Best Associate's Computer Engineering Degree Programs in New Jersey
UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ — Cranford, NJ
Hakia Insight: Union College's embed within Union County's active recruitment pipeline means you're not just earning a degree—you're already visible to employers hiring before graduation, a direct-to-hire advantage most community colleges lack.
At the associate's level, union College's computer engineering program stands out because it's embedded in a community that actively recruits from the program—local employers see Union College grads as dependable technicians. The curriculum focuses on practical skills: hardware troubleshooting, network fundamentals, and operating system administration. You'll find the environment smaller and more supportive than larger community colleges, with faculty who know students by name and invest in job placement. Many graduates move directly into help desk or junior technician roles, and because Union County has a dense tech corridor, your network of potential employers starts here.
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 Union County IT service providers, Regional financial services IT, Manufacturing technical support.
Top Transfer Destinations
- NJIT
- Rutgers University–Newark
- Kean University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Desktop Support Technician
- Junior Systems Administrator
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
Location Advantages:
County College of Morris — Randolph, NJ
Hakia Insight: Morris County's pharmaceutical corridor creates an unusual pathway for associate's graduates: healthcare IT operations roles often pay closer to bachelor's-level salaries because the technical complexity rivals four-year programs, but with two years less debt.
At the associate's level, morris County's tech and pharmaceutical corridor creates unusual job opportunities for computer engineering graduates—you'll have access to employers looking for technicians with both broad IT fundamentals and willingness to specialize in industrial or life sciences IT support. The program delivers a solid foundation in networking, systems administration, and hardware troubleshooting, and many students build connections during labs and projects that turn into internships or job offers. The on-campus lab facilities are well-maintained, and instructors often have current industry experience, so you're learning what actually works in the field, not just textbook theory.
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: Pharmaceutical company IT departments, Morris County tech firms, Healthcare IT operations, Manufacturing and industrial IT support.
Top Transfer Destinations
- NJIT
- Rutgers University–New Brunswick
- Rowan University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Systems Administrator
- Desktop Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco CCNA Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Rowan College of South Jersey-Gloucester Campus — Sewell, NJ
Hakia Insight: The Rowan College system's transfer agreements funnel associate's graduates into a public bachelor's program without the typical credit-loss penalty—you keep momentum and credits intact while starting in smaller classes that doctoral candidates at larger schools never access.
Part of the Rowan College system, this campus gives you access to transfer pathways and resources of a larger institution while keeping classes small and personal—you're not just a number in a 200-person lecture. The computer engineering program emphasizes both certifications and transfer preparation, so whether you're stopping at the associate's degree or pushing forward to a bachelor's, the curriculum supports your goal. You'll build skills in networking, systems support, and hardware troubleshooting in a modern lab environment, and the Rowan connection means employers recognize the credential as serious preparation for IT careers.
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: South Jersey healthcare IT, Regional financial services, Manufacturing IT support, Government IT departments.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Rowan University
- NJIT
- Rutgers University–Camden
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Network Administrator
- Desktop Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
Location Advantages:
Best Bachelor's Computer Engineering Degree Programs in New Jersey
Princeton University — Princeton, NJ
Key Distinction: Student projects with lab demonstrations. Undergraduate lab (F110) for hands-on experience
Hakia Insight: David Wentzlaff's lab work on parallel systems directly informs F110's hands-on curriculum, meaning Princeton undergrads are learning computer architecture from the researcher who's actively publishing it—a compression of theory and practice most schools separate across semesters.
Princeton's Electrical Engineering undergraduate program is ABET-accredited and combines electrical and computer engineering with interdisciplinary fields including computer science, materials science, physics, biology, and economics. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through student projects showcased in regular undergraduate lab open houses. Students gain experience designing devices and systems for emerging technologies from autonomous vehicles to quantum computers. The curriculum prepares graduates for diverse career paths, with alumni working at major tech companies like Google, Intel, and Microsoft, as well as startups. Many graduates continue to top graduate schools, while others enter business, finance, government, law, and medicine. The program features an undergraduate lab (F110) where students work on projects and interact with faculty during organized demonstrations.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Princeton Advanced Computer Architecture Laboratory
- Electrical Engineering Laboratory
- Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory
Industry Partners
- Google (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Intel (corporate)
- DARPA (government)
- Bell Labs (Nokia) (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Google, Intel, Microsoft.
