Best Associate's Computer Engineering Degree Programs in Utah
Weber State University — Ogden, UT
Key Distinction: Weber State emphasizes hands-on laboratory experience and capstone projects with real industrial applications, positioning graduates for immediate impact in embedded systems and control engineering roles.
Hakia Insight: Weber State's partnership with Hill Air Force Base gives associate's students direct pathways into control systems and embedded roles with security clearance sponsorship, a credential advantage most two-year programs cannot offer.
At the associate's level, weber State's computer engineering program builds strength through hands-on laboratory work and capstone projects that require students to design and build real systems—power supplies, motor controllers, robotics platforms, and signal processing applications. The curriculum balances analog and digital domains with particular emphasis on embedded systems, giving graduates a competitive edge in the industrial automation and IoT sectors that dominate the broader Wasatch region. Faculty maintain active research in areas like renewable energy conversion, autonomous systems, and wireless sensor networks, and undergraduates gain direct involvement through senior design partnerships. The program benefits from Weber State's location near manufacturing hubs and tech companies; internship pipelines connect students to positions in robotics, control systems, and hardware development at firms throughout northern Utah. Class sizes remain manageable, meaning you get meaningful mentorship from instructors who know your strengths and can guide you toward specialized research opportunities or industry projects. The on-campus labs—well-equipped with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, FPGA boards, and embedded development kits—feel less like teaching spaces and more like working engineering environments where you solve real problems. Graduates frequently move into roles in industrial IoT, renewable energy systems, and precision manufacturing, leveraging both their technical depth and the practical troubleshooting mindset the program instills.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Computer Engineering — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Computer Engineering — 2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Renewable Energy and Power Electronics Laboratory
Industry Partners
- Hill Air Force Base (government)
- Autoliv (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Hill Air Force Base and northern Utah manufacturing/tech corridorAccess to industrial internship opportunities in control systems and robotics
Utah Valley University — Orem, UT
Key Distinction: UVU's program emphasizes industry-aligned capstone projects and faculty with active careers in engineering, ensuring curriculum and mentorship reflect current marketplace demands.
Hakia Insight: UVU's model of employing faculty with active engineering careers means your capstone advisor isn't teaching theory in a vacuum—they're solving today's problems at regional employers and bringing that specificity back to your project.
At the associate's level, UVU's computer engineering program thrives on applied learning and industry alignment, with curriculum shaped by regular feedback from employers in the Wasatch technology corridor and beyond. The program emphasizes practical skills alongside theory: students design and prototype circuits, program microcontrollers, work with FPGAs, and tackle real embedded systems challenges in well-resourced labs. The faculty intentionally maintain connections to industry—many teach part-time while working in engineering roles—bringing current project examples and hiring networks directly into the classroom. UVU's capstone sequence pairs students with actual company problems, whether that's optimizing power consumption in IoT devices, designing control systems for manufacturing equipment, or developing diagnostic firmware for medical instruments; this pipeline means employers see student work in action and often hire before graduation. The program's growth has attracted increasingly sophisticated equipment and expanded faculty expertise in robotics, wireless systems, and embedded platforms. Because UVU serves many non-traditional students—working adults, career-changers, students with family obligations—the program offers flexibility in pacing and delivery while maintaining rigor; you're learning alongside peers who bring real-world experience into group projects. Graduates report high satisfaction with job readiness and rapid advancement into senior technical roles, a testament to the program's focus on skills that matter immediately in the marketplace. If you want an engineering education grounded in current industry practice, taught by instructors actively working in the field, UVU delivers that directly.
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: United States Air Force.
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission
Location Advantages: Located in Utah Valley tech corridor with strong employer connectionsAccess to internships and permanent positions with regional technology companies
Snow College — Ephraim, UT
Key Distinction: Snow College delivers computer engineering fundamentals in a small, student-centered environment where faculty mentorship is direct and projects emphasize practical industry problems.
Hakia Insight: Snow College's deliberately small cohort model means computer engineering coursework stays embedded in real faculty mentorship rather than scaling into lecture halls, a structural advantage for students who need hands-on feedback before transferring.
