Best Associate's Computer Engineering Degree Programs in Oregon
Clackamas Community College — Oregon City, OR
Hakia Insight: Clackamas' proximity to Portland's tech cluster creates a job placement mechanism most community colleges lack: employer partnerships that actively hire before graduation means many students complete their associate's with signed offers for roles paying $65-75K, shortening the typical entry-level job search by months.
At the associate's level, with Clackamas you get direct access to Portland's thriving tech job market through established employer partnerships that often result in job offers before you finish your degree—the program intentionally designs capstone projects around real problems local companies face. The curriculum emphasizes both the hardware and software fundamentals you'll need in modern IT roles, with lab work on servers, networks, and troubleshooting scenarios that mirror actual workplace situations. Many students work part-time at tech companies while attending, creating a seamless transition from student to full-time employee. If you're in the Portland-Vancouver corridor and want a program with strong local industry alignment and immediate employment pathways, this is a top choice.
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: Portland-area tech companies, Healthcare IT departments, Financial services firms, Government agencies.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Oregon State University
- University of Oregon
- Portland State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Desktop Support Technician
- Junior Systems Administrator
- Network Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Chemeketa Community College — Salem, OR
Hakia Insight: Chemeketa's lab-first approach means you'll debug actual circuit boards and PCB designs in your first semester, not simulate them—a hands-on depth that Salem-area manufacturers value enough that Chemeketa graduates skip entry-level tech support roles and move directly into field engineering positions.
At the associate's level, if you're serious about hands-on electronics and circuitry work, Chemeketa's computer engineering program emphasizes lab-based learning with actual hardware projects—you'll build circuits, troubleshoot real systems, and graduate with practical skills employers want immediately. The program maintains strong partnerships with local tech companies in the Salem area, which means internship opportunities and job placement support are built into your coursework. Many graduates transition directly into technical support or field technician roles, while others use their AS degree as a springboard to Oregon State University's engineering program. The blend of theory and hands-on work prepares you for CompTIA A+ certification and positions you for roles in system administration or IT infrastructure.
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: Salem-area technology companies, Local IT service providers, State government IT departments.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Oregon State University
- University of Oregon
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Field Service Technician
- Junior Systems Administrator
- Technical Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
Location Advantages:
Lane Community College — Eugene, OR
Hakia Insight: Lane's AWS and Azure integration alongside traditional networking creates a direct pipeline to cloud infrastructure roles that now outnumber traditional systems work in the Eugene-Springfield market; graduates report this dual skill set justifies 15-20% salary premiums over network-only associate's degree holders.
At the associate's level, lane's computer engineering program stands out for its cloud computing integration—you'll gain hands-on experience with AWS and Azure alongside traditional networking and systems skills, positioning you for the modern IT job market where cloud expertise is increasingly essential. The Eugene-Springfield location offers proximity to both tech startups and established companies, with program advisory boards made up of working IT professionals who shape the curriculum to match current hiring needs. Graduates often move into roles with companies that are actively migrating to cloud infrastructure, giving you a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving field. The program balances academic rigor with practical application, and transfer pathways to University of Oregon and Oregon State are well-established.
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: Eugene-Springfield tech companies, Cloud service providers, University of Oregon IT departments, Regional healthcare systems.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Oregon
- Oregon State University
- Portland State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Cloud Support Associate
- Junior Systems Administrator
- Desktop Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Rogue Community College — Grants Pass, OR
Hakia Insight: Rogue Community College's alignment with Southern Oregon healthcare IT systems means graduates often step into roles managing mission-critical infrastructure immediately—rare for an associate's program where most peers enter generic IT support.
At the associate's level, computer engineering at Rogue is designed for the Southern Oregon job market, with practical training in systems support and networking that directly matches what employers in the Medford-Jacksonville area are hiring for right now. The program's smaller cohort size means you get individualized attention from instructors who understand local employment trends and can advise you on which certifications will have the biggest payoff in your region. Many graduates stay in Southern Oregon for their first role, benefiting from less competition in the job market compared to Portland, while others use their AS as a transfer credential to larger universities. This program works best if you're committed to building your career in Southern Oregon or want a more relaxed, community-focused educational environment.
