Computers are used in some of the most important daily tasks, like communicating with loved ones, driving to appointments, and managing financial accounts. Modern society relies on computer engineering professionals to design and improve devices for quick, reliable, and safe use.
Degree-seekers interested in computer engineering who cannot fully commit to bachelor's degrees can pursue associate degrees in computer engineering. These two-year degrees lay the foundation for computer systems, programming, and data modeling skills, which are ideal for entry-level careers or additional education.
Discover potential jobs, associate degree requirements and costs, and 10 of the best colleges for computer engineering associate degrees with this helpful guide.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Associate in Computer Engineering Programs
How We Rank Colleges And Bootcamps
ComputerScience.org ranks computer science degree programs at the associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. We also rank bootcamps and certificate programs. Our top priority is making sure you find the best possible fit for your education. We use up-to-date national statistics and focus on factors like return on investment, academic quality, and affordability.
Take a closer look at our rankings on our rankings methodology page.
Why Get a Computer Engineering Associate Degree?
Computer engineering involves designing and creating the equipment that allows computers to function, like motherboards and memory storage devices. The field blends electrical engineering with computer science, requiring computer engineers to have a breadth of skills, including circuitry, software and hardware design, and computer network architecture.
Computer engineers commonly find employment in technology companies but may also work in technology departments in various industries, including scientific research, manufacturing, and the government. Because their jobs rely heavily on testing, computer engineers often work in computer labs.
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data from May 2023, California, Oregon, and Massachusetts employ the highest number of computer engineers. These states, along with Virginia and Washington, also rank among the highest payers for these professionals, each paying a median salary of at least $145,000.
The BLS projects a faster-than-average 5% increase in employment for computer engineers from 2022-2032 to keep up with the fast-paced technology sector and the need for new technologies. The following list highlights a few additional benefits of starting with a computer engineering associate degree.
Can Lead to Entry-Level Work: A computer engineering associate degree can lead to entry-level careers, like computer support technicians, making it ideal for students looking to dive into the field quickly and gain hands-on experience.
Foundation for Future Education: When earned at an accredited school, an associate degree in computer engineering should transfer into a related bachelor's degree.
Cost-Effective: Community colleges commonly offer computer engineering associate degrees, sometimes at more affordable tuition rates than four-year colleges. Starting the higher education path with an associate degree may reduce a learner's overall investment.
Some learners choose coding bootcamps to jumpstart their careers. While a coding bootcamp is a worthy option that focuses on job-related skills for entry-level work, an associate degree typically covers a broader range of skills. Coding bootcamps also do not offer traditional college credit, so they generally won't transfer to a bachelor's degree for continuing education.
What to Expect From Two-Year Computer Engineering Programs
Associate-level computer engineering programs confer degrees, acting as a stepping stone to four-year programs. Graduates can transfer their coursework toward bachelor's degrees in computer engineering.
Credit requirements vary. Computer engineering associate degrees require 60 credits — half the usual 120 credits needed for a bachelor's. Other programs may feature more intensive requirements, totaling up to 90 credits.
Most programs include major requirements, electives, and general education classes. Major requirements cover core computer engineering coursework. Electives allow students to pursue related areas of interest. General education courses round out the curriculum with classes in the humanities and sciences.
Admissions Process
A learner applying for an associate in computer engineering program usually needs a high school diploma or its equivalent. Most programs recommend a strong background in math and physics. Applicants without this foundational knowledge may need to complete preparatory courses before applying.
Associate degrees in computer engineering may assume incoming students have a basic understanding of computer systems and programming languages. However, most programs include introductory classes in these subjects. Even so, incoming students with some relevant knowledge may have an advantage.
Minimum GPA requirements vary but usually start in the 2.0 range (on the 4.0 scale). Schools may request SAT or ACT scores. Once accepted, students may need to take placement tests in various subjects.
Associate Degree Options
Associate degrees in computer engineering come in many forms. For example, some programs are only offered in person, others are entirely online, and others blend in-person and online courses to create a hybrid program.
Learners living close to their school might prefer in-person classes to interact face-to-face with instructors or peers. However, students who want to commute less might choose online degrees or hybrid programs with 1-2 in-person classes per week.
Some computer engineering associate degrees also offer concentrations, allowing students to specialize in areas of interest like robotics and software development. Choosing a concentration may benefit learners who want to pursue a specific computer engineering pathway.
Popular Courses
Each school develops its own computer engineering curriculum, so courses vary among schools. The following list highlights some common classes in computer engineering associate programs:
Programming Fundamentals: This course introduces students to programming languages and concepts they'll use throughout the program and their career, including Java and C++.
Database Management Systems: Computer engineers use database management systems to store and organize data. This course introduces common database management system architecture.
Computer Systems Software: In this course, students explore the relationship between computer hardware and software. Enrollees use system software to troubleshoot and fix hardware problems within computers.
Digital Electronics: Digital electronics blends engineering with math — specifically algebra and logical sequencing — to help students create the circuitry needed to power computers and other electronics.
Circuit Analysis: Learners study circuit analysis to understand the parallels between computing devices and power supplies. Circuit analysis courses typically explore practical skills, like induction and node analysis, and theory, such as Ohm's law and Norton's theorem.
How Much Do Associate Degrees in Computer Engineering Cost?
An associate in computer engineering generally costs $120-$450 per credit for in-state students. With most programs requiring 60-65 credits, students should expect to pay $7,200-$29,250 for their entire program. However, out-of-state learners may pay closer to $300-$900 per credit or a total program cost of $18,000-$58,500 unless their school offers a special tuition rate for all online learners.