Notable Faculty
- David Wentzlaff — Computer architecture, parallel systems, and hardware design
- Prateek Mittal — Systems security, privacy, and network protocols
- Andrew Houck — Quantum information science and quantum hardware
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to New York City technology ecosystemAccess to Bell Labs research legacy in New JerseyClose to Fortune 500 tech company officesDense concentration of venture capital and startup activity
Stevens Institute of Technology — Hoboken, NJ
Key Distinction: Design Spine - hands-on course every semester with entrepreneurial thinking. Two-semester senior design capstone with real company partnerships
Hakia Insight: Stevens' Design Spine isn't just semester-long projects; the two-semester capstone requirement with real IBM, Intel, and Qualcomm partnerships means your final project often becomes your portfolio piece for those exact employers already waiting to hire.
The Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering at Stevens features a design-focused curriculum with hands-on courses every semester, culminating in a two-semester senior design capstone project working on real business problems potentially with company partners. The program includes the unique 'Design Spine' - experiential learning courses each semester that incorporate entrepreneurial thinking. Nearly 30% of engineering students participate in the Cooperative Education Program for real-world work experience. Students access state-of-the-art facilities including MakerCenter and Prototype Labs, plus undergraduate research opportunities. The ABET-accredited program offers 10 specialization tracks from AI to wireless communications. Graduates achieve a 91% placement rate within 6 months with an average starting salary of $83,400, working at top companies like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Goldman Sachs.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering — 4 years, on-campus. BE
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Cybersecurity
- Wireless Communications and Networking Laboratory
Industry Partners
- IBM (corporate)
- Intel (corporate)
- Qualcomm (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Google, Amazon, Microsoft.
Notable Faculty
- Stella Batalama — Signal processing, wireless communications, and adaptive systems
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Direct access to Manhattan tech ecosystemProximity to Wall Street fintech firmsClose to major telecommunications companiesNew Jersey tech corridor within commuting distance
Rutgers University-New Brunswick — New Brunswick, NJ
Key Distinction: ID3EA first-year discovery program to explore all 10 majors. Required internship or co-op experience
Hakia Insight: Rutgers' ID3EA discovery program lets you explore all 10 engineering majors before declaring, then the required internship/co-op locks in real work experience before senior year—most programs force the major choice first, eliminating options.
Rutgers School of Engineering offers a comprehensive bachelor's program with a unique ID3EA first-year discovery program allowing students to explore all 10 engineering majors before declaring. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through dedicated project spaces like the Bruce and Phyllis Engineering Students Project Studio, where students conceptualize and build scale-size projects. Students gain real-world experience through required internships or co-ops with employers. The program features undergraduate research opportunities at specialized centers like CAIT laboratory, competitive teams including Formula Racing and Solar Car Team, and culminates in senior capstone design projects. With 36,000+ alumni worldwide and state-of-the-art labs, graduates achieve an 83% post-graduation career outcomes rate with an average starting salary of $78,000. The program ranks #1 among undergraduate engineering programs at NJ/NY public universities according to U.S. News & World Report.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- WINLAB (Wireless Information Network Laboratory)
- Distributed and Real-Time Systems Laboratory
Industry Partners
- Qualcomm (corporate)
- Bell Labs (Nokia) (corporate)
- Lucent Technologies (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Notable Faculty
- Dipankar Raychaudhuri — Wireless networks, cognitive radio, spectrum sharing
- Marco Carmosino — Computational complexity, algorithms
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission
Location Advantages: Proximity to semiconductor and telecommunications companies in New Jersey and the Northeast CorridorAccess to Bell Labs research facilities and partnershipsNear major tech hubs including New York City and Princeton research corridors
Rowan University — Glassboro, NJ
Key Distinction: ABET-accredited combined program. All classes revolve around hands-on concept
Hakia Insight: Rowan's hands-on-across-all-classes model combined with the Center for Robotics means even foundational courses involve building and testing physical systems, not simulations—a costly pedagogical choice most ABET programs relegate to specialized electives.
The Bachelor of Science in Electrical & Computer Engineering at Rowan University is an ABET-accredited combined program that emphasizes hands-on learning across all classes. Students work on real-world applications alongside theory, preparing them for careers in emerging technologies like virtual/augmented reality, machine learning, wireless communications, nanotechnology, smart grids, robotics, and mobile computing. The program offers strong industry connections, with students securing prestigious internships such as NASA's Pathways Program at Goddard Space Flight Center, which is designed as a pipeline to full-time NASA employment. Students gain access to advanced tools and resources for design and development projects. The curriculum integrates all engineering disciplines and focuses on practical application of skills. The program produces graduates who contribute to building the future as the world becomes increasingly digitized.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical & Computer Engineering — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Robotics and Intelligent Systems
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Access to South Jersey technology sectorProximity to pharmaceutical and medical device companies
New Jersey Institute of Technology — Newark, NJ
Key Distinction: NJIT uniquely combines computer engineering with power electronics and smart infrastructure focus, creating specialists for the energy transition and IoT sectors.
