Northern Arizona University

What you'll study

The programme covers a blend of electrical engineering and computer engineering subjects, emphasising systems that integrate hardware and software. Core topics typically include digital systems and logic design, computer architecture, embedded systems and firmware development, signal processing, communications, control systems, and electronics. Students also study advanced electives such as VLSI/ASIC design, FPGA implementation, real-time systems, machine learning for embedded devices, networking, and power electronics.

Students may choose from different culminating options, commonly including a research thesis, a capstone project, or a coursework-only route. Teaching combines lectures with laboratory practicals and project work, giving experience with microcontrollers and FPGAs, hardware description languages, circuit design tools, and industry-standard software platforms. Research-active faculty supervise independent study and thesis projects in areas aligned with departmental specialisms.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, electronics, computer science or a closely related technical discipline. Admissions typically consider the applicant’s academic record, relevant coursework (for example, circuits, digital logic, programming and mathematics), letters of recommendation, and a personal statement describing goals and experience.

Applicants whose undergraduate preparation does not closely match the programme may be required to take prerequisite courses. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through an approved test or equivalent. Some applicants may be asked to provide a résumé/CV and examples of project work or a portfolio. Funding opportunities and assistantships are competitive and usually require a separate application or direct contact with supervising faculty.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a range of roles across electronics, computing and communications industries. Typical positions include embedded systems engineer, firmware or hardware engineer, systems architect, electronics design engineer, control systems engineer, and network or communications engineer. The degree also prepares students for roles in research and development, test and validation, and technical management, and is a strong foundation for those who wish to pursue a PhD.

Alumni find employment in sectors such as consumer electronics, telecommunications, aerospace and defence, automotive systems, medical devices, semiconductor companies, and software firms that require close hardware–software integration. The programme’s hands-on focus and opportunities for applied research support transitions into both industry and academic careers.

Why study at Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University offers a personalised graduate experience with relatively small class sizes and accessible faculty. The engineering and informatics departments provide modern laboratory facilities for electronics, embedded systems and communications, and encourage interdisciplinary collaboration across computer science, informatics and physical sciences.

Students benefit from faculty who are active in applied research and from connections with regional technology companies, which can support project partnerships and internships. The university’s emphasis on experiential learning means students gain practical skills in design, testing and prototyping that are directly relevant to employers and doctoral study alike.