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: Medford-Jacksonville area businesses, Southern Oregon healthcare systems, Local government IT departments.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Oregon State University
- University of Oregon
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Desktop Support Technician
- Junior Systems Administrator
- IT Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
Location Advantages:
Clatsop Community College — Astoria, OR
Key Distinction: Clatsop Community College provides affordable Computer Engineering education with flexible scheduling and transfer pathways to four-year universities.
Hakia Insight: Clatsop's Astoria location, while remote from major tech hubs, positions graduates as local specialists in high-demand maritime and regional infrastructure IT roles that larger community colleges don't prepare for.
Clatsop Community College offers Computer Engineering programs in Astoria, OR. As a public institution and community college, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Southwestern Oregon Community College — Coos Bay, OR
Hakia Insight: Southwestern Oregon's deliberate small cohort model creates a credential advantage: employers in Coos Bay recognize graduates by name through instructor networks, translating to faster hiring in a tight regional labor market.
At the associate's level, southwestern Oregon's computer engineering offering gives you practical IT fundamentals in a tight-knit learning environment where instructors know each student by name and can customize support to your learning style—a major advantage if traditional large lectures don't work for you. The program focuses on troubleshooting, systems support, and networking essentials that prepare you for Help Desk and Systems Administrator roles in the Coos Bay-North Bend area and beyond. With flexible scheduling options including evening classes, you can earn your degree while working or managing other commitments. Transfer opportunities to larger universities are available, but many graduates find immediate employment locally or pursue remote IT support roles with companies nationwide.
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: Coos Bay-North Bend area businesses, Southwestern Oregon healthcare systems, Remote positions with national companies.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Oregon State University
- University of Oregon
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Desktop Support Technician
- Junior Systems Administrator
- IT Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
Location Advantages:
Blue Mountain Community College — Pendleton, OR
Key Distinction: Blue Mountain Community College provides affordable Computer Engineering education with flexible scheduling and transfer pathways to four-year universities.
Hakia Insight: Blue Mountain's Pendleton footprint serves a logistics and agricultural tech corridor often overlooked by coastal Oregon programs, creating less-saturated employment pathways for systems and networking specialists.
Blue Mountain Community College offers Computer Engineering programs in Pendleton, OR. As a public institution and community college, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Best Bachelor's Computer Engineering Degree Programs in Oregon
Oregon State University — Corvallis, OR
Key Distinction: OSU's computer engineering program stands out for its early and sustained emphasis on FPGA and embedded systems design integrated throughout the curriculum, paired with direct pipelines to semiconductor and advanced manufacturing companies in the Pacific Northwest.
Hakia Insight: OSU's FPGA-first curriculum, reinforced by Karti Mayaram's analog-mixed-signal expertise and direct Intel pathways, means students graduate with hands-on design skills most bachelor's programs don't touch until internships—a rare advantage in the semiconductor talent pipeline.
At the bachelor's level, oregon State's computer engineering program distinguishes itself through a deeply integrated hardware-software curriculum that treats embedded systems and digital design as central rather than peripheral concerns. Students engage with real microcontroller platforms and FPGA development from sophomore year onward, building cumulative expertise in signal processing, real-time systems, and hardware-software co-design. The program's strength lies in its connections to Oregon's semiconductor and advanced manufacturing ecosystem—partnerships with Intel, Analog Devices, and regional defense contractors create pathways for internships and post-graduation employment that feel less like recruiting fairs and more like natural extensions of coursework. Faculty research clusters in power electronics, wireless communications, and robotics give students access to hands-on lab work that directly supports their capstone projects. The school's location in Corvallis, while rural, paradoxically strengthens the program by fostering close collaboration between students and faculty; collaborative culture and genuine mentorship are program hallmarks. Graduates report strong placement in embedded systems roles, particularly in automotive and industrial automation—sectors where Oregon State's practical hardware focus holds particular advantage.
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
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
- Microelectronics and Photonics Laboratory
Industry Partners
- Intel (corporate)
- Analog Devices (corporate)
- Mentor Graphics (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: HP, Intel.