Hakia Insight: NJIT's power electronics and smart infrastructure specialization fills a genuine market gap: utilities and grid modernization companies recruit aggressively for engineers who understand both digital control systems and electrical distribution, a combination even MIT doesn't emphasize equally.
At the bachelor's level, NJIT's computer engineering program is distinguished by its integration of computing systems with power electronics and renewable energy—a specialization rarely emphasized at other institutions at this level. The curriculum reflects NJIT's urban location in Newark and its mission to produce engineers who tackle infrastructure and sustainability challenges; students engage in projects spanning smart grid systems, electric vehicle charging networks, and IoT-enabled building automation. The program offers strong depth in both digital systems (microprocessors, hardware design) and analog electronics, with particular strength in power conversion and control systems. Research laboratories offer undergraduates opportunities to work on funded projects in collaborative robotics, autonomous systems, and hardware-software co-design. NJIT's partnerships with New Jersey-based manufacturers, utilities, and tech companies create direct internship and employment pathways; many Fortune 500 companies maintain engineering offices nearby and actively recruit NJIT graduates. The school's emphasis on diversity and inclusion means the program fosters a collaborative culture. Career placement is strong, with graduates finding roles as hardware engineers, firmware developers, and systems engineers at companies ranging from consumer electronics to energy infrastructure firms.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Engineering — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Microelectronics and Thin Films Laboratory
- Smart Devices Laboratory
Industry Partners
- Siemens (corporate)
- Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG) (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Cristinel Ababei — VLSI design, computer architecture, and hardware-software codesign
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Urban Newark location with proximity to tech corridorDirect access to utilities and power infrastructure employersClose to pharmaceutical and industrial manufacturingNew Jersey innovation economy
The College of New Jersey — Ewing, NJ
Key Distinction: Intensive, company-sponsored capstone design projects combined with small cohorts create exceptional preparation for professional engineering practice.
Hakia Insight: TCNJ's company-sponsored capstone model with small cohorts means Medtronic and Siemens are essentially pre-screening your work before graduation—placement rates inflate because employers have already validated your project's technical depth.
At the bachelor's level, what sets The College of New Jersey's computer engineering program apart is its deliberate commitment to small cohorts and intensive capstone design experiences where students work on problems proposed and sponsored by real companies and organizations. Rather than treating senior design as a checkbox, TCNJ makes this the capstone of the entire undergraduate experience—students spend a full year on projects involving real constraints, real budgets, and real stakeholder feedback. The curriculum itself emphasizes signal processing, control systems, and digital design with flexibility to specialize in areas like biomedical devices or autonomous systems. Faculty are actively engaged researchers who know their students by name and can direct talented individuals toward research opportunities. Employers consistently report that TCNJ graduates hit the ground running with both technical depth and professional communication skills—a combination that requires intentional curricular design and is not guaranteed elsewhere. The program's location in central New Jersey, near Princeton and within commuting distance of multiple tech hubs, positions students well for internships and career placement while maintaining a tight-knit undergraduate engineering culture.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Engineering — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Digital Signal Processing Laboratory
- Control Systems and Robotics Laboratory
Industry Partners
- Medtronic (corporate)
- Siemens (corporate)
- various medical device and automation companies (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Medtronic, Siemens, Johnson & Johnson, regional tech companies.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Central New Jersey location near PrincetonAccess to medical device industry concentrationProximity to multiple tech and manufacturing hubs
Drew University — Madison, NJ
Key Distinction: Drew combines rigorous engineering fundamentals with liberal arts education and flexible interdisciplinary pathways, producing engineers strong in both technical depth and communication.
Hakia Insight: Drew's liberal arts integration is rare in engineering: you graduate with both depth in computer architecture AND the communication portfolio most Silicon Valley hiring managers say engineering schools don't teach, turning Drew's size constraint into a differentiation advantage.
At the bachelor's level, drew's engineering program operates at a different scale than large research institutions, which fundamentally shapes the student experience: computer engineering here means close faculty collaboration, flexible curriculum design, and the ability to pursue interdisciplinary paths that formal engineering departments rarely permit. Students engage with modern design tools and embedded systems in well-resourced labs while benefiting from Drew's liberal arts foundation, which produces engineers who communicate clearly and think critically about the societal impact of their work. The proximity to Newark and the broader New Jersey innovation corridor provides internship and employment pipelines, though Drew positions itself as a place for students who want rigorous engineering training without the anonymity of larger programs. Capstone projects often involve real community needs—from health tech applications to renewable energy systems—where engineering meets purpose.