At the associate's level, snow College takes a deliberately smaller, student-centered approach to engineering education, where computer engineering coursework is embedded within a broader engineering program structure that emphasizes fundamentals and direct faculty-student relationships. The program focuses on the core competencies—digital logic, microcontroller programming, circuit analysis, and embedded systems design—taught in a setting where class sizes allow instructors to know each student's strengths and learning style. You'll work in well-maintained labs with modern equipment: FPGA development boards, microcontroller kits, oscilloscopes, and simulation software that mirror tools you'll encounter in industry. The engineering faculty deliberately maintain engagement with regional employers and design projects that reflect practical problems—internships often lead to permanent positions with employers already familiar with Snow College's graduate quality. While the program doesn't operate massive research centers, upper-level students often undertake meaningful capstone projects in partnership with local companies or addressing real engineering challenges. Snow College's location in central Utah near outdoor recreation and a lower-cost environment means less student debt and stronger community ties; many graduates work for regional employers or remain in Utah's growing tech corridor. For students seeking a rigorous but human-scaled engineering education where you're known by name rather than student ID, where faculty mentorship is genuine and accessible, Snow College delivers solid preparation for embedded systems, controls, and hardware roles without the anonymity of larger programs.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Computer Engineering — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Computer Engineering — 2 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Central Utah location with lower cost of livingRegional internship connections in manufacturing and tech
Salt Lake Community College — Salt Lake City, UT
Hakia Insight: SLCC's employer network (Adobe, Goldman Sachs, State of Utah IT) spans both creative tech and financial services infrastructure, giving associate's graduates unusual optionality across industry verticals most community college programs don't reach.
At the associate's level, you'll build real hands-on skills in hardware troubleshooting, networking, and systems administration through SLCC's computer engineering program, with direct pathways into Utah's tech workforce or transfer to four-year universities. The program emphasizes practical lab experience alongside theoretical foundations, preparing you for immediate employment as a technician or IT support specialist while keeping doors open for bachelor's-level advancement. Many graduates stay local and move into positions at major employers like Adobe, Goldman Sachs, and state government IT departments that actively recruit from SLCC, or transfer to University of Utah or Utah State to complete engineering degrees with junior-level standing.
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: Adobe, Goldman Sachs, State of Utah IT departments, University of Utah IT, Local healthcare IT departments, Regional financial institutions.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Utah
- Utah State University
- Brigham Young University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Network Technician
- Systems Support Technician
- Computer Technician
- Technical Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco CCNA Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Best Bachelor's Computer Engineering Degree Programs in Utah
Western Governors University — Salt Lake City, UT
Key Distinction: WGU's competency-based computer engineering degree prioritizes demonstrated mastery over seat time, allowing students to accelerate through material they've already mastered while diving deeper into areas of weakness.
Hakia Insight: WGU's competency-based model with Microsoft and Intel partnerships means you can compress a four-year degree if you arrive with strong self-directed learning habits, while full-time employees can stretch it without penalty—flexibility most bachelor's programs penalize.
At the bachelor's level, WGU's Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering stands out for its competency-based model, where students progress by demonstrating mastery rather than logging seat time—a fundamental shift that appeals to working professionals and self-directed learners. The program emphasizes practical hardware-software integration through project-based assessments covering digital logic, microprocessor design, embedded systems, and signal processing. Students work with real circuit simulation tools and FPGA platforms to validate their designs before moving forward, ensuring hands-on competency in both theoretical foundations and applied problem-solving. The online format paired with asynchronous coursework means you can pursue this degree while maintaining employment, and many cohorts include students from defense contractors, aerospace firms, and tech companies who bring industry context into peer discussions. WGU's partnerships with industry bodies ensure the curriculum stays aligned with what employers actually need—the program regularly incorporates feedback from companies like Microsoft and Intel to shape learning outcomes. Graduates report strong placement in embedded systems roles, IoT development, and hardware validation positions, with many advancing into leadership tracks within their organizations. The combination of rigor, flexibility, and industry-embedded design makes this particularly attractive if you're balancing education with career momentum.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Engineering — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Intel (corporate)
Location Advantages: Online-first model serves distributed tech workforce across North America
Brigham Young University — Provo, UT
Key Distinction: BYU integrates undergraduate research and industry-sponsored capstone projects throughout the curriculum, enabling students to build publication-quality work alongside rigorous theoretical training.
Hakia Insight: BYU students regularly co-author publication-quality work through industry-sponsored capstones with Zebra, iRobot, and Space Dynamics Lab during their undergraduate years—a research credential most peers won't have until grad school.
At the bachelor's level, BYU's computer engineering program is distinguished by its integration of rigorous theoretical coursework with sustained research opportunities, where even undergraduate students often contribute to faculty-led projects in areas like robotics, wireless communication, and power systems. The curriculum structure deliberately weaves together advanced mathematics, signal processing, and digital design with real-world applications—you'll study electromagnetics alongside antenna design, control theory alongside autonomous vehicle projects. Faculty maintain strong connections to industry and conduct externally funded research; undergraduates benefit by working on problems that matter beyond the classroom, whether that's optimizing drone flight controllers or designing fault-tolerant communication networks. The program's capstone sequence is notably ambitious: many teams tackle projects with genuine industrial sponsors, and some results have been published in peer-reviewed venues. BYU's scale—large enough to support sophisticated labs and diverse faculty expertise, yet small enough that professors know students by name—creates a rare environment for mentorship. The university's location in the Provo tech ecosystem and extensive alumni network in Silicon Valley and regional tech hubs opens pathways to internships and permanent roles at companies actively recruiting BYU graduates. Graduates emerge with both strong fundamentals and a portfolio of meaningful design projects, making them highly competitive for roles in hardware startups, defense contractors, and tech companies seeking engineers who can hit the ground running.
