Computer Engineering (MS)
Program Summary
100% Online
Credits: 30 total
Degree: MS
College/School: College of Engineering and Computing
Start Date: 8/24/2026
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Program Description
The Master of Science in Computer Engineering (MS) prepares engineers to lead the design, analysis, and management of modern computing systems, deeply understand interactions between software and hardware, and be responsible for safety-critical and performance-critical features of the entire products.
Offered 100% online through the College of Engineering and Computing at George Mason University, this graduate program develops expertise in how to design new generations of computers, as well as embedded computing systems, such as those found in smartphones, cars, appliances, computer networks, smart factories, and the internet-of-things
The program covers the entire digital integrated circuit design process targeting Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) and Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), using various optimization criteria, such as speed, cost, power, energy, reliability, and security.
It also encompasses the complete software development process targeting microcontrollers, microprocessors, multi-cores, and Graphics Processing Units (GPUs). It teaches students how to efficiently partition the system into software and hardware components, and develop high-performance interfaces between these two parts. Project-oriented courses and labs expose students to modern computer-aided design tools for hardware and software design. The students master the art of writing comprehensive technical reports and giving successful oral presentations.
Banner code: EC-MS-CPE
Careers
Many of the leading information and technology based companies, as well as defense contractors, engineering consulting firms, aerospace developers, informatics and communication companies, and software and hardware developers need computer engineers. Some specific companies include:
- The Aerospace Corporation
- BAE Systems
- Boeing
- CACI
- General Dynamics
- Lockheed Martin
- MITRE Corporation
- Noblis
- Northrop Grumman
- Perspecta
- Raytheon
- SRA International
As a Mason student, you may contact Mason Career Services for more career information and counseling.
Courses
Core Courses — 15 Credits
Select 15 credits from the following:
· ECE 505 Hardware Security | 3 credits
· ECE 508 Internet of Things | 3 credits
· ECE 511 Computer Architecture | 3 credits
· ECE 516 Mobile Systems and Applications | 3 credits
· ECE 528 Introduction to Random Processes in Electrical and Computer Engineering | 3 credits
· ECE 542 Computer Network Architectures and Protocols | 3 credits
· ECE 545 Digital System Design with VHDL | 3 credits
· ECE 547 Applied Cryptography | 3 credits
· ECE 554 Machine Learning for Embedded Systems | 3 credits
· ECE 555 GPU Architecture and Programming | 3 credits
· ECE 556 Neuromorphic Computing | 3 credits
· ECE 580 Small Spacecraft Engineering | 3 credits
· ECE 799 Master’s Thesis | 6 credits
Upper-Level Courses — 9 Credits
Select 9 credits from the following:
· ECE 612 Real-Time Embedded Systems | 3 credits
· ECE 613 Computer Architecture Security | 3 credits
· ECE 615 Software/Hardware Codesign | 3 credits
· ECE 616 Advanced Mobile Systems and Applications | 3 credits
· ECE 617 Distributed and Federated Learning
· ECE 633 Error Control Coding | 3 credits
· ECE 647 Post-Quantum Cryptography | 3 credits
· ECE 649 Side-Channel Security | 3 credits
· ECE 655 Advanced GPU Programming and Deep Learning | 3 credits
· ECE 660 Space Systems Engineering | 3 credits
· ECE 681 VLSI Design for ASICs | 3 credits
· ECE 683 VLSI Verification, Testing, and Security | 3 credits
· ECE 698 Independent Reading and Research | 3 credits
· ECE 798 Research Project | 3 credits
Electives — 6 Credits
Remaining courses can be chosen from among all ECE graduate courses listed above. The students are encouraged to discuss their choice of electives with their academic advisor prior to the registration.