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: Proximity to Newark tech ecosystemAccess to northern New Jersey industrial corridor
Stockton University — Galloway, NJ
Key Distinction: Stockton's computer engineering program stands out for its deliberate integration of embedded systems and IoT specialization across all four years, with industry-sponsored capstone projects that solve real problems for regional employers.
Hakia Insight: Stockton's four-year embedded systems and IoT specialization (not just a track option) combined with regional defense contractor partnerships creates graduates fluent in mission-critical hardware in a way generalist programs only approach in a single capstone.
At the bachelor's level, stockton's computer engineering program emphasizes practical, hands-on learning with a strong focus on embedded systems and IoT applications. Students work directly with microcontroller platforms, FPGA design, and real-world sensor networks from the sophomore year onward, building portfolio projects that demonstrate applied competency rather than theoretical knowledge alone. The curriculum integrates hardware design with software development throughout, requiring students to understand both PCB layout fundamentals and low-level firmware programming. Faculty maintain active collaborations with regional tech companies and government contractors, creating internship pipelines and capstone sponsorships that connect classroom work to industry challenges. The program's location in southern New Jersey positions students near pharmaceutical, telecommunications, and defense-sector employers who actively recruit Stockton graduates for embedded systems and hardware design roles.
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: Proximity to pharmaceutical and telecommunications companies in southern New JerseyRegional defense contractor presence
Caldwell University — Caldwell, NJ
Key Distinction: Caldwell University offers comprehensive Computer Engineering programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Caldwell University offers Computer Engineering programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Caldwell University offers Computer Engineering programs in Caldwell, NJ. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Rider University — Lawrenceville, NJ
Key Distinction: Rider University offers comprehensive Computer Engineering programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Rider University offers Computer Engineering programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Rider University offers Computer Engineering programs in Lawrenceville, NJ. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Best Master's Computer Engineering Degree Programs in New Jersey
Stevens Institute of Technology — Hoboken, NJ
Key Distinction: Optional research or clinical thesis tracks. Graduate assistantships and fellowships available
Hakia Insight: Stevens' fully online master's with optional (not mandatory) thesis tracks lets working engineers at telecoms and fintech firms stay employed while completing the degree, a flexibility that professional master's programs rarely extend to coursework-heavy tracks.
The Computer Engineering master's program at Stevens offers Master of Engineering and Master of Science degrees, available both on campus and fully online to accommodate working professionals. Students can choose from optional research or clinical thesis tracks, or pursue coursework-only options. The program includes core AI curriculum integration and offers graduate assistantships and fellowships. Located 15 minutes from Manhattan, the program provides excellent networking opportunities with major employers like Google, Microsoft, and Goldman Sachs. Students can earn credit for on-the-job projects with current employers, making it ideal for career advancement. The program features hands-on laboratory experience in state-of-the-art facilities and offers graduate certificates for additional specialization. With an average starting salary of $86,333 for graduates, the program is designed to develop in-demand skills for rapidly-evolving technology sectors.
Programs Offered
- Master's in Computer Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus. ME/MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Cybersecurity
- Wireless Communications and Networking Laboratory
Industry Partners
- IBM (corporate)
- Intel (corporate)
- Qualcomm (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Google, Microsoft.
Notable Faculty
- Stella Batalama — Signal processing, wireless communications, and adaptive systems
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Direct access to Manhattan tech ecosystemProximity to Wall Street fintech firmsClose to major telecommunications companiesNew Jersey tech corridor within commuting distance
Princeton University — Princeton, NJ
Key Distinction: Coursework-only track with no thesis or research required. Part-time completion available for professionals at nearby industrial laboratories
Hakia Insight: Princeton's M.Eng. coursework-only design with part-time completion options specifically targets Bell Labs and other proximity employers—you can negotiate a schedule around active research projects, turning geographic proximity into structural scheduling advantage.
The Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Princeton is a coursework-based professional degree designed specifically for practicing engineers. The program requires no research or thesis, making it ideal for working professionals. Full-time students complete the program in one 10-month academic year, while part-time options are available for staff from nearby industrial laboratories. Full-time PPPL employees can complete the degree over two years taking two courses per semester. The program does not admit self-supporting applicants and requires external financial support, typically from employers or fellowships, as Princeton provides no institutional funding. This structure makes it particularly suitable for professionals whose employers provide tuition support.
