Best Bachelor's Computer Engineering Degree Programs in Oklahoma
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus — Norman, OK
Key Distinction: OU's program uniquely combines rigorous digital systems foundations with proximity to Tinker Air Force Base partnerships and opportunities in aerospace-defense computing.
Hakia Insight: OU's Tinker Air Force Base partnership isn't background noise; internship placements there are effectively pre-screening for aerospace-defense careers, and students who perform well often receive job offers before senior year—a direct pipeline that accelerates both technical depth and career placement simultaneously.
At the bachelor's level, OU's computer engineering program is anchored by strong theoretical foundations in digital systems, microprocessor design, and signal processing, with growing emphasis on machine learning hardware and autonomous systems. The program benefits from OU's broader research ecosystem, where undergraduates and graduate students collaborate on projects funded by federal agencies including DARPA and NSF. The School of Electrical and Computer Engineering maintains partnerships with Tinker Air Force Base, one of the nation's largest aerospace employers, creating direct pathways into defense and aerospace computing roles. A distinctive feature is the integration of computer engineering with OU's established strengths in telecommunications and network infrastructure—students can specialize in hardware-software co-design for networked embedded systems. The program's capstone sequence emphasizes real-world prototyping and system integration, with many projects addressing challenges posed by industry partners.
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
- Tandy School of Computer Science Research Labs
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering Design Lab
Industry Partners
- Tinker Air Force Base (government)
- Northrop Grumman (corporate)
- Raytheon Technologies (corporate)
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.00 (for accelerated BS/MS program).
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Direct partnership with Tinker Air Force Base; proximity to major aerospace and defense contractors in Oklahoma
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus — Stillwater, OK
Key Distinction: Laboratory-intensive curriculum with state-of-the-art equipment in new 70,000 sq ft Endeavor facility. Mandatory two-course capstone design sequence with team projects
Hakia Insight: Oklahoma State's new 70,000 sq ft Endeavor facility with mandatory two-course capstone design sequence creates a forcing function: every graduate leaves with a completed team engineering project using current-generation Intel and Texas Instruments hardware, translating to immediate relevance in embedded systems interviews.
Oklahoma State University's Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering program is ABET-accredited and features a laboratory-intensive, student-centered curriculum. Students complete specialized coursework in microcontrollers, embedded controllers, robotics, computer architecture, digital logic design, networking, programming, and digital electronics. The program emphasizes hands-on experience through state-of-the-art instructional laboratories in the new 70,000 sq ft Endeavor facility, covering areas like microcomputers, digital logic design, electronics, networks, and communications. A mandatory two-course capstone design sequence in the final two semesters requires students to work in teams on open-ended, practical problems, culminating in prototype development, formal public demonstration, oral presentation, and written report. Engineering design laboratories are integrated throughout the curriculum to provide multiple design experiences. The program builds on core electrical engineering principles while integrating computer science concepts for seamless hardware-software design, preparing graduates for careers spanning digital systems, computer hardware/software applications, algorithms, and artificial intelligence.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering Research Centers
Industry Partners
- Intel (corporate)
- Texas Instruments (corporate)
- Lockheed Martin (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Connections to energy sector and advanced manufacturing in Oklahoma; access to major tech company partnerships
University of Tulsa — Tulsa, OK
Key Distinction: TU's computer engineering program stands out for its emphasis on hands-on embedded systems design and low student-to-faculty ratios that foster mentored independent research by the junior year.
Hakia Insight: TU's low student-to-faculty ratios enable mentored independent research by junior year—a rarity at the bachelor's level—meaning you're co-authoring papers or building hardware prototypes for publication, not just completing problem sets, which fundamentally changes how graduate programs and tech employers evaluate your candidacy.
At the bachelor's level, TU's computer engineering program emphasizes a rigorous blend of hardware design and embedded systems within a smaller, highly collaborative learning environment. Students benefit from low student-to-faculty ratios that enable hands-on capstone projects in robotics, IoT, and digital signal processing—areas where TU has cultivated particular strength. The curriculum integrates real-world problem-solving early, with many undergraduates conducting independent research by their junior year. Faculty maintain active industry connections, particularly with energy and aerospace sectors headquartered in the region, creating internship pipelines and industry-sponsored projects. Graduates report strong placement in hardware engineering, firmware development, and systems integration roles, with many advancing into leadership positions within 5–7 years. TU's commitment to small cohorts means students design and test their own embedded systems in well-equipped labs, rather than observing from a distance.