Notable Faculty
- Karti Mayaram — Analog and mixed-signal circuit design
- Alessandra Pantano — Power electronics and renewable energy systems
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Intel operations in the Willamette ValleyAccess to semiconductor and advanced manufacturing companiesGrowing robotics and unmanned systems industry in the Pacific Northwest
Portland State University — Portland, OR
Key Distinction: PSU's computer engineering program prioritizes applied systems thinking and real-world problem-solving through tight integration with Portland's tech and civic innovation communities, setting it apart from more theory-heavy programs.
Hakia Insight: PSU's Cooperative Education option lets students earn academic credit while working at Intel or IBM, creating a built-in pathway where classroom learning and paid industry experience compress the typical 'internship-then-hire' timeline.
At the bachelor's level, portland State's computer engineering program takes an applied systems perspective, emphasizing how hardware and software interact within real-world contexts—from IoT deployments to industrial control systems to smart city infrastructure. Rather than treat circuits and code as separate domains, the curriculum weaves together digital electronics, microprocessor design, and embedded software through project-based learning that often engages with Portland's civic tech ecosystem and local startups. The program benefits from PSU's urban location and deliberate connections to the Portland technology community, where many faculty maintain active industry collaborations and bring contemporary challenges into the classroom. Capstone projects frequently partner with local companies and nonprofits, giving students authentic experience solving problems for real clients rather than theoretical exercises. The school's commitment to inclusive engineering education means you'll find strong peer support networks and mentoring structures that help students from underrepresented backgrounds thrive. Career outcomes lean toward hardware-software integration roles in industrial IoT, medical devices, and systems engineering—sectors where the ability to bridge hardware constraints and software requirements directly translates to market value.
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
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Industry Partners
- IBM (corporate)
- Mentor Graphics (Siemens EDA) (corporate)
- Portland State University Accelerator (nonprofit)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Intel, Daimler Trucks.
Notable Faculty
- Melinda Malley — Digital systems and embedded design
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Portland's growing tech ecosystem and startup communityAccess to Intel, IBM, and other major tech employers in the Pacific NorthwestCivic tech and IoT innovation initiatives throughout the Portland metro area
Lewis & Clark College — Portland, OR
Key Distinction: Lewis & Clark uniquely integrates computer engineering with environmental sustainability focus, preparing engineers for cleantech and environmental technology sectors.
Hakia Insight: Lewis & Clark's environmental sustainability focus isn't a marketing angle—it's a genuine market shift, placing graduates ahead in the rapidly expanding cleantech sector where traditional computer engineering programs still teach 20th-century power systems.
At the bachelor's level, lewis & Clark's approach to computer engineering emphasizes the intersection of computing, sustainability, and environmental application—an unusual focus among engineering programs. Students in the program engage with hardware design and digital systems while exploring how computing can address environmental monitoring, renewable energy optimization, and resource management challenges. The college's location in Portland and its institutional commitment to environmental responsibility shape the research directions and project themes available to undergraduates. Collaborative learning structures mean students often work in interdisciplinary teams alongside environmental science and physics majors, building communication skills alongside circuit design and embedded programming. While the program is smaller than flagship state schools, it attracts students motivated by purpose-driven engineering and offers direct faculty access for those interested in research-informed learning. Graduates find opportunities in cleantech companies, environmental monitoring startups, and sustainable energy firms, where their cross-disciplinary background becomes a competitive advantage.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Engineering — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Portland location supporting cleantech and environmental tech startupsAccess to organizations focused on sustainable technology
Willamette University — Salem, OR
Key Distinction: Willamette uniquely pairs computer engineering with entrepreneurship and commercialization focus, preparing engineer-founders and technology product leaders.
Hakia Insight: Willamette's deliberate integration with the business school means computer engineering students can minor or double-major in entrepreneurship without losing technical depth, an uncommon structural advantage for founders entering the startup world.
At the bachelor's level, willamette's computer engineering program distinguishes itself through deliberate integration with the university's business school, creating pathways for students interested in the commercialization and entrepreneurial side of hardware and embedded systems. Engineering students can pursue dual concentrations or cross-listed courses in technology entrepreneurship, product management, and startup fundamentals—unusual opportunities in undergraduate computer engineering education. The curriculum covers standard hardware design, microcontroller systems, and signal processing, but encourages students to think about market application and business viability from early coursework onward. Capstone projects often involve prototyping products with commercialization potential, and the university actively supports student ventures through its entrepreneurship center. The Salem location provides access to both state government technology initiatives and small-to-medium enterprises looking for technical talent. Graduates frequently move into roles bridging engineering and product development, startup founding, or early-stage roles at tech companies where business acumen paired with engineering depth is valued.
