Computer Engineering

Computer Engineering

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Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering

Certificates / Endorsements

Automotive Engineering, Information Assurance (Cybersecurity)

Top 5 Reasons to Study

01

Bridge Hardware and Software: Work on computers, devices, and embedded systems.

02

High Job Demand: Essential to electronics, robotics, and smart technologies.

03

Strong Salaries: Technical expertise is highly valued by employers.

04

Innovation-Focused: Help design the technology behind modern devices.

05

Versatile Career Options: Work in tech, manufacturing, defense, or communications.

Core
Skills

  • Computer hardware design
  • Wireless technology
  • Systems thinking integration
  • Project management
  • Teaming and communication

Sample
Jobs

  • Firmware Engineer
  • Hardware Development Engineer
  • Machine Learning Engineer
  • Platform Architect
  • Manufacture, Test, and Production Engineer

Successful Career Outcomes

Computer engineering's mean entry-level salary is $77,000
94% of Mississippi State computer engineering graduates reported a successful career outcome within six months after finishing their degree.

Top
Employment
Industries

  • Computer Systems
  • Robotics, Controls, Emerging Technologies
  • Wireless and Telecommunications
  • Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
  • Government and Military

Brag
Points

  • Graduate with the advantage of a double major in one – Computer Science and Electrical Engineering – double the knowledge, double the skill, and double the opportunities
  • Only engineering department offering a two-semester capstone project for an in-depth experience that becomes a high-performance talking point in job interviews
  • Learn from student-focused, award-winning Computer Engineering educators, including a National Science Foundation CAREER award winner

Experiential Learning Opportunities

You'll complete a Professional Enrichment Elective that boosts career readiness, and many students complete experiential learning for this credit. Popular experiential learning options include undergraduate research, co-op programs, and study-abroad experiences offered through MSU and the Bagley College of Engineering.

Spotlight

Faculty Expertise

Faculty have extensive research and industry experience, including with smartwatches, wearable technology, athlete engineering, and multi-national computing companies, which brings practical applications into the classroom.

Thrive in Five

Academically talented juniors may apply for the Thrive in Five program, which allows you, as an undergraduate, to take classes at the graduate level for dual credit in both your undergraduate program and for graduate credit. A maximum of nine credit hours may be applied. 

Common Minors

Cognitive Science, Data Science, Global Engineering Leadership, Math and Software Engineering

Computer Engineering

2025-2026 Major Map

Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering

Get the Courses You Need

1st Year

Building Your Foundation

Your first year is about building a strong technical base while getting your first taste of computer engineering. You’ll take core courses in calculus, physics, programming, and composition while being introduced to electrical and computer engineering through foundational ECE courses. One highlight of the year is your first design experience, where you’ll work on a team project and start learning how engineers collaborate to solve problems. This year helps you develop confidence and curiosity as you begin thinking like a computer engineer.

2nd Year

Expanding Your Knowledge

In your second year, your coursework becomes more focused and more hands-on. You’ll continue with advanced math and physics while diving into digital devices, microprocessors, circuits, and data structures. This is when you begin to see how hardware and software work together. By the end of the year, you’ll have a much clearer picture of how computer systems are designed, built, and programmed.

3rd Year

Craft Your Expertise

Now you’re ready to go deeper. You’ll study electronics, signals and systems, computer networks, algorithms, and systems programming. This is also the year when you begin tailoring your degree through technical electives based on your interests. Whether you’re drawn to embedded systems, networking, or software-heavy applications, you’ll start shaping your own path while strengthening both technical and problem-solving skills.

4th Year

Knowledge Meets Experience

Your final year brings everything together. You’ll complete a two-semester capstone design sequence where you work on a major team-based project from concept to completion. Courses in computer architecture, operating systems, and advanced digital or embedded system design prepare you for real-world engineering work. Professional communication and statistics round out your experience, ensuring you graduate ready for industry or graduate school.

Hands-On Learning

1st Year

The Journey Begins

This is your chance to start exploring how computer engineering works outside the classroom. You’ll look into student organizations and teams like EcoCAR or robotics, where you can apply what you’re learning in a hands-on environment. Many students also begin volunteering or participating in outreach projects, building teamwork and communication skills early on.