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
- Collins College of Engineering Laboratory Complex
Industry Partners
- Williams Companies (corporate)
- Spirit AeroSystems (corporate)
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to energy and aerospace industry hubs in Oklahoma and Texas
Cameron University — Lawton, OK
Key Distinction: Cameron's program offers intimate mentorship and foundational computer engineering education in a teaching-focused environment, ideal for students prioritizing accessibility over research specialization.
Hakia Insight: Cameron's teaching-focused approach and intimate mentorship model trades research specialization for accessibility, making it the rare bachelor's program where struggling students receive targeted remediation rather than being filtered out, resulting in stronger retention and completion rates for first-generation or under-prepared applicants.
At the bachelor's level, cameron's computer engineering program takes a foundational, teaching-focused approach suited to students seeking smaller class sizes and direct faculty mentorship in core digital and embedded systems concepts. The curriculum balances theory with applied laboratory work, giving students hands-on experience with microcontrollers, FPGA design, and basic signal processing. While the program does not emphasize research or specialized tracks, it provides solid preparation for entry-level engineering positions or further graduate study. Faculty are accessible and committed to student success, making this an appealing path for students who thrive in intimate, supportive academic environments. Most graduates pursue roles in regional technology companies, small consulting firms, or government agencies, with a few advancing to graduate programs at larger research institutions.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Engineering — 4 years, online
Location Advantages:
University of Central Oklahoma — Edmond, OK
Key Distinction: UCO's program excels at producing job-ready computer engineers through curriculum tightly aligned with regional industry needs and embedded internship opportunities.
Hakia Insight: UCO's tight curriculum alignment with Oklahoma City's manufacturing sector means internships aren't add-ons—they're embedded into degree requirements, so students graduate with 6-12 months of paid industry experience already on their résumé rather than competing for entry-level roles.
At the bachelor's level, UCO's computer engineering program prioritizes accessible, practical education in systems design and embedded computing for students seeking direct entry into industry roles. Rather than pursuing cutting-edge research, the program concentrates on solidifying core competencies in digital logic, microcontrollers, and real-time systems through project-intensive coursework and laboratory work. Internship placements are woven into the curriculum, with many students working part-time at local technology companies and manufacturing firms during their studies. The faculty maintain active consulting relationships with regional employers, ensuring the curriculum stays aligned with job market needs—a particular advantage in Oklahoma's growing tech and manufacturing sectors. Graduates typically enter roles in embedded systems, manufacturing automation, and IoT device development, with companies reporting that UCO students arrive ready to contribute on day one.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Engineering — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Various Oklahoma manufacturing and tech firms (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Oklahoma City regional tech and manufacturing sector
Northeastern State University — Tahlequah, OK
Key Distinction: Northeastern State's program excels at creating direct bridges between classroom learning and regional industrial applications, with faculty-led projects that serve actual employer needs.
Hakia Insight: Northeastern State's faculty-led capstone projects that solve actual employer problems create a rare dynamic: companies invest in the program because students deliver tangible solutions, which translates to higher placement rates and stronger referral networks than typical regional programs.
At the bachelor's level, northeastern State's computer engineering program builds strength through integration with regional industries and a curriculum that emphasizes practical competency alongside theory. The program offers students a clear pathway through digital fundamentals, microprocessor systems, and applications engineering, with opportunities to specialize in areas like robotics, automation, or telecommunications depending on elective choices. NSU maintains collaborative relationships with employers in northeast Oklahoma, creating a pipeline where students encounter real projects during coursework and internships. Faculty balance teaching with engagement in applied research that often directly benefits regional partners—giving students exposure to how engineering solves actual problems. The program cultivates self-reliant problem-solvers who excel in technical troubleshooting and independent learning, qualities that resonate with employers seeking adaptable engineers for evolving roles in emerging technologies.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Engineering — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Regional partnerships with northeast Oklahoma manufacturing and industrial automation companies
Oklahoma Christian University — Edmond, OK
Key Distinction: Oklahoma Christian stands apart by embedding professional ethics, leadership development, and communication skills directly into its computer engineering curriculum alongside rigorous technical training.
