In 2026, the world runs on code.
From work to entertainment to our personal lives and everything in between, computers and the code they run on help make our lives more efficient and a little easier to navigate. Computer engineers work mostly behind the scenes to develop new codes to help power our increasing connected world.
In the ever-growing digital space of today’s tech-driven world, with revolutionary new technologies reimagining what the future of technology will look like, it’s time to start imagining your future in it. A master’s in computer engineering breeds innovation while equipping you with foundations in hardware and software engineering, and builds a masterful skillset to produce optimal programs and systems needed to thrive in a variety of coding-centered positions.
Coding sits at the forefront of innovation, just as the technology industry rapidly advances, so does the job market for computer engineering degrees. The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics reported projected job growth for Computer Engineering master’s graduates is expected to rise 7% over the next decade, with 149,379 new job openings in the past year and an average salary of $127,065 for graduates, making the field of computer engineering highly evolving, in demand, and a lucrative career option with a wide variety of opportunities.
No matter your specialty, there are roles in a wide variety of industries, like aerospace, healthcare, artificial intelligence, robotics, and automotives, that can turn your expertise in coding into a rewarding career. Debug your career path by exploring where an M.S. in computer engineering can take you.
1) Software Engineer or Hardware Engineer
Software engineers work to produce computer systems, applications, and programs to provide optimal functionality. Hardware engineers develop the physical hardware computer components, like circuits, processors, that are adaptable and compatible with software to ensure performance standards. Software and hardware engineers are one of the most popular positions of computer engineer graduates, as the backbone of all computer innovation.
Median Annual Salary: $155,020
2) AI Engineer
Artificial intelligence engineers develop, design, and maintain AI programs to train machine learning to produce business desired outcomes, automotive tasks, and various algorithms. Through extensive data processing, machine learning and closely monitoring AI performance, AI engineers work to improve the overall performance and tailored outcomes of artificial intelligence.
Median Annual Salary: $145,080
3) Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity analysts work to ensure IT systems protection, alleviate potential or active threats in cyberspace, and monitor vulnerabilities by implementing security protocols, monitoring antivirus software, and ensuring firewall protection.
Median Annual Salary: $124,910
4) Robotics Engineer
Robotic engineers work to conceptualize robotics by developing robotic systems, designing mechanical methods, software code, and rigorously testing creations to produce innovative additions to the robotic space and revolutionary solutions in various fields like aerospace, healthcare, automotive, artificial intelligence, and manufacturing.
Median Annual Salary: $118,780
5) Game Developer
A game developer works to construct game concepts into life through coding mechanisms and functions, collaborating with designers to program visual and creative expressions, and implements storyboards and scripts to generate a holistic immersive experience. Game developers also work to upkeep functionality, troubleshoot software issues, and debug code to uphold a positive experience with gameplay.
Median Annual Salary: $99,800
6) IT Consultant
IT Consultants aim to assist, strategize, and collaborate with organizations on how to best implement tailored IT solutions and programs to meet their organization’s goals by assessing data, analyzing current software functionality, and providing recommendations.
Median Annual Salary: $105,990
7) Web Developer
Web developers transform ideas into functional, optimal, visually appealing, and user-friendly digital platforms that satisfy the needs of an organization or individual. Web developers work to code mechanisms, design appealing graphics, ensure cybersecurity, troubleshoot programs, and collaborate with clients.
Median Annual Salary: $90,930
Why SDSU Global Campus?
SDSU’s online master’s of science in Computer Engineering program is an extensive and research-driven program that combines the fields of Hardware, Software, and network engineering led by our expert faculty in SDSU’s College of Engineering.
Our renowned program is designed for working professionals looking to leverage their career with flexibility and ensure quality with 100% online coursework, as little as 1.5 years of completion time, and is backed by expert faculty. Our program concludes in a hands-on project that combines the masterful skillset produced, enhanced knowledge, and extensive progress in the program.
“One of the main reasons I chose Global Campus was because it is completely online. That flexibility allowed me to work and study at the same time, which was important for managing tuition and responsibilities,” said recent SDSU Global Campus graduate Laurand Osmeni. “It also saved me a lot of time commuting, and I learn just as well online as I would in person.”
Living in your home country outside of the U.S? The SDSU GlobalFlex Master of Science in Computer Engineering, offered in partnership with university partners, allows you to complete the first semester of your program online from the convenience of your home country before travelling to San Diego to finish your courses in person.
Enter a rapidly expanding, well-paid, and stable industry with a quality-backed and flexible education through SDSU Global Campus. Are you ready to use your coding expertise to level up your career with an M.S. in Computer Engineering?
