Best Associate's Computer Engineering Degree Programs in Mississippi
Itawamba Community College — Fulton, MS
Hakia Insight: Itawamba's program delivers what most community colleges don't: a clear direct-hire pathway into regional IT support roles rather than a mandatory four-year transfer, making it viable for students who need immediate income over credential stacking.
At the associate's level, if you're looking to get hired straight out of community college rather than transfer, Itawamba's computer engineering program emphasizes workforce readiness through hands-on lab work in networking and systems support. You'll work with real equipment in their tech labs, building the practical skills that employers in Northeast Mississippi actually need—think network setup, troubleshooting, and IT support workflows. Graduates typically land help desk and junior technician roles within 6 months, often staying in the region with local employers. The program keeps cohorts small enough that instructors know your strengths and can connect you directly to job openings. If your goal is a paycheck and stability rather than a 4-year degree, this pathway delivers.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Computer Engineering — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Computer Engineering — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Local school districts, Healthcare systems in northeast Mississippi, Regional IT support firms.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Mississippi State University
- University of Mississippi
- University of Southern Mississippi
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Network Administrator
- Desktop Support Technician
- Field Service Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco CCNA Basics
Location Advantages:
Northwest Mississippi Community College — Senatobia, MS
Hakia Insight: Northwest Mississippi's Cisco-integrated curriculum creates a rare associate's advantage—students graduate with vendor certifications alongside degrees, letting them skip the self-funded cert grind that typically delays technical hiring.
At the associate's level, if you want to build actual systems rather than just troubleshoot them, Northwest Mississippi's program leans into network design and infrastructure—students work with Cisco equipment and cloud platforms that prepare you for junior architect-level roles instead of just entry-level support. Graduates transfer successfully to Mississippi State and Ole Miss engineering programs, but many also move directly into junior network admin or junior systems engineer positions with regional companies. The program's real advantage is teaching you to think like an infrastructure person from semester two, which means faster career growth and higher starting salaries than typical help desk tracks.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Computer Engineering — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Computer Engineering — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Regional utility companies, Manufacturing firms in north Mississippi, Government IT departments.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Mississippi State University
- University of Mississippi
- University of Southern Mississippi
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Network Administrator
- IT Support Specialist
- Desktop Support Technician
- Technical Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA Network+
- Cisco CCNA Introduction
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
Location Advantages:
Copiah-Lincoln Community College — Wesson, MS
Hakia Insight: Copiah-Lincoln's hardware-software balance positions graduates for system integration roles that pure IT programs ignore, a niche that Jackson-area hospitals and state agencies actively recruit for.
At the associate's level, this program stands out because it balances hardware and software—you're learning both PC repair and networking fundamentals alongside some programming basics, which makes you adaptable to different job markets instead of locked into one specialty. Co-op and internship placements with central Mississippi employers start early, often leading to hire-backs before graduation. Transfer pathways to Mississippi State, Ole Miss, and Southern Miss are well-established, and employers in the Jackson metro area actively recruit Copiah-Lincoln graduates because they know the program produces well-rounded technicians.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Computer Engineering — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Computer Engineering — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Jackson-area hospitals and medical centers, State government agencies, Banking and financial institutions in central Mississippi.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Mississippi State University
- University of Mississippi
- University of Southern Mississippi
- Mississippi College
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Network Administrator
- Desktop Support Technician
- Systems Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Microsoft Technology Associate
Location Advantages:
Mississippi Delta Community College — Moorhead, MS
Hakia Insight: Mississippi Delta's curriculum-by-employer-demand model means you're learning what the Delta's actual labor shortage needs right now, not what curricula committee meetings decided five years ago.
At the associate's level, you'll find practical, job-focused training designed specifically for employers in the Mississippi Delta region—the curriculum shifts based on what local companies actually need, so you're learning skills that have immediate market demand rather than generic IT knowledge. Graduates frequently move into help desk and junior admin roles with regional employers, and the college maintains transfer partnerships with Mississippi State and Ole Miss for students who want to continue. The program's strength is its flexibility and responsiveness to local job markets, meaning you graduate with certifications and skills that employers in your area are actively hiring for.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Computer Engineering — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Computer Engineering — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Delta regional school districts, Healthcare providers in the Delta, Regional government offices.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Mississippi State University
- University of Mississippi
- Jackson State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Network Administrator
- Desktop Support Technician
- Data Center Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Microsoft Technology Associate
Location Advantages:
Tougaloo College — Tougaloo, MS
Key Distinction: Tougaloo's program stands out for embedding hardware-software co-design across the entire curriculum and fostering intensive mentorship-driven research opportunities that connect theory directly to industry applications.
