ECE, Computer Engineering Shines in U.S. News Grad School Rankings
NC State’s Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering programs both improved in the latest rankings, a testament to the department’s focus on research, industry partnerships and leadership in emerging technological fields.
April 16, 2026 
Colleen Brown
NC State’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) graduate programs have once again improved in the newly released 2026 Best Graduate Schools rankings from the U.S. News & World Report.
ECE’s graduate Computer Engineering program (CPE) ranked #27, moving up nine spots from last year. When compared to other public universities, this ranking is particularly strong at #14. ECE's graduate Electrical Engineering program (EE) also improved to #31, moving up two places from 2025.
“We are very proud to see both Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering continue to rise in the U.S. News graduate rankings. These results reflect the strength of our faculty, the quality of our students and the impact of our research and industry partnerships. In particular, our Computer Engineering program’s performance highlights our leadership in areas such as AI hardware, embedded systems and next-generation computing along with our Electrical Engineering leadership in semiconductors and power systems,” said Department Head Veena Misra.
These latest rankings reflect the strength of the CPE graduate program in preparing students to lead in a world where computers are fully embedded in our everyday lives. Students graduate with an in-depth knowledge of multi-modal sensing, signal processing, machine learning, communications, cyber-physical systems and more.
“Time and again our industry partners tell us that both our Electrical and Computer Engineering M.S. students and graduates are curious, collaborative and creative problem solvers,” said Sara Concini, ECE’s director of corporate relations and career services. “Our students are well trained with theoretical and practical know-how to deliver results and make an impact in their professional pursuits.”
Recently, the department has put an emphasis on expanding existing and creating new graduate programs, including cybersecurity and computer networking. Up next is the M.S. in wide bandgap semiconductors. The program, which launches in Fall 2026, will prepare students to work in power electronics, RF and photonics applications.