help you gain a baseline of industry-relevant skills. If you want to work in the tech industry but don’t have the time or resources for a bachelor’s degree, an associate degree is a common alternative. Gaining a computer engineering certification is another common way to give your resume a boost.
Many students also use community college as a way to earn a four-year degree for a cheaper price, because the credits you earn can be transferred to a university. The main reasons why a computer engineering associate degree is important are:
- You will gain in-demand tech skills.
- An associate degree will add credence to your resume.
- It will open the door to a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in the future.
- The tuition payments are much more manageable than you will find at most four-year schools.
What Types of Associate Degrees Can You Get in Computer Engineering?
You can get the following types of associate degrees for computer engineering:
- Associate of Science
- Associate of Applied Science
There are a few key differences between these computer engineering associate degree types. An Associate of Applied Science has a larger emphasis on practical skills for students looking to work immediately after graduation. An Associate of Science prepares students to earn a bachelor’s degree. The best degree type for computer engineering for your situation will depend on your educational and career goals.
Is It Better to Get an Associate of Science or an Associate of Applied Science in Computer Engineering?
It is better to get an Associate of Science degree in computer engineering because it prepares you to either enter the workforce or continue your education. However, if you are wondering which is better, Associate of Science or Associate of Applied Science in Computer Engineering, the answer lies in your individual career goals.
The difference between an Associate of Science and an Associate of Applied Science is that the AAS degree has a greater emphasis on practical skills. This means an Associate of Applied Science may be better for landing an entry-level job right after graduation. However, an Associate of Science can also qualify you for roles in the field and can better prepare you for continued education.
What Is the Difference Between a Computer Engineering Associate Degree and a Computer Engineering Certificate?
The main difference between a computer engineering associate degree and a certificate in computer engineering is that a certificate will require fewer credits and hold less weight. If you want to start a career in tech and are trying to decide between an associate degree or certificate in computer engineering, know that an associate degree will provide you a more well-rounded education.
If you already have experience in the field, the answer to the computer engineering certificate vs associate degree question may look different. A certificate or certification can help you advance in your career or learn a specific skill. However, overall, a computer engineering associate degree is better than a computer engineering certificate.
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Associate Degree in Computer Engineering?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average cost of attending a two-year institution is $11,391 per year. This is significantly less than four-year universities, which have an average annual cost of $28,775. Of course, this amount may differ based on the specific university or program, as well as the number of credit hours taken each semester.
Computer Engineering Associate Degree Financing Options: How to Pay for Your Computer Engineering Degree
Many students use financial aid for an Associate Degree in Computer Engineering. Community colleges may be less expensive than four-year colleges. However, it still comes at a high cost for some, so there are multiple payment options for low-income students. Some payment options include Pell grants, direct federal loans, scholarships, state and local aid, private loans, and discounts.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Computer Engineering Associate Degree?
It takes about two years to get an Associate Degree in Computer Engineering. Your Associate Degree in Computer Engineering length will depend on how many credits you want to take per semester. Most associate degree programs require around 60 credits spread out over four semesters.
How Hard Is It to Get an Associate Degree in Computer Engineering?
An Associate Degree in Computer Engineering is hard to get. Getting a computer engineering associate degree is so hard because the programs are very technical and many of the best schools require students to maintain a high GPA. Fitting in the required credits can also be difficult for many students. While getting a computer engineering associate degree is hard, it can help you access a wide array of careers.
Why Should You Get a Computer Engineering Associate Degree?
The benefits of getting an Associate Degree in Computer Engineering are that the programs cost less than bachelor’s degree programs but you can still use this credential to access entry-level roles. There are also very few requirements to get accepted into most community colleges.
One of the main benefits of an Associate Degree in Computer Engineering is that you can transfer your credits to a four-year school if you choose to further your education down the line. Some people choose to get a second Associate Degree in Computer Engineering if they want to make a career change without committing to a four-year program.