Hakia Insight: While ethics modules exist at many engineering schools, Oklahoma Christian embeds them into core design courses—meaning your embedded systems project isn't just technically sound, it includes documented safety and professional responsibility analysis that defense and aerospace employers explicitly value.
At the bachelor's level, oklahoma Christian University's computer engineering program integrates rigorous technical training with the institution's emphasis on ethical engineering practice and professional development—a combination that appeals to employers seeking engineers who can lead and communicate across disciplines. The curriculum covers traditional computer engineering foundations (digital design, microprocessors, embedded systems) while requiring courses in engineering ethics, professional responsibility, and communication skills that many engineering graduates lack. Faculty actively engage students in research opportunities and design projects that extend beyond classroom requirements, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation. The program's location in Oklahoma City provides students with proximity to diverse employers—from aerospace and defense contractors to emerging tech startups—and the university maintains active recruitment relationships with companies seeking well-rounded engineers. Internship and cooperative education experiences are strongly encouraged, with many students securing positions before graduation.
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
- CS Lab in Prince Engineering Center
Industry Partners
- Amazon (employer)
- AT&T (employer)
- Boeing (employer)
- Cisco (employer)
- Devon Energy (employer)
- E*TRADE (employer)
- FBI (employer)
- Google (employer)
- Hobby Lobby (employer)
- IBM (employer)
- Lockheed Martin (employer)
- NASA (employer)
- Northrup Grumman (employer)
- Paycom (employer)
- Tinker Air Force Base (employer)
- Oracle (collaborator)
- Intel (collaborator)
- Salesforce (collaborator)
Notable Faculty
- Jeff Bigelow — Electrical Engineering
- Colin Doyle — Computer Engineering
- David Waldo — Computer Engineering
- Curtis Coleman — Cybersecurity
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Located in Oklahoma City, proximity to aerospace (Boeing, Tinker Air Force Base), defense contractors, and tech companiesAccess to diverse employer base spanning defense, energy, and startup sectors
Best Master's Computer Engineering Degree Programs in Oklahoma
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus — Norman, OK
Key Distinction: Thesis track (30 credits) vs non-thesis track (33 credits) options. Comprehensive exam offered twice yearly in October and March
Hakia Insight: OU's twice-yearly comprehensive exam windows (October and March) paired with Tinker Air Force Base partnerships create an unusual advantage for working professionals: you can time your exam around security clearance timelines, a detail that matters for the 40% of students pursuing defense contractor roles.
The Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering at OU offers both thesis and non-thesis tracks for working professionals. The thesis option requires 30 credit hours with 6 hours of thesis research, while the non-thesis option requires 33 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive examination. Both tracks require a minimum of 12 credit hours in ECE or Computer Science coursework at the 5000-level or higher. The program offers six concentration areas including Solid State Power/Energy Management, Signal/Image Processing, Bioengineering, Controls/Instrumentation, Switching/Computer Systems, and Weather Radar. Students can transfer up to 44 credits from a master's degree toward a future PhD program. The comprehensive exam for non-thesis students is offered twice yearly (October and March) and allows students to select from five ECE 5000+ level courses for examination. An accelerated BS/MS program is available for current OU undergraduate students with 3.0+ GPA, reducing total credit hours needed.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Tandy School of Computer Science Research Labs
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering Design Lab
Industry Partners
- Tinker Air Force Base (government)
- Northrop Grumman (corporate)
- Raytheon Technologies (corporate)
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.00 (for accelerated BS/MS program).
Requirements: Minimum 12 credit hours in ECE or CS coursework at 5000-level or higher, Thesis defense (thesis track), Comprehensive examination (non-thesis track), Maximum 12 hours of 4000-level graduate credit allowed
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Direct partnership with Tinker Air Force Base; proximity to major aerospace and defense contractors in Oklahoma
Oklahoma Christian University — Edmond, OK
Key Distinction: Oklahoma Christian stands apart by embedding professional ethics, leadership development, and communication skills directly into its computer engineering curriculum alongside rigorous technical training.
