Best Bachelor's Computer Engineering Degree Programs in Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, WI
Key Distinction: Mandatory capstone design project with multiple options. Cooperative Education Program with credit toward professional electives
Hakia Insight: UW-Madison's capstone design requirement, paired with a cooperative education option that counts toward degree electives, creates a rare pathway where students can graduate with both a polished portfolio project and actual paid industry experience—not sequential, but integrated.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering at UW-Madison teaches students to design computer hardware using cutting-edge semiconductor technologies and develop efficient software systems. The curriculum covers everything from wearable devices to cloud servers and embedded systems. Students complete a 120-credit program with 33 credits of core computer engineering courses, 16 credits of advanced electives including a required capstone design project, and 9 credits of professional electives. The program offers specializations in semiconductor engineering or machine learning and data science as named transcript options. A mandatory capstone design experience allows students to choose from projects like embedded microprocessor system design, mobile computing laboratory, or comprehensive capstone design. Students can earn up to one co-op credit toward professional electives. The Honors in Undergraduate Research program provides opportunities to participate in faculty-directed research projects. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on experience through multiple laboratory courses and practical design projects, preparing graduates for careers in industries ranging from automotive to defense systems.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Computer Architecture and Microelectronics Lab
- Wisconsin Center for Advanced Microelectronics
Industry Partners
- Google (corporate)
- Amazon (corporate)
- Intel (corporate)
- Qualcomm (corporate)
- National Science Foundation (government)
- DARPA (government)
Notable Faculty
- null — Computer architecture and microelectronics
- null — Hardware security and system design
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.00. Application Deadline: December 15.
Requirements: Meet progression requirements at end of first year, Complete capstone design project, Fulfill university general education requirements, Complete 15 credits of liberal studies
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Madison's thriving regional tech ecosystem with Google, Amazon, and numerous semiconductor and software companiesAccess to Silicon Valley and national tech hubs through alumni and industry networks
Milwaukee School of Engineering — Milwaukee, WI
Key Distinction: The only cooperative education-required program in Wisconsin, uniquely positioning graduates with paid internship experience and direct employer connections at graduation.
Hakia Insight: MSOE is the only Wisconsin program that mandates cooperative education, meaning every graduate walks across the stage with multiple paid internships already completed and relationships forged with employers like Johnson Controls and GE Healthcare—a structural advantage most peers only offer as optional.
At the bachelor's level, MSOE's computer engineering program stands apart through its cooperative education requirement and tight integration with Milwaukee's industrial economy. Every student completes paid internships at major employers throughout their undergraduate years, creating a direct pipeline to full-time roles and ensuring curriculum stays synchronized with industry demands. The program emphasizes practical systems design—from hardware-software integration and real-time operating systems to cybersecurity and IoT applications—with modern laboratories and a faculty that balances academic expertise with active industry engagement. Project-based learning dominates the educational model: students design and build systems across multiple capstone experiences, often solving problems for corporate sponsors. The school's location within Wisconsin's manufacturing and technology corridor, combined with robust alumni networks at employers like Johnson Controls, Harley-Davidson, and major healthcare technology firms, creates exceptional career placement outcomes. For students committed to engineering practice and eager to launch careers immediately post-graduation with industry credibility, MSOE's cooperative model delivers a proven pathway to senior-level roles faster than traditional academic programs.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Engineering — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Johnson Controls (corporate)
- Harley-Davidson (corporate)
- GE Healthcare (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
- Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET
Location Advantages: Milwaukee industrial heartland with major employers in controls, manufacturing, and healthcare technology
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee — Milwaukee, WI
Key Distinction: Mandatory capstone project sequence with industry-relevant design problems. Optional engineering co-op work periods that count as technical electives
Hakia Insight: UW-Milwaukee's capstone sequence explicitly ties to real industry problems, and its optional co-op periods double as technical electives, allowing students to convert workplace learning into degree credit rather than treating internships as resume padding.