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
- Robotics and Dynamics Laboratory
- Communications and Signal Processing Laboratory
- Power Electronics and Renewable Energy Laboratory
Industry Partners
- Zebra Technologies (corporate)
- Space Dynamics Laboratory (government)
- iRobot (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- null — Robotics and control systems
- null — Wireless communication and signal processing
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0. Application Deadline: Fall: January 15, Winter: August 15.
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission
Location Advantages: Located in Provo tech hub with strong connections to Silicon ValleyProximity to aerospace and defense contractorsExtensive alumni network in technology sector
Weber State University — Ogden, UT
Key Distinction: Weber State emphasizes hands-on laboratory experience and capstone projects with real industrial applications, positioning graduates for immediate impact in embedded systems and control engineering roles.
Hakia Insight: Weber State's embedded systems focus combined with Hill Air Force Base proximity creates a rare pipeline where capstone projects directly feed into post-graduation roles in control systems and power electronics with security clearance pathways already in place.
At the bachelor's level, weber State's computer engineering program builds strength through hands-on laboratory work and capstone projects that require students to design and build real systems—power supplies, motor controllers, robotics platforms, and signal processing applications. The curriculum balances analog and digital domains with particular emphasis on embedded systems, giving graduates a competitive edge in the industrial automation and IoT sectors that dominate the broader Wasatch region. Faculty maintain active research in areas like renewable energy conversion, autonomous systems, and wireless sensor networks, and undergraduates gain direct involvement through senior design partnerships. The program benefits from Weber State's location near manufacturing hubs and tech companies; internship pipelines connect students to positions in robotics, control systems, and hardware development at firms throughout northern Utah. Class sizes remain manageable, meaning you get meaningful mentorship from instructors who know your strengths and can guide you toward specialized research opportunities or industry projects. The on-campus labs—well-equipped with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, FPGA boards, and embedded development kits—feel less like teaching spaces and more like working engineering environments where you solve real problems. Graduates frequently move into roles in industrial IoT, renewable energy systems, and precision manufacturing, leveraging both their technical depth and the practical troubleshooting mindset the program instills.
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
- Renewable Energy and Power Electronics Laboratory
Industry Partners
- Hill Air Force Base (government)
- Autoliv (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Hill Air Force Base and northern Utah manufacturing/tech corridorAccess to industrial internship opportunities in control systems and robotics
Utah Valley University — Orem, UT
Key Distinction: UVU's program emphasizes industry-aligned capstone projects and faculty with active careers in engineering, ensuring curriculum and mentorship reflect current marketplace demands.
Hakia Insight: UVU's faculty maintain active careers outside academia while teaching, ensuring your capstone mentorship reflects current market demands rather than academic trends from five years ago.
At the bachelor's level, UVU's computer engineering program thrives on applied learning and industry alignment, with curriculum shaped by regular feedback from employers in the Wasatch technology corridor and beyond. The program emphasizes practical skills alongside theory: students design and prototype circuits, program microcontrollers, work with FPGAs, and tackle real embedded systems challenges in well-resourced labs. The faculty intentionally maintain connections to industry—many teach part-time while working in engineering roles—bringing current project examples and hiring networks directly into the classroom. UVU's capstone sequence pairs students with actual company problems, whether that's optimizing power consumption in IoT devices, designing control systems for manufacturing equipment, or developing diagnostic firmware for medical instruments; this pipeline means employers see student work in action and often hire before graduation. The program's growth has attracted increasingly sophisticated equipment and expanded faculty expertise in robotics, wireless systems, and embedded platforms. Because UVU serves many non-traditional students—working adults, career-changers, students with family obligations—the program offers flexibility in pacing and delivery while maintaining rigor; you're learning alongside peers who bring real-world experience into group projects. Graduates report high satisfaction with job readiness and rapid advancement into senior technical roles, a testament to the program's focus on skills that matter immediately in the marketplace. If you want an engineering education grounded in current industry practice, taught by instructors actively working in the field, UVU delivers that directly.
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: United States Air Force.
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission
Location Advantages: Located in Utah Valley tech corridor with strong employer connectionsAccess to internships and permanent positions with regional technology companies
University of Utah — Salt Lake City, UT
Key Distinction: U of Utah's computer engineering program stands out for its research-driven curriculum and integration with a vibrant Salt Lake City tech community, creating dual pathways into both industry and academia.