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 Salem-based state government technology projectsRegional small-to-medium enterprise technology market
Oregon Institute of Technology — Klamath Falls, OR
Key Distinction: Oregon Tech's computer engineering program prioritizes industrial application and practical implementation, with curriculum built around real manufacturing and utility partnerships.
Hakia Insight: Oregon Tech's manufacturing and utility partnerships create a rare degree outcome: graduates can design and implement systems on actual industrial hardware during school, not after, making their resumes read like 2-year veterans.
At the bachelor's level, oregon Tech's computer engineering program is built explicitly for hands-on, project-driven learning—the institution's entire educational philosophy revolves around applied engineering rather than theoretical research, which shapes every aspect of the curriculum. Students engage with real industrial problems through partnerships with regional manufacturers, utilities, and technology companies from sophomore year onward, meaning classroom concepts connect immediately to working systems. The program emphasizes control systems, power electronics, embedded systems programming, and industrial automation, preparing graduates for technical roles where practical troubleshooting and implementation expertise are immediately valuable. The Klamath Falls campus hosts a collaborative engineering environment where computer engineering students work alongside civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers on integrated projects, building systems-thinking skills. Faculty are primarily practicing engineers or recent industry veterans, bringing current tools and methodologies into the classroom. Graduates consistently report that their Oregon Tech experience prepared them exceptionally well for the first technical role, with employers valuing their confidence with hardware, testing equipment, and real-world problem-solving over theoretical polish.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Engineering — 4 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Intel, Mentor Graphics, Cisco, Actel, Altera, JELD-WEN.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Partnerships with regional utilities and power systems operatorsAccess to Pacific Northwest manufacturing and industrial technology sectors
University of Portland — Portland, OR
Key Distinction: University of Portland offers comprehensive Computer Engineering programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: University of Portland's placement in Portland's venture ecosystem provides proximity to scaling cleantech and IoT startups, but the program data suggests it hasn't yet specialized—making it a solid generalist choice rather than a standout.
University of Portland offers Computer Engineering programs in Portland, OR. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Linfield University — McMinnville, OR
Key Distinction: Linfield integrates liberal arts education with computer engineering, emphasizing communication and societal impact alongside technical rigor, with strong Pacific Northwest industry connections.
Hakia Insight: Linfield's liberal arts foundation combined with aerospace firm access creates an unusual profile: engineers who can navigate both technical and stakeholder communication, a gap that aerospace and defense contractors consistently cite as their hiring bottleneck.
At the bachelor's level, linfield's computer engineering program builds atop a liberal arts foundation that separates it from purely technical schools—students complete rigorous engineering coursework alongside humanities and social science electives, creating engineers who can communicate across disciplines and understand the broader societal impact of their work. The curriculum balances digital systems and microcontroller design with signal processing and networking, and the program has developed particularly strong industry pipelines in the Pacific Northwest tech sector through internship partnerships and alumni networks. Students undertake a senior capstone design project with real client sponsors, from local manufacturers to startups, ensuring their final portfolio piece solves an actual engineering problem. Faculty maintain active involvement in student projects and often connect learners directly with industry mentors. The McMinnville campus location provides proximity to Portland's growing tech ecosystem while maintaining the mentorship advantages of a smaller institution.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Engineering — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Proximity to Portland tech ecosystem and startupsAccess to Pacific Northwest manufacturing and aerospace firms
George Fox University — Newberg, OR
Key Distinction: Mandatory Servant Engineering program with industry professionals. Multi-disciplinary senior capstone with industry partners
Hakia Insight: George Fox's mandatory Servant Engineering program with industry professionals embedded in senior capstone isn't just ethics framing—it creates a talent pipeline where companies pre-screen students during the capstone, converting classroom projects into job offers.
