Master of Science in Computer Engineering

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The USF MS in Computer Engineering

Computer engineering blends hardware and software to design powerful, efficient systems. A bachelor鈥檚 degree provides foundational knowledge, while a master鈥檚 degree emphasizes real-world application. Students gain deeper and broader expertise in areas such as computer architecture, hardware-software integration, and emerging technologies. At USF, students learn in a dynamic and research-driven environment in the heart of Florida鈥檚 thriving tech corridor. Ranked among the top 50 public universities by U.S. News & World Report and a proud member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), USF is a recognized leader in graduate education and innovation. 
 
In 2025, USF launched the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing, the first named college in the nation focused exclusively on these converging disciplines. 

A close-up of a woman working in a dimly lit lab or workspace. She is holding a marker and writing or drawing on a transparent surface in front of her, which has glowing, circuit-like lines and shapes. Her gaze is fixed on the area she is marking, with a focused and thoughtful expression. The lighting highlights her face and the glass surface, while the background remains softly blurred with cool blue tones. At the bottom of the image, a green banner contains text that reads: 鈥淢aster of Science in Computer Engineering.鈥 To the right of the banner is a logo and text: 鈥淯SF Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing,鈥 along with a stylized bull head logo. The image emphasizes technical design, problem-solving, and hands-on engineering work.

About the Program

Students in the MS in Computer Engineering program gain in-depth knowledge of computing systems and explore areas such as digital image processing, data mining, brain-computer interfaces, cryptographics hardware, software security, mobile biometrics, and more. While the curriculum provides a strong foundation across key technical domains, students are also encouraged to focus their studies on a specific area of research that aligns with their interests.  

This is a 30-credit-hour program with thesis and non-thesis options. The thesis option emphasizes deep research and prepares students for doctoral studies or R&D roles.

The non-thesis option offers greater course flexibility and broad exposure to the field. 

Students have access to cutting-edge labs and faculty with active research in areas like robotics, cybersecurity, and hardware design. 

There are tailored pathways for careers in industry or further academic study.
 

Labs and Research

USF's AI, cybersecurity, and computing research is spread across USF, and it is marked by over 200 faculty experts who have externally funded projects, published papers, or have patents on these topics. Together, they had a substantial $47 million in related research expenditures over the past four years.鈥 Labs are clustered in the following groups: 

A lab or workspace scene with two people engaged in technical or research-related tasks. In the foreground, a man is seated at a desk, shown in profile. He is wearing a jacket and a baseball cap with the word 鈥淏ULLS鈥 on it. He is looking to his right with a focused expression. In front of him on the desk are lab items, including a clear container with liquid and a ring-shaped desk light illuminating the workspace. In the background, another person stands and holds a tablet or clipboard, reviewing information while facing slightly away. The environment is softly lit with warm and cool tones, suggesting an active lab or research setting. At the bottom of the image, large overlay text reads: 鈥淟abs & Research.鈥 To the left of the text is an icon of a head with gears, symbolizing analysis, learning, or technical work.

Career Outlook

The job market for professionals with a master's degree in computer engineering is both strong and growing, with demand nationwide and across Florida. In Florida, there were: 

  • 14,233 job postings in the past year requiring a master鈥檚 degree in computer engineering 
  • A median salary of $115,697
  • Top roles include data analyst, software engineer, systems engineer, software developer, and enterprise architect 

In the United States overall, the demand is even more significant:

  • More than 319,000 job postings over the past year for roles requiring this degree 
  • A median salary of $136,752
  • Leading job titles include software engineer, data analyst, principal software engineer, engineering manager, and solutions architect 

Source: Gray Decision Intelligence / Lightcast, May 2025

Scholarships and Fellowships

Graduate school is expensive. Fortunately, there are many ways to earn scholarships and fellowships, which don鈥檛 need to be repaid. Learn more about the kinds of awards available, if you qualify and how to apply.

There are also a limited number of teaching assistant and research assistant positions in the college. These are quite competitive.