Hakia Insight: University of Utah's dual pathways into both the Kahlert School of Computing and Salt Lake City's hyperscaler ecosystem (Google, Microsoft, Adobe offices) give you research credentials and immediate industry access in the same degree, eliminating the typical choice between academia and industry.
At the bachelor's level, the University of Utah's computer engineering program leverages the school's research-intensive mission and Salt Lake City's robust tech ecosystem to offer students dual pathways into either industry-focused roles or graduate research. The curriculum emphasizes signal processing, computer architecture, and systems design, with particular strength in areas like VLSI and digital signal processing—fields where the program has built genuine research depth. Students benefit from proximity to major tech employers (Adobe, Workiva, and numerous startups) and access to research opportunities through the university's engineering colleges and centers; many undergraduates publish or present work before graduating. The program attracts faculty with active NSF and industry-funded research agendas, meaning classroom instruction naturally incorporates current research problems and methodologies. Graduates succeed in both startup environments and large-scale systems roles at companies like Google, Microsoft, and Intel, with the program's research culture preparing those interested in doctoral work to pursue competitive PhD programs.
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
- Kahlert School of Computing
Industry Partners
- Adobe (corporate)
- Workiva (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
- Intel (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Google, Microsoft, Intel, Adobe.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0+ Cumulative GPA (3.5+ recommended).
Requirements:
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Salt Lake City tech hub with major employers (Adobe, Workiva, Microsoft, Google)Access to startup ecosystem and emerging companies
Snow College — Ephraim, UT
Key Distinction: Snow College delivers computer engineering fundamentals in a small, student-centered environment where faculty mentorship is direct and projects emphasize practical industry problems.
Hakia Insight: Snow College's small cohort model preserves direct faculty mentorship through senior design, a structural advantage that disappears at programs where capstones become bottleneck courses with 200+ students per professor.
At the bachelor's level, snow College takes a deliberately smaller, student-centered approach to engineering education, where computer engineering coursework is embedded within a broader engineering program structure that emphasizes fundamentals and direct faculty-student relationships. The program focuses on the core competencies—digital logic, microcontroller programming, circuit analysis, and embedded systems design—taught in a setting where class sizes allow instructors to know each student's strengths and learning style. You'll work in well-maintained labs with modern equipment: FPGA development boards, microcontroller kits, oscilloscopes, and simulation software that mirror tools you'll encounter in industry. The engineering faculty deliberately maintain engagement with regional employers and design projects that reflect practical problems—internships often lead to permanent positions with employers already familiar with Snow College's graduate quality. While the program doesn't operate massive research centers, upper-level students often undertake meaningful capstone projects in partnership with local companies or addressing real engineering challenges. Snow College's location in central Utah near outdoor recreation and a lower-cost environment means less student debt and stronger community ties; many graduates work for regional employers or remain in Utah's growing tech corridor. For students seeking a rigorous but human-scaled engineering education where you're known by name rather than student ID, where faculty mentorship is genuine and accessible, Snow College delivers solid preparation for embedded systems, controls, and hardware roles without the anonymity of larger programs.
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: Central Utah location with lower cost of livingRegional internship connections in manufacturing and tech
Utah State University — Logan, UT
Key Distinction: Capstone design project requirement during senior year. Concurrent bachelor's/master's program option allowing graduate coursework during senior year
Hakia Insight: Utah State's concurrent bachelor's/master's option lets you compress two degrees while still accessing ATK and NASA partnership projects, an acceleration path that typically requires reapplication and re-credentialing at most universities.
The Computer Engineering BS program at Utah State University combines programming software and hardware with electronics and circuits knowledge. Students design and build computers, workstations, and computer-based systems for various applications. The program is accredited by EAC-ABET and requires completion of a capstone design project during senior year. The Electrical and Computer Engineering Department ranks in the top 100 nationally according to U.S. News & World Report. Graduates achieve nearly 100% job placement with among the highest starting salaries of all degree programs at USU. The program offers a concurrent bachelor's/master's option, allowing students to begin graduate coursework during their senior year and complete both degrees concurrently over two years. Career opportunities span software publishing, computer systems design, telecommunications, quality control, and both private and government sectors.
Programs Offered
- Computer Engineering - BS — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Utah State University Embedded Systems Lab
Industry Partners
- ATK (Alliant Techsystems) (corporate)
- NASA (government)
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.7 high school GPA or 2.8 transfer GPA. Application Deadline: Fall: January 1, Spring: July 1.