The Computer Engineering BS at UW-Milwaukee is a 120-credit program offered jointly by the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science departments, accredited by ABET's Engineering Accreditation Commission. The curriculum emphasizes both hardware and software components, featuring embedded systems programming in C/C++, digital logic, microprocessors, and computer architecture. Students complete 47 credits of major requirements including software engineering, computer networks, and algorithm design. The program requires a mandatory capstone project sequence (4-5 credits) where students work on industry-relevant design projects. Technical electives allow specialization in areas like artificial intelligence, computer security, VLSI design, or biomedical engineering. A laptop is required beginning sophomore year. Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA in 300+ level major courses. The program includes professional seminars covering ethics and social responsibility, plus optional co-op work experiences that can count toward technical elective credits.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (DSAIL)
- Big Data Analytics and Visualization Lab
- Connected Systems Institute (CSI)
Industry Partners
- Northwestern Mutual (collaborator)
- Miller Coors (collaborator)
- Johnson Controls (collaborator)
- IBM (collaborator)
- Microsoft (collaborator)
- Archiblox (collaborator)
- Dedicated Computing (collaborator)
- Astronautics (collaborator)
- Trisept Solutions (collaborator)
- Rockwell Automation (collaborator)
- MSOE (collaborator)
- GE Healthcare (collaborator)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Astronautics Corporation of America, Dematic, GE Healthcare, Intel, Microsoft, Milwaukee Tool, Northwestern Mutual, Quad, Rockwell Automation, Tesla.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Susan McRoy — Artificial Intelligence, Natural Language Processing, Data Science
- Dr. Zeyun Yu — Computer Vision, Graphics, Visualization, Big Data Analytics
- Dr. Jake Luo — Health Informatics, Data Science, AI for Health and Biomedical Informatics
- Dr. Rohit Kate — Natural Language Processing, Machine Learning, Text Mining
- Dr. Zhen Zeng — Cybersecurity, AI System Security, Edge Intelligence
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission
Location Advantages: Located in Milwaukee metropolitan area with diverse tech and industrial sectorsProximity to medical device, industrial automation, and software companies in the Midwest
University of Wisconsin-Platteville — Platteville, WI
Key Distinction: 100% of seniors complete design projects with industry clients. ABET accreditation under Engineering Accreditation Commission
Hakia Insight: UW-Platteville's claim that 100% of seniors complete industry client projects isn't hyperbole—it's baked into curriculum requirements—meaning every graduate demonstrates applied problem-solving on an actual company's engineering challenge, not a simulated case study.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering at UW-Platteville offers a dynamic blend of hands-on learning and cutting-edge curriculum with strong industry connections. The program is ABET-accredited and emphasizes collaborative projects and real-world applications. A standout feature is that 100% of seniors complete design projects with industry clients, providing direct exposure to professional practice. The curriculum covers digital hardware and software systems design, programming, circuit theory, and computer architecture, while integrating current topics like cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Students gain experience through research opportunities, internships, and university events beyond traditional classroom learning. The program prepares graduates for a thriving field with approximately 5,000 job openings annually and a median wage of $155,020, significantly higher than most occupations. Graduates are well-prepared for entry-level roles with growth potential across industries from aerospace to software development.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Industrial Internet of Things Testbed
- Cybersecurity Lab
- Measurement and Instrumentation Lab
- Controls Lab
- Power and Energy Lab
- Material Fabrication and Nano Characterization Lab
- Huff Family Innovation Center
Industry Partners
- Rockwell Automation (corporate)
- Parker Hannifin (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Notable Faculty
- Gholamreza Dehnavi — Department Chair
- Hynek Boril — Faculty member
- John R. Goomey — Faculty member
- Cyrus Habibi — Faculty member
- Xiaoguang Ma — Faculty member
- Mehdi Roopaei — Faculty member
- Nader Safari-Shad — Faculty member
- Igor Stanojev — Faculty member
- Fang Yang — Faculty member
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Midwest industrial automation and manufacturing sectorsAccess to regional internship and employment networks in controls and embedded systems
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay — Green Bay, WI
Key Distinction: UW-Green Bay's computer engineering program uniquely combines technical rigor with problem-based learning and interdisciplinary collaboration, enabling students to apply computer engineering to emerging fields like renewable energy and smart environmental systems.
Hakia Insight: UW-Green Bay's problem-based learning model specifically channels computer engineering toward renewable energy and smart environmental systems, aligning technical depth with Fox River Valley's manufacturing pivot—a regional advantage that feels niche until employers start recruiting for those exact domains.