Hakia Insight: Tougaloo's hardware-software co-design threading and research mentorship at the associate level is structurally unusual—most peers delay research until four-year programs, giving Tougaloo graduates an early research literacy advantage when transferring.
At the associate's level, tougaloo's computer engineering program emphasizes foundational strength in digital systems, microprocessor design, and embedded systems within a close-knit learning environment where faculty know each student by name. The curriculum balances rigorous theory in circuit analysis, signals and systems, and computer architecture with hands-on laboratory work in FPGA design and microcontroller programming. What sets this program apart is its integration of hardware-software co-design principles early in the sequence, preparing students to think across the stack rather than siloing disciplines. Students benefit from mentorship-driven research opportunities in embedded systems and IoT applications, with faculty actively involving undergraduates in design projects that solve real problems. The college's strong emphasis on professional development and industry readiness means graduates leave with both technical depth and the communication skills that employers consistently demand. Tougaloo graduates have gone on to roles at companies like IBM and NASA, as well as smaller specialized firms where their hands-on foundation gives them immediate impact.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Computer Engineering — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Computer Engineering — 2 years, online
Location Advantages: Proximity to Jackson, Mississippi's growing tech and healthcare sectors
Best Bachelor's Computer Engineering Degree Programs in Mississippi
Mississippi State University — Mississippi State, MS
Key Distinction: Mississippi State's program combines research-grade laboratory facilities, faculty expertise in advanced topics like VLSI and reconfigurable computing, and strong industry pipelines.
Hakia Insight: Mississippi State's VLSI and reconfigurable computing strengths aren't just course names: Lockheed Martin and Raytheon hire directly from these labs because the coursework mirrors their actual design challenges, collapsing the onboarding gap.
At the bachelor's level, mississippi State's computer engineering program, part of a larger engineering enterprise with significant research infrastructure, offers students depth in VLSI design, computer architecture, digital signal processing, and embedded systems. The program benefits from faculty active in published research and graduate students who mentor undergraduates in state-of-the-art laboratory environments. Students have access to design tools, simulation platforms, and fabrication resources that support both foundational coursework and advanced electives in specialized areas like reconfigurable computing and high-performance systems. The university's research portfolio, combined with a strong alumni network in technology and industry, creates clear pathways to internships and post-graduation roles in aerospace, defense contracting, semiconductor companies, and tech firms.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Engineering — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Lockheed Martin (corporate)
- Raytheon (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Intel, Texas Instruments.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.00 minimum (last four semesters). Application Deadline: Fall-June 1, Spring-November 1, Summer-May 1.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to aerospace and defense industry concentration in northern Mississippi and adjacent regions
Jackson State University — Jackson, MS
Key Distinction: ABET accreditation by Engineering Accreditation Commission. Curriculum covers both hardware (electronic circuits) and software (programming) aspects
Hakia Insight: Jackson State's dual hardware-software curriculum and ABET accreditation position it as a credential that regional utilities and government research facilities actively screen for, making it a direct pipeline where degrees translate to interviews.
Jackson State University's Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering provides students with broad engineering knowledge encompassing both hardware and software aspects of computing devices. The curriculum focuses on designing, building, and programming computer systems, introducing students to electronic circuits and programming. The program emphasizes practical applications in embedded systems found in cell phones, automobiles, and home appliances, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for high-demand careers. The program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET under General Criteria and Program Criteria for Electrical, Computer, Communications, and Similarly Named Engineering Programs, ensuring quality education standards.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Jacqueline Jackson — Interim Chair of Electrical & Computer Engineering and Computer Science
- Dr. Khalid Abed — Professor in Electrical & Computer Engineering
- Dr. Kamal S. Ali — Professor in Electrical & Computer Engineering
- Dr. Shahrouz Aliabadi — Professor in Electrical & Computer Engineering
- Dr. Lin Gong — Assistant Professor in Electrical & Computer Engineering
- Dr. Mahmoud A. Manzoul — Professor in Electrical & Computer Engineering
- Dr. Shuang Z. Tu — Professor in Electrical & Computer Engineering
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Jackson, Mississippi regional hub with connections to utilities, government research facilities, and manufacturing sectors
Mississippi College — Clinton, MS
Key Distinction: Mississippi College's program excels at developing well-rounded computer engineers through a rigorous, math-intensive curriculum balanced with hands-on design work.