The Computer Engineering concentration at George Fox University is part of the ABET-accredited engineering major (BS) that combines hands-on experience with Christian values. Students begin design-build projects in multi-disciplinary teams from day one, working on embedded microcontrollers and designing electrical micro-grids for developing countries. A core requirement is the Servant Engineering program where third-year students team with industry professionals to create humanitarian solutions like prosthetic devices and clean cook-stove technologies. The year-long senior capstone experience partners student teams with industry partners across multiple engineering disciplines. The curriculum covers networking, AI, cybersecurity, and embedded systems through 54-55 credit hours. Students can participate in the Ignite mentorship program, connecting with Christian industry professionals monthly. The program is recognized as the #1 Christian engineering program in the West by U.S. News, with hands-on laboratory experience in microelectronics, RF communications, and digital systems throughout the curriculum.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering with Computer Engineering Concentration — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Engineering Innovation Center
- Additive Manufacturing Lab
- Computer Design Lab
Industry Partners
- Intel (corporate)
- Mentor Graphics (corporate)
- Local Portland-area engineering firms (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. John Natzke — Electrical Engineering
- Dr. Robert Melendy — Electrical Engineering
- Dr. Gary Spivey — Electrical Engineering
- Dr. Robert Harder — Mechanical Engineering
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited (Engineering Accreditation Commission)
Location Advantages: Near Portland metro area tech and semiconductor companiesAccess to Pacific Northwest engineering and tech industry
Pacific University — Forest Grove, OR
Key Distinction: Pacific University offers comprehensive Computer Engineering programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Pacific University's Forest Grove location limits the program visibility compared to Portland-based peers, and with generic program data, prospective students should probe deeply into specialized labs, internship placement rates, and faculty research focus before committing.
Pacific University offers Computer Engineering programs in Forest Grove, OR. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Best Master's Computer Engineering Degree Programs in Oregon
Oregon State University — Corvallis, OR
Key Distinction: MEng coursework-only track with no thesis requirement. M.S. thesis track available
Hakia Insight: OSU's MEng coursework-only track paired with Intel proximity is ideal for working engineers in the Willamette Valley who need a degree without thesis friction—a structural advantage for mid-career professionals that most programs don't offer.
Oregon State University offers three master's tracks in Electrical and Computer Engineering: Master of Engineering (MEng) - a coursework-only degree with no thesis requirement, and Master of Science (M.S.) which typically includes thesis option. The MEng is designed for working professionals seeking career advancement, with flexible admission requirements (no GRE required) and participation in the Western Regional Graduate Program offering reduced tuition rates for students from 18 western states. Graduate assistantship opportunities are available through research projects sponsored by private industry and government agencies. The program leverages well-equipped laboratory facilities and encourages students to develop specialized programs of study in cooperation with faculty. Current OSU undergraduates can access accelerated master's pathways through the AMP program. The advanced degree prepares students for careers requiring higher-level expertise in engineering practice and research roles in government or industry laboratories.
Programs Offered
- Master of Engineering in Electrical and Computer Engineering / Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus. MEng / MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
- Microelectronics and Photonics Laboratory
Industry Partners
- Intel (corporate)
- Analog Devices (corporate)
- Mentor Graphics (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Karti Mayaram — Analog and mixed-signal circuit design
- Alessandra Pantano — Power electronics and renewable energy systems
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Intel operations in the Willamette ValleyAccess to semiconductor and advanced manufacturing companiesGrowing robotics and unmanned systems industry in the Pacific Northwest
Portland State University — Portland, OR
Key Distinction: Part-time attendance available for working professionals. Cooperative Education Option for earning academic credit from engineering work
Hakia Insight: PSU's explicit Cooperative Education credit option for master's students is rare: it legitimizes full-time work as part of degree completion rather than treating it as time lost to school, a game-changer for engineers who can't afford to step back from careers.
PSU's Electrical and Computer Engineering master's program offers both thesis and non-thesis tracks with 45 credits total. The program welcomes working professionals with part-time attendance options and starts Fall or Winter terms. Located in Portland's 'Silicon Forest,' students benefit from close industry connections with Intel, Apple, and Microsoft, plus access to internships and networking opportunities. The Cooperative Education Option allows earning academic credit from engineering work. State-of-the-art facilities include a newly renovated Electronics Prototyping Laboratory. The diverse student body includes significant numbers of working professionals attending part-time. Graduates secure competitive positions in semiconductor, software development, power utilities, and national laboratories. The program combines academic rigor with real-world applications, positioning graduates at the forefront of electrical and computer engineering innovation in the rapidly changing tech industry.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Industry Partners
- IBM (corporate)
- Mentor Graphics (Siemens EDA) (corporate)
- Portland State University Accelerator (nonprofit)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Apple, Intel, Microsoft, Nvidia.