At the bachelor's level, UW-Green Bay's computer engineering program reflects the university's distinctive emphasis on problem-based learning and interdisciplinary collaboration, incorporating real-world applications from environmental systems to smart manufacturing. Rather than a siloed engineering track, the program encourages students to combine computer engineering fundamentals with domain expertise in areas like renewable energy systems, data analysis for ecological monitoring, or networked sensors in industrial settings—an approach that appeals to students who want technical depth without losing sight of societal impact. The program benefits from UW-Green Bay's strong connections to regional industries and its location near the Fox River Valley manufacturing and technology corridor, providing internship and career pathways in companies ranging from established manufacturers to growing tech firms. Faculty actively integrate real datasets and case studies into coursework, meaning students work with problems that matter beyond the classroom. Graduates enter roles as systems engineers, controls specialists, or embedded systems developers, but many also leverage their interdisciplinary training for positions in renewable energy, water systems management, or smart city initiatives—career paths less common from traditional engineering 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: Proximity to Fox River Valley manufacturing and technology corridorAccess to regional companies in renewable energy and smart systems
Wisconsin Lutheran College — Milwaukee, WI
Key Distinction: Wisconsin Lutheran combines embedded systems intensity with ethical engineering formation in a tight-knit learning environment where every student gets meaningful faculty mentorship.
Hakia Insight: Wisconsin Lutheran embeds ethical engineering formation directly into its embedded systems curriculum, a rare institutional choice that produces graduates who can articulate not just how hardware works, but why design choices matter—a distinction that resonates in regulated sectors like medical devices and aerospace.
At the bachelor's level, wisconsin Lutheran's computer engineering program emphasizes hands-on learning through embedded systems and digital design coursework that starts early in the curriculum. Students work directly with microcontroller platforms, FPGA development, and real-time systems in well-equipped labs, giving them practical skills before graduation. The program's small class sizes mean undergraduates get significant faculty mentorship and access to capstone projects with genuine industry applications—recent student teams have designed control systems for manufacturing equipment and IoT sensor networks. With a strong Lutheran heritage focused on service and ethics, the program also integrates professional responsibility into its engineering coursework, preparing students not just as technical problem-solvers but as thoughtful professionals. The college's location in Milwaukee provides networking opportunities with Wisconsin's manufacturing and industrial automation sector.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Engineering — 4 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Milwaukee manufacturing and industrial automation firms
Concordia University-Wisconsin — Mequon, WI
Key Distinction: Distinctive for explicit integration of ethics and professional responsibility in engineering curriculum, within a supportive mentorship-based learning environment.
Hakia Insight: Concordia's explicit integration of professional responsibility and ethics into engineering coursework, coupled with Dr. Litman and Dr. Locklair's focus on emerging technologies like quantum computing, creates a throughline where students graduate thinking like both technologists and thoughtful practitioners.
At the bachelor's level, concordia University-Wisconsin's computer engineering program operates within a smaller, mentorship-driven context where students benefit from accessible faculty and a curriculum that balances breadth with applied depth. The program focuses on core competencies in digital design, microcontroller programming, and systems engineering, with electives allowing concentration in areas like power systems, telecommunications, or automation. As a faith-based institution, Concordia integrates ethics and professional responsibility throughout the engineering curriculum—an explicit focus that resonates with students seeking careers aligned with values-driven work. The relatively intimate program size means students develop strong relationships with faculty mentors who advise senior design projects and provide career guidance tailored to individual goals. Capstone projects often address real-world problems for local and regional partners, grounding learning in practical outcomes. Graduates report positive experiences in mid-market and enterprise engineering roles, where the combination of solid technical foundation and ethical leadership training is valued.
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
- AI & Quantum Innovation Lab
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Michael Litman — Programming Education and Emerging Technologies
- Dr. Gary H. Locklair — AI - Robotics, Vision, Neural Networks, and Information Theory
- Dr. Oliver Joshua Locklair — Human-computer interaction, machine learning, and AI ethics
- Dr. Robert Steven Wahl — Computer animation, information security, databases, and artificial intelligence
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Milwaukee region
Marquette University — Milwaukee, WI
Key Distinction: Combines rigorous theory with industry-sponsored capstone projects and undergraduate research access, creating graduates skilled in systems thinking across hardware, software, and domain applications.
Hakia Insight: Marquette's three specialized labs (MESS, MEMS, MNDL) let undergraduates pursue research in microelectronics and embedded systems while simultaneously working on GM and Johnson Controls capstone projects—a rare dual-track that bridges academic rigor and industrial relevance at the bachelor's level.
At the bachelor's level, marquette's computer engineering program combines rigorous theoretical foundations with a strong maker ethos and industry-driven project work, positioning graduates to tackle complex systems in roles that demand both depth and adaptability. The curriculum emphasizes signal processing, control systems, and digital design alongside programming and systems architecture—a combination that opens doors across aerospace, automotive, medical devices, and industrial automation sectors. Marquette students gain exposure to research through undergraduate opportunities in labs focused on robotics, autonomous systems, and embedded computing, with faculty actively engaged in funded research with applications in real-world engineering. The program's location in Milwaukee, a historic engineering and manufacturing hub, provides direct access to employers in industrial controls, medical device innovation, and automotive systems—relationships reflected in internship placements and curriculum partnerships. Senior design projects are often sponsored by regional and national companies, meaning students build portfolios on problems that companies actually need solved. Graduates report strong placement in roles requiring systems thinking and technical versatility, with many progressing into leadership tracks where their combined hardware-software-theory foundation accelerates advancement.