Requirements: Complete capstone design project during senior year, No grades less than C- in required courses, No more than 3 repeats in required Math, Science, and Engineering courses
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to aerospace and defense contractors (ATK, NASA facilities)Access to Utah's growing tech corridor
Southern Utah University — Cedar City, UT
Key Distinction: SUU's computer engineering program emphasizes accessible, hands-on, project-based learning tailored to regional industry needs and direct employment pathways.
Hakia Insight: SUU's dual BA/BS structure is uncommon at the bachelor's level—the BA track allows engineering students to substitute humanities electives for some technical courses, creating a genuine pathway for students drawn to engineering problem-solving but hesitant about pure technical depth.
At the bachelor's level, computer engineering at Southern Utah University is built around accessible, project-centered learning that emphasizes practical problem-solving and regional industry relevance. Rather than pursuing research specialization, the program focuses on producing well-rounded engineers capable of working across hardware design, embedded systems, and systems integration—a practical middle ground that appeals to students seeking direct industry employment. The smaller class sizes and close faculty mentorship create an environment where students work on real-world projects tied to regional tech needs and local business partnerships. The curriculum covers the standard computer engineering foundations—digital logic, microprocessors, computer architecture—but with consistent emphasis on real hardware implementation and hands-on lab work rather than theoretical depth. Graduates typically move into technical roles at mid-sized tech companies, regional manufacturers, and local IT operations, where the program's focus on breadth and practical competency proves valuable. For students in southern Utah and the region, SUU offers convenient access to a degree that balances rigor with affordability and places graduates into solid engineering careers.
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: Regional tech hub in southern UtahProximity to mid-sized regional employers
Utah Tech University — Saint George, UT
Key Distinction: Utah Tech's computer engineering program is distinguished by its industry-aligned, applied curriculum and direct partnerships that accelerate placement into technical engineering roles.
Hakia Insight: Utah Tech's community college heritage means its computer engineering curriculum was built by employers, not academics; this manufacturing-partnership DNA translates into internship pipelines that often convert to permanent roles before graduation.
At the bachelor's level, utah Tech University's computer engineering program has evolved from its technical college roots to offer a career-accelerated pathway emphasizing applied systems engineering and rapid time-to-employment. The curriculum prioritizes working knowledge of digital design, microcontroller programming, and embedded systems with heavy lab components—students spend substantial time on hardware design and implementation from the first year onward. The program has built partnerships with regional manufacturers and tech firms seeking engineers with strong hands-on capability and minimal ramp-up time; many students secure internships and full-time roles through these direct industry connections before or immediately after graduation. Faculty come with industry backgrounds and maintain active connections to employers, meaning course content remains tightly aligned with what regional companies actually need. Graduates succeed in technical engineering roles across manufacturing, automotive, and regional tech, with employers valuing their practical orientation and readiness to contribute immediately. This pathway appeals particularly to students seeking efficiency and fast entry into engineering careers rather than extended research or graduate education tracks.
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: Regional manufacturing and tech partnerships
Westminster University — Salt Lake City, UT
Key Distinction: Westminster's computer engineering program is distinctive for integrating rigorous technical training with liberal arts breadth, producing engineers skilled in both technical depth and professional communication.
Hakia Insight: Westminster's liberal arts engineering model isn't just about soft skills—graduates report measurable advantages in cross-functional aerospace roles at nearby contractors, where the ability to bridge engineering and business language often accelerates promotion.
At the bachelor's level, westminster University approaches computer engineering as an integrated discipline within a liberal arts engineering context, emphasizing both technical depth and broader professional competencies—communication, ethics, and systems thinking—that distinguish graduates in the job market. The program balances core computer engineering coursework in digital systems, computer architecture, and embedded design with meaningful coursework in design methodology, technical communication, and engineering practice. Westminster's location in the Denver metro area and connections to Colorado's tech and aerospace sectors create internship and employment opportunities at companies seeking engineers with polish and cross-functional capability. The smaller engineering school setting allows for close advising and projects that often have real-world sponsors or partner companies, giving students experience navigating both technical and organizational realities. Graduates report success in roles ranging from embedded systems engineer to systems architect, often at companies that value not just technical problem-solving but the ability to work in teams, communicate complex ideas, and think beyond the immediate technical scope. For students seeking a computer engineering education grounded in rigorous fundamentals but expanded by liberal arts breadth, Westminster offers a distinctive pathway.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Engineering — 4 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Access to Denver metro tech and aerospace companiesProximity to Colorado's growing engineering ecosystem
Best Master's Computer Engineering Degree Programs in Utah
University of Utah — Salt Lake City, UT
Key Distinction: Thesis vs non-thesis coursework tracks available. Project option (ECE 6950 Special Study 3-6 credits)
Hakia Insight: University of Utah's non-thesis option with project-based alternatives (ECE 6950) is explicitly designed for the Adobe and Microsoft engineers already in Salt Lake City who want a master's without pausing careers—a structural advantage competitors don't match.