2nd Year

Additional Experience

By your second year, you’ll likely feel ready to take on more responsibility. This is a great time to deepen your involvement in organizations, explore undergraduate research by talking with faculty, and learn about opportunities through the Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Discovery. You may also branch out into other engineering teams that help you grow as both a student and a leader.

3rd Year

Lead

This is the year to start stepping into leadership roles. You might lead a project, mentor newer students, or present undergraduate research at MSU’s Undergraduate Research Symposium. Many students also begin pursuing internships or summer jobs that give them industry exposure and help clarify career goals.

4th Year

Master and Launch

As you approach graduation, you’ll take time to evaluate your experiences and fill any remaining gaps. You’ll learn how to talk confidently about your projects, leadership, and capstone design work during interviews. By the end of the year, you’ll have a well-rounded portfolio that reflects both your technical abilities and your teamwork experience.

Connect with Community

1st Year

Get Involved

Before or during your first year, you may explore summer programs that help you transition to college life. Once on campus, you’ll have opportunities to join service-oriented organizations and volunteer through campus platforms like Cowbell Connect, helping you feel connected from the start.

2nd Year

Grow and Lead

This is a great time to begin exploring leadership opportunities. You might consider becoming an Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) mentor later in your program, helping first-year students navigate foundational courses. Joining organizations like IEEE or Bagley Ambassadors also allows you to build leadership skills while meeting students with similar interests.

3rd Year

Mentor and Inspire

By now, you’re well positioned to take on meaningful leadership roles. You may serve in campus or departmental organizations, join honor societies if invited, or support other students as a Supplemental Instruction Leader or Co-op Ambassador.

4th Year

Professional Pathways

Your final year is about refining your leadership story. You’ll reflect on your experiences, identify growth areas, and confidently share how your involvement has prepared you for what comes next.

Explore the World

1st Year

Discover

If global experiences interest you, this is the time to start learning what’s possible. You might explore the global engineering leadership (GENL) minor and attend campus events like the International Fiesta to see how engineering connects across cultures.

2nd Year

Plan and Explore

This is the year to start planning seriously. You can attend the Study Abroad Fair, meet with international program advisors, and explore whether a faculty-led trip or semester exchange fits your academic and personal goals.

3rd Year

Experience and Lead

You may continue GENL coursework or consider serving as a study abroad or GENL ambassador. These experiences help you build global awareness alongside leadership skills.

4th Year

Showcase and Expand

As you graduate, you’ll be able to highlight global experiences in interviews and professional conversations, showing employers that you’re prepared to work in an interconnected world.

Launch Your Career

1st Year

Chart Your Course

Your career journey starts with exploration. You’ll attend Career Expos and workshops to learn about the wide range of paths available in computer engineering. If you’re still figuring things out, the Career Center can help you explore options and begin building your resume.

2nd Year

Gain Real Experience

This is the year to start actively pursuing internships and co-ops. You’ll update your resume, create a Connections account, and continue attending Career Expos. Programs like Co-op and Internship Days help you connect directly with employers.

3rd Year

Target Your Path

With experience in hand, you’ll start narrowing your focus. This is the year to research employers and graduate programs, refine your LinkedIn profile, and align technical electives or undergraduate research with your long-term goals. You may also explore options like Thrive in Five and attend graduate school information sessions.

4th Year

Make Your Move

Your final year is about putting your plan into action. You’ll apply for jobs or graduate programs, prepare for interviews, and continue networking through LinkedIn and professional groups. If licensure is part of your goals, this is also the time to consider taking the Fundamentals of Engineering or FE exam.

Alumni
Success

“Electrical and computer engineering at Mississippi State provided an outstanding technical foundation, but it also taught me how to adapt—a skill that has served me well in my career through rapid technological change.” —Erik Brown, CPE B.S. 2001, ECE M.S., 2023, Product Manager, Energy Company

Learn More

Curriculum Guide (effective Fall 2025)Apply to MSUBagley College of EngineeringDepartment of Electrical and Computer Engineering