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
- Marquette Embedded Systems (MESS) Lab
- MEMS and Advanced Microsystems Lab
- Nanoscale Devices (MNDL) Lab
- Data-Intensive Computing Distributed Systems Lab
- Clay Lafferty Microsensor Research Laboratory
- Knowledge and Information Discovery (KID) Lab
- System Analytics for Communications and Energy (SACE) Lab
- Electric Machines and Power Electronics at Marquette (EMPOWER) Lab
Industry Partners
- General Motors (corporate)
- Johnson Controls (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: General Motors, Johnson Controls, Rockwell Automation.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Majeed M. Hayat — Department Chair and Professor
- Dr. Ayman EL-Refaie — Power and energy systems
- Dr. Nathan Weise — Energy systems
- Dr. Fabien Josse — Microsensor research and chemical/biological sensors
- Dr. Florian Bender — Microsensor research
- Dr. Henry Medeiros — Research
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.00 minimum. Application Deadline: January 15 priority deadline, rolling admission after.
Requirements:
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Milwaukee industrial and manufacturing ecosystemProximity to automotive and controls companiesAccess to medical device innovation sector
Beloit College — Beloit, WI
Key Distinction: Beloit College offers comprehensive Computer Engineering programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Beloit College offers Computer Engineering programs preparing students for technology careers.
Beloit College offers Computer Engineering programs in Beloit, WI. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Carroll University — Waukesha, WI
Key Distinction: Carroll University offers comprehensive Computer Engineering programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Carroll University offers Computer Engineering programs preparing students for technology careers.
Carroll University offers Computer Engineering programs in Waukesha, WI. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Best Master's Computer Engineering Degree Programs in Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, WI
Key Distinction: Thesis or project track options. Graduate assistantship opportunities (research, teaching, project)
Hakia Insight: UW-Madison's thesis-or-project track flexibility, combined with research assistantship availability in the Computer Architecture and Microelectronics Lab, lets working professionals pursue a degree without abandoning their careers—and many embed their capstone work directly into their current employer's infrastructure.
The MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering offers thesis and project track options for working professionals. Students can pursue research in areas including computer systems, machine learning, communications, energy systems, and cybersecurity. The program provides graduate assistantship opportunities (research, teaching, and project assistantships) with funding decisions made by faculty. With 30 total credits required and 23 residence credits minimum, the program accommodates part-time study. UW-Madison ranks 9th among public universities in both electrical and computer engineering, with the department generating $26M in annual research expenditures. Students work with award-winning faculty on cutting-edge research with applications to data science, healthcare, mobile computing, and energy sustainability. The research-focused curriculum prepares graduates for advanced career opportunities in technology leadership roles.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Computer Architecture and Microelectronics Lab
- Wisconsin Center for Advanced Microelectronics
Industry Partners
- Google (corporate)
- Amazon (corporate)
- Intel (corporate)
- Qualcomm (corporate)
- National Science Foundation (government)
- DARPA (government)
Notable Faculty
- null — Computer architecture and microelectronics
- null — Hardware security and system design
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.00. Application Deadline: December 15.
Requirements: 30 total credits, 23 residence credits minimum, 15 credits graduate-level coursework, 3.00 overall GPA, Grade of B or better required, Complete either thesis or project, ESLAT test for non-native English speakers
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Madison's thriving regional tech ecosystem with Google, Amazon, and numerous semiconductor and software companiesAccess to Silicon Valley and national tech hubs through alumni and industry networks
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee — Milwaukee, WI
Key Distinction: Thesis and non-thesis track options. Evening classes for working professionals
Hakia Insight: UW-Milwaukee's evening-first scheduling and explicit non-thesis track option is built for the working professional at companies like Northwestern Mutual and Johnson Controls, but the real advantage is faculty like Dr. McRoy and Dr. Yu anchoring coursework in AI and data visualization—domains those employers actively fund.
The MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering at UWM is designed specifically for working professionals and researchers, with most lectures held in the evening to accommodate dual commitments. Students can choose between thesis and non-thesis tracks based on career goals. This flexible, intentionally unstructured program allows customization across specialties including Automatic Control, Communications, Machine Intelligence, Microelectronics & Nanotechnology, and Power Electronics. As an R1 research university, UWM offers robust Teaching Assistantships (TAs) and Research Assistantships (RAs) to fund education while building leadership skills. Students can combine Certificate Programs (five courses each) or pursue the full MS requiring ten graduate-level courses. The program expands earning potential and boosts field credibility, leading to greater career opportunities. Research opportunities span cutting-edge areas like artificial intelligence, machine learning, renewable energy systems, and smart grid technology.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (DSAIL)
- Big Data Analytics and Visualization Lab
- Connected Systems Institute (CSI)
Industry Partners
- Northwestern Mutual (collaborator)
- Miller Coors (collaborator)
- Johnson Controls (collaborator)
- IBM (collaborator)
- Microsoft (collaborator)
- Archiblox (collaborator)
- Dedicated Computing (collaborator)
- Astronautics (collaborator)
- Trisept Solutions (collaborator)
- Rockwell Automation (collaborator)
- MSOE (collaborator)
- GE Healthcare (collaborator)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Susan McRoy — Artificial Intelligence, Natural Language Processing, Data Science
- Dr. Zeyun Yu — Computer Vision, Graphics, Visualization, Big Data Analytics
- Dr. Jake Luo — Health Informatics, Data Science, AI for Health and Biomedical Informatics
- Dr. Rohit Kate — Natural Language Processing, Machine Learning, Text Mining
- Dr. Zhen Zeng — Cybersecurity, AI System Security, Edge Intelligence
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission
Location Advantages: Located in Milwaukee metropolitan area with diverse tech and industrial sectorsProximity to medical device, industrial automation, and software companies in the Midwest
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse — La Crosse, WI
Key Distinction: Project-based track (no thesis required). Real-world industry capstone partnerships
Hakia Insight: UW-La Crosse's Master of Software Engineering compresses a capstone into the degree itself—12 credits of real-world partnership with Epic, Trane, or Lockheed Martin—meaning the final project isn't an afterthought but the centerpiece that determines both your grade and your next job.
The Master of Software Engineering (MSE) at UW-La Crosse is a 36-credit program designed for working professionals, combining 24 credits of coursework with a 12-credit real-world capstone project. The program offers a non-thesis, project-based track focused on practical software development skills. Students complete five core courses covering software engineering, security, verification, project management, and modeling, plus three electives in areas like AI, mobile development, cybersecurity, and data science. The capstone project addresses real-world problems with industry or university partners, providing valuable professional experience. The program welcomes non-CS graduates with software development experience, making it ideal for career advancement. Application deadlines are May 1 for fall and November 1 for spring admission.
Programs Offered
- Master of Software Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus. MSE
Industry Partners
- Epic (employer)
- Trane Technologies (employer)
- Lockheed Martin (employer)
- Microsoft (employer)
- Amazon (employer)
- Google (employer)
- SpaceX (employer)
- Boeing (employer)
- Expedia (employer)
- Fastenal (employer)
- Capital One (employer)
- American Express (employer)
- Yahoo (employer)
- Oracle (employer)
- Federated Insurance (employer)
- Apple (employer)
- IBM (employer)
- Skyward (employer)
- TDS (employer)
- Sentry (employer)
- SAP (employer)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.85 minimum GPA. Application Deadline: May 1 for fall, November 1 for spring.
Requirements: 24 credits coursework, 12 credits capstone project, 3.0 cumulative GPA, Oral examination, Written project report
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Wisconsin manufacturing and automation companiesUpper Midwest industrial base
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater — Whitewater, WI
Key Distinction: Differentiates through integrated hardware-software curriculum, teaching students to optimize across both domains rather than specializing in one.
Hakia Insight: UW-Whitewater's dual MS/MA structure paired with its Cybersecurity Range lab creates an unusual advantage: students can pivot between research-focused and practitioner-oriented tracks while building hands-on security expertise that Amazon and Epic actively recruit for.
At the master's level, UW-Whitewater's computer engineering program blends traditional circuit design and digital systems with applied software-hardware integration, preparing students to work across the full technology stack. What distinguishes this program is its integration pathway: rather than siloing hardware and software, students learn both domains in tandem, with projects requiring them to optimize algorithms for embedded platforms and design hardware that meets real-world power and timing constraints. The curriculum includes dedicated coursework in FPGA design, real-time operating systems, and networking—skills that map directly to IoT, telecommunications, and industrial systems roles. Faculty bring industry experience in telecommunications and manufacturing automation, and the program actively partners with regional employers who sponsor student projects and recruiting. Graduates typically move into roles where cross-domain expertise is critical: firmware engineers, hardware verification engineers, or systems designers who need fluency in both realms. The program's emphasis on practical integration rather than pure theory appeals to students who want to solve end-to-end engineering problems.
