Boise State University

What you'll study

The programme builds advanced knowledge of computing systems that combine hardware and software. Core study areas typically include computer architecture, digital system design, embedded systems, real-time systems, and hardware description languages. Students also take courses in areas such as signal processing, networking, VLSI/FPGA design, operating systems internals, and software/hardware co-design.

Students may choose a thesis option focused on original research under faculty supervision, a project option that emphasises applied development and design, or a coursework-only track for a practice-oriented pathway. A typical programme requires completion of graduate-level coursework plus a research thesis, project report or comprehensive examinations, and many students combine elective modules to specialise in topics such as cybersecurity, robotics, machine learning for hardware, or IoT systems.

Teaching methods emphasise hands-on experience in well-equipped labs: FPGA prototyping, embedded development boards, hardware/software integration testbeds, and access to high-performance computing resources. Seminar courses, research rotations and collaboration with industry partners are common ways students broaden their technical and professional skills.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, computer science or a closely related discipline. Successful applicants typically have prior coursework in programming, data structures, digital logic, circuits and signals, and mathematics (calculus, linear algebra and probability). Candidates with degrees in other fields may be admitted conditionally if they complete specified prerequisite courses.

The programme considers academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose describing research or career goals, and a résumé. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency. Some applicants may be asked to provide a sample of technical work or to sit an interview. The department evaluates each application holistically; standardised test requirements, where applicable, may vary by applicant background.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Master’s in Computer Engineering enter a range of technical roles in industry, government and research. Typical job titles include embedded systems engineer, firmware developer, digital design engineer, FPGA/ASIC engineer, systems architect, hardware validation engineer and network systems engineer. Many alumni work in sectors such as consumer electronics, telecommunications, aerospace, defence, medical devices and industrial automation.

The degree also prepares students for doctoral study and research careers. Practical lab experience and industry collaborations frequently help graduates transition into product development, technical leadership, or specialised engineering roles that require both hardware and software expertise.

Why study at Boise State University

Boise State’s College of Engineering emphasises applied, hands-on learning with access to modern laboratories, faculty active in systems-focused research and close ties to regional and national industry partners. The university fosters interdisciplinary collaboration across areas such as cybersecurity, robotics and power electronics, enabling students to work on projects that address real-world engineering challenges.

Students benefit from relatively small graduate cohorts, offering personalised mentoring and close interaction with faculty. The programme’s mix of research opportunities, project-based courses and industry engagement helps prepare graduates for practical engineering roles or continued academic study.