Online Computer Engineering Degrees by Program Level

Typically, computer engineering may be pursued at the bachelor's & master's degree levels. Computer engineering programs generally include the study of hardware & software solutions to problems in telecommunications, defense, business or manufacturing. Master's degree programs in computer engineering may allow for additional specialization.

Online Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Engineering Overview

A Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering prepares students to design & construct complex computer hardware systems & software programs. Skills learned in this program may be applied to home & office computer operating systems, defense & security systems, video games & network control systems. Students study basic electronics, programming, computer networks, electronics theory, circuit design & microprocessor design. Computer engineering technology is a closely related program that's also commonly offered online.

Program Information & Requirements

Students will need about four years to complete a bachelor's degree program. Students are expected to have a minimum level of technical competence that includes manipulating files & transferring them among machines, installing & running software & computer applications, & using common word processing & spreadsheet software. The curriculum blends traditional text & online presentations & students often access assignments & coursework through an electronic course management system.

List of Common Courses in Computer Engineering at the Bachelor's Level

Along with core courses in general education, students take beginning & advanced courses that include calculus & electronics. The program encompasses theoretical & practical applications of computer engineering.

Basics of Computer Networks Course

Students get a thorough introduction to network systems, including local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), transmission technologies, network security & protocols. This class also explores in-depth networking & Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP-IP).

Advanced Programming in C Course

This course teaches students the fundamentals of programming in the computer programming language C. Students study relevant topics, such as pointers, arrays, structured programming & file manipulation. The computer programming language C++ is also typically introduced.

Basics of Digital Design Course

Students gain advanced knowledge in modern digital design & explore digital & analog interfacing, synchronous sequential logic, asynchronous sequential logic & MSI (medium-scale integration) logic circuits. Students explore decoders & coders, shift registers, counter decoding & digital systems applications.

Career Information

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), students who graduate with computer engineering degrees may pursue a career like computer hardware engineer, a field expected to see a rate of job growth below average (www.bls.gov). As of November 2010, Indeed.com reported that computer hardware engineers earned an average annual salary of $52,000. Additional career options include computer systems engineer & computer systems analyst in fields like the military, consulting, electronics & telecommunications. Graduates may also be prepared for advanced academic study or professional certification.

Online Basic Electronics Class Information

Students interested in basic electronics have the option of taking individual online beginner's courses or enrolling in full online degree programs. The individual courses will cover basic principles of electronics. The degree programs offer more intensive electronics training meant for aspiring electronics technicians.

Overview of Online Basic Electronics Courses

Students can take online basic electronics courses as part of a degree program. They may also choose to learn electronics by taking individual online classes or use the online public study guides offered by several schools & professors. Online degree programs are generally offered in electronics engineering or electronics technology, & students may pursue an associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree in either field.

The degree programs go much further than basic electronics, & are geared towards students interested in turning their knowledge of electronics into a career. Graduates may find jobs in a number of technical fields, such as computer repair, residential wiring & mechanical engineering.

Course Requirements

Lectures & demonstrations may need to be viewed in video form, so a solid Internet connection & video playing software will be necessary. Texts & reading material will generally be available as downloads, but will otherwise be sent to the student. Some schools will also provide electronics kits for students to practice with.

List of Online Basic Electronics Courses

Introduction to Practical Electronics Course

This is the stand-alone course that is offered by some schools, but it is also generally the first component of full online electronics degree programs. Students learn basic mechanics of AC/DC electronics, circuit function & electronic component identification. A virtual 'laboratory' element may be incorporated into the lesson plan, where students gain hands-on experience in building basic electronics.

Signal Communications Course

Topics in this class include both analog & digital signal communications. Some programs focus on digital technology or hardware components of communication systems. Since signal processing is a basic element of electronics, this subject is one of the first covered in most programs. Students complete weekly assignments to be graded by the instructor.

Circuitry Course

Students learn intermediate circuit design & theory in this course. Circuit networking, modulation, & AM/FM circuit transmission may also be covered. Class may include a final circuit design project to be graded by the instructor.

Semiconductor Fundamentals Course

Semiconductors are the building blocks of electronics hardware. In this class students learn about electronic junctions, stabilizing techniques & operation principles. Transistors may also be covered. Coursework generally involves weekly graded assignments.

Advanced Electronics Course

The capstone of most electronics engineering & technology programs, this class involves a final project in which students are generally asked to design a full-scale electronics device. Advanced circuitry & frequency transmissions are emphasized. Some programs may break the course into two sections for extended focus on specific topics. Graduates will have at least one completed project as evidence of their electronics skills.

Schools with the Best Online Engineering Degrees: List of Top Schools

Students can complete an online degree program in engineering at their own pace from some of the nation's top universities. Those looking to advance their careers as engineers can earn a master's degree through distance learning at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign & University of Wisconsin - Madison.

Best Online Engineering Schools

1. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a 4-year, public university with 17 colleges. In the 2010 U.S. News & World Report rankings, it placed 39th in the National Universities category, & the school's undergraduate engineering programs ranked fifth in the nation in 2009 (www.usnews.com). U of I Online offers a Master of Engineering & Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Nine engineering certificates are also available for non-degree seeking students.

2. University of Wisconsin - Madison

The University of Wisconsin - Madison is a 4-year public institution which tied for 39th place in the National Universities category of U.S. News & World Report's 2010 list of best colleges. In 2009, the College of Engineering at UW - Madison ranked number 15 in the nation out of all graduate engineering schools. The school offers nine master's degree programs online, including a Master of Science in Engineering & eight more narrowly focused degree programs. Students may attend full-time or part-time & are given a maximum of seven years to complete the online program.