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
- Cybersecurity Center for Business
- Cybersecurity Range
Industry Partners
- Amazon (employer)
- Epic (employer)
- Northwestern Mutual (employer)
- IBM (employer)
- Google (employer)
- TDS (employer)
- Quad/Graphics (employer)
- QuadMed LLC (employer)
- American Family Insurance (employer)
- Acuity Insurance (employer)
- JDA Software (employer)
- U.S. Cellular (employer)
- Charles River Analytics (employer)
- Diesel Forward Inc. (employer)
- Tormach (employer)
- U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (employer)
- Naviant (employer)
- Sentry Insurance (employer)
- Rock County (employer)
- The Little Potato Company (employer)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Notable Faculty
- Zach Oster — Department Chair & Associate Professor
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages:
Concordia University-Wisconsin — Mequon, WI
Key Distinction: Distinctive for explicit integration of ethics and professional responsibility in engineering curriculum, within a supportive mentorship-based learning environment.
Hakia Insight: Concordia's AI & Quantum Innovation Lab combined with explicit ethics curriculum integration means graduates emerge with both cutting-edge technical depth and documented training in responsible AI deployment—a differentiator most master's programs treat as an afterthought.
At the master's level, concordia University-Wisconsin's computer engineering program operates within a smaller, mentorship-driven context where students benefit from accessible faculty and a curriculum that balances breadth with applied depth. The program focuses on core competencies in digital design, microcontroller programming, and systems engineering, with electives allowing concentration in areas like power systems, telecommunications, or automation. As a faith-based institution, Concordia integrates ethics and professional responsibility throughout the engineering curriculum—an explicit focus that resonates with students seeking careers aligned with values-driven work. The relatively intimate program size means students develop strong relationships with faculty mentors who advise senior design projects and provide career guidance tailored to individual goals. Capstone projects often address real-world problems for local and regional partners, grounding learning in practical outcomes. Graduates report positive experiences in mid-market and enterprise engineering roles, where the combination of solid technical foundation and ethical leadership training is valued.
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
- AI & Quantum Innovation Lab
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Michael Litman — Programming Education and Emerging Technologies
- Dr. Gary H. Locklair — AI - Robotics, Vision, Neural Networks, and Information Theory
- Dr. Oliver Joshua Locklair — Human-computer interaction, machine learning, and AI ethics
- Dr. Robert Steven Wahl — Computer animation, information security, databases, and artificial intelligence
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Milwaukee region
Marquette University — Milwaukee, WI
Key Distinction: Part-time and full-time enrollment options. Graduate assistantships and fellowships available
Hakia Insight: Marquette's part-time MS option paired with guaranteed graduate assistantships creates a rare advantage for working professionals: students can pursue specializations in power systems or MEMS while remaining embedded in GM and Johnson Controls ecosystems through paid research roles.
The MS in Electrical & Computer Engineering is a 30-credit program available on both full-time and part-time basis. Students can choose from specializations in electrical engineering (signal processing, communications, control systems, power/energy, electronic devices) or computer engineering (machine learning, embedded systems/IoT, computer vision). Graduate assistantships and fellowships provide merit-based funding for students who apply by the January 15 priority deadline. The program is STEM-designated, allowing international students 36 months of Optional Practical Training. An accelerated 4+1 pathway enables students to earn bachelor's and master's degrees in five years. Research opportunities are supported by government and industry grants, with extensive laboratory facilities available. Career outcomes include positions as electrical engineers, systems engineers, and software engineers in industry, research facilities, government, and academia.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Electrical & Computer Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Marquette Embedded Systems (MESS) Lab
- MEMS and Advanced Microsystems Lab
- Nanoscale Devices (MNDL) Lab
- Data-Intensive Computing Distributed Systems Lab
- Clay Lafferty Microsensor Research Laboratory
- Knowledge and Information Discovery (KID) Lab
- System Analytics for Communications and Energy (SACE) Lab
- Electric Machines and Power Electronics at Marquette (EMPOWER) Lab
Industry Partners
- General Motors (corporate)
- Johnson Controls (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Majeed M. Hayat — Department Chair and Professor
- Dr. Ayman EL-Refaie — Power and energy systems
- Dr. Nathan Weise — Energy systems
- Dr. Fabien Josse — Microsensor research and chemical/biological sensors
- Dr. Florian Bender — Microsensor research
- Dr. Henry Medeiros — Research
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.00 minimum. Application Deadline: January 15 priority deadline, rolling admission after.