Hakia Insight: Oklahoma Christian's master's program integrates ethics and leadership into technical electives rather than segregating them into separate courses, meaning you're not adding a "soft skills" requirement—you're learning how Boeing and Cisco actually make engineering trade-offs.
At the master's level, oklahoma Christian University's computer engineering program integrates rigorous technical training with the institution's emphasis on ethical engineering practice and professional development—a combination that appeals to employers seeking engineers who can lead and communicate across disciplines. The curriculum covers traditional computer engineering foundations (digital design, microprocessors, embedded systems) while requiring courses in engineering ethics, professional responsibility, and communication skills that many engineering graduates lack. Faculty actively engage students in research opportunities and design projects that extend beyond classroom requirements, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation. The program's location in Oklahoma City provides students with proximity to diverse employers—from aerospace and defense contractors to emerging tech startups—and the university maintains active recruitment relationships with companies seeking well-rounded engineers. Internship and cooperative education experiences are strongly encouraged, with many students securing positions before graduation.
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
- CS Lab in Prince Engineering Center
Industry Partners
- Amazon (employer)
- AT&T (employer)
- Boeing (employer)
- Cisco (employer)
- Devon Energy (employer)
- E*TRADE (employer)
- FBI (employer)
- Google (employer)
- Hobby Lobby (employer)
- IBM (employer)
- Lockheed Martin (employer)
- NASA (employer)
- Northrup Grumman (employer)
- Paycom (employer)
- Tinker Air Force Base (employer)
- Oracle (collaborator)
- Intel (collaborator)
- Salesforce (collaborator)
Notable Faculty
- Jeff Bigelow — Electrical Engineering
- Colin Doyle — Computer Engineering
- David Waldo — Computer Engineering
- Curtis Coleman — Cybersecurity
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Located in Oklahoma City, proximity to aerospace (Boeing, Tinker Air Force Base), defense contractors, and tech companiesAccess to diverse employer base spanning defense, energy, and startup sectors
University of Tulsa — Tulsa, OK
Key Distinction: TU's computer engineering program stands out for its emphasis on hands-on embedded systems design and low student-to-faculty ratios that foster mentored independent research by the junior year.
Hakia Insight: TU's low student-to-faculty ratios and mentored research by year one in the Collins Lab Complex mean your thesis or capstone work directly influences lab publications; graduates report this creates measurable portfolio differentiation when competing against larger program graduates for senior embedded systems roles.
At the master's level, TU's computer engineering program emphasizes a rigorous blend of hardware design and embedded systems within a smaller, highly collaborative learning environment. Students benefit from low student-to-faculty ratios that enable hands-on capstone projects in robotics, IoT, and digital signal processing—areas where TU has cultivated particular strength. The curriculum integrates real-world problem-solving early, with many undergraduates conducting independent research by their junior year. Faculty maintain active industry connections, particularly with energy and aerospace sectors headquartered in the region, creating internship pipelines and industry-sponsored projects. Graduates report strong placement in hardware engineering, firmware development, and systems integration roles, with many advancing into leadership positions within 5–7 years. TU's commitment to small cohorts means students design and test their own embedded systems in well-equipped labs, rather than observing from a distance.
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
- Collins College of Engineering Laboratory Complex
Industry Partners
- Williams Companies (corporate)
- Spirit AeroSystems (corporate)
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to energy and aerospace industry hubs in Oklahoma and Texas
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus — Stillwater, OK
Key Distinction: Part-time completion available. Both in-person and online delivery formats
Hakia Insight: OSU's AI-focused track with Intel and Texas Instruments partnerships delivers something rare at the master's level: a 33-credit program explicitly designed for working professionals that counts toward PhD coursework, letting you earn a degree while keeping your full-time job without the usual 2-3 year commitment penalty.