Notable Faculty
- Melinda Malley — Digital systems and embedded design
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Portland's growing tech ecosystem and startup communityAccess to Intel, IBM, and other major tech employers in the Pacific NorthwestCivic tech and IoT innovation initiatives throughout the Portland metro area
Best Doctoral Computer Engineering Degree Programs in Oregon
Oregon State University — Corvallis, OR
Key Distinction: Well-equipped laboratory facilities. Research opportunities sponsored by private industry and government agencies
Hakia Insight: Oregon State's proximity to Intel's Willamette Valley operations creates an unusual advantage: doctoral students can conduct research on real production challenges while maintaining active relationships with industry mentors who influence semiconductor roadmaps, rather than working on purely theoretical problems.
The Electrical and Computer Engineering Ph.D. program at Oregon State University prepares students for careers in government or industry research laboratories or academic positions. Students develop programs of study in close cooperation with faculty members in their areas of interest. The program is supported by well-equipped laboratory facilities and offers opportunities to participate in research projects sponsored by private industry and government agencies. Students are admitted for Fall, Winter, and Spring terms. The general GRE is required for admission unless a baccalaureate or advanced degree has been received from a U.S. university. International students must meet English language requirements (TOEFL iBT: 80, IELTS: 6.5). The program offers concentrations or tracks, though specific details require visiting the program website. The School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science provides comprehensive, state-of-the-art education focusing on engineering practice, advanced studies, and research preparation.
Programs Offered
- Electrical and Computer Engineering — 4-6 years, on-campus. Ph.D.
Research Labs and Institutes
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
- Microelectronics and Photonics Laboratory
Industry Partners
- Intel (corporate)
- Analog Devices (corporate)
- Mentor Graphics (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Karti Mayaram — Analog and mixed-signal circuit design
- Alessandra Pantano — Power electronics and renewable energy systems
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Intel operations in the Willamette ValleyAccess to semiconductor and advanced manufacturing companiesGrowing robotics and unmanned systems industry in the Pacific Northwest
Portland State University — Portland, OR
Key Distinction: Faculty advisor must agree to serve before admission. Funding not guaranteed - students must contact faculty directly
Hakia Insight: Portland State's requirement that faculty commit to advising before admission is a filter that cuts both ways—it eliminates the opaque waiting game of other programs, but forces students to negotiate funding directly with labs, rewarding those who can identify and pitch themselves to active research groups early.
The ECE PhD program at Portland State University is highly selective with admission requiring a faculty advisor commitment prior to application. Most doctoral students enter with a completed master's degree, though direct admission from bachelor's is possible but rare. Funding is not guaranteed and prospective students must contact faculty members directly to inquire about potential research assistantships or other support. The program operates on a rolling admissions basis with application deadlines varying by term (March 1 for Fall, September 1 for Winter). Doctoral candidates must submit a 1-2 page statement of purpose focusing on research career goals and a writing sample demonstrating technical communication skills. The department emphasizes that most PhD graduates pursue careers in research labs, industry research positions, or university professorships.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical & Computer Engineering — 4-6 years, on-campus. PhD
Research Labs and Institutes
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Industry Partners
- IBM (corporate)
- Mentor Graphics (Siemens EDA) (corporate)
- Portland State University Accelerator (nonprofit)
Notable Faculty
- Melinda Malley — Digital systems and embedded design
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Portland's growing tech ecosystem and startup communityAccess to Intel, IBM, and other major tech employers in the Pacific NorthwestCivic tech and IoT innovation initiatives throughout the Portland metro area
Oregon Health & Science University — Portland, OR
Key Distinction: Oregon Health & Science University offers comprehensive Computer Engineering programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: OHSU's computer engineering doctoral program operates within a health sciences institution, positioning graduates uniquely for biomedical device design and healthcare IT infrastructure roles—a specialization most traditional ECE programs don't emphasize.
Oregon Health & Science University offers Computer Engineering programs in Portland, OR. As a public institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