What Courses Do You Need to Take in an Associate Degree Program in Computer Engineering?
The required courses for computer engineering associate degrees vary depending on your chosen school. Generally, the Associate in Computer Engineering course list will include classes in programming, electric circuit analysis, and operating systems. Associate Degree in Computer Engineering courses generally start with the basics before moving on to advanced topics.
Intro to Computer Programming
Computer engineers use a wide variety of programming languages depending on their speciality. You will most likely be trained in the most popular languages, such as Python, SQL, or R. This will also help you strengthen your logical thinking skills.
Intro to Electrical Engineering
Associate Degree in Computer Engineering courses aim to prepare you to diagnose and fix system errors. This means developing a strong understanding of computer circuitry and computer hardware.
Precalculus Algebra
Many Associate Degree in Computer Engineering programs require students to take at least one general math class to strengthen their analytical thinking skills. In some cases, your SAT scores or placement test scores will determine which, if any, math classes you will be required to take.
Intro to Software Engineering
In this course you will learn more about object oriented programming and further develop your knowledge of programming languages. You will also get a chance to study the product development lifecycle.
Intro to Automation
In almost every Associate Degree in Computer Engineering course list you will find classes that introduce students to concepts like machine learning and artificial intelligence. You will learn about the tasks required to run automated systems.
Continuing Education Paths for Computer Engineering Associate Degree Graduates
The best path to take with a computer engineering associate degree is often to gain some experience in the field. To advance in your career, you may want to return to school for a bachelor’s degree at some point after you graduate. The path after an Associate Degree in Computer Engineering can also include gaining additional certifications to add to your resume.
Related Computer Engineering Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Computer Engineering Associate Degree Programs
The best computer engineering associate degree programs have courses that cover all the skills you need to become an employable computer engineer. You can expect to learn a range of hard and soft skills from a computer engineering associate degree program. If you are wondering what to look for in a college for an Associate Degree in Computer Engineering, check out our criteria below.
Continuing Education Options
If you are confident that you want to move on to a bachelor’s degree after you complete your associate degree, you may want to look for a school that offers a transfer degree. Some schools, like Tacoma Community College, also work with universities to make sure students have an easy transition to a four-year program.
Accreditation
You will want to ensure you gain your computer engineering associate degree from an accredited school so that potential employers will recognize the quality of your education. All of the schools on our list are accredited.
Format
You can earn your associate degree completely online, in-person, or in a hybrid format. There are various benefits to each format. Ultimately, the best one for you will fit your schedule and learning preferences. Some schools offer students the choice of whether they want to study online or in-person.
Cost
Some community colleges are more affordable than others, and it usually makes the most financial sense to attend a school in your state. Some schools also offer more generous scholarship opportunities to help low-income students.
Career Services
After you graduate with your associate degree, it can still be difficult to transition into the workforce. Some community colleges have career service teams to help students decide their career path and prep the necessary job application documents.
What Is the Most Affordable Computer Engineering Associate Degree?
The most affordable Associate Degree in Computer Engineering is offered by Glendale Community college. Nash Community College and Richmond Community College both offer affordable associate degree in computer engineering programs as well.
Salary and Job Outlook for Computer Engineering Associate Degree Graduates
There are various computer engineering associate degree jobs that you can consider after you graduate. In addition, the Associate in Computer Engineering salary is quite high, especially after you have a few years of experience. We will go into detail about several Associate Degree in Computer Engineering jobs below.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Computer Engineering Associate Degree?
It is not too hard to get a job with a computer engineering associate degree because computer engineering and tech skills in general are in very high demand. Many of the most popular computer engineering jobs have a high job outlook.
What’s the Average Computer Engineering Associate Degree Salary?
The average salary for someone with an Associate Degree in Computer Engineering is $51,000, according to PayScale. The average salary for a computer engineering associate degree holder will vary depending on which field they work in and their level of experience.
What Types of Jobs Can You Get With a Computer Engineering Associate Degree?
