Electrical and Computer Engineering: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Electrical and Computer Engineering is a dynamic, interdisciplinary field focused on the design, analysis, and innovation of advanced electronic and computational systems. This program equips students with a robust foundation in both hardware and software domains, preparing them to solve complex technological challenges in modern industries.
- Computer Architecture: Explores the structural design and operational principles of computing systems, including processor organization, memory hierarchies, and system-level performance optimization.
- Cybersecurity: Focuses on protecting digital systems and data through secure design practices, threat modeling, encryption techniques, and network defense strategies.
- Electronic Circuits: Covers the analysis and design of analog and digital circuits, including amplifiers, filters, logic gates, and integrated circuit behavior.
- Electromagnetism: Studies the fundamental laws governing electric and magnetic fields, essential for understanding signal propagation, antenna design, and electromagnetic compatibility.
- Electronic Materials and Design: Investigates the physical properties and applications of semiconductors, insulators, and conductive materials in electronic device fabrication.
- Micro-Fabrication Methods and Techniques: Provides hands-on experience with processes such as photolithography, etching, deposition, and wafer-scale manufacturing used in semiconductor device production.
- Signal and Image Processing: Involves mathematical and algorithmic methods for analyzing, enhancing, and interpreting data from audio, video, and sensor systems.
- Wireless Communication Networks: Examines the design and operation of radio frequency systems, protocols, and network architectures enabling mobile and IoT connectivity.
Electrical and Computer Engineering Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Electrical and Computer Engineering Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Electrical and Computer Engineering degrees, including Architectural and Engineering Managers, Computer Hardware Engineers and Engineers, All Other. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 665,500 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural and Engineering Managers 11-9041 | $167,740 | $111,450 - $239,200 | 210,340 | $80.64 |
| Computer Hardware Engineers 17-2061 | $155,020 | $85,430 - $223,820 | 75,710 | $74.53 |
| Engineers, All Other 17-2199 | $117,750 | $62,840 - $183,510 | 150,750 | $56.61 |
| Electrical Engineers 17-2071 | $111,910 | $74,670 - $175,460 | 188,790 | $53.80 |
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1032 | $106,120 | $59,790 - $200,650 | 39,910 | N/A |
Electrical and Computer Engineering Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $102,390 in Kentucky to $156,004 in California—a 52% difference. The highest-paying states include California, New Mexico, and District of Columbia. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 665,500 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Electrical and Computer Engineering by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 40 institutions offering Electrical and Computer Engineering programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Electrical and Computer Engineering is found at University of Michigan (U‑M), Ann Arbor (370 graduates), The University of Texas, Austin (215 graduates), University of Washington (UW), Seattle Campus (169 graduates), Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) (158 graduates), and Portland State University (PSU) (120 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 2,006 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Michigan (U‑M) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
370 | Ann Arbor, Michigan | Public | umich.edu |
| The University of Texas |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
215 | Austin, Texas | Public | utexas.edu |
| University of Washington (UW) |
Bachelor's
|
169 | Seattle, Washington | Public | washington.edu |
| Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
158 | Rochester, New York | Private | rit.edu |
| Portland State University (PSU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
120 | Portland, Oregon | Public | pdx.edu |
| Brigham Young University (BYU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
97 | Provo, Utah | Private | byu.edu |
| University of Missouri (UMKC) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
95 | Kansas City, Missouri | Public | umkc.edu |
| Rice University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
93 | Houston, Texas | Private | rice.edu |
| Wichita State University (WSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
79 | Wichita, Kansas | Public | wichita.edu |
| University of Southern California (USC) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
75 | Los Angeles, California | Private | usc.edu |
| University of Colorado Boulder (CU) |
Bachelor's
|
54 | Boulder, Colorado | Public | colorado.edu |
| Binghamton University |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
51 | Vestal, New York | Public | binghamton.edu |
| Baylor University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
47 | Waco, Texas | Private | baylor.edu |
| University at Albany (UAlbany) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
42 | Albany, New York | Public | albany.edu |
| Southern Illinois University (SIUE) |
Master's
|
38 | Edwardsville, Illinois | Public | siue.edu |
| Western Washington University (WWU) |
Bachelor's
|
34 | Bellingham, Washington | Public | wwu.edu |
| Michigan Technological University (MTU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
30 | Houghton, Michigan | Public | mtu.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Stout |
Bachelor's
|
29 | Menomonie, Wisconsin | Public | uwstout.edu |
| Vanderbilt University (VU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
26 | Nashville, Tennessee | Private | vanderbilt.edu |
| Eastern Michigan University (EMU) |
Bachelor's
|
25 | Ypsilanti, Michigan | Public | emich.edu |
| University of Alabama (UAB) |
Master's
|
23 | Birmingham, Alabama | Public | uab.edu |
| United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) |
Bachelor's
|
20 | USAF Academy, Colorado | Public | usafa.edu |
| California Baptist University (CBU) |
Bachelor's
|
19 | Riverside, California | Private | calbaptist.edu |
| State University of New York |
Bachelor's
|
15 | Oswego, New York | Public | oswego.edu |
| Boise State University (BBU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
13 | Boise, Idaho | Public | boisestate.edu |
| Villanova University |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
9 | Villanova, Pennsylvania | Private | villanova.edu |
| University of Washington (UW Tacoma) |
Master's
|
9 | Tacoma, Washington | Public | tacoma.uw.edu |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) |
Master's
|
7 | Daytona Beach, Florida | Private | daytonabeach.erau.edu |
| SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) |
Bachelor's
|
7 | Utica, New York | Public | sunypoly.edu |
| Northern Arizona University (NAU) |
Master's
|
5 | Flagstaff, Arizona | Public | nau.edu |
| University of Detroit Mercy (UDM) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
5 | Detroit, Michigan | Private | udmercy.edu |
| Miami University |
Master's
|
5 | Oxford, Ohio | Public | miamioh.edu |
| Kennesaw State University (KSU) |
Master's
|
5 | Kennesaw, Georgia | Public | kennesaw.edu |
| Fairfield University |
Master's
|
4 | Fairfield, Connecticut | Private | fairfield.edu |
| Rowan University |
Doctorate (Research)
|
4 | Glassboro, New Jersey | Public | rowan.edu |
| Morgan State University (MSU) |
Master's
|
3 | Baltimore, Maryland | Public | morgan.edu |
| The University of Texas (UTEP) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | El Paso, Texas | Public | utep.edu |
| Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (RHIT) |
Master's
|
1 | Terre Haute, Indiana | Private | rose-hulman.edu |
| Kent State University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Kent, Ohio | Public | kent.edu |
| Southern Methodist University (SMU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Dallas, Texas | Private | smu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Electrical and Computer Engineering programs
How much can I earn with a Electrical and Computer Engineering degree?
Salaries for Electrical and Computer Engineering graduates vary by role and location. Architectural and Engineering Managers earn a median of $167,740 annually, while Computer Hardware Engineers earn around $155,020. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $156,004 compared to $102,390 in Kentucky. Approximately 665,500 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Electrical and Computer Engineering programs?
Currently 40 accredited institutions offer Electrical and Computer Engineering degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Michigan (U‑M), Ann Arbor (370 graduates), The University of Texas, Austin (215 graduates), and University of Washington (UW), Seattle Campus (169 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Electrical and Computer Engineering degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Architectural and Engineering Managers, Computer Hardware Engineers, and Engineers, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 665,500 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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