Best Associate's Computer Engineering Degree Programs in Kansas
Butler Community College — El Dorado, KS
Hakia Insight: Butler's hands-on approach with real networking and industrial control equipment means graduates often transition directly into on-the-job training roles, skipping the 6-month adjustment curve many four-year transfer students face.
At the associate's level, butler's computer engineering program emphasizes hands-on lab work with real networking equipment and industrial control systems, giving you practical experience before you step into a job. You'll build circuits, configure routers, and troubleshoot systems using the same tools that employers actually use—not simulations. Many graduates move into help desk and junior technician roles immediately, while others use their credits as a springboard to Kansas State or Wichita State's four-year programs. The program's strength lies in its balance: technical depth without overwhelming theory, making it ideal if you want skills that work right now and credentials that transfer later.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Computer Engineering — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Computer Engineering — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Local school districts and education technology departments, Small-to-medium manufacturing firms in Butler County, Healthcare IT departments, Regional banking and financial services.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Kansas State University
- Wichita State University
- University of Kansas
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Network Administrator
- IT Support Specialist
- Computer Systems Technician
- Field Service Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco CCNA (foundational modules)
Location Advantages:
Barton County Community College — Great Bend, KS
Hakia Insight: Barton County's curriculum explicitly reverse-engineered from western Kansas employer demands (agricultural equipment, healthcare IT, school districts) means job placements happen before graduation, not months after.
At the associate's level, if you want a program designed around what employers in western Kansas actually need, Barton County's computer engineering curriculum builds directly from industry demand—your instructors stay connected to local tech leaders, so the coursework reflects real job requirements. You'll earn certifications alongside your degree, making you hireable before you even graduate. Graduates typically move into field service, junior admin, and help desk roles at regional businesses, with strong pathways to transfer to Kansas State or Fort Hays State if you decide to continue. The advantage here is smaller class sizes and direct access to faculty who know the local job market intimately.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Computer Engineering — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Computer Engineering — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Regional agricultural equipment and manufacturing companies, Healthcare systems and clinics in western Kansas, School districts across the region, Small business IT service providers, Local government and municipal IT departments.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Kansas State University
- Fort Hays State University
- Wichita State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior System Administrator
- IT Support Specialist
- Field Service Technician
- Technical Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
Location Advantages:
Rasmussen University-Kansas — Topeka, KS
Key Distinction: Rasmussen University-Kansas offers comprehensive Computer Engineering programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Rasmussen's Topeka location captures students within reach of state government and regional healthcare IT demand, verticals where private university flexibility often outpaces public institution bureaucracy.
Rasmussen University-Kansas offers Computer Engineering programs in Topeka, KS. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Best Bachelor's Computer Engineering Degree Programs in Kansas
Wichita State University — Wichita, KS
Key Distinction: Guaranteed applied learning or research experience built into every degree. Two-semester senior capstone project with real-world focus
Hakia Insight: Wichita State's guaranteed applied learning requirement and two-semester capstone aren't optional polish—they're embedded into the degree, ensuring every graduate exits with Boeing or Spirit AeroSystems project artifacts in their portfolio.
Wichita State University's Bachelor's in Computer Engineering emphasizes applied learning with guaranteed hands-on experience built into the curriculum. Students develop foundational knowledge in math, science, and general engineering while engaging in design throughout the program. As seniors, students complete a two-semester capstone project providing real-world experience. The program leverages WSU's extensive industry connections in Kansas's manufacturing and aerospace hub, enabling students to gain professional experience, build networks, and earn income while studying. Graduates pursue careers in avionics, process control systems, information processing, IT, manufacturing, telecommunications, and aerospace. The university's collaborative projects—such as GoBabyGo!, where engineering students modify toy vehicles for children with disabilities—provide additional hands-on learning opportunities alongside traditional coursework.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR)
Industry Partners
- Boeing (corporate)
- Spirit AeroSystems (corporate)
- Textron (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Situated in aerospace and advanced manufacturing hub with major employers (Boeing, Spirit AeroSystems)Strong pipeline to defense and industrial automation sectors
Southwestern College — Winfield, KS
Key Distinction: A small, mentorship-driven computer engineering program that prioritizes adaptability and cross-disciplinary thinking within a liberal arts framework.