Programs Offered
- Master of Engineering in Electrical and Computer Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus. M.Eng.
Research Labs and Institutes
- Princeton Advanced Computer Architecture Laboratory
- Electrical Engineering Laboratory
- Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory
Industry Partners
- Google (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Intel (corporate)
- DARPA (government)
- Bell Labs (Nokia) (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Google, Intel, Microsoft.
Notable Faculty
- David Wentzlaff — Computer architecture, parallel systems, and hardware design
- Prateek Mittal — Systems security, privacy, and network protocols
- Andrew Houck — Quantum information science and quantum hardware
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to New York City technology ecosystemAccess to Bell Labs research legacy in New JerseyClose to Fortune 500 tech company officesDense concentration of venture capital and startup activity
Rowan University — Glassboro, NJ
Key Distinction: Rowan stands out for its maker-integrated, project-driven approach to computer engineering with early hands-on design and fabrication access.
Hakia Insight: Rowan's first-year access to the Center for Robotics and Intelligent Systems isn't just a lab tour—it means master's students design and fabricate prototypes alongside working engineers before most programs finish theoretical coursework, giving South Jersey medical device companies a pipeline of immediately productive hires.
At the master's level, rowan's computer engineering program is built on a project-centric pedagogy where students engage in hands-on design work from the first year, particularly through the ECET (Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology) sequences and senior capstone projects that mirror industry workflows. The curriculum emphasizes both the computer systems side—microprocessors, embedded Linux, digital design—and the electronics fundamentals that distinguish computer engineering from pure computer science. What sets Rowan apart is its deliberate integration of maker culture and entrepreneurship; students have access to fabrication labs and prototyping spaces where designs transition from simulation to physical implementation. Faculty actively involve undergraduates in funded research projects, particularly in robotics, renewable energy systems, and IoT applications. The program benefits from Rowan's location in South Jersey and partnerships with growing tech employers in the region, creating a clear pipeline from senior design projects to employment. Graduates report strong job placement in hardware design roles, firmware development, and systems integration positions.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Computer Engineering — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Robotics and Intelligent Systems
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Access to South Jersey technology sectorProximity to pharmaceutical and medical device companies
Rutgers University-New Brunswick — New Brunswick, NJ
Key Distinction: Rutgers' computer engineering program uniquely emphasizes embedded systems and hardware-software co-design with direct access to one of North America's densest concentrations of semiconductor and telecommunications companies.
Hakia Insight: Rutgers' WINLAB partnership with Qualcomm and Bell Labs gives master's students real embedded systems problems from industry leaders, but the deeper advantage is proximity: you can iterate designs with actual Bell Labs researchers rather than studying their work secondhand.
At the master's level, rutgers' computer engineering program distinguishes itself through a curriculum that balances rigorous theoretical foundations with immediate practical application. The program emphasizes embedded systems, digital design, and signal processing—areas where students gain hands-on experience in dedicated labs rather than purely theoretical coursework. The ECE Department benefits from New Jersey's dense concentration of tech companies and pharmaceutical firms, translating into robust internship pipelines and guest lectures from industry practitioners. Faculty research spans VLSI design, wireless communications, and computer architecture, with many labs actively engaging undergraduates in publishable work. The program maintains ABET accreditation and positions graduates for roles in semiconductor design, IoT development, and systems engineering at major corporations within commuting distance. A particular strength is the department's integration of hardware and software perspectives—computer engineering students here don't siloed into pure hardware; they engage with real-time systems, embedded Linux, and hardware-software co-design from sophomore year onward. The proximity to industrial R&D hubs in the Northeast Corridor means alumni often transition directly into roles at companies like Bell Labs (Nokia), Qualcomm, and countless defense contractors, with many staying local and building careers near campus.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Computer Engineering — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- WINLAB (Wireless Information Network Laboratory)
- Distributed and Real-Time Systems Laboratory
Industry Partners
- Qualcomm (corporate)
- Bell Labs (Nokia) (corporate)
- Lucent Technologies (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Procter & Gamble, Batallure Beauty, Mondelēz International, Bae Systems, Inc., Berry Global, Inc.
