Online computer engineering programs can be a valuable opportunity for high school students looking to explore the world of technology. You can dive into your interests, deepen your knowledge, and stand out in college applications. These programs allow you to engage with cutting-edge topics such as hardware design, software development, and digital systems — all from home! Beyond technical skills, you also gain exposure to real-world problem-solving and innovation, helping you prepare for the academic and professional challenges of STEM fields.

These programs are designed to cultivate curiosity and build foundational skills in computer engineering, whether through hands-on projects, interactive coursework, or industry-relevant challenges. Here are 13 online computer engineering programs for high school students you can consider!

1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Starting $2990. Financial aid is offered.

Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. The deadline for the upcoming winter cohort is November 24, 2024.

Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer, fall, winter, and spring. The upcoming winter cohort starts on December 16, 2024.

Eligibility:

• You must be currently enrolled in high school

• Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement. (Note. students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)

• No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required.

The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. 

The program pairs high-school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.

2. Veritas AI

Location: Virtual

Cost: 

• $2,290 for the 10-week AI Scholars program

• $5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase

• $6,900for both

• Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here. 

Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Winter cohort deadline - December 1, 2024

Dates: Various according to the cohort

Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.

Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs tailored for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects. 

Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students can work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. The fellowship encourages students to explore interdisciplinary approaches, enabling them to merge AI with various fields such as finance, medicine, sports, environmental science, and more! You can also check out some examples of past projects here. 

3. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)

Location: Virtual 

Cost: Varies. 

Application Date: May 21, 2024, for the summer cohort and September 25, 2024, for the fall cohort 

Program Dates: 

• Summer seminar - June 24, 2024 - September 2, 2024

• Fall seminar - October 23, 2024 - February 19, 2025

• Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.

Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.

Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more! Horizon is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers you the choice to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research. 

Once you select a particular subject track and the type of research you wish to carry out, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar from a reputed university who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student. 

This program is a solid opportunity for you to pursue a research program in highly specialized fields under the guidance of a top scholar. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects. 

4. Beaver Works Institute: Microelectronics and Hardware Development

The MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI) provides an ideal opportunity for high school seniors to delve into cutting-edge areas of STEM, with a strong focus on engineering and innovation. The program features an array of specialized courses, including Microelectronics and Hardware Development, where you can explore the creation and functionality of microchips, PCBs, and hardware systems that power the modern world. Using a hands-on approach, you'll design and implement systems with microcontrollers, applying concepts directly to real-world challenges. Each participant receives a hardware kit to experiment with, and the program encourages creativity by allowing unique designs and additional tools to enhance your projects.

This rigorous four-week program combines theory and practice, providing a foundational understanding of essential computer engineering concepts such as embedded systems, circuit design, and hardware-software integration. Through workshops, collaborative projects, and direct mentorship, you'll gain a deeper appreciation of how microelectronics shapes daily life and industries. Whether you're a beginner or already experienced in hardware, BWSI ensures a stimulating environment that builds technical expertise and problem-solving skills, preparing you for a rigorous education in engineering.

Cost: Free

Program dates: Tentatively July 2025, with specific dates announced closer to spring. Virtual courses are open for interested students until November.

Application deadline: Applications typically close in March.

Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-11 who are U.S. citizens can apply.

5. MITx: Circuits and Electronics 1: Basic Circuit Analysis

The MITx: Circuits and Electronics 1: Basic Circuit Analysis course is a rigorous introduction to the building blocks of modern electronics, laying the groundwork for understanding how microchips and digital systems are designed. You’ll delve into essential circuit analysis techniques such as Kirchhoff's Voltage and Current Laws (KVL and KCL), nodal analysis, and superposition, along with advanced methods like Thevenin and Norton equivalents. The course also covers digital abstraction through combinational gates and explores MOSFET switches, including their small-signal models, to help you connect circuit theory to real-world applications.

Throughout the program, you’ll engage in virtual labs and hands-on design exercises to analyze and build circuits. Using tools like virtual oscilloscopes and signal generators, you’ll measure circuit variables and refine your problem-solving skills. Weekly interactive videos and assignments reinforce topics like nonlinear networks and digital logic, ensuring you gain both theoretical and practical expertise. By the end of this course, you’ll have a strong grasp of circuit analysis and design - an essential foundation for high school students interested in computer engineering and advancing to microprocessor or embedded systems design.  

Cost: Free, with a paid optional upgrade available

Program dates: Approximately 5 weeks, with a suggested pace of 5-7 hours per week

Application deadline: Open enrolment 

Eligibility: Open to everyone with a high school mathematical background in algebraic equations and basic calculus, and a high school physics background in the basics of electricity and magnetism.