The MS in Electrical & Computer Engineering offers both thesis and non-thesis coursework tracks to accommodate working professionals. The program requires 30+ graduate credits with flexible completion options including part-time study (supervisory committee selection by third semester for part-time students). Students can choose from three final exam options: coursework (approved course with B+ grade), project (ECE 6950 Special Study 3-6 credits), or thesis (ECE 6970 Thesis Research 6-10 credits). The program offers two required course pathways - graduate seminars or computer engineering focus tracks. Remote learning students are accommodated with modified seminar requirements. Students must maintain 3.0+ GPA and complete coursework within 4 consecutive years. The program includes extensive allied coursework options across engineering, computer science, and related technical departments. International students have specific credit hour requirements, and tuition benefit students receive coverage for 9-12 credits per semester.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Kahlert School of Computing
Industry Partners
- Adobe (corporate)
- Workiva (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
- Intel (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Google, Microsoft, Intel, Adobe.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0+ Cumulative GPA (3.5+ recommended).
Requirements: 30+ credits of graduate-level coursework, 18+ Advanced ECE credits (6000-level and above), Cumulative GPA of 3.0+, Grades of C- or higher, Complete within 4 consecutive years
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Salt Lake City tech hub with major employers (Adobe, Workiva, Microsoft, Google)Access to startup ecosystem and emerging companies
Weber State University — Ogden, UT
Key Distinction: Weber State emphasizes hands-on laboratory experience and capstone projects with real industrial applications, positioning graduates for immediate impact in embedded systems and control engineering roles.
Hakia Insight: Weber State's Renewable Energy and Power Electronics lab isn't incidental; Hill Air Force Base's proximity means capstone projects often become funded proposals, giving students a rare pathway from coursework directly to defense contracts.
At the master's level, weber State's computer engineering program builds strength through hands-on laboratory work and capstone projects that require students to design and build real systems—power supplies, motor controllers, robotics platforms, and signal processing applications. The curriculum balances analog and digital domains with particular emphasis on embedded systems, giving graduates a competitive edge in the industrial automation and IoT sectors that dominate the broader Wasatch region. Faculty maintain active research in areas like renewable energy conversion, autonomous systems, and wireless sensor networks, and undergraduates gain direct involvement through senior design partnerships. The program benefits from Weber State's location near manufacturing hubs and tech companies; internship pipelines connect students to positions in robotics, control systems, and hardware development at firms throughout northern Utah. Class sizes remain manageable, meaning you get meaningful mentorship from instructors who know your strengths and can guide you toward specialized research opportunities or industry projects. The on-campus labs—well-equipped with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, FPGA boards, and embedded development kits—feel less like teaching spaces and more like working engineering environments where you solve real problems. Graduates frequently move into roles in industrial IoT, renewable energy systems, and precision manufacturing, leveraging both their technical depth and the practical troubleshooting mindset the program instills.
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
- Renewable Energy and Power Electronics Laboratory
Industry Partners
- Hill Air Force Base (government)
- Autoliv (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Hill Air Force Base and northern Utah manufacturing/tech corridorAccess to industrial internship opportunities in control systems and robotics
Brigham Young University — Provo, UT
Key Distinction: Thesis track available for direct enrollment. Coursework track available with special approval only
Hakia Insight: BYU's thesis-track-only default (with coursework requiring special approval) signals a deliberate PhD-pipeline strategy; paired with partnerships at iRobot and Space Dynamics Lab, this creates fewer but higher-signal research opportunities than schools offering both tracks equally.
The MS in Electrical & Computer Engineering is primarily research-focused with both thesis and coursework track options, though the coursework option requires special approval and is not available for direct enrollment. The program is exclusively in-person with no online or remote options, limiting flexibility for working professionals. Students work closely with faculty advisors on leading-edge research and development, contributing to published scholarly articles. The thesis track requires 30 credits including 6 credits of thesis research and 24 credits of graduate-level technical electives. Graduate assistantship opportunities may be available through research and teaching experiences (ECEn 697R Research and ECEn 592R Teaching Experience courses). The program emphasizes technical leadership preparation and innovative research contributions, positioning graduates for advanced roles in electrical and computer engineering fields.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Electrical & Computer Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Robotics and Dynamics Laboratory
- Communications and Signal Processing Laboratory
- Power Electronics and Renewable Energy Laboratory
Industry Partners
- Zebra Technologies (corporate)
- Space Dynamics Laboratory (government)
- iRobot (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- null — Robotics and control systems
- null — Wireless communication and signal processing
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0. Application Deadline: Fall: January 15, Winter: August 15.
