Computer engineering degree programs are usually time intensive, especially if you plan to complete a graduate program. However, enrolling in the fastest online computer engineering degree program they can find makes it possible for prospective students to quickly get their degrees without missing out on any coursework. If you want to get an online computer engineering degree fast, this article is for you.
Online degree programs are increasingly becoming the preferred mode of learning for working students and long-distance learners. This article covers the best accelerated online computer engineering degree programs, tuition rates, and degree requirements for each online degree program, as well as exciting career opportunities in this competitive field.
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What Is an Accelerated Computer Engineering Degree?
An accelerated computer engineering degree is earned through an undergraduate program that allows students to graduate in less than four years. In addition, accelerated computer engineering programs cost less than traditional four-year programs but deliver the same education level as four-year bachelor’s degree programs.
You can also take advantage of transfer credits from previous programs to pursue an accelerated Master’s Degree in Computer Engineering, which takes less than the traditional two years. Accelerated computer engineering degree programs have become popular among professionals seeking to enhance their industry certifications in pursuit of new job opportunities as well as students seeking affordable program costs.
How Do Accelerated Degrees Work?
Accelerated degrees are designed with flexibility in mind by offering more classes each term and in shorter amounts of time, thereby allowing students to complete more college credits in less time than traditional programs.
In addition, accelerated computer engineering degrees are often offered in an online format and provide additional flexibility. Online schools allow you to pursue the same technology occupations as traditional degree students.
Types of Accelerated Computer Engineering Degrees
The best schools for computer engineering accommodate all students at different academic levels. Depending on your background, you can apply for an accelerated associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or graduate program. These schools cover different aspects of computer engineering, from foundational knowledge to expert-level skills in computer engineering.
Concentrations are also available as part of most advanced degrees. These concentrations include those in information management, game development, web development, network administration, information security, and programming and software development. Below is an overview of the different types of accelerated computer engineering degrees.
Accelerated Associate Degrees
Accelerated associate degrees are offered by community colleges and some four-year institutions. This degree program takes one to two years to complete and tackles foundation-level courses. You’ll learn to collect, analyze, and interpret data using beginner-friendly statistical methods. Furthermore, many community colleges partner with four-year institutions to administer transferable credits that can facilitate a shorter bachelor’s degree program.
Accelerated Bachelor’s Degrees
An accelerated bachelor’s degree is earned through a three- to four-year program that typically requires a minimum of 120 credit hours. A bachelor’s degree is perhaps the most pursued degree level because of its popularity in the job market. Computer engineering bachelor’s degree students learn theoretical and practical skills like calculus, mathematical engineering, and statistics.
Accelerated Master’s Degrees
An accelerated computer engineering master’s degree is earned through a graduate-level program that takes approximately one to two years and covers advanced computer engineering topics. Master’s degrees have quickly become another in-demand education level for employers and professionals.
Students select between a Master of Science and Master of Arts program, which generally includes courses like Probability Theory, Advanced Calculus, Linear Models, Computation, and Statistical Methods. Most universities require a minimum of 30 credits to graduate with a master’s degree.
Combined Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees
Accelerated computer engineering combined degrees are shorter academic programs that allow you to gain graduate-level knowledge without completing the full degree program separately. Instead, you will take courses related to specific computer engineering topics geared towards your career goals. Computer engineering combined bachelor’s and master’s degree programs take at least five years to complete, but allow students to graduate with both a bachelor’s and master’s degree.
Who Should Get an Accelerated Computer Engineering Degree?
Prospective students who want to complete their college degree as quickly as possible or working computer science professionals should get an accelerated computer engineering degree. The accelerated degree program provides undergraduate students interested in computer engineering or computer science degrees an opportunity to complete the requirements for the master’s degree at an accelerated pace.
Depending on the program, undergraduate students generally may count up to 12 credit hours of courses taken during their undergraduate studies toward a computer engineering master’s degree within 24 months after completion of their bachelor’s degree.
Best Accelerated Degrees
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How to Get a Computer Engineering Degree Fast
- Take summer courses. Many universities require a minimum of 120 credit hours for computer engineering majors. Choosing to enroll in intensive courses during the summer term is a great way to meet your credit requirements quickly.
- Take additional online courses. Many core courses and electives are offered in both hybrid and online formats, so on-campus and online students can both take advantage of adding additional courses throughout the year and summer to cruise through their required credits more quickly.
- Transfer your credits. A great way to earn your computer engineering degree is to ensure that you are taking courses that will transfer easily to other degree programs. For example, if you have an associate degree in the computer science field, be sure to choose a program that accepts the majority of those credits towards its own curriculum.
- Keep your grades high. If you want to obtain your degree as fast as possible, the worst thing you can do is fail a course. This is because you will likely have to eventually retake the class, so be sure to keep your grades high in order to meet your graduation goals.
- Choose an accelerated or combined degree program. As simple as this step may be, choosing a school that offers accelerated or combined degree programs is the best way to obtain your degree(s) as quickly as possible. You can narrow your school search by only looking into schools that offer dual degree online or on-campus programs.
What Is the Fastest Online Computer Engineering Degree?
