Computational Engineering

Program Overview

The 100% online computational engineering (CSE) concentration offers an area of specialization for students in the Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Engineering (MSE) / Master of Science (MS) degree. This program was created for professionals who wish to build a competitive edge in a wide variety of industries. As a student in this program, you will focus heavily on computational engineering topics and technical knowledge. Purdue University's online graduate engineering program is consistently ranked in the top three online programs by U.S. News and World Report, 2024. 

Course Topical Areas:

Computational Mathematics  Scientific Visualization
High-Performance Computing Computational Optimization
Intelligent Computing Introduction to CSE 

Degree Requirements with the Computational Engineering Concentration

The Interdisciplinary Engineering (MSE or MS) degree requires a total of 30 credit hours with at least 18 credits of Purdue, graduate level, engineering courses. The computational engineering (CSE) concentration must be completed within these degree requirements. 

Additional steps are required for the concentration. Students who select the Computational Engineering concentration also need to submit a short application to the Computational Interdisciplinary Graduate Programs (CIGP) department after gaining admission to the Interdisciplinary Engineering program; the application should be emailed to cigp@purdue.edu.   

CIGP program applications are accepted all year but are only reviewed after the following deadlines: October 1 (Fall) and March 1 (Spring). 

Requirements

*Two Core Courses MUST BE selected from 2 different groups below. If two Core Courses are taken from the same group, only one of them will be counted. Courses can be found here.

  • Introduction to CSE
  • Computational Mathematics
  • High Performance Computing
  • Intelligent Computing
  • Scientific Visualization
  • Computational Optimization

Course options range from the following disciplines and can can be found here.*

  • Aero. & Astro. Engineering Courses
  • Agriculture Economics Courses
  • Biology Course
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Chemistry Courses
  • Chemical Engineering Courses
  • Civil Engineering Courses
  • Computer Sciences Courses
  • Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences Courses
  • Electrical and Computer Engineering Courses
  • Food Science Courses
  • Industrial Engineering Courses
  • Industrial & Physical Pharmacy Courses
  • Materials Engineering Courses
  • Mathematics Courses
  • Mechanical Engineering Courses
  • Medicinal Chemistry & Molecular Pharmacology Courses
  • Nuclear Engineering Courses
  • Physics and Astronomy Courses
  • Psychological Sciences Courses
  • Statistics Courses
  • Technology Courses

The CIGP seminar course is offered in both the Spring and Fall Semesters each academic year. GRAD68900 CSE Seminar should only be used for CSE students.

Any courses listed on our courses page will fulfill this requirement, including available non-engineering courses.

All questions regarding courses and transfer credits should be directed to a student’s academic advisor. 

During the final semester, students will complete their poster presentation at the Fall CIGP Symposium held in November and the Spring CIGP Symposium held in April.

* Please note not all courses are available online and online availability is subject to change. You will work with your advisor to determine the best plan of study for upcoming semesters.  

Creating Your Electronic Plan of Study 

The MSE/MS master's program offers a wide range of flexibility in course options. After you begin your studies at Purdue, an academic advisor will help you create an Electronic Plan of Study (EPOS) to best fit your educational needs and career goals.    

The student is ultimately responsible for knowing and completing all degree requirements. This website is a knowledge source for specific requirements and completion.