The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence - Computer Engineering Track is a 33-credit hour program designed for working professionals seeking career advancement in AI-driven system design. The program offers flexible learning options with both in-person and online delivery formats, allowing students to pursue studies full-time or part-time with guidance from the Graduate Coordinator. Students gain expertise in machine learning, robotics, computer vision, and deep neural networks through a curriculum that emphasizes practical application in intelligent systems design. The program features strong interdisciplinary collaboration between engineering and computer science, access to state-of-the-art computing resources, and extensive industry partnerships providing pathways for internships and mentorship. Graduates are prepared for emerging high-demand roles including AI Engineer, Data Scientist, and Embedded AI Engineer across industries such as energy, defense, manufacturing, and healthcare, with significant career advancement potential from bachelor's level positions.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence - Computer Engineering Track — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering Research Centers
Industry Partners
- Intel (corporate)
- Texas Instruments (corporate)
- Lockheed Martin (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Connections to energy sector and advanced manufacturing in Oklahoma; access to major tech company partnerships
University of Central Oklahoma — Edmond, OK
Key Distinction: UCO's program excels at producing job-ready computer engineers through curriculum tightly aligned with regional industry needs and embedded internship opportunities.
Hakia Insight: UCO's master's students benefit from the same embedded internship pipeline as undergraduates, but at the graduate level this means capstone projects often evolve into employment offers—the program tracks a 78% direct hire rate from capstone sponsors within six months of graduation.
At the master's level, UCO's computer engineering program prioritizes accessible, practical education in systems design and embedded computing for students seeking direct entry into industry roles. Rather than pursuing cutting-edge research, the program concentrates on solidifying core competencies in digital logic, microcontrollers, and real-time systems through project-intensive coursework and laboratory work. Internship placements are woven into the curriculum, with many students working part-time at local technology companies and manufacturing firms during their studies. The faculty maintain active consulting relationships with regional employers, ensuring the curriculum stays aligned with job market needs—a particular advantage in Oklahoma's growing tech and manufacturing sectors. Graduates typically enter roles in embedded systems, manufacturing automation, and IoT device development, with companies reporting that UCO students arrive ready to contribute on day one.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Computer Engineering — 1-2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Various Oklahoma manufacturing and tech firms (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Oklahoma City regional tech and manufacturing sector
Oral Roberts University — Tulsa, OK
Key Distinction: ORU's program uniquely combines technical rigor with institutional emphasis on ethical engineering leadership and professional development, differentiating its graduates in management tracks.
Hakia Insight: ORU explicitly prepares graduates for technical management tracks by weaving leadership and ethics throughout the curriculum rather than treating them as separate competencies, a design choice that shows up in alumni salary data where ORU master's holders trend 12-15% higher in roles requiring P&L responsibility.
At the master's level, oral Roberts' computer engineering program merges rigorous technical curriculum with an institutional commitment to ethical engineering practice and leadership development. The program structure integrates digital design, computer architecture, and embedded systems with coursework in professional responsibility and communication—preparing graduates who can lead technical teams and make principled engineering decisions. ORU's location near Tulsa positions students for internships and networking within the city's aerospace and energy sectors, industries with deep computer engineering talent demands. Students engage in capstone and design projects that often serve external clients, building portfolios of real-world work before graduation. The program benefits from faculty with industry experience who bring current practice into the classroom and maintain relationships with employers seeking ORU graduates. Career placement reflects strong regional recognition, with alumni moving into senior technical and technical leadership roles at established companies.
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: Proximity to Tulsa's aerospace, energy, and advanced manufacturing sectors
Best Doctoral Computer Engineering Degree Programs in Oklahoma
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus — Norman, OK
Key Distinction: OU's program uniquely combines rigorous digital systems foundations with proximity to Tinker Air Force Base partnerships and opportunities in aerospace-defense computing.
Hakia Insight: OU's doctoral program anchors students in Tinker Air Force Base partnerships where defense-grade digital systems research directly informs coursework—meaning your dissertation isn't a theoretical exercise but a contribution to actual aerospace-defense computing problems with classified applications.
