Computer Engineering
Master's
Application Deadlines
Fall: Rolling admissions through Aug 1 (domestic & U.S-based international applicants)
Spring: Sep 15
Summer: n/a
School/Department
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Contact
gradadmissions@tufts.edu
Location
Medford/Somerville
Format
On-campusCommitment Options
Full-timePart-time (Daytime)
Average Duration
12 - 24 months
Credits
30
What Will You Study?
Students personalize their plan of study while building depth across the core areas of computer engineering. The program requires a minimum of 30 credits and at least 10 courses at the 100 level or above, completed with grades of Satisfactory or at least a B-. At least four lecture-based courses must be selected from the published list of computer engineering core courses, including at least one course from each of the following areas:
- Computer networking
- Computer architecture
- Computer software and systems
Coursework and research preparation may also address topics such as:
- Embedded systems
- Computer systems for machine learning
- Hardware security
- System-on-chip design
- Power-aware computing
- VLSI architectures
- Emerging computing technologies
- Reliability, performance, and security in complex systems
About the Computer Engineering Program
The M.S. in Computer Engineering is jointly administered by Tufts’ Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Department of Computer Science. This structure connects students with faculty expertise across computer architecture, computer systems, networking, embedded systems, hardware security, machine learning systems, electronic design automation, VLSI, signal processing, photonics, robotics, and emerging computing technologies.
Graduate students benefit from small classes, interdisciplinary teaching, and access to faculty whose work bridges engineering, computing, data, hardware, software, and applications in fields such as health, communications, energy, security, and intelligent systems.
Interdisciplinary Engineering and Computer Science
The program brings together electrical and computer engineering with computer science, helping students understand how hardware, software, and networks work together in modern computing systems. This interdisciplinary structure supports students interested in both system design and real-world implementation.
Faculty Mentorship
Students regularly access faculty through small classes and academic advising. Faculty research areas include computer architecture, embedded systems, hardware for machine learning, hardware security, electronic design automation, VLSI systems, networking, signal processing, and emerging computing technologies.
Flexible Academic Pathways
Students can personalize their course selection while meeting core requirements in networking, architecture, and software/systems. This flexibility allows students to align the degree with interests such as hardware design, systems engineering, security, embedded computing, or research preparation.
Hands-On Engineering Perspective
Computer engineering at Tufts emphasizes the design and analysis of complex systems, including issues such as performance, power consumption, security, and reliability. Students gain technical preparation for engineering work that connects theory, design, implementation, and evaluation.
What Can You Do With an M.S. in Computer Engineering?
Graduates may pursue engineering, research, systems, hardware, or software-focused roles in areas such as computer engineering, embedded systems, computer architecture, network systems, semiconductor and chip design, cybersecurity hardware, cloud infrastructure, and research and development. Career outcomes vary based on a student’s background, focus area, thesis or non-thesis pathway, technical experience, internship or co-op experience, and professional goals.
Possible paths may include:
- Computer engineer
- Hardware engineer
- Embedded systems engineer
- Computer architecture engineer
- Network systems engineer
- Semiconductor or chip design engineer
- Systems engineer
- Cloud infrastructure engineer
- Cybersecurity hardware engineer
- PhD student or research scientist in training
What is the Career Outlook?
Computer engineering skills are relevant across computer hardware, embedded systems, networks, computing infrastructure, research, and advanced technology development.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer hardware engineers had a median annual wage of $155,020 in May 2024, with projected employment growth of 7 percent from 2024 to 2034. Related occupation categories include computer network architects, with a median annual wage of $130,390, and computer and information research scientists, with a median annual wage of $140,910 in May 2024.
Average Salary: $138K+
Projected Job Growth (2022-2032): 5%
*Sources: Average salary and projected job growth statistics are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Can Computer Engineering Students Complete a Co-op?
Students in the Tufts University School of Engineering may have the opportunity to participate in the Graduate Cooperative Education Program. The co-op program allows eligible graduate students to apply classroom learning to real-world engineering projects, gain up to six months of full-time work experience, build their resumes, and strengthen their preparation for future career opportunities.
Is the GRE Required?
GRE General Test scores are not required for applicants who will have received a degree from a U.S. institution by the time of enrollment. GRE scores are required for all other applicants.
Are Scholarships Available?
The School of Engineering offers partial tuition scholarships for a select group of Engineering master’s and certificate programs. When you apply for admission, you’ll automatically be considered, there’s no separate scholarship application or additional information required. Applicants are encouraged to apply early for priority scholarship consideration.
Do You Host Information Sessions and Campus Tours?
Yes. Prospective students may attend admissions events, information sessions, or campus visit opportunities to learn more about Tufts graduate programs and the application process. Visit go.tufts.edu/gradevents for the event schedule and previously recorded videos.
How Do I Apply?
Applicants can apply online through Tufts Graduate Admissions Portal. Required materials typically include transcripts, a resume or CV, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. International applicants may also need to submit English proficiency documentation. Visit the admissions page for current deadlines and application requirements.
Tuition & Financial Aid
At Tufts University, we believe every qualified applicant deserves the opportunity to pursue graduate study. We are dedicated to helping you understand your financial options and to ensuring that graduate education at Tufts is both accessible and within reach.
Tuition costs for this graduate program are billed at a per credit rate:
| Estimated Tuition for MS Program | |
|---|---|
| Tuition* | $1,799 per credit |
| Total Credits Required | 30 |
| Enrollment Status | Full-Time: 3-4 courses per semester (9-12 credits) Part-Time: 1-2 courses per semester (3-6 credits) |
| Estimated Tuition per Semester | Full-Time: $16,191 - $21,588 per semester (9-12 credits) Part-Time: $5,397 - $10,794 per semester (3-6 credits) |
| Estimated Total Tuition* | $53,970 |
*Estimated based on 2025-2026 tuition rates. Rates are subject to change each academic year. For further information about the full cost of attendance, including additional fees and estimated indirect costs (housing, transportation, etc.), please visit Student Financial Services.
The Tufts University School of Engineering offers partial, merit-based tuition scholarships for the majority of our graduate and certificate programs. All applicants are automatically considered for these awards as part of our holistic admissions review process—no separate scholarship application or additional materials are required.
Additional funding opportunities may include Tufts Double Jumbo Scholarships for Tufts graduates, Bridge Program Scholarships for students and alumni from select partner institutions, and veteran and military education benefits for eligible service members and their dependents, including participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program.
To further support your investment in a Tufts graduate education, a range of financing options are available, including federal and private student loans. For more details, please visit our Graduate Financial Aid page.