6. Harvard Secondary School Program Online: Intensive Introduction to Computer Science

The Intensive Introduction to Computer Science within Harvard's Secondary School Program engages high school students in the foundational principles of computer science and engineering, preparing them for both academic and real-world challenges in technology. This fast-paced course covers vital topics such as algorithms, abstraction, data structures, and resource management while also introducing essential programming languages like C, Python, and SQL. You'll gain hands-on experience with web development through HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, blending theory and practical application. 

Throughout this online course, you’ll engage with projects that simulate real-world applications of computational thinking. Whether designing algorithms, building interactive websites, or managing resources effectively, you'll develop skills that are highly relevant to computer engineering and beyond. With a rigorous workload and the opportunity to earn college credit, this program offers a valuable glimpse into college-level academics, pushing you to expand your technical expertise and explore potential pathways in computing and engineering.

Cost: 7-week online - $4,050 (4 credits) or $7,900 (8 credits)

Program dates: June 21 – August 9, 2025

Application deadline: Applications open on December 2, 2024, and close on March 25, 2025 (regular) or April 9, 2025 (late)

Eligibility: High school students  who are at least 16 years old by June 21, 2025, and will not turn 19 years old before July 31, 2025

7. University of Wisconsin-Madison Virtual Engineering Summer Program (VESP)

The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Virtual Engineering Summer Program (VESP) introduces high school students to the diverse and innovative field of engineering. Over the course of a week, you’ll dive deep into engineering disciplines through interactive sessions and guided activities designed to spark curiosity and problem-solving skills. A hands-on design kit, mailed to participants, lets you tackle practical projects that simulate real engineering processes, allowing you to apply creativity and logic while understanding fundamental concepts. From exploring cutting-edge technologies to experimenting with designs, you’ll get a clear sense of what engineering entails.  

The program also includes mentorship opportunities with undergraduate engineering students and college preparatory workshops, providing a well-rounded experience. These sessions are designed to help you build confidence in your technical abilities while giving you insights into what it takes to succeed in engineering studies. 

Cost: Free

Program dates: June 24 – 27 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)

Application deadline: Applications typically close in May.

Eligibility: Current 8th graders or high school freshmen

8. UBCx: Software Engineering: Introduction

The UBCx Software Engineering: Introduction course is a comprehensive dive into the principles and practices behind creating robust, large-scale software systems. This program focuses on agile methodologies, teaching you how to work collaboratively in teams to design, build, and test software over multiple iterations. You'll explore topics such as system specifications, high- and low-level design, and advanced testing techniques while honing your ability to create functional, scalable, and secure applications. Concepts like refactoring, REST programming, and information security are central to the curriculum, ensuring a thorough understanding of the modern software development lifecycle.

As part of the course, you'll engage in practical projects that challenge you to apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios. From developing software specifications to implementing secure systems, the coursework fosters critical thinking and technical precision. By the completion of the course, you'll have experience building and refining software systems using industry-relevant tools and methods, preparing you for more advanced studies or future work in software engineering.

Cost: Free, with a paid optional upgrade available

Program dates: Approximately 8 weeks, with a suggested pace of 8-10 hours per week

Application deadline: Open enrolment 

Eligibility: Open to everyone fulfilling the program prerequisites

9. CS50's Introduction to Programming with Scratch

CS50's Introduction to Programming with Scratch is an engaging entry point into the world of programming, particularly suited for high school students eager to explore computer engineering concepts. Using Scratch, a visual programming language developed at MIT, this course simplifies coding by allowing you to create programs through intuitive drag-and-drop blocks rather than traditional text-based code. The course introduces foundational programming principles such as functions, loops, variables, and conditions, equipping you with a solid understanding of computational thinking. These concepts, although practiced in Scratch, form the backbone of more advanced languages like Java and Python, making this course a stepping stone toward more complex programming endeavors.

In this course, you’ll develop interactive projects such as animations, games, and digital stories, all while honing problem-solving and logical thinking skills. Whether designing a game that tracks scores or crafting a dynamic story with branching paths, you’ll gain hands-on experience that mirrors real-world engineering processes, giving you a glimpse into the dynamic world of engineering.