Degree-seekers can apply for federal and school-based financial aid to reduce their costs. Scholarships and grants don't need to be paid back, lowering a student's overall investment. Private and federal student loans can help finance a computer engineering degree, but graduates generally should expect to begin paying them back a few months after finishing their degree.
Jobs in Computer Engineering
A computer engineering associate degree can lead to entry-level positions with the potential to advance through on-the-job experience, certification, and continuing education. The following careers are a few prospects for associate degree graduates.
Computer Support Specialists
Computer support specialists test, fix, and maintain computer systems within organizations and/or assist end users in troubleshooting their computer or network systems. Some companies hire computer support specialists with previous computing experience, even if they don't have college degrees. However, a degree or certification could lead to management or advanced roles, like network administrators.
Required Education: Associate degree
Job Outlook (2022-32): +5%
Median Annual Salary (May 2023): $60,810
Junior Developer
A junior developer assists development teams with creating and testing computer software or hardware. This role equips junior developers with the skills necessary for more advanced positions as they learn coding languages and troubleshooting techniques.
Required Education: Bachelor's degree, although some companies may hire and train candidates with associate degrees
Average Annual Salary (May 2024): $53,800
Technical Writers
Technical writers create documents that help users with proper functionality. They typically work closely with design and development teams to understand a product thoroughly before writing documentation. Computer engineering professionals can specialize in technical writing for computing and networking companies.
Required Education: Bachelor's degree, but an associate degree with technical research experience is sometimes acceptable
Job Outlook (2022-32): +7%
Median Annual Salary (May 2023): $80,050
Choosing the Best College for a Computer Engineering Degree
Choosing the best college for an associate in computer engineering requires careful research. As you investigate programs, consider the factors most likely to affect your educational outcome and job prospects. These points differ for everyone but often include:
Graduation and job placement rates
Transferability of credits toward bachelor's programs
Quality of on-campus computer labs and technical facilities
Program costs
Financial aid availability
Additionally, research the accreditation status of any prospective school. Only attend institutions that hold recognized accreditation. Confirm a school's status with the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.
Endorsements from specialized accrediting bodies add further value to computer engineering associate programs. ABET is the key accreditor of computer science and technology programs. ABET-validated degree tracks meet particularly high academic standards and merit extra attention.
Should You Get Your Associate in Computer Engineering Online?
Online learning has made major strides over the past decade and continues to grow in popularity. Tech-related degrees translate well to the virtual classroom. Course content for these programs does not typically require real-time interactions.
Succeeding in online learning requires independence and self-discipline. If you thrive in these areas, an online degree might work well for you.
However, you may prefer the structured environment of campus-based programs. Think about which format better matches your learning style, and take that into account during your program search.
Should You Go to an Associate, Certificate, or Bootcamp Program?
Choosing between a bootcamp, certificate, or associate degree to begin a computer engineering educational path can be challenging, as each option has benefits and drawbacks.
For example, while an associate degree takes two years to complete, coding bootcamps usually take 3-6 months, offering quicker entry into the field. However, many bootcamps don't grant college credit, so they may not transfer to other degrees.
Compare the features of a coding bootcamp with those of a computer engineering certificate and associate degree below.
| Comparison Point | Computer Engineering Associate Degrees | Computer Engineering Certificates | Coding Bootcamp Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program Length | 2 years | 1 year | 3-6 months |
| Program Goal | Preparation for entry-level work and transferability for continuing education | Specialized training for entry-level work or preparing to switch careers | Job-specific skill development |
| Course Load | 60 credits | 13-15 credits | Curriculum is usually broken into a few modules, each targeting a specific skill |
| Admission Requirements | High school diploma and qualifying GPA | High school diploma and qualifying GPA | Varies, but some require prerequisite courses or aptitude tests |
| Program Format | Online (asynchronous or synchronous) or in person | Online (usually asynchronous) or in person | Online (usually asynchronous) or in person |
More Degree Paths to Learn Computer Engineering
In addition to an associate in computer engineering, other degree options, including bachelor's and doctoral programs, are available for aspiring computer engineers.
Pursuing a higher degree level can lead to higher salary potential. Payscale data from May 2024 lists the average salary for a bachelor's degree in computer engineering as $96,000, while master's degree graduates earn an average salary of $109,000. A bachelor's degree or higher could also lead to more job opportunities, like computer network architect, information security analyst, and database administrator.
Questions About Computer Engineering Associate Programs
What can you do with an associate degree in computer engineering?
An associate degree in computer engineering can lead to entry-level positions, like junior developer, technical writer, and computer support specialist. You can also use an associate degree as a springboard to further your education with a bachelor's degree.
Is an associate in computer engineering worth it?
An associate degree can be helpful if you want to enter the computer engineering field quickly and continue your education later. Be sure to look for an accredited school, which most institutions require when evaluating transfer credits.
Is getting a computer engineering degree hard?
Computer engineering is a challenging discipline to learn, as it incorporates several complex programming and technical concepts. Students who do well in computer engineering programs typically have excellent analytical skills and strong backgrounds in math and science.
Are the best colleges for computer engineering expensive?
Some of the best colleges for computer engineering are more expensive than others, but many are affordable, especially for in-state students. To reduce your costs, apply for financial aid and look into tuition reciprocity and other assistance programs in your state.
The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by ComputerScience.org. Page last reviewed May 13, 2024.