The jobs you can get with a computer engineering associate degree include systems analyst, data engineer, computer programmer, and software developer. The highest-paying computer engineering jobs for associate degree holders include systems analyst and data engineer.
Computer Engineering Degree Jobs
- Systems analyst
- Data engineer
- Computer programmer
- Electrical instrumentation technician
- Software developer
Potential Careers With a Computer Engineering Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With an Associate Degree in Computer Engineering?
You can make between $93,730 and $55,510 with an Associate Degree in Computer Engineering. In general, computer engineering majors make a lot of money per year. You can increase your annual salary by gaining a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Highest-Paying Computer Engineering Associate Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Computer Engineering Associate Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Systems Analyst | $93,730 |
| Data Engineer | $92,650 |
| Computer Programmer | $89,190 |
| Electrical Instrumentation Technician | $72,923 |
| Software Developer | $72,692 |
Best Jobs for Computer Engineering Associate Degree Grads
The best jobs for computer engineering associate degree grads range from computer programmer to data engineer. All the best jobs for an Associate Degree in Computer Engineering will come with a high salary and good benefits.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Computer Engineering Bootcamp vs Computer Engineering Associate Degree: Which Is Better?
An Associate Degree in Computer Engineering is better compared to a computer engineering bootcamp because it is a recognized credential and can better prepare you for a bachelor’s degree. Deciding between a computer engineering degree vs a bootcamp will depend on your long-term goals.
Benefits of a Computer Engineering Associate Degree
- Flexibility. An associate degree is very flexible. You can earn yours at a community college or online. These degrees tend to come with a class schedule that allows students to do other things outside of school.
- Low cost. Associate degrees are more affordable than other alternatives. Indeed, the public colleges and nonprofit institutions where associate degrees tend to be offered are significantly less expensive than university bachelor’s degrees.
- Job opportunities. There are many career options for those with an associate degree. You can use it to advance in your career or start a new one.
- Transfer credits. Since many two-year institutions allow students to transfer the credits earned in their associate degree program, you can use it as a stepping stone to a four-year college.
- Small time commitment. An associate degree is short-term. It typically takes two years to complete the program.
Benefits of a Computer Engineering Bootcamp
- Speed. A coding bootcamp is fast-paced and designed to ensure that students complete the program within three to nine months. These short-term bootcamps focus primarily on the relevant skills needed for a computer science role after graduation.
- Market-led curriculum. The curriculum of coding bootcamps focuses on the skills relevant in the job market and necessary for the career.
- Hands-on training. Coding bootcamps offer project-based, hands-on training to their students to ensure that they have real-life experience before entering the labor market.
- Career services. Most coding bootcamps offer career services like interview prep and resume writing to make their students job-ready soon after graduation.
- Flexibility. Coding bootcamps provide different learning formats, such as part-time and remote learning, which allow students to learn from anywhere at any time.
Is an Associate Degree in Computer Engineering Worth It?
Yes, an Associate Degree in Computer Engineering is worth it if you want to access entry-level jobs in the tech field. It is a good choice for your education if you don’t have the time or resources for a bachelor’s degree.
Associate degrees are also a good option for those having difficulty choosing a career path. Those who want to transition to a four-year degree or a new career path may benefit from an associate program. This is because you will learn all the necessary skills in a short time.
Additional Reading About Computer Engineering
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Computer Engineering Associate Degree FAQ
An Associate Degree in Computer Engineering Technology is a two-year degree that trains you in the skills necessary to start a career in computer engineering and can help you secure an entry-level job after graduation.
It typically takes two years to complete an associate degree, but it can take longer depending on how many credit hours you take each semester.
Yes, you can be a computer programmer with an associate degree. An Associate Degree in Computer Engineering is one of the various associate degree options that can help you become a programmer.
The best degree for computer engineering is generally a bachelor’s degree, but you can also become a computer engineer with an associate degree in certain circumstances.
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