The fastest online computer engineering degree program is the Associate of science in Computer Engineering Technology degree from Miami Dade College. This degree program has an online option and can be completed in as little as two years. Continue reading below for an overview of some of the fastest online programs available.
Fastest Online Computer Engineering Degrees: The Basics
| Degree Title | School | Required Time |
|---|---|---|
| Associate in Science (AS) in Computer Engineering Technology | Miami Dade College | 2 years |
| Bachelor of Science (BS) in Information Technology | Thomas Jefferson University | 2-3 years |
| Bachelor of Science in Cloud Computing and Solutions | Purdue University Global | 2.5-4 years |
| Bachelor of Science in Software Development | Bellevue University | 3-4 years |
| Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Southern New Hampshire University | 3-4 years |
| Bachelor of Science and Master of Science (MS) in Information Technology Management | Western Governors University | 4 years |
| Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Master of Science in Computer Science | Lewis University | 5 years |
| Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems and Master of Science in Software Engineering | Regis University | 5 years |
| Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Computer Science | Temple University |
5 years |
| Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Information Technology | University of Cincinnati | 5 years |
The Fastest Online Computer Engineering Degrees, Explained
More colleges and universities are introducing accelerated computer engineering degree programs that have generous transfer credit policies. Many of these programs are offered entirely online or in a hybrid format. Below is an overview of the best fast-track computer engineering online programs available to incoming students.
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Tuition: $82.78/credit (in state); $331.11/credit (out of state)
- Graduation Rate: 35%
- Required Time: 2 years
Miami Dade College offers a two-year associate degree program for students seeking immediate entry into a computer engineering-related career path. This degree program explores coursework in troubleshooting software, advanced digital circuits, and microprocessors. The curriculum also consists of general liberal education courses that can be easily transferred toward a bachelor’s degree program.
- School Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Tuition: $605/credit
- Graduation Rate: 71%
- Required Time: 2-3 years
This accelerated degree program is offered in eight-week terms under the continuing education program at Thomas Jefferson University, which allows students to transfer up to 87 credits from previous educational experiences to use towards their degree. Students of this BS program will learn the key principles of networking, programming, and project management, as well as develop teamwork skills and learn from professionals in the field.
- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition: $280/credit (in state); $371/credit (out of state)
- Graduation Rate: 29%
- Required Time: 2.5-4 years
Purdue University Global’s ExcelTrack program is fully online and allows you to create your schedule through self-paced learning. The program is comprised of 10-week terms that fast-track the degree program to three years or less, depending on prior education and work experience. Moreover, you can select as many one-credit courses as possible at an affordable flat rate of $2,500.
The program comprises 180 credit courses covering subjects like IT management, network administration, machine learning, program and software development, and information security and assurance.
- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition: $430/credit; $250/credit (preferred military cost)
- Graduation Rate: 23%
- Required Time: 3-4 years
Bellevue University’s BS online program allows undergraduate students to transfer credits or use their military experience to lower the cost and length of their degree program. The program is 100 percent online, and students only pay for relevant credits. Students of this program gain foundational knowledge and hands-on skills in coding languages and collaborative programming projects.
- School Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
- Tuition: $320/credit
- Graduation Rate: 39%
- Required Time: 3-4 years
This online computer science Bachelor of Science program from Southern New Hampshire University trains students in industry-standard foundational concepts of computer science and software engineering, including coursework in coding languages, full stack development, and Agile software methods.
The program allows students to transfer up to 90 credits and features eight-week courses, allowing students to graduate at a faster rate than other online programs.
- School Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- Tuition: $3,625/term (undergraduate); $3,940/term (graduate)
- Graduation Rate: 64%
- Required Time: 4 years
Western Governors University offers accelerated competency-based programs to ensure students are able to complete their degree programs as quickly as possible. This program allows students to earn both a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology as well as a Master of Science in Information Technology Management online in as little as four years. The master’s program also offers numerous certification opportunities at no additional cost.
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- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition: $610/credit (undergraduate accelerated rate); $820/credit (graduate rate)
- Graduation Rate: 60%
- Required Time: 5 years
Lewis University offers this computer science degree to college seniors who are in excellent academic standing. The program explores computer science fundamentals needed for computer engineering professions, as well as an emphasis on cyber security procedures. Students must apply for acceptance into this “4+1” program and if accepted, can apply 9 of the 12 credits earned during the program in their senior year to their master’s degree. After graduation from the bachelor’s program, students should only have two semesters left to earn their master’s degree.
- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition: $572/credit (undergraduate); $870/credit (graduate)
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Required Time: 5 years
Regis University offers eight-week terms for its computer engineering-related programs. The FastForward accelerated program allows junior students enrolled in computer science-related BS programs to take MS-level courses and use the credits to count towards their master’s degree. Students of the BS program learn computer science and security fundamentals before moving into the MS program, which covers engineering and software development concepts.
- School Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Tuition: $10,692/undergraduate semester (in state); $17,556/undergraduate semester (out of state); $1,252/graduate credit (in state); $1,628/graduate credit (out of state)
- Graduation Rate: 75%
- Required Time: 5 years
Temple University offers this computer science bachelor’s and master’s program that allows students to complete 12 credits that count for both undergraduate and graduate credit. The program length is five years, and the skills earned from this degree will be nearly on par with professionals that have earned their PhDs.
- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition: $746/credit (in-state); $761/credit (out of state)
- Graduation Rate: 73%
- Required Time: 5 years
This accelerated MS program offered by the University of Cincinnati allows students to obtain a BS in Information Technology, a master’s degree, and experience five co-op learning programs within five years. Both the information technology BS and MS programs are offered online and in hybrid format, and students will explore coursework in topics like applied machine learning, UX design, and cyber security to improve their qualifications as future computer engineers.
Fastest Computer Engineering Degree Completion Programs
Degree completion programs are degree programs offered by various universities in North America designed for non-traditional students to complete their degrees at an accelerated pace. They offer more flexibility than regular programs and are aimed toward students who have partially completed their degrees in the past.
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering | San Diego State University. This degree completion program is designed for working computer engineering professionals and allows them to finish in as little as five semesters. Classes are offered in online and hybrid formats.
- Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering | Saint Cloud State University. This online degree completion program is available to working professionals in the computer science field and is designed with flexibility in mind, allowing students to take as many or few courses as desired. Relevant work experience may also be accepted as transfer credits.
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Boston University. This BU accelerated degree completion program allows working professionals in the IT field the opportunity to obtain a BS degree within two years. Students will learn about computer science topics such as object oriented programming and coding languages.
- Computer Science Online Degree Completion Program | California State University Monterey Bay. This online degree completion program prepares students for software engineering, app development, and project management roles. It is a two-year program that is available to students with an associate or bachelor’s degree from another university.
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology | Old Dominion University. This online degree completion program is designed for students with some previous college credit and prepares them for careers in software installation, computer engineering, and data system management. Students of the program will also graduate with a computer science minor.
Do Employers Respect Online Degrees?
Yes, employers respect online degrees. In fact, most online schools and programs will not include the word “online” on their respective diplomas. This is because the quality of education and access to resources is the exact same as in-person programs. Employers know this, and the popularity of online learning programs is growing exponentially each year.
What Jobs Can You Get with an Accelerated Computer Engineering Degree?
- Computer and Information Research Scientist | $131,490
- Computer Hardware Engineer | $128,170
- Software Developer | $110,140
- Data Scientist | $108,660
- Database Architect | $98,860
Best Accelerated Computer Engineering Degree Jobs
The best jobs for online accelerated computer engineering grads offer great salaries, impressive job outlooks, extensive benefits, and opportunities for career development. Online computer engineering degree graduates have equal employment opportunities as in-person graduates. Below is a detailed overview of the highest-paying jobs available.
Computer and information research scientists apply statistical, mathematical, economic, and financial analyses to develop new innovating developments in computing and technology. They have a broad range of duties, some of which include developing and maintaining software systems, conducting experiments to test software and computer systems, and working with algorithms.
Computer hardware engineers research, create, and maintain computer hardware and systems. They work closely with all elements of computers, but specific care is given to the mechanical components of the system, such as microprocessors and circuit boards. Their primary responsibility is to test and develop computer systems to ensure they function properly throughout the manufacturing process of various products.
Software developers design and create computer software programs and applications that allow products to function properly, such as smartphone apps and video games. They are responsible for overseeing the entire development process but mostly focus on creating programs that meet consumers’ needs and conducting relevant testing to ensure the software performs properly.
Data scientists analyze large sets of unstructured data and then process and model it to draw important conclusions. They also apply machine learning and natural language processing methods to translate data patterns and convey visually appealing reports that are easy to understand.
Database architects are responsible for ensuring that a company or organization’s data needs are met in a secure manner. They create and maintain secure data storing systems and establish proper permissions. They also test and restore those systems to prevent data loss or breach incidents.
Are Online Computer Engineering Degrees Worth It?
Yes, online computer engineering degrees are worth it. You will earn a highly desired degree remotely, without the pressure of commuting to school or worrying about additional costs. Apart from convenience and affordability, you will also gain technical skills and be able to interact with and develop state-of-the-art software.
Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees
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Fastest Online Computer Engineering Degrees FAQ
The main jobs you can get with a computer engineering degree include computer hardware engineer, computer information researcher, data scientist, software developer, and quality assurance roles. Most of the IT jobs in this field are quickly growing and offer high salaries.
An accelerated computer engineering degree is a degree program that allows you to graduate faster than with traditional degree programs. For example, undergraduate students can graduate within three years instead of the stipulated four years, and associate degree students can graduate within one to two years.
Typically, a bachelor’s degree takes four years. However, an accelerated program will cut your program by a half year or more, meaning you can complete the degree in under three and a half years.
You can accelerate your computer engineering degree by taking an exam that could grant you up to 30 college credits before beginning your program. Start by registering with the College Level Examination Program, and take exams in the courses of your choice. Passing these exams shaves a year of class from the degree.
You can also cut a whole semester by earning college credit based on your work or military experience under the Credit for Prior Learning program. You should use as many of these transfer credits as possible to further speed up the credit requirement process.
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