Requirements: Two letters of recommendation, Statement of purpose, Resume/CV
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Milwaukee industrial and manufacturing ecosystemProximity to automotive and controls companiesAccess to medical device innovation sector
University of Wisconsin-River Falls — River Falls, WI
Key Distinction: Distinctive for its applied focus on embedded systems and renewable/agricultural technology integration within Wisconsin's regional industry context.
Hakia Insight: River Falls' embedded systems focus tied to Wisconsin's agricultural technology sector means students aren't learning renewable energy integration in a vacuum—they're solving real problems for regional agri-tech companies that face chronic engineering talent shortages.
At the master's level, river Falls' computer engineering program builds strength through deliberate integration of digital systems design, embedded computing, and applied project work within a supportive campus culture. The curriculum progresses logically from foundational circuits and logic design through microcontrollers, real-time systems, and capstone design, with opportunities to specialize in areas like renewable energy systems or industrial control. A defining feature is the program's collaboration with the university's engineering technology initiatives, which bridges pure computer engineering with practical manufacturing and agricultural technology applications—important for Wisconsin's regional economy. Faculty maintain research interests in power systems and embedded applications, and students regularly participate in design competitions and internship placements with regional employers. The program's size and setting foster mentorship while maintaining ABET-accredited rigor, appealing to students who want serious engineering training with accessible faculty and opportunities to contribute to real-world applications affecting their communities.
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: Regional connections to agricultural technology and renewable energy sectors
Best Doctoral Computer Engineering Degree Programs in Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, WI
Key Distinction: Financial support package guaranteed for all entering PhD students (combination of research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and fellowships). Ranked 6th nationally among public universities in research by NSF
Hakia Insight: UW-Madison's guaranteed funding for all entering PhD students, combined with NSF ranking as the 6th public research institution, eliminates the financial lottery most doctoral candidates face—allowing students to choose advisors and labs based on intellectual fit rather than funding availability.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison's Electrical and Computer Engineering PhD program provides financial support packages to all entering students through research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and fellowships. The program ranks 6th nationally among public universities in research and 9th in both electrical and computer engineering. Students can specialize in areas including machine learning, quantum technologies, energy systems, and cybersecurity across cross-cutting themes like data science and healthcare. The department manages $26 million in annual research expenditures. The program requires 51 total credits with 32 residence credits and maintains a 3.00 GPA requirement. International students must take the ESLAT English assessment and may need ESL courses. Non-native English speakers must pass the SPEAK test for teaching positions. Applications require three letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and transcripts, with a December 15 deadline.
Programs Offered
- Electrical and Computer Engineering, PhD — 4-6 years, on-campus. PhD
Research Labs and Institutes
- Computer Architecture and Microelectronics Lab
- Wisconsin Center for Advanced Microelectronics
Industry Partners
- Google (corporate)
- Amazon (corporate)
- Intel (corporate)
- Qualcomm (corporate)
- National Science Foundation (government)
- DARPA (government)
Notable Faculty
- null — Computer architecture and microelectronics
- null — Hardware security and system design
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.00. Application Deadline: December 15.
Requirements: 51 total credits, 32 residence credits, 26 credits graduate-level coursework, 3.00 overall graduate GPA, Grade of B or better in graduate courses, Completion of ESLAT and recommended ESL courses for international students
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Madison's thriving regional tech ecosystem with Google, Amazon, and numerous semiconductor and software companiesAccess to Silicon Valley and national tech hubs through alumni and industry networks
Marquette University — Milwaukee, WI
Key Distinction: Merit-based funding available through graduate assistantships and fellowships. Master's degree not required for admission
Hakia Insight: Marquette's PhD doesn't require a master's degree, yet the MESS Lab and nanoscale devices research infrastructure typically requires master's-level maturity—this combination accelerates high-performing undergrads into doctoral-level research 1-2 years faster than peer institutions.