Hakia Insight: Mississippi College's partnerships with Check Point Software and EdgeTheory embed cybersecurity into the core curriculum rather than as an elective, a design choice that reflects how defense contractors now hire computer engineers.
At the bachelor's level, mississippi College's computer engineering program operates within a private liberal arts engineering context, balancing breadth in general engineering education with depth in computer systems design. The curriculum emphasizes both hardware and software integration, with particular attention to digital systems, microprocessors, and embedded applications. The program's smaller enrollment size allows for customizable learning paths where students can tailor electives toward areas like robotics, automation, or telecommunications based on career interests. Faculty maintain active industry consulting relationships that inform curriculum development and create networking pathways for students. The college's commitment to values-centered education extends to engineering ethics and professional responsibility, themes woven throughout core courses. Capstone design projects often involve local or regional industry partnerships, grounding the final semester in applied problem-solving.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Engineering — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Independent Software (collaborator)
- Toeroek Associates (collaborator)
- Check Point Software Technologies (collaborator)
- EdgeTheory (collaborator)
- HorneCyber (collaborator)
- SCOUT (collaborator)
- Breakaway Consulting (collaborator)
- Next Step Group (employer)
- High Performance Computing Modernization Program (collaborator)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Chris Maggio — Engineering, Computer Science, and Physics
- Dr. Thomas Bennet — Engineering, Computer Science, and Physics
- Dr. Charles Ghany — Engineering, Computer Science, and Physics
- Dr. Alina Ng — Property, Intellectual Property, Cyberlaw
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Central Mississippi location with access to regional manufacturing and technology sectors
Belhaven University — Jackson, MS
Key Distinction: Belhaven's program leverages small cohorts and design-intensive projects to develop engineers skilled in hardware-software integration.
Hakia Insight: Belhaven's dual BA/BS structure and emphasis on ethical reasoning woven through technical coursework positions graduates distinctly for roles in regulated industries—healthcare, finance, defense—where engineering judgment matters as much as code.
At the bachelor's level, belhaven's computer engineering program takes an integrative approach that weaves ethical and professional responsibility throughout technical coursework, a philosophy that distinguishes it among Mississippi institutions. The program combines classical computer engineering fundamentals—digital logic, microprocessors, embedded systems—with projects that require students to consider real-world constraints: cost, reliability, maintainability, and societal impact. This values-centered framing appeals to students who see engineering as problem-solving in service of broader goals, not merely technical exercise. The curriculum includes hands-on labs where students design, build, and test circuits and embedded systems, complemented by capstone projects that often partner with local businesses or nonprofit organizations seeking technical solutions. Faculty mentorship is particularly strong, with professors who emphasize individualized guidance and help students articulate how their technical choices reflect their professional values. Graduates emerge with portfolio pieces that demonstrate not just technical competence but thoughtful engineering practice, an asset that resonates with employers seeking engineers who communicate well and integrate into multidisciplinary teams.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Engineering — 4 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages:
University of Mississippi — University, MS
Key Distinction: Mississippi's program uniquely integrates power systems and smart grid technologies into its computer engineering curriculum, creating a direct pipeline to utilities and energy companies.
Hakia Insight: Mississippi's curriculum integration of smart grid technologies creates an unusual advantage: graduates enter the utilities sector with domain knowledge most programs defer to on-the-job training, shortening the path to specialized grid modernization roles at Mississippi Power and Entergy.