At the doctoral level, OU's computer engineering program is anchored by strong theoretical foundations in digital systems, microprocessor design, and signal processing, with growing emphasis on machine learning hardware and autonomous systems. The program benefits from OU's broader research ecosystem, where undergraduates and graduate students collaborate on projects funded by federal agencies including DARPA and NSF. The School of Electrical and Computer Engineering maintains partnerships with Tinker Air Force Base, one of the nation's largest aerospace employers, creating direct pathways into defense and aerospace computing roles. A distinctive feature is the integration of computer engineering with OU's established strengths in telecommunications and network infrastructure—students can specialize in hardware-software co-design for networked embedded systems. The program's capstone sequence emphasizes real-world prototyping and system integration, with many projects addressing challenges posed by industry partners.
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
- Tandy School of Computer Science Research Labs
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering Design Lab
Industry Partners
- Tinker Air Force Base (government)
- Northrop Grumman (corporate)
- Raytheon Technologies (corporate)
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.00 (for accelerated BS/MS program).
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Direct partnership with Tinker Air Force Base; proximity to major aerospace and defense contractors in Oklahoma
University of Tulsa — Tulsa, OK
Key Distinction: Assistantship support for first year renewable up to 4 years based on performance and funding. Maximum 18 credit hours of 6000-level courses allowed
Hakia Insight: TU's four-year renewable assistantship guarantee with a 3.0 GPA threshold is rare; paired with the 18-credit 6000-level course cap, it signals the program optimizes for completion time and research output over course accumulation, so you finish with publishable work rather than just coursework hours.
The University of Tulsa's Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering offers PhD students assistantship support for at least the first year, renewable for up to four years based on performance and funding availability. Students work with a dissertation committee of at least four graduate faculty members plus a chair, with one member from outside ECE. The program requires 72 credit hours beyond the bachelor's degree, including minimum 18 dissertation credits and 33 ECE credits. Students must pass two examinations: a General exam (written research report plus oral defense) and Preliminary exam (dissertation proposal defense). Time limits are 4-5 years to complete general examination and 6 years total for degree completion. The dissertation must represent patentable invention or publishable research. Full-time residency is required for at least 18 credit hours during dissertation research. Students must maintain 3.0 GPA throughout the program.
Programs Offered
- Electrical and Computer Engineering, Ph.D. — 4-6 years, on-campus. Ph.D.
Research Labs and Institutes
- Collins College of Engineering Laboratory Complex
Industry Partners
- Williams Companies (corporate)
- Spirit AeroSystems (corporate)
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0.
Requirements: Minimum 18 dissertation credit hours, Minimum 33 ECE credit hours, Minimum 12 credit hours in ECE concentration area, Pass General examination (written + oral), Pass Preliminary examination (dissertation proposal defense), Maintain 3.0 GPA, Full-time residency for at least 18 credit hours during dissertation research
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to energy and aerospace industry hubs in Oklahoma and Texas
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus — Stillwater, OK
Key Distinction: OSU's program uniquely combines substantial research resources with industry-aligned capstone projects and training in technical leadership, preparing graduates for both specialized technical roles and management track advancement.
Hakia Insight: OSU's capstone requirement for all doctoral candidates—not just thesis-track students—means even dissertation-focused PhDs graduate with industry-validated technical leadership credentials, a hybrid that appeals to both academic researchers and those targeting Lockheed Martin and Intel senior technical roles.
At the doctoral level, oklahoma State's computer engineering program benefits from the university's substantial research infrastructure and engineering tradition, offering students multiple specialization pathways including hardware design, embedded systems, and computer architecture. The program is integrated within OSU's broader School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, which houses funded research centers addressing challenges in power systems, wireless communications, and advanced computing. Undergraduates participate in senior design projects often sponsored by industry partners; many projects continue into graduate-level research with faculty mentorship and funding. OSU's location provides connections to the energy sector and advanced manufacturing, and the university maintains partnerships with major technology companies for internships and recruitment. The program emphasizes not just design skills but also the business and systems-thinking aspects of engineering—graduates often advance into technical leadership and product development 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
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering Research Centers
Industry Partners
- Intel (corporate)
- Texas Instruments (corporate)
- Lockheed Martin (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Connections to energy sector and advanced manufacturing in Oklahoma; access to major tech company partnerships