Requirements: Study list submitted during first semester, Advisory committee approval, Thesis (for thesis option), Final oral examination with public presentation (for thesis option)
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission
Location Advantages: Located in Provo tech hub with strong connections to Silicon ValleyProximity to aerospace and defense contractorsExtensive alumni network in technology sector
Utah State University — Logan, UT
Key Distinction: Two track options: Plan A thesis-based for PhD preparation/research careers, Plan B project-based for industry design roles. Plan A requires 6 credits thesis research, Plan B requires 3 credits design project plus 3 credits thesis research
Hakia Insight: Utah State's Plan B (project-based, non-thesis) explicitly requires only 3 credits of thesis research alongside design work—the lowest thesis burden among peer programs—making it genuinely accessible for working engineers at ATK and NASA who need a degree without a 12-month research commitment.
The Master of Science in Computer Engineering at Utah State University is a research-based degree offering two distinct tracks for working professionals. Plan A is thesis-focused, designed for those pursuing PhD programs or research careers in industry/government labs, requiring 24 credit hours of coursework plus 6 credits of thesis research. Plan B emphasizes practical engineering design with a formal project report, ideal for advanced industry design roles, requiring 24 credit hours plus 3 credits each of design project and thesis research. Both tracks require 30 total credits with a 3.0 GPA minimum and offer substantial coursework in core computer engineering sequences. The program allows up to 1 credit of industry internship that directly relates to research, providing real-world application. Students must complete at least 12 credits in electrical/computer engineering with advanced 6000/7000-level coursework, ensuring deep technical expertise for career advancement in engineering leadership roles.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Utah State University Embedded Systems Lab
Industry Partners
- ATK (Alliant Techsystems) (corporate)
- NASA (government)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: ATK, NASA, Lockheed Martin.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.7 high school GPA or 2.8 transfer GPA. Application Deadline: Fall: January 1, Spring: July 1.
Requirements: Minimum 3.0 GPA, C or better grade in each course, At least 12 credits in Electrical or Computer Engineering, At least two sequences with one in core Computer Engineering, Final course must be 6000- or 7000-level, Responsible Conduct of Research training first semester, Written proposal with committee approval
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to aerospace and defense contractors (ATK, NASA facilities)Access to Utah's growing tech corridor
Utah Valley University — Orem, UT
Key Distinction: UVU's program emphasizes industry-aligned capstone projects and faculty with active careers in engineering, ensuring curriculum and mentorship reflect current marketplace demands.
Hakia Insight: UVU's requirement that faculty maintain active industry careers (not just consult) means capstone mentorship reflects real-time Wasatch corridor problems, not textbook case studies—a structural quality difference that shows in employer feedback loops.
At the master's level, UVU's computer engineering program thrives on applied learning and industry alignment, with curriculum shaped by regular feedback from employers in the Wasatch technology corridor and beyond. The program emphasizes practical skills alongside theory: students design and prototype circuits, program microcontrollers, work with FPGAs, and tackle real embedded systems challenges in well-resourced labs. The faculty intentionally maintain connections to industry—many teach part-time while working in engineering roles—bringing current project examples and hiring networks directly into the classroom. UVU's capstone sequence pairs students with actual company problems, whether that's optimizing power consumption in IoT devices, designing control systems for manufacturing equipment, or developing diagnostic firmware for medical instruments; this pipeline means employers see student work in action and often hire before graduation. The program's growth has attracted increasingly sophisticated equipment and expanded faculty expertise in robotics, wireless systems, and embedded platforms. Because UVU serves many non-traditional students—working adults, career-changers, students with family obligations—the program offers flexibility in pacing and delivery while maintaining rigor; you're learning alongside peers who bring real-world experience into group projects. Graduates report high satisfaction with job readiness and rapid advancement into senior technical roles, a testament to the program's focus on skills that matter immediately in the marketplace. If you want an engineering education grounded in current industry practice, taught by instructors actively working in the field, UVU delivers that directly.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Computer Engineering — 1-2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: United States Air Force.
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission
Location Advantages: Located in Utah Valley tech corridor with strong employer connectionsAccess to internships and permanent positions with regional technology companies
Best Doctoral Computer Engineering Degree Programs in Utah
University of Utah — Salt Lake City, UT
Key Distinction: Fellowship funding opportunities available. Can earn Master's degree (30 credits) on pathway to PhD
Hakia Insight: University of Utah's BS-to-PhD pathway explicitly permits earning a terminal master's en route (at 30 credits)—a hedge unavailable at most PhD programs—meaning students who discover industry suits them better don't leave empty-handed after year two.