The selected core, upper-level, and elective courses must fulfill the requirements of at least one of the following six concentrations:
Computer Architecture and Embedded Systems
Required courses:
· ECE 511 Computer Architecture | 3 credits
· ECE 516 Mobile Systems and Applications | 3 credits or ECE 555 GPU Architecture and Programming | 3 credits
Concentration Electives:
Select at least three courses from the following, including at least two courses at the 600 level or above:
· ECE 508 Internet of Things | 3 credits
· ECE 516 Mobile Systems and Applications | 3 credits
· ECE 545 Digital System Design with VHDL | 3 credits
· ECE 554 Machine Learning for Embedded Systems | 3 credits
· ECE 555 GPU Architecture and Programming | 3 credits
· ECE 612 Real-Time Embedded Systems | 3 credits
· ECE 613 Computer Architecture Security | 3 credits
· ECE 615 Software/Hardware Codesign | 3 credits
· ECE 616 Advanced Mobile Systems and Applications | 3 credits
· ECE 655 Advanced GPU Programming and Deep Learning | 3 credits
Digital System Design
Required courses:
· ECE 511 Computer Architecture | 3 credits
· ECE 545 Digital System Design with VHDL | 3 credits
Concentration Electives:
Select at least three courses from the following, including at least two courses at the 600 level or above:
· ECE 505 Hardware Security | 3 credits
· ECE 554 Machine Learning for Embedded Systems | 3 credits
· ECE 556 Neuromorphic Computing | 3 credits
· ECE 615 Software/Hardware Codesign | 3 credits
· ECE 681 VLSI Design for ASICs | 3 credits
· ECE 683 VLSI Verification, Testing, and Security | 3 credits
Hardware Security and Cryptographic Engineering
Required courses:
· ECE 505 Hardware Security | 3 credits
· ECE 547 Applied Cryptography | 3 credits
Concentration Electives:
Select at least three courses from the following, including at least two courses at the 600 level or above:
· ECE 511 Computer Architecture | 3 credits
· ECE 542 Computer Network Architectures and Protocols | 3 credits
· ECE 545 Digital System Design with VHDL | 3 credits
· ECE 613 Computer Architecture Security | 3 credits
· ECE 615 Software/Hardware Codesign | 3 credits
· ECE 633 Error Control Coding | 3 credits
· ECE 647 Post-Quantum Cryptography | 3 credits
· ECE 649 Side-Channel Security | 3 credits
· ECE 681 VLSI Design for ASICs | 3 credits
· ECE 683 VLSI Verification, Testing, and Security | 3 credits
Internet of Things & Network Security
Required courses:
· ECE 508 Internet of Things | 3 credits
· ECE 542 Computer Network Architectures and Protocols | 3 credits
Concentration Electives:
Select at least three courses from the following, including at least two courses at the 600 level or above:
· ECE 511 Computer Architecture | 3 credits
· ECE 547 Applied Cryptography | 3 credits
· ECE 612 Real-Time Embedded Systems | 3 credits
· ECE 613 Computer Architecture Security | 3 credits
· ECE 633 Error Control Coding | 3 credits
· ECE 647 Post-Quantum Cryptography | 3 credits
· ECE 649 Side-Channel Security | 3 credits
Machine Learning and Intelligent Computing Architectures
Required courses:
· ECE 554 Machine Learning for Embedded Systems | 3 credits
· ECE 556 Neuromorphic Computing | 3 credits
Concentration Electives:
Select at least three courses from the following, including at least two courses at the 600 level or above:
· ECE 552 Big Data Technologies | 3 credits
· ECE 553 GenAI and LLM Technologies | 3 credits
· ECE 555 GPU Architecture and Programming | 3 credits
· ECE 616 Advanced Mobile Systems and Applications | 3 credits
· ECE 617 Distributed and Federated Learning
· ECE 655 Advanced GPU Programming and Deep Learning | 3 credits
· ECE 681 VLSI Design for ASICs | 3 credits
Space-Based Systems
Required courses:
· ECE 580 Small Spacecraft Engineering | 3 credits
· ECE 660 Space Systems Engineering | 3 credits
Concentration Electives:
Select at least three courses from the following, including at least one course at the 600 level or above:
· ECE 511 Computer Architecture | 3 credits
· ECE 528 Introduction to Random Processes in Electrical and Computer Engineering | 3 credits
· ECE 545 Digital System Design with VHDL | 3 credits
· ECE 547 Applied Cryptography | 3 credits
· ECE 612 Real-Time Embedded Systems | 3 credits
· ECE 615 Software/Hardware Codesign | 3 credits
· ECE 647 Post-Quantum Cryptography | 3 credits
Additionally, students must fulfill the following requirements:
· GPA Requirements
· Seminar Requirement
· Thesis/Scholarly Paper Option requirements. These requirements are described in detail here.
New to online learning? Visit our Online Learning Tips and Strategies page to learn more about what to expect and how to succeed in an online course at George Mason.
Details
Who should apply?
Financial Aid
For information on loans and scholarships, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid. For information regarding grants, tuition waivers and other merit aid, please inquire with your graduate department.
Why choose George Mason?
- Students will gain experience with modern design methodologies and computer-aided design tools for hardware and software development.
- Mason is located in the heart of the DC area, the region with the highest concentration of systems engineering professions in the US. Thus, faculty and students bring a wealth of practical experience that enhances the educational experience and helps all students prepare for a successful career.
- Students in this program benefit from a mature corporate partnership program developed by the College of Engineering and Computing.
- U.S. News & World Report ranks Mason’s MS in Computer Engineering in the top graduate programs nationally.
Ready to Apply?
All applicants should review Office of Graduate Admissions steps for How to Apply. For international applicants, see guidelines for International Graduate Requirements.
Prerequisites
- Hold a bachelor’s degree preferably in computer engineering, computer science engineering, electrical engineering, electronics and communication engineering, or a closely-related discipline from a US institution that is accredited by one of the organizations found here
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 in an undergraduate program and an acceptable GPA in any graduate courses
- Students lacking these foundations may be required to take one or more foundation courses
Application Materials
- Graduate application
- Application fee
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- Resume
- Up to three choices for a preferred academic advisor
- Preliminary concentration choice
If you have any questions during the application process, please contact the ECE Department at [email protected] or 703-993-1569.
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Contact
Program Contact
Electrical and Computer Engineering Department
Volgenau School of Engineering (VSE)
Phone: (703) 993-1569
Email: [email protected]
Program Website:
https://ece.gmu.edu/academics/
School Website:
College of Engineering and Computing
