Computer Engineering Bachelor's Degree

Computer engineering is a growing field that integrates both the software and hardware sides of computer systems. Computer engineering at Michigan Tech bridges this gap and prepares you to become a computer integration specialist.

A bachelor’s degree in computer engineering from Michigan Tech prepares you to become a uniquely qualified expert in both electrical engineering and computer science. Study the whole computer system by taking courses in computer system engineering, programming, mechanics, computer architecture, and more. Prepare for a career in any computer-related field, such as robotics, automation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and more. 

As a Michigan Tech computer engineering student, you’ll work closely with expert faculty members in a discovery-based learning environment with state-of-the-art equipment. Our labs follow a one-student-per-bench model, giving you space to become familiar with cutting-edge tools and build the skills you'll need as a computer engineer. Develop your own projects in the Plexus Innovation Lab, an electronics makerspace designed for student use. 

Develop real solutions as a research assistant and gain hands-on experience in a project-based curriculum. Collaborate with your fellow engineers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering’s ITC Learning Center and find the academic path that best suits you with the help of our advisors. 

  • No. 13
    Best Public College for Engineering in America (Niche)
  • No. 2
    Best Public School for Internships (The Princeton Review)
  • No. 3
    Best Public College in the US for High Salaries (The Wall Street Journal)
  • No. 9
    for Career Placement (The Princeton Review)

What Will I Study?

As a computer engineering major at Michigan Tech, you'll build on a foundation of physics, mathematics, and engineering principles. Develop hands-on expertise working on real hardware and software projects. Put your computer engineering skills to the test in either an industry-sponsored Senior Design capstone project or collaborative Enterprise team. Expand your expertise with advanced coursework in the following areas:

  • Computer Networks
  • Internet of Things Applications and Design
  • Network Security
  • Software Processes and Management
  • User Interface Design and Implementation
  • Autonomous Systems

Tomorrow Needs Computer Engineers Who Bridge the Gap

Computer engineering is a hybrid of computer science and electrical engineering. It combines knowledge from both fields into a single discipline. The field of computer engineering continues to be driven by advances in areas such as artificial intelligence, embedded systems, supercomputing, and quantum computing. As technology and computing devices continue to evolve and become common in daily life, computer engineers will bridge the gap to build an efficient, reliable future.

Engineering Enterprise Concentration

You can pursue an Enterprise concentration by taking part in Michigan Tech's award-winning Enterprise program. It's a great way to enhance your undergraduate degree. Enterprise is when students work in teams on real projects, with real clients, in an environment that's more like a business than a classroom. Choose from among 25 Enterprise teams on campus to invent products, provide services, and pioneer solutions. Tackle real-world design projects for industry sponsors or take part in a national competition (or both). This concentration can add courses in business and entrepreneurship.

 All Enterprise teams are open to all majors, including computer engineering-focused teams such as Blue Marble Security, Wireless Communication, or Robotic Systems. Tackle real-world design projects for industry sponsors or take part in a national competition (or both). This concentration can add courses in business and entrepreneurship.

Be Career Ready

Graduate with a bachelor's degree in computer engineering from Michigan Tech. You will gain the versatility to work in numerous fields. Consult on movie special effects. Design nanotechnology for bionic implants. Many computer engineers choose jobs that use their hardware/software integration abilities. Design complete systems in automotive, aerospace, and many other industries.

Explore Career Opportunities for Computer Engineers:

  • Hardware Engineer
  • Design Engineer
  • Validation Engineer
  • Embedded Software Engineer
  • Systems Engineer
  • Firmware Engineer

$76,707 mean entry-level salary
Figures from payscale.com, accessed April 2025.

What is Computer Engineering?

Computer engineers study the computer system in its entirety. They are comfortable working with both hardware and software. Computer engineers understand how the hardware and software interact with each other. They can test design trade-offs between the two. Computer engineers bridge the hardware/software divide. They can design, build, and program complete computer systems from scratch.

By contrast, a computer scientist focuses on the theory of a computer system. This includes software and programming. A computer engineer understands circuitry and hardware. They work on electronic aspects of the system, with less emphasis on software.

My Story: Carter Dugan, MTUengineer

"I’m on a team working on a drone that can use a cell tower as a middle man when communicating with the user, something that gives drones a much larger range of control. It is a very interesting and ambitious project, and the time I have spent working on it with my incredibly intelligent teammates has been invaluable and has taught me a lot."

Carter Dugan
Carter Dugan ’25
computer engineering

Ready to take the next step?

Learn more about studying computer engineering at Michigan's flagship technological university.

 

"I can be hired as any computer major in a job anywhere. The diversity of options I get for jobs and where I'm able to work is great."Abby Nelson, computer engineering

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Electrical and Computer Engineering at Michigan Tech prepares our students to tackle tomorrow’s challenges in robotics, automation, artificial intelligence, machine learning, alternative energy, and beyond. Study and develop crucial technologies to meet society’s needs with a customizable approach. Take your place at the forefront of technological change alongside expert faculty, innovative research centers, and supportive peers.

  • Apply your skills in the Plexus Innovation Lab and electronics makerspace.
  • Collaborate with your peers in the ITC Learning Center.
  • Participate in undergraduate research with world-renowned faculty.
  • Utilize and test real equipment, from robots and lasers to microcontrollers and power systems.
  • Develop real solutions working on an industry-sponsored Senior Design capstone project.
  • Join an Enterprise team such as Open Source Hardware or Robotic Systems.

MTU engineering

Real Engineering. Meaningful Work.

Michigan Tech’s College of Engineering is committed to inspiring students, advancing knowledge, and innovating technological solutions to create a sustainable, just, and prosperous world. With an entering engineering class of about 1,000 students, 18 degrees to choose from, and 160+ engineering faculty alone, our students take part in a world-class education with the trusted reputation of Michigan Tech.

Collaborate and innovate as part of Michigan Tech’s discovery-based learning environment. Explore the endless possibilities of your engineering education in Engineering Fundamentals. Work closely with world-renowned faculty as a research assistant or develop real solutions with industry partners on an Enterprise team or Senior Design capstone project. 

Join the pack and find the support you need. Map your academic career with the help of an academic advisor. Transition to University life with the support of the Waino Wahtera Center for Student Success or receive academic support in any of the Learning Centers across campus. 

Study abroad, with engineering opportunities ranging from a few weeks to a full year. Focus on problems facing disadvantaged communities in countries around the world. Michigan Tech’s Global and Community Engagement program offers a range of options.

A degree in engineering from Michigan Tech can take you anywhere. After graduating, 95 percent of our alumni find successful employment within six months. Tech engineers work at NASA, Whirlpool, General Motors, Dow, Lockheed Martin, and other noteworthy organizations around the globe. With multiple annual Career Fairs and one-on-one advising from Career Services, you can find an internship, co-op, or full-time job where your engineering expertise can make a difference.

Tomorrow Needs Every Engineer

Michigan Tech engineers are at the forefront of change. Using creative ideas and technologies to solve problems in healthcare, energy, transportation, space exploration, climate change, and beyond, Tech engineers are prepared to help people and their communities adapt toward an equitable future. Become an engineer who is ready for what tomorrow needs.

College News

Connected, innovative.

Build real skills at Michigan Tech. Become an engineer.

Gain diverse experience.

Engage in design and research.

Leap forward in your program.

Connect with students and industry.

"Computer engineering provides opportunities to work on autonomous robotics: I joined the SAE AutoDrive project in the Robotic Systems Enterprise."Haden Wasserbaech ’18, BS Computer Engineering