Computer Engineering

The online Graduate Certificate in Computer Engineering is primarily for individuals who wish to increase their knowledge and skills in Computer Engineering either for future career opportunities or in preparation for a graduate degree. Students who complete the certificate will gain foundational knowledge in connected systems, networking applications and computer architecture. Hone your skills in the analysis, design and operation of computing devices and software with coursework totaling 12 credit hours.

Students work with a variety of hardware and software tools and analyze research to understand state-of-the-art approaches to computer system design and future challenges the industry will face.

There is no prescribed list of courses for the certificate; students may take a combination of courses tailored to their interests and needs, subject to course prerequisites.

Non-Degree Studies (NDS) Students

NDS students seeking spring enrollment in an Engineering online program and/or course, please submit your NDS application (opens in new tab) no later than Wednesday, January 10th, 2024 to ensure your application materials are received on time. Submitting your application after January 10th, may result in not being admitted or enrolled in classes for the spring 2024 semester.

Eligibility

Students must meet ONE of the following requirements for admission into the CPE Graduate Certificate Program:

• Have a BS degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering from a regionally accredited four-year college or university, and have an overall GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4-point scale.
• Have a BS degree in the sciences or engineering from a regionally accredited four-year college or university with an overall GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4-point scale.
• Be a degree-seeking student in good standing in an NC State University graduate program in the sciences or engineering.

Plan of Study

The CPE GCP requires a total of 12 credit hours of graduate-level Computer Engineering courses taken for a letter grade. There is no prescribed list of courses for the certificate; students may take a combination of courses tailored to their interests and needs, subject to course prerequisites.

The following courses are permitted to be counted towards the degree.

• Any course listed in the ECE Graduate handbook in Appendices A, B or C as falling into the “CPE” major or the “EE/CPE” major, EXCEPT for the following courses: o Special topics courses, i.e. courses with numbers starting with ECE 592, ECE 791 or ECE 792
• 600 and 800 level course including ECE 600, 633, 634, 650, 695, 699, 833, 834, 895, 896 or 899

To view a full list of Electrical and Computer Engineering certificate degrees and courses, please visit their department website.

Career Prospects

Automation is becoming increasingly common, which means the need for skilled computer engineers is also growing. Computer engineers and software developers work together to ensure hardware and software are compatible. Computer engineers are expected to have deep knowledge of the complex electrical engineering, mechanics and physical requirements necessary for adequate housing and delivery of software solutions. The Graduate Certificate in Computer Engineering offers the opportunity to gain knowledge in the area of computer engineering required for career advancement in the student’s area of interest.

Additional Resources

For detailed information regarding engineering online programs and how to apply and enroll, please visit the Engineering Online website.