At the bachelor's level, mississippi's computer engineering program emphasizes a rigorous foundation in both hardware design and software systems, preparing graduates for roles that bridge digital circuit design with embedded systems development. The curriculum balances theoretical principles with applied project work, giving students hands-on experience in FPGA design, microcontroller programming, and signal processing—skills directly demanded by employers in aerospace, defense, and industrial automation sectors. The program benefits from the university's location within growing proximity to tech corridors and maintains active partnerships with regional manufacturers and engineering firms. Faculty bring industry experience alongside research interests in power electronics and embedded systems, fostering a mentorship environment where undergraduates contribute to real design challenges. Graduates routinely secure positions in embedded systems development, hardware verification, and systems integration roles, with many staying competitive for internships at companies with Mississippi operations. The program's strength lies in its practical orientation: students don't just study circuit theory in isolation but implement designs on actual hardware platforms, a pedagogical approach that significantly shortens the learning curve when they enter industry.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Engineering — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Mississippi Power (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Mississippi Power, Entergy.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Regional hub for Mississippi's utilities and energy infrastructureAccess to electric grid modernization projects and smart grid deployment initiatives
Rust College — Holly Springs, MS
Key Distinction: Rust College's program uniquely combines rigorous computer engineering fundamentals with a liberal arts emphasis on communication and ethical reasoning.
Hakia Insight: Rust College's pairing of rigorous computer engineering fundamentals with liberal arts communication training produces engineers rare in industry—those who can translate complex systems to non-technical stakeholders, a skill that commands premium value in cross-functional tech teams.
At the bachelor's level, as a historically Black institution with a strong liberal arts foundation, Rust College's computer engineering program prioritizes accessibility and mentorship for students entering the field with diverse preparation levels. The program builds computational and hardware design skills methodically, ensuring each student develops genuine mastery rather than surface familiarity with complex topics. Students benefit from close faculty-student relationships and peer learning communities that are hallmarks of the institution; computer engineering majors work collaboratively on labs and design projects, fostering problem-solving resilience. The curriculum covers digital systems, microprocessors, and embedded applications, with particular attention to real-world implementation on development boards and laboratory hardware. Rust College's emphasis on undergraduate research and capstone projects gives students portfolio-ready experience before graduation. The program recognizes that success in engineering requires not just technical skill but persistence, communication, and professional growth—and structures support systems accordingly. Graduates from Rust have pursued careers in systems design, embedded development, and technical roles across private industry and government agencies, often advancing quickly because of their strong fundamentals and collaborative mindset.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Engineering — 4 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages:
Tougaloo College — Tougaloo, MS
Key Distinction: Tougaloo's program stands out for embedding hardware-software co-design across the entire curriculum and fostering intensive mentorship-driven research opportunities that connect theory directly to industry applications.
Hakia Insight: Tougaloo's hardware-software co-design integration across the entire curriculum, rather than as isolated capstone work, gives students the systems-level intuition that embedded systems employers desperately seek but rarely find in fresh graduates.
At the bachelor's level, tougaloo's computer engineering program emphasizes foundational strength in digital systems, microprocessor design, and embedded systems within a close-knit learning environment where faculty know each student by name. The curriculum balances rigorous theory in circuit analysis, signals and systems, and computer architecture with hands-on laboratory work in FPGA design and microcontroller programming. What sets this program apart is its integration of hardware-software co-design principles early in the sequence, preparing students to think across the stack rather than siloing disciplines. Students benefit from mentorship-driven research opportunities in embedded systems and IoT applications, with faculty actively involving undergraduates in design projects that solve real problems. The college's strong emphasis on professional development and industry readiness means graduates leave with both technical depth and the communication skills that employers consistently demand. Tougaloo graduates have gone on to roles at companies like IBM and NASA, as well as smaller specialized firms where their hands-on foundation gives them immediate impact.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Engineering — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Proximity to Jackson, Mississippi's growing tech and healthcare sectors
University of Southern Mississippi — Hattiesburg, MS
Key Distinction: Southern Mississippi's program excels at systems integration and real-time embedded design, with deep industry partnerships in aerospace and defense that create direct employment pathways.
Hakia Insight: Southern Mississippi's three dedicated cybersecurity and real-time embedded labs, combined with Raytheon, General Dynamics, and Lockheed Martin partnerships, mean undergraduates can publish or patent work that directly influences defense contracting—an on-resume advantage competitors lack.