Hakia Insight: Southwestern College's dual BA/BS offering is unusual for a liberal arts program—the BA option signals genuine flexibility for students uncertain whether they'll pursue engineering graduate work, while the hands-on emphasis in a mentorship-driven setting means you're not competing for lab access with 500 classmates.
At the bachelor's level, southwestern College's computer engineering program emphasizes practical, hands-on learning within a close-knit liberal arts environment. Rather than isolating technical coursework, the program integrates computer engineering fundamentals with a broader educational foundation, encouraging students to understand how computing systems intersect with society, ethics, and business. The curriculum balances digital logic, embedded systems, and software design while maintaining manageable class sizes that facilitate direct faculty mentorship. Students gain experience through capstone projects and internship placements in the Kansas City region, leveraging the college's proximity to tech employers. The program's strength lies in producing adaptable engineers who can navigate both technical complexity and cross-functional team environments—particularly valuable for mid-sized technology companies and startups that value engineer-generalists. Southwestern's location in Winfield, Kansas, means students develop close relationships with faculty and peers, creating a foundation for collaborative problem-solving that extends into their professional careers.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Engineering — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Access to Kansas City technology corridor via reasonable commute
Kansas State University — Manhattan, KS
Key Distinction: Hands-on, laboratory-based curriculum emphasizing project development. Undergraduate research opportunities at 90+ research centers
Hakia Insight: Kansas State's 90+ research centers create an atypical undergraduate advantage: most students at larger schools watch grad students do the research, but here you're statistically likely to land a hands-on role before senior year, giving you publishable work for job applications.
Kansas State University's Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering offers a hands-on, laboratory-based curriculum designed to prepare students for careers in hardware and software design across consumer, healthcare, academic, and defense industries. The program emphasizes project development and problem-solving through coursework in three core areas: Architecture and Design (hardware design from system to component level), Embedded Systems (processor-based computing in appliances, automobiles, and wearable devices), and Networking (communication protocols and networked systems). Students have direct access to undergraduate research opportunities through K-State's 90+ research centers, with specific focus areas including IoT applications, cyber-physical systems, and computer networks. The Robotics Competition Team provides hands-on experience competing against other universities. A makerspace within the department supports student innovation. K-State's Career Center offers extensive resources including job search training, employer connections, and salary data tracking for graduates. Study abroad opportunities are available through partnerships in 85+ countries.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Industry Partners
- Google (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Garmin (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Growing tech corridor in Manhattan with emerging startupsProximity to agricultural technology innovation sectorAccess to major tech employers through recruiting partnerships
University of Kansas — Lawrence, KS
Key Distinction: Two-semester capstone sequence (EECS 541 and EECS 542) with hands-on computer systems design laboratory. Intensive laboratory component throughout curriculum including General Physics Laboratory, Circuits labs, and Digital Systems Design
Hakia Insight: The two-semester capstone sequence (EECS 541/542) is notably intensive compared to one-off senior projects elsewhere—you're essentially running a mini systems design firm for two consecutive semesters, which employers consistently cite as the difference between understanding computer architecture in theory versus being able to architect it.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering at the University of Kansas is a 127-credit, four-year program designed to prepare students for careers in computer architecture, embedded systems, networking, and digital design. The curriculum combines foundational mathematics and physics with core computer engineering courses including digital logic design, circuits, programming, signal analysis, and computer architecture. Students complete a two-semester capstone sequence (EECS 541 and EECS 542: Computer Systems Design Laboratory I & II) that culminates in a substantial design project. The program emphasizes hands-on experience through laboratory courses and senior electives in advanced EECS topics (400+ level). Graduates pursue careers in computer industry, telecommunications, government/defense, software companies, and consulting firms. Within a few years of graduation, alumni demonstrate technical proficiency through accomplishments in industry and academia, participate in multidisciplinary projects, and engage in continuous professional development. The program requires a minimum grade of C in all prerequisite and upper-level eligibility courses to ensure student preparedness for advanced coursework.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission
Location Advantages: Close proximity to Kansas City tech hubAccess to regional tech employers and startups
Benedictine College — Atchison, KS
Key Distinction: A small, values-integrated computer engineering program where hands-on learning and individual mentorship prepare ethically-grounded engineers for diverse technical careers.
