As students in the region continue to exceed expectations, you might be searching for colleges that offer computer engineering in North Carolina. However, choosing where to apply can be overwhelming, with many available options. Do you have a plan to decide which direction to go in when given the choice?

Below, we explore the six best N.C. colleges in tech that offer computer engineering. Learn which have the most cutting-edge research facilities and those that can help you find employment with solid industry connections. Keep reading to begin your tech career with confidence by selecting your future from these top NC engineering schools.

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1. North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University has a highly regarded computer education program within its Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE). The teaching program doesn't only focus on theory but also offers both practical research and hands-on experience at its cutting-edge centennial campus. This location even hosts several tech startups and laboratories, each of which can ensure easy access to the research, knowledge, and equipment you need to succeed.

The N.C. State computer engineering program covers various components, including a strong understanding of hardware and software, empowering you to explore different career directions. Some of the core and elective courses, for example, include:

  • Digital logic design
    • Embedded systems
      • Computer systems programming
        • Complex digital systems design
          • Over time, you can also specialize in areas such as:
            • Cybersecurity
              • Data science
                • Robotics
                  • Circuit design

                    Future prospects after NC State

                    N.C. State boasts high post-graduate employment rates, and its alumni include several successful startups. It even encourages the creation of student startups within its walls. As such, it even has a good chance of success before graduation.

                    N.C. State also encourages students to participate in collaborative projects as a core skill. Those attending this institute will likely learn the soft skills they need to do well in any strong digital development team.

                    2. Duke University

                    The Duke University Pratt School of Engineering is well-revered for its heavy focus on research and learning with an interdisciplinary approach for students. The program integrates students into projects early in their journeys to help them get hands-on experience working independently and in teams in various realistic scenarios.

                    Duke University has its hand on the technological zeitgeist as well as a recent influx of funding. Its current advanced courses of specialization are all at the forefront of digital advancements and give students an excellent opportunity to get into modern industries, including:

                    • Artificial intelligence
                      • Machine learning
                        • Quantum computing
                          • Big data analytics
                            • Modern cybersecurity

                              Duke's program has strong ties with local and international technology businesses so that they can offer internal projects, internship opportunities and even job placements for their best students. As such, it often ranks among the top engineering schools nationwide for going above and beyond to ensure students get the best results out of their time in college.

                              3. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

                              UNC-Chapel Hill's Department of Computer Science offers a robust and well-known computer engineering program. Much like the others in this list, it provides expert foundations in the subject matter and maintains partnerships with leading names in the tech industry. As such, it can give practical experience and specialization in various areas of advanced research and even offer internship opportunities for many students.

                              If you choose to investigate this area, you can expect to choose from specializations that include:

                              • Computational photography and image analysis
                                • Natural processing language and text mining
                                  • Digital humanities
                                    • Multicore and parallel computing
                                      • Wearable computing

                                        Not only are each of these valuable specializations, but they are also not available at all locations in the country. As such, the University of North Carolina is the perfect location to focus your education in these specific areas of experience.

                                        4. North Carolina A&T State University

                                        While every listing here offers a chance to study computer engineering in NC, A&T is also a top-rated historically Black university (HBCU). The university has become a welcoming place for underrepresented groups. Also, modern businesses want new perspectives to round out their tech workforce, so you can expect many such opportunities from attending North Carolina A&T.

                                        NC A&T has a comprehensive curriculum like others on this list, with coursework integrating such modern concepts as IoT and blockchain technology. The courses also offer dual degrees or minors in related fields like electrical engineering, offering a well-rounded education.

                                        5. East Carolina University

                                        East Carolina University's comprehensive computer engineering program emphasizes practical skills with support from the latest technology in state-of-the-art labs. Boasting an advanced cybersecurity lab and robotics development courses, students can keep pace with many modern technological advancements they might struggle to understand elsewhere.

                                        At the same time, while the various degree tracks offer strong foundations, several student organizations and clubs also help enhance a student's experience. By collaborating with other curriculum areas, these groups ensure the student has plenty of opportunities to network and have a high chance of success straight out of college.

                                        6. Wake Forest University

                                        At Wake Forest University, it is not so much the program itself as the teaching method that has got heads turning. Their courses are not only rigorous interdisciplinary computer engineering programs, but their teaching methods allow for more diverse tracks for learning.

                                        Much like other colleges in this list, Wake Forest uses project-based learning to teach strong practical skills but also offers:

                                        • Frequent guest lectures
                                          • Workshops by industry professionals
                                            • Enhanced learning experiences via online platforms
                                              • Flipped classroom models
                                                • Interactive teaching methods

                                                  The combination of different approaches allows a student to engage in learning that is as effective as it is memorable.

                                                  The best colleges that offer computer engineering in North Carolina

                                                  Having the knowledge you need to choose between colleges that offer computer engineering in North Carolina ensures that your tech career will start with a bang. Each of the above institutions has its own strengths and can help you in different ways.