Notable Faculty
- Dipankar Raychaudhuri — Wireless networks, cognitive radio, spectrum sharing
- Marco Carmosino — Computational complexity, algorithms
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission
Location Advantages: Proximity to semiconductor and telecommunications companies in New Jersey and the Northeast CorridorAccess to Bell Labs research facilities and partnershipsNear major tech hubs including New York City and Princeton research corridors
New Jersey Institute of Technology — Newark, NJ
Key Distinction: Thesis required. Top 100 nationally ranked program
Hakia Insight: NJIT's 30-credit structure and thesis requirement create a lean program designed around working professionals, but the real differentiator is the 3.5 GPA qualifying exam that forces students to master five core research courses—a bar that employers recognize immediately.
NJIT's M.S. in Computer Engineering is a 30-credit program designed for working professionals seeking advanced study in hardware, software, or their interaction. Students work with renowned experts in Computer Architecture, Computer Networking, VLSI System Design, and Intelligent Systems. The program emphasizes both technical expertise through coursework and research communication skills including thesis work. Graduates demonstrate broad technical competency and prepare for leadership roles in academia, industry, or government. NJIT's graduate Computer Engineering program ranks in the top 100 nationally. Starting salaries average $86,400 with strong career advancement opportunities at top employers like Harris Corporation, Cognizant, and Schneider Electric. The program combines rigorous technical training with practical application, positioning graduates for senior engineering and management roles in the rapidly evolving computer engineering field.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Microelectronics and Thin Films Laboratory
- Smart Devices Laboratory
Industry Partners
- Siemens (corporate)
- Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG) (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Notable Faculty
- Cristinel Ababei — VLSI design, computer architecture, and hardware-software codesign
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Urban Newark location with proximity to tech corridorDirect access to utilities and power infrastructure employersClose to pharmaceutical and industrial manufacturingNew Jersey innovation economy
Felician University — Lodi, NJ
Key Distinction: Felician emphasizes hands-on lab work and industry partnerships from day one, with curriculum driven by real-world applications rather than theoretical breadth.
Hakia Insight: Felician flips the typical master's playbook by making industry partnerships the curriculum skeleton rather than an add-on, which means you're solving real problems from day one instead of spending the first semester on abstract theory.
At the master's level, felician's computer engineering program reflects the institution's commitment to accessible, values-driven engineering education: the curriculum prioritizes hands-on lab work and real-world application from the first semester, with students building circuits, programming microcontrollers, and solving tangible problems rather than focusing heavily on theoretical abstractions. The program benefits from Felician's location in Lodi, New Jersey—sitting within an hour of major tech employers across northern Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania—and actively cultivates internship and mentorship relationships with regional firms. Faculty bring industry experience and remain engaged with current technologies, particularly in embedded systems and IoT applications where smaller programs can innovate faster than bureaucratic larger institutions. Capstone projects frequently emerge from partnerships with local businesses, giving students authentic experience developing solutions that organizations actually implement.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Computer Engineering — 1-2 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Northern New Jersey position within tech employer corridorAccess to NYC, Philadelphia, and regional Pennsylvania tech markets
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus — Teaneck, NJ
Hakia Insight: Fairleigh Dickinson-Metropolitan's location at the geographic center of the NYC-Philadelphia tech corridor gives students direct access to three major metro hiring markets without relocation.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Computer Engineering — 1-2 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages:
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus — Madison, NJ
Key Distinction: A regionally-focused computer engineering program strong in embedded systems and electronics with direct industry mentorship from New Jersey-based technology employers.
Hakia Insight: FDU-Florham's embedded systems focus paired with direct mentorship from New Jersey electronics manufacturers means your capstone project has a high probability of becoming a real product roadmap item, not a thesis that sits on a shelf.
At the master's level, FDU-Florham's computer engineering program emphasizes practical skill development through a curriculum that balances theoretical foundations with applied electronics and embedded systems design. The program particularly distinguishes itself through strong partnerships with New Jersey's technology sector, enabling students to engage in real-world projects during their coursework. Faculty bring industry experience that directly influences lab work, where students design and prototype circuits, develop firmware for microcontrollers, and work with digital signal processing applications relevant to telecommunications and consumer electronics manufacturing—sectors well-represented in the region. The program maintains a cohort-based structure that fosters collaborative learning, with capstone projects frequently addressing problems posed by local companies. Career outcomes show graduates typically entering roles in embedded systems development, hardware design, and field engineering support, often within companies headquartered in northern New Jersey or relocated to the region's tech corridor.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Computer Engineering — 1-2 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Access to New Jersey technology companiesProximity to telecommunications and electronics manufacturers
Monmouth University — West Long Branch, NJ
Key Distinction: Monmouth's computer engineering program stands out for its focused preparation in IoT and smart systems design, combining rigorous digital systems fundamentals with contemporary embedded software practices.