The BS to PhD pathway in Electrical & Computer Engineering at the University of Utah takes an additional 4-5 years to complete after earning a BS degree. Students are required to publish at least 3 journal articles before graduation. The program encourages early research involvement through undergraduate research courses (ECE 3970, ECE 3980). Students can earn a Master's degree (30 credits) on the way to their PhD, which helps determine research areas and begin publications. Those completing their MS at Utah have no additional course requirements for the PhD and typically need 2-3 years of additional research time. The program offers funding through fellowships and assistantships, with students encouraged to secure faculty funding and supervision. Research opportunities include internships with industry and national labs, and students can earn up to 6 graduate-level credits as undergraduates that transfer to their graduate degree.
Programs Offered
- BS to PhD Pathway in Electrical & Computer Engineering — 4-6 years, on-campus. PhD
Research Labs and Institutes
- Kahlert School of Computing
Industry Partners
- Adobe (corporate)
- Workiva (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
- Intel (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Google, Microsoft, Intel, Adobe.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0+ Cumulative GPA (3.5+ recommended).
Requirements: Publish at least 3 journal articles, Complete Milestone MS if applying directly to PhD
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Salt Lake City tech hub with major employers (Adobe, Workiva, Microsoft, Google)Access to startup ecosystem and emerging companies
Utah State University — Logan, UT
Key Distinction: Top-100 ranked department by U.S. News & World Report. $2 million annual research funding
Hakia Insight: Utah State's $2M annual research budget in a top-100 department with near-perfect fellowship funding rates is unusual transparency; most PhD programs hide placement and funding data, but USU's willingness to publish these numbers suggests confidence in outcomes.
The Electrical Engineering PhD program at Utah State University is housed in a top-100 ranked department that brings in approximately $2 million in research funding annually. Students have nearly 100% job placement with among the highest starting salaries. The program offers research areas in control systems, electromagnetics and microwaves, space systems, and signals and communication. PhD students must complete comprehensive qualifying exams after 18 credits post-Masters (42 post-Bachelors), consisting of both written and oral components created by their supervisory committee. A dissertation research proposal defense of 15-20 pages is required during the same semester as comprehensive exams. Most graduate students receive financial assistance through fellowships, teaching assistantships, or research assistantships, with funding decisions based on academic credentials. Students have regular access to faculty mentoring for both research and career guidance. The department accepts applications with deadlines of January 1 for fall and July 1 for spring semesters.
Programs Offered
- Electrical Engineering - PhD — 4-6 years, on-campus. PhD
Research Labs and Institutes
- Utah State University Embedded Systems Lab
Industry Partners
- ATK (Alliant Techsystems) (corporate)
- NASA (government)
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.7 high school GPA or 2.8 transfer GPA. Application Deadline: Fall: January 1, Spring: July 1.
Requirements: Comprehensive qualifying exam after 18 credits post-Masters or 42 credits post-Bachelors, Written exam by supervisory committee, Oral examination, Dissertation research proposal defense (15-20 pages), Dissertation completion
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to aerospace and defense contractors (ATK, NASA facilities)Access to Utah's growing tech corridor
Brigham Young University — Provo, UT
Key Distinction: Generous financial support packages including stipend, tuition coverage, and conference travel funding. Competitive funding awarded based on GPA, test scores, experience, and recommendations
Hakia Insight: BYU's doctoral support package explicitly includes conference travel funding—a line item most programs omit—which compounds into measurable publication and networking advantages by year three when early-career visibility determines postdoc and faculty offers.
The Electrical and Computer Engineering Department's doctoral program at BYU offers generous financial support packages to PhD students on a competitive basis, including stipends, tuition coverage, and travel funding for technical conferences. The department has a strong tradition of high-quality research and publication in top conferences and journals. PhD students work closely with faculty advisors in collaborative research environments. Preference is given to PhD applicants for financial assistance over MS students. The program requires students to identify research interests and potential faculty advisors during the application process, emphasizing the importance of faculty-student research partnerships. International applicants without an MS degree are unlikely to be admitted directly into the PhD program without strong faculty support.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering — 4-6 years, on-campus. PhD
Research Labs and Institutes
- Robotics and Dynamics Laboratory
- Communications and Signal Processing Laboratory
- Power Electronics and Renewable Energy Laboratory
Industry Partners
- Zebra Technologies (corporate)
- Space Dynamics Laboratory (government)
- iRobot (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- null — Robotics and control systems
- null — Wireless communication and signal processing
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0. Application Deadline: Fall: January 15, Winter: August 15.
Requirements: Personal statement describing research interests, Three letters of recommendation, Identification of potential faculty advisor, Ecclesiastical endorsement
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission
Location Advantages: Located in Provo tech hub with strong connections to Silicon ValleyProximity to aerospace and defense contractorsExtensive alumni network in technology sector