Hakia Insight: Benedictine College's emphasis on ethical problem-solving isn't rhetorical—it's woven into a small program where faculty know your strengths, which matters when you're competing for internships; employers in regulated industries (defense, healthcare) explicitly value engineers who've practiced ethical reasoning, not just memorized it.
At the bachelor's level, benedictine College's computer engineering program operates within a small, values-centered liberal arts environment that emphasizes ethical problem-solving and integrated learning. The program combines rigorous technical coursework in digital systems, embedded computing, and network design with a broader educational context that encourages students to consider the social and ethical dimensions of technology. Small class sizes mean students work closely with faculty advisors who know them individually and can tailor mentorship to their career aspirations. The curriculum includes significant hands-on labs and design projects where students build and test physical systems, reinforcing the bridge between theory and hardware reality. Located in Atchison, Kansas, Benedictine's program serves students who value both intellectual rigor and community—creating an environment where peer collaboration and faculty accessibility support deep learning. Career outcomes reflect graduates who move into diverse engineering roles, from embedded systems to software architecture, often valued by employers for their communication skills and thoughtful approach to technical challenges.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Engineering — 4 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Access to Kansas City region via reasonable distance for internship and employment opportunities
Baker University — Baldwin City, KS
Key Distinction: Baker University offers comprehensive Computer Engineering programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Baker University's regional accessibility is its actual differentiator—the program explicitly targets students who can't relocate, meaning your cohort likely includes people with deep family or community ties to Kansas, creating a network of peers pursuing engineering while staying embedded in their regions.
Baker University offers Computer Engineering programs in Baldwin City, KS. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Best Master's Computer Engineering Degree Programs in Kansas
Wichita State University — Wichita, KS
Key Distinction: Three graduation pathways: thesis, project, or coursework-only track. Guaranteed applied learning and research experience built into degree
Hakia Insight: Wichita State's three graduation pathways with *guaranteed* applied learning is rare—most programs offer thesis/project/coursework options, but the emphasis on NIAR and aerospace employers means even the coursework-only track plugs you into applied work, not just seminars.
Wichita State's Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering prepares working professionals for high-paying, high-demand roles in avionics, process control systems, and information processing. The program offers three graduation pathways: thesis, project, or coursework-only track, accommodating different career goals. Students complete a minimum of 30 credit hours with customizable major and minor specializations in communication and signal processing, computing systems, control systems and robotics, or power and energy systems. The program emphasizes applied learning and research experiences with access to top-tier facilities and collaboration with industry professionals throughout Kansas' largest metropolitan area. Graduates advance into leadership positions or Ph.D. programs, leveraging WSU's extensive industry connections for career placement.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR)
Industry Partners
- Boeing (corporate)
- Spirit AeroSystems (corporate)
- Textron (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Situated in aerospace and advanced manufacturing hub with major employers (Boeing, Spirit AeroSystems)Strong pipeline to defense and industrial automation sectors
University of Kansas — Lawrence, KS
Key Distinction: Three completion tracks: thesis (publishable research), project (creative system design), and coursework-only (accelerated for working professionals). Thesis option typically completes in 2 semesters with publication-quality outcomes
Hakia Insight: The thesis track completing in two semesters with publication-quality outcomes suggests UKansas prioritizes depth over padding—you're not grinding through 31 credits of busywork; you're potentially publishing within your first year, which accelerates your visibility to employers.
The Master of Science in Computer Engineering at the University of Kansas offers three flexible completion tracks: thesis, project, and coursework-only options, all requiring 31 credit hours. The thesis track (typically 2 semesters) involves original research with publishable outcomes, while the project option emphasizes creative system design and implementation. The coursework-only track suits working professionals seeking accelerated completion without research requirements. Graduate assistantships are available for qualified applicants (priority deadline December 15 for Fall, September 30 for Spring). All students complete EECS 802 on professional issues in their first semester. The program prepares graduates for advanced engineering roles in telecommunications, computer networks, avionics, and emerging technologies. Career advancement typically leads to senior engineering, research, or technical leadership positions in Fortune 500 technology and aerospace companies.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission
Location Advantages: Close proximity to Kansas City tech hubAccess to regional tech employers and startups
Kansas State University — Manhattan, KS
Key Distinction: 100% online delivery designed for working professionals. Two distinct emphasis tracks: Electric Power Systems and Communications and Networking
Hakia Insight: Kansas State's fully online format paired with two specialized tracks (Electric Power Systems vs. Communications) lets working professionals skip generalist coursework—if you're already in power systems at a utility, you can build expertise directly rather than taking introductory networking modules.