Hakia Insight: Monmouth's explicit IoT and smart systems specialization fills a market gap—while most programs teach digital design generically, Monmouth's curriculum is calibrated to defense-aerospace and telecommunications employers actively hiring for connected devices.
At the master's level, monmouth University's computer engineering program cultivates expertise in both digital systems design and embedded software development, with particular strength in preparing students for the IoT and smart systems sector. The curriculum follows a rigorous pathway through digital logic, microarchitecture, and systems programming, culminating in capstone projects where students design and implement integrated hardware-software solutions. Faculty bring industry experience in telecommunications and defense electronics, creating research collaboration opportunities and internship placements with regional employers. The program emphasizes laboratory proficiency across multiple design tools and platforms, ensuring students graduate with marketable hands-on skills alongside theoretical understanding. Monmouth's position on the New Jersey shore, within reach of northern technology corridors and the defense-aerospace cluster, opens career pathways into systems engineering, firmware development, and hardware design roles at established tech employers and specialized contractors.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Computer Engineering — 1-2 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Access to northern New Jersey technology corridorsProximity to defense-aerospace and telecommunications employers
Best Doctoral Computer Engineering Degree Programs in New Jersey
Princeton University — Princeton, NJ
Key Distinction: Full funding for all students in good standing (tuition waiver + stipend + summer salary). First-year fellowship guaranteed
Hakia Insight: Princeton's full funding guarantee (tuition + stipend + summer salary) for all students in good standing eliminates the financial lottery of doctoral study, but the hidden advantage is stability: you can take intellectual risks on long-shot research because you're not racing the funding clock.
The Princeton ECE doctoral program provides full financial support for all students maintaining good progress, covering university tuition and fees plus a stipend for living expenses through fellowships and TA/RA positions. Students receive summer salary when working with advisers. The program spans research areas from applied physics and devices to AI and data science. Students complete 6 courses minimum in their specialty area plus a minor, select research advisers by spring of first year, and take a general exam (research seminar + oral exam) in their fourth term. The nominal program length is 5 years. Students earn an M.A. en route to Ph.D. after passing the general exam. Teaching assistantship experience is required. The program combines coursework with interdisciplinary research and provides extensive faculty interaction despite being one of Princeton's largest doctoral programs. Housing is available for all first-year students and most continue in university housing throughout enrollment.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering — 4-6 years, on-campus. PhD
Research Labs and Institutes
- Princeton Advanced Computer Architecture Laboratory
- Electrical Engineering Laboratory
- Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory
Industry Partners
- Google (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Intel (corporate)
- DARPA (government)
- Bell Labs (Nokia) (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Google, Intel, Microsoft.
Notable Faculty
- David Wentzlaff — Computer architecture, parallel systems, and hardware design
- Prateek Mittal — Systems security, privacy, and network protocols
- Andrew Houck — Quantum information science and quantum hardware
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to New York City technology ecosystemAccess to Bell Labs research legacy in New JerseyClose to Fortune 500 tech company officesDense concentration of venture capital and startup activity
Rutgers University-New Brunswick — New Brunswick, NJ
Key Distinction: Rutgers' computer engineering program uniquely emphasizes embedded systems and hardware-software co-design with direct access to one of North America's densest concentrations of semiconductor and telecommunications companies.
Hakia Insight: Rutgers doctoral students working in WINLAB don't just publish papers—they co-develop standards that Qualcomm, Nokia, and Lucent Technologies actually deploy, turning dissertation research into infrastructure that millions of devices run on.
At the doctoral level, rutgers' computer engineering program distinguishes itself through a curriculum that balances rigorous theoretical foundations with immediate practical application. The program emphasizes embedded systems, digital design, and signal processing—areas where students gain hands-on experience in dedicated labs rather than purely theoretical coursework. The ECE Department benefits from New Jersey's dense concentration of tech companies and pharmaceutical firms, translating into robust internship pipelines and guest lectures from industry practitioners. Faculty research spans VLSI design, wireless communications, and computer architecture, with many labs actively engaging undergraduates in publishable work. The program maintains ABET accreditation and positions graduates for roles in semiconductor design, IoT development, and systems engineering at major corporations within commuting distance. A particular strength is the department's integration of hardware and software perspectives—computer engineering students here don't siloed into pure hardware; they engage with real-time systems, embedded Linux, and hardware-software co-design from sophomore year onward. The proximity to industrial R&D hubs in the Northeast Corridor means alumni often transition directly into roles at companies like Bell Labs (Nokia), Qualcomm, and countless defense contractors, with many staying local and building careers near campus.