Cost: Free, with an optional Verified Certificate for $299

Program dates: Approximately 3 weeks

Application deadline: Open enrolment 

Eligibility: All high school students 

10. CS50's Web Programming with Python and JavaScript

CS50’s Web Programming with Python and JavaScript delves into the technical and creative aspects of building modern web applications, making it an excellent choice for high school students exploring computer engineering. The course focuses on key programming languages and tools such as Python, JavaScript, and SQL, alongside frameworks like Django and React. You’ll learn the essentials of web development, including HTML, CSS, and Git, and tackle advanced topics like database design, user experience, scalability, and security. Through practical projects, you’ll write and use APIs, create dynamic user interfaces, and deploy your applications on platforms like GitHub and Heroku.

As you progress, you’ll gain hands-on experience in designing robust back-end systems and interactive front-end applications, applying principles crucial to both web development and broader engineering disciplines. Projects might involve crafting an e-commerce platform, developing a secure authentication system, or building responsive web apps. By its conclusion, the course leaves you with a portfolio of functional web applications and a solid understanding of the tools and techniques required to pursue real-world opportunities in computer engineering.

Cost: Free, with an optional Verified Certificate for $199

Program dates: Approximately 12 weeks, with a suggested pace of 6-9 hours per week

Application deadline: Open enrolment 

Eligibility: Open to everyone with sufficient programming knowledge 

11. HarveyMuddX: Digital Design

The HarveyMuddX: Digital Design course provides a foundational understanding of digital systems, a cornerstone of modern computer engineering. Through this program, you’ll explore the principles of digital design, starting from the basics of logic gates and progressing to building combinational and sequential digital circuits. The course balances theoretical learning with practical experimentation, requiring you to work on breadboarding circuits and using a professional-grade simulator, ModelSim, to test and refine your designs. By applying hierarchical design and digital abstraction techniques, you’ll learn to manage complexity, analyze performance, and evaluate trade-offs in cost and power efficiency. 

This program serves as the first part of a two-course series, with the second focusing on computer architecture and microprocessor design. By the end of this initial course, you’ll not only gain practical experience in circuit implementation and debugging but also acquire the knowledge to design complex digital systems. The course emphasizes the creative aspect of engineering, empowering you to build functional systems while demystifying how computers work at a fundamental level. If you’re fascinated by how hardware and software integrate to create modern devices, this program is a perfect starting point.

Cost: Free, with a paid optional upgrade available

Program dates: Approximately 10 weeks, with a suggested pace of 7-12 hours per week

Application deadline: Open enrolment 

Eligibility: Open to everyone with sufficient background in programming and in Python or another language

12. DartmouthX, IMTx: C Programming: Getting Started

The DartmouthX and IMTx course, C Programming: Getting Started, is an excellent stepping stone for high school students aspiring to explore computer engineering. This introductory course focuses on the fundamentals of C programming, a language integral to high-performance computing and embedded systems. Through this program, you’ll learn to write your first C programs, perform computations, and manipulate data using variables. The course emphasizes practical learning, with coding exercises conducted in a browser-based tool that offers instant feedback, making it accessible even without prior programming experience. Topics like for-loops and controlled text formatting will help you build a strong foundation for problem-solving and computational thinking, which is essential for computer engineering.

The course provides more than just programming skills - it introduces concepts critical to understanding the interplay between hardware and software in systems engineering. As you progress, you’ll delve into areas such as embedded systems, where speed and efficiency are paramount. With its focus on hands-on coding and problem-solving, this program is a perfect fit if you’re considering a future in engineering disciplines that require precision and technical expertise.

Cost: Free, with a paid optional upgrade available

Program dates: Approximately 5 weeks, with a suggested pace of 2-4 hours per week

Application deadline: Open enrolment 

Eligibility: All high school students 

13. ASUx: Introduction to Engineering: Imagine. Design. Engineer!

ASUx’s Introduction to Engineering: Imagine. Design. Engineer! is an engaging program that introduces students to the engineering mindset through real-world applications. Designed for anyone with a passion for engineering and problem-solving, this course teaches the foundational engineering design process, covering stages like identifying opportunities, imagining innovative solutions, and building prototypes. You'll work hands-on with essential tools such as Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and programming while also honing your skills in data-driven decision-making, technical reporting, and presenting your ideas. Guided by Arizona State University professors and industry engineers, this course provides practical insights into engineering disciplines and their applications.

As a participant, you’ll actively tackle design challenges, from conceptualizing solutions to developing functional prototypes. The program emphasizes collaboration and creativity, equipping you with skills to approach complex problems systematically. You’ll also earn two transferable college credits, making this course both a valuable academic step and an excellent introduction to engineering's dynamic possibilities. 

Cost: Free

Program dates: Approximately 16 weeks, with a suggested pace of 6-8 hours per week

Application deadline: Open enrolment 

Eligibility: All high school students 

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