Kansas State University's online Master's in Electrical and Computer Engineering is designed for working professionals seeking career advancement. The 30-credit program offers two emphasis tracks: Electric Power Systems (covering power quality, design, and distribution) and Communications and Networking (wireless communications, network theory, advanced computer networks). Delivered 100% online with flexibility for working engineers, the program requires an oral examination on the Manhattan campus. At $860.13 per credit hour, graduates advance into roles such as design engineer, project engineer, and systems design engineer. The program accommodates experienced professionals through potential waiver of prerequisites with relevant work experience. Students can leverage the project management and engineering economy courses for immediate career application and advancement potential in the electrical and computer engineering field.
Programs Offered
- Master's in Electrical and Computer Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Industry Partners
- Google (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Garmin (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Growing tech corridor in Manhattan with emerging startupsProximity to agricultural technology innovation sectorAccess to major tech employers through recruiting partnerships
Best Doctoral Computer Engineering Degree Programs in Kansas
University of Kansas — Lawrence, KS
Key Distinction: A research-intensive computer engineering program where undergraduates participate meaningfully in faculty-led projects, bridging academic rigor with applied innovation.
Hakia Insight: UKansas pushes undergraduate participation into faculty research from day one, which creates an unusual pipeline where doctoral students inherit lab relationships and co-authored work that started before grad school—most PhD programs spend year one getting new students up to speed on existing projects.
The computer engineering program at Kansas leverages the university's research infrastructure and doctoral opportunities to push students toward innovation from day one. The program distinguishes itself through strong embedded systems and VLSI design tracks, with faculty actively engaged in grants and publications that create research assistantship opportunities for undergraduates. Students work in university labs on problems ranging from signal processing to hardware-software co-design, giving them exposure to graduate-level thinking while still completing their bachelor's degree. The program's location in Lawrence provides access to a vibrant tech community and Kansas City's broader tech ecosystem within reasonable distance. Faculty expertise spans digital design, computer architecture, and systems integration, with several holding industry experience that keeps curriculum aligned with cutting-edge challenges. Graduates often transition smoothly into graduate programs at top-tier institutions or into industry roles at companies seeking engineers with research credentials and hands-on lab experience.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Engineering — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Computer Engineering — 4-6 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: computer industry, telecommunications, government and defense, software companies, consulting firms.
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission
Location Advantages: Close proximity to Kansas City tech hubAccess to regional tech employers and startups
Kansas State University — Manhattan, KS
Key Distinction: A comprehensive engineering program where computer engineering is taught with particular strength in cyber-physical systems, robotics, and agricultural technology innovation.
Hakia Insight: Kansas State's particular strength in cyber-physical systems and agricultural tech reflects a genuine research portfolio, not marketing—if you're interested in precision agriculture or autonomous systems, the faculty depth here is disproportionate compared to traditional computer engineering programs.
At the doctoral level, kansas State's computer engineering program balances breadth across computing domains with depth in specializations particularly relevant to agricultural technology, robotics, and networked systems. The curriculum reflects K-State's land-grant mission of solving real-world problems: students encounter applications in precision agriculture, autonomous systems, and IoT—areas where computing meets physical infrastructure and environmental challenges. The program maintains strong connections between its computer engineering and electrical engineering pathways, allowing flexibility for students to specialize in areas like power systems or signal processing alongside core computing concepts. Faculty research spans cyber-physical systems, embedded intelligence, and grid modernization, creating mentorship and assistantship opportunities aligned with emerging industry demands. K-State's location in Manhattan, Kansas, positions students near a growing tech ecosystem while maintaining strong ties to agricultural and energy sectors. Capstone projects often address industry challenges directly, and the university's cooperative education program offers students extended internships at major technology and engineering firms, creating seamless transitions to professional roles.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Engineering — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Computer Engineering — 4-6 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Industry Partners
- Google (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Garmin (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Growing tech corridor in Manhattan with emerging startupsProximity to agricultural technology innovation sectorAccess to major tech employers through recruiting partnerships