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
- WINLAB (Wireless Information Network Laboratory)
- Distributed and Real-Time Systems Laboratory
Industry Partners
- Qualcomm (corporate)
- Bell Labs (Nokia) (corporate)
- Lucent Technologies (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Procter & Gamble, Batallure Beauty, Mondelēz International, Bae Systems, Inc., Berry Global, Inc.
Notable Faculty
- Dipankar Raychaudhuri — Wireless networks, cognitive radio, spectrum sharing
- Marco Carmosino — Computational complexity, algorithms
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission
Location Advantages: Proximity to semiconductor and telecommunications companies in New Jersey and the Northeast CorridorAccess to Bell Labs research facilities and partnershipsNear major tech hubs including New York City and Princeton research corridors
Stevens Institute of Technology — Hoboken, NJ
Key Distinction: Competitive funding through teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships (limited availability). Access to state-of-the-art facilities: HUDSONLab and AISecLab
Hakia Insight: Stevens' AISecLab and HUDSONLab give PhD students access to state-of-the-art facilities, but the unique advantage is Wall Street proximity: cybersecurity and IoT research translates directly into fintech and trading infrastructure consulting, creating multiple post-doc revenue paths.
The Stevens Computer Engineering Ph.D. program prepares students to lead in cybersecurity, IoT, machine learning, and AI through intensive research with faculty mentors. The program offers funding through competitive teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships (limited availability). Students conduct research in six key areas: Wireless Communications, Information Systems and Cybersecurity, Cognitive Radio Networks, Data Analytics, Internet of Things, and Applied AI. The program provides access to state-of-the-art facilities including HUDSONLab (chip design, data science, AI, IoT) and AISecLab (analytics and information security). Stevens graduates are highly regarded in academia with many becoming research fellows and faculty, while proximity to NYC provides industry networking opportunities. The program features hands-on learning in research labs, international student support with OPT/CPT options, and collaborative partnerships with NYC-area universities. Students work as teaching assistants and graders, gaining intimate faculty mentorship. The program reports a $180,000 average starting salary for 2024 graduates.
Programs Offered
- Ph.D. in Computer Engineering — 4-6 years, on-campus. Ph.D.
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Cybersecurity
- Wireless Communications and Networking Laboratory
Industry Partners
- IBM (corporate)
- Intel (corporate)
- Qualcomm (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Notable Faculty
- Stella Batalama — Signal processing, wireless communications, and adaptive systems
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Direct access to Manhattan tech ecosystemProximity to Wall Street fintech firmsClose to major telecommunications companiesNew Jersey tech corridor within commuting distance
New Jersey Institute of Technology — Newark, NJ
Key Distinction: Two entry tracks (with MS: 12 credits coursework; with BS: 36 credits coursework). Two-part qualifying exam: GPA requirement (3.5 in 4 research courses) + oral research assessment
Hakia Insight: NJIT's dual-track PhD structure (12 credits for master's holders, 36 for bachelor's) is more than a shortcut—the 3.5 GPA requirement across five research courses creates an unusually rigorous early filter, so NJIT doctorates signal mastery of fundamentals to employers like Siemens.
The Ph.D. in Computer Engineering at NJIT requires students to complete coursework, pass a two-part qualifying examination, and defend a dissertation. Students with a master's degree complete 12 credits of 700-level coursework, while those with a bachelor's degree complete 36 credits. The qualifying exam includes maintaining a 3.5 GPA in four research-related courses and passing an oral research potential assessment within the first year (MS students) or two years (BS students). Students must select a dissertation advisor within 6 months, form a 5-member committee within 3 months of passing qualifying exams, and defend their dissertation proposal by the end of year 3. The program has strict deadlines: qualifying exam by end of year 2, proposal defense by end of year 3, and final dissertation defense by end of year 6. The program emphasizes research skills development through mandatory graduate seminars for 6 semesters and pre-doctoral research registration.
Programs Offered
- Ph.D. in Computer Engineering — 4-6 years, on-campus. Ph.D.
Research Labs and Institutes
- Microelectronics and Thin Films Laboratory
- Smart Devices Laboratory
Industry Partners
- Siemens (corporate)
- Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG) (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Cristinel Ababei — VLSI design, computer architecture, and hardware-software codesign
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Urban Newark location with proximity to tech corridorDirect access to utilities and power infrastructure employersClose to pharmaceutical and industrial manufacturingNew Jersey innovation economy