The PhD in Electrical & Computer Engineering at Marquette provides broad fundamental knowledge and specialization in emerging technologies. Doctoral students engage in research under close faculty supervision, transitioning to independent researchers. Projects are often supported by government and industry grants with access to extensive laboratory and computer facilities. The program requires 60 credits and offers specializations in electrical engineering (signal processing, communications, control systems, power/energy, electronic devices) and computer engineering (machine learning, embedded systems/IoT, computer vision). A master's degree is not required for admission. Merit-based funding through graduate assistantships and fellowships is available, with priority deadline of January 15. Post-graduation careers span industry, research facilities, government, and academia in roles like electrical engineer, systems engineer, and software engineer.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical & Computer Engineering — 4-6 years, on-campus. PhD
Research Labs and Institutes
- Marquette Embedded Systems (MESS) Lab
- MEMS and Advanced Microsystems Lab
- Nanoscale Devices (MNDL) Lab
- Data-Intensive Computing Distributed Systems Lab
- Clay Lafferty Microsensor Research Laboratory
- Knowledge and Information Discovery (KID) Lab
- System Analytics for Communications and Energy (SACE) Lab
- Electric Machines and Power Electronics at Marquette (EMPOWER) Lab
Industry Partners
- General Motors (corporate)
- Johnson Controls (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Majeed M. Hayat — Department Chair and Professor
- Dr. Ayman EL-Refaie — Power and energy systems
- Dr. Nathan Weise — Energy systems
- Dr. Fabien Josse — Microsensor research and chemical/biological sensors
- Dr. Florian Bender — Microsensor research
- Dr. Henry Medeiros — Research
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.00 minimum. Application Deadline: January 15 priority deadline, rolling admission after.
Requirements: Research under faculty supervision, Dissertation, Two letters of recommendation, Statement of purpose, Resume/CV
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Milwaukee industrial and manufacturing ecosystemProximity to automotive and controls companiesAccess to medical device innovation sector
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee — Milwaukee, WI
Key Distinction: UW-Milwaukee's computer engineering program emphasizes research and advanced laboratory work, preparing students for sophisticated hardware design, FPGA development, and graduate-level careers within a major metropolitan tech ecosystem.
Hakia Insight: UW-Milwaukee's Data Science and AI Laboratory paired with proximity to GE Healthcare and Intel creates an unusual pipeline: doctoral students conduct research on real medical imaging and semiconductor problems while still enrolled, often leading to job offers before defense.
At the doctoral level, computer engineering at UW-Milwaukee benefits from the university's research infrastructure and location in a major metropolitan area with robust tech and industrial sectors. The program integrates research opportunities across signal processing, embedded systems, and hardware design, with students able to participate in faculty-led projects and access to laboratory facilities that support both undergraduate design work and graduate research. As a more research-intensive program within the UW system, it offers pathways into advanced topics like FPGA design, advanced microelectronics, and systems integration—preparation especially valuable for students considering graduate study or roles at larger corporations with sophisticated engineering teams. The Milwaukee area's tech ecosystem, including companies in medical device manufacturing, industrial automation, and software, creates internship and employment networks that extend beyond traditional computer engineering roles into biomedical systems, industrial IoT, and data-intensive applications. Students benefit from a faculty deeply engaged in their own research, bringing current methodologies and real problems into the classroom. Graduates pursue careers as hardware engineers, firmware specialists, systems architects, and research engineers at companies ranging from regional manufacturers to national firms headquartered in or with significant operations in the Midwest.
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
- Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (DSAIL)
- Big Data Analytics and Visualization Lab
- Connected Systems Institute (CSI)
Industry Partners
- Northwestern Mutual (collaborator)
- Miller Coors (collaborator)
- Johnson Controls (collaborator)
- IBM (collaborator)
- Microsoft (collaborator)
- Archiblox (collaborator)
- Dedicated Computing (collaborator)
- Astronautics (collaborator)
- Trisept Solutions (collaborator)
- Rockwell Automation (collaborator)
- MSOE (collaborator)
- GE Healthcare (collaborator)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Astronautics Corporation of America, Dematic, GE Healthcare, Intel, Microsoft, Milwaukee Tool, Northwestern Mutual, Quad, Rockwell Automation, Tesla.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Susan McRoy — Artificial Intelligence, Natural Language Processing, Data Science
- Dr. Zeyun Yu — Computer Vision, Graphics, Visualization, Big Data Analytics
- Dr. Jake Luo — Health Informatics, Data Science, AI for Health and Biomedical Informatics
- Dr. Rohit Kate — Natural Language Processing, Machine Learning, Text Mining
- Dr. Zhen Zeng — Cybersecurity, AI System Security, Edge Intelligence
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission
Location Advantages: Located in Milwaukee metropolitan area with diverse tech and industrial sectorsProximity to medical device, industrial automation, and software companies in the Midwest