Computer engineering at Southern Mississippi distinguishes itself through research-active faculty and accessible graduate pathways that allow strong undergraduates to begin master's-level work before completing their bachelor's degree. The program maintains invested faculty who actively pursue research in applied areas—power systems, control systems, and communications technologies—and deliberately involve undergraduates in these projects, transforming coursework into genuine inquiry. Students are exposed early to how computer engineering contributes to larger infrastructure and industrial systems, not just consumer electronics. The curriculum balances core theory with practical implementation, and the institution's relatively strong resources for a regional public university mean students access modern laboratory equipment and design tools. Southern Mississippi's location in the Gulf region connects naturally to maritime industries, aerospace suppliers, and energy companies that value embedded systems and control engineering expertise. The program's graduate pipeline is notably smooth: students who excel can pursue MS degrees with reduced barriers, and many faculty are invested in mentoring the next generation of researchers and practitioners. For undergraduates, this research-engaged environment accelerates professional maturation and creates opportunities to publish or present technical work—significant assets for competitive internships and job applications.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Engineering — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Cybersecurity
- Cyber Innovations Laboratory
- Security and Privacy of Emerging Networks Laboratory
Industry Partners
- Raytheon Technologies (corporate)
- General Dynamics (corporate)
- Sev1Tech (collaborator)
- Department of Defense (collaborator)
- YAKAccess (collaborator)
- Mississippi Department of Transportation (collaborator)
- Annapolis Micro Systems, Inc. (collaborator)
- Emerald Coast Catalyst, LLC. (collaborator)
- Perspecta (collaborator)
- Mercury Systems (collaborator)
- The Hartford (collaborator)
- HID Global (collaborator)
- Hexagon US Federal (collaborator)
- Bank of America (collaborator)
- Software Consulting Services, LLC. (collaborator)
- Cisco (partner)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Raytheon Technologies, General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Zhaoxian Zhou — Computer Engineering
- Dr. Sarah Lee — Computing Sciences
- Dr. Joe Zhang — Computer Science
- Dr. Nick Rahimi — Cybersecurity
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Gulf Coast proximity to aerospace and defense manufacturing hubsAccess to major contractors and federal research facilities in the region
Best Master's Computer Engineering Degree Programs in Mississippi
Mississippi State University — Mississippi State, MS
Key Distinction: Thesis vs non-thesis track options. In-state tuition for all students ($581/credit hour)
Hakia Insight: Mississippi State's flat in-state tuition rate ($581/credit hour) applied universally masks a sophisticated advantage for working professionals: the thesis/non-thesis flexibility lets aerospace and defense employees in Lockheed Martin or Raytheon roles complete a master's without leaving their specialization.
Mississippi State's MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering offers both thesis and non-thesis tracks for working professionals. The online program provides flexibility with in-state tuition rates for all students at $581 per credit hour. The thesis track requires 30 credits with 6 hours of thesis research, while the non-thesis option allows 30 credits of coursework. Students can complete up to 6 hours in ECE 7000 and pursue an optional minor. The program offers three application deadlines annually (Fall-June 1, Spring-November 1, Summer-May 1) and does not require GRE scores. Transfer students can apply up to 12 graduate credits from other institutions. The program prepares graduates for leadership roles in research, product design, consulting, and education in the rapidly evolving field of electrical and computer engineering, focusing on computer systems integration.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Industry Partners
- Lockheed Martin (corporate)
- Raytheon (corporate)
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.00 minimum (last four semesters). Application Deadline: Fall-June 1, Spring-November 1, Summer-May 1.
Requirements: Minimum 12 credit hours at 8000 level, Oral thesis defense (thesis track), 3.00 GPA maintenance
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to aerospace and defense industry concentration in northern Mississippi and adjacent regions
Mississippi College — Clinton, MS
Key Distinction: Mississippi College's program excels at developing well-rounded computer engineers through a rigorous, math-intensive curriculum balanced with hands-on design work.
Hakia Insight: Mississippi College's math-intensive curriculum balanced against hands-on design work, paired with niche partners like EdgeTheory and Check Point Software Technologies, attracts students building expertise in cybersecurity and emerging tech rather than generalist engineering.
At the master's level, mississippi College's computer engineering program operates within a private liberal arts engineering context, balancing breadth in general engineering education with depth in computer systems design. The curriculum emphasizes both hardware and software integration, with particular attention to digital systems, microprocessors, and embedded applications. The program's smaller enrollment size allows for customizable learning paths where students can tailor electives toward areas like robotics, automation, or telecommunications based on career interests. Faculty maintain active industry consulting relationships that inform curriculum development and create networking pathways for students. The college's commitment to values-centered education extends to engineering ethics and professional responsibility, themes woven throughout core courses. Capstone design projects often involve local or regional industry partnerships, grounding the final semester in applied problem-solving.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Computer Engineering — 1-2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Independent Software (collaborator)
- Toeroek Associates (collaborator)
- Check Point Software Technologies (collaborator)
- EdgeTheory (collaborator)
- HorneCyber (collaborator)
- SCOUT (collaborator)
- Breakaway Consulting (collaborator)
- Next Step Group (employer)
- High Performance Computing Modernization Program (collaborator)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Chris Maggio — Engineering, Computer Science, and Physics
- Dr. Thomas Bennet — Engineering, Computer Science, and Physics
- Dr. Charles Ghany — Engineering, Computer Science, and Physics
- Dr. Alina Ng — Property, Intellectual Property, Cyberlaw
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Central Mississippi location with access to regional manufacturing and technology sectors
Best Doctoral Computer Engineering Degree Programs in Mississippi
Mississippi State University — Mississippi State, MS
Key Distinction: Coursework-based qualifying exam (3.50 GPA on first 18 ECE credit hours). Four attempts allowed for qualifying exam within first four semesters
Hakia Insight: Mississippi State's coursework-based qualifying exam with four attempts over four semesters is structurally gentler than traditional PhD gatekeeping, yet its proximity to defense contractors means dissertation advisors often have Lockheed Martin or Raytheon funding—turning doctoral work into pre-employment.
The PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Mississippi State University requires 48 credit hours past the MS or 66 for direct-admit students. The program features a coursework-based qualifying exam requiring 3.50 GPA on first 18 credit hours of ECE coursework (at least 50% at 8000+ level), with four attempts allowed within the first four semesters. Students must maintain a 3.00 cumulative GPA to avoid probation and loss of financial support. Major research areas include communications, controls, computer architecture, electromagnetics, power systems, microelectronics, and signal processing. Research facilities include the High Performance Computing Collaboratory, Geosystems Research Institute, Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems, MSU High Voltage Laboratory, and specialized prototyping labs. The program requires 24 credit hours of dissertation research and an oral dissertation defense, with the completed dissertation submitted to committee members two weeks before defense. Students can pursue optional minors and take directed study courses.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Computer Engineering — 4-6 years, on-campus. PhD
Industry Partners
- Lockheed Martin (corporate)
- Raytheon (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Intel, Texas Instruments.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.00 minimum (last four semesters). Application Deadline: Fall-June 1, Spring-November 1, Summer-May 1.
Requirements: 24 credit hours dissertation research, Oral dissertation defense, 3.00 minimum cumulative GPA, Pass qualifying exam within first four semesters
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to aerospace and defense industry concentration in northern Mississippi and adjacent regions
Jackson State University — Jackson, MS
Key Distinction: Jackson State's computer engineering program stands out for its embedded systems focus and direct pipeline to regional technology employers.
Hakia Insight: Jackson State's power systems and embedded systems focus, combined with faculty like Dr. Khalid Abed and direct pipelines to regional utilities and government research facilities, creates a rare doctoral pathway for students targeting critical infrastructure roles rather than Silicon Valley.
At the doctoral level, jackson State University's computer engineering program leverages the school's research infrastructure and engineering tradition to deliver a curriculum strong in power systems, control systems, and telecommunications. The program integrates theoretical coursework with laboratory experience in microcontroller design, FPGA development, and signal processing, preparing students for the energy sector and advanced manufacturing roles. JSU maintains active connections to Mississippi's industrial base and benefits from federal research funding that creates opportunities for undergraduates to participate in sponsored projects. The school's location in Jackson positions graduates well for internships and employment in regional utility companies, government agencies, and growing tech sectors. The program structure emphasizes practical problem-solving skills alongside academic rigor, with capstone requirements that mirror engineering practice.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Engineering — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Computer Engineering — 4-6 years, online
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Jacqueline Jackson — Interim Chair of Electrical & Computer Engineering and Computer Science
- Dr. Khalid Abed — Professor in Electrical & Computer Engineering
- Dr. Kamal S. Ali — Professor in Electrical & Computer Engineering
- Dr. Shahrouz Aliabadi — Professor in Electrical & Computer Engineering
- Dr. Lin Gong — Assistant Professor in Electrical & Computer Engineering
- Dr. Mahmoud A. Manzoul — Professor in Electrical & Computer Engineering
- Dr. Shuang Z. Tu — Professor in Electrical & Computer Engineering
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Jackson, Mississippi regional hub with connections to utilities, government research facilities, and manufacturing sectors
