[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Key Takeaways[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check” marker-color=”secondary”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A computer engineering degree prepares students to design and develop both hardware and software systems, leading to careers in areas such as network design, electronics, and embedded systems.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students can earn credentials from certificates to doctoral levels, with coursework covering circuit theory, object-oriented programming, and systems integration, though a degree often leaders to higher pay compared to a certificate.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduates can pursue roles such as computer hardware engineer, electronics engineer, or software developer, earning median salaries between $95,360-$145,080, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-flex] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-4″]Computer engineering programs build skills in hardware development that prepare students for in-demand jobs in systems design and electronic component manufacturing.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Computer engineers work at the junction of computer science and electronic engineering. They integrate key insights from both fields to design computer hardware and develop software applications.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Careers in software testing, database management, and network design all require a solid background in computer engineering. Aspiring professionals interested in entering similar fields can pursue a computer engineering degree or earn an industry certificate. This guide explores such opportunities and discusses job outlook and earning potential for computer engineering majors.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Are the Differences Between Computer Engineering and Other Computer Science Fields?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Computer engineering encounters similar problems and concepts as computer science, but there are [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/computer-science-degree/”]several key differences[/hen-ui-link] between the fields. The data below looks at some of those differences and identifies overlaps between computer engineering, [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/web-developer/”]web development[/hen-ui-link], computer science, and other related fields.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learn more about the computer science field, including related degrees and career paths, at the link below.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Computer Science Guide” href=”/degrees/computer-science-degree/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Computer Science Fields[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Computer Engineering[/hen-ui-heading] Computer engineering focuses on hardware-based aspects of computing devices. It includes hardware design and looks at how components like processors and circuit boards interact with software. This field uses research principles from engineering and mathematics to create new hardware and to evaluate or update existing components.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Computer Programming[/hen-ui-heading] Computer programming establishes communication between computing devices and software applications. Programmers write code in languages like Java and C++ to translate bits of information so programs can run smoothly. Computer programming can include app development and often overlaps with other computer science fields.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/computer-information-systems/” target=”_blank”]Computer Information Systems[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] Professionals in computer information systems take the tools and insights from other computer science fields and use them to solve everyday problems in business and corporate enterprise. This typically means analyzing organizational goals and finding new ways to generate, process, and distribute data.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Information Technology[/hen-ui-heading] Information technology focuses on data infrastructure, communication architecture, and networking solutions. It deals with both the hardware and software aspects of computer science. Specialists in information technology often install or maintain local networks, oversee large scale computing systems, and recommend additional technology solutions.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Information Security[/hen-ui-heading] Information security closely interacts with information technology and computer information systems, but it emphasizes security concerns. Information security professionals implement measures like regular testing, information encryption, and network monitoring to protect sensitive data and prevent security breaches from outside attacks.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Software Development[/hen-ui-heading] Software developers often work alongside programmers and other computer engineers. They usually focus on user experience and work to develop applications that meet business needs and satisfy consumer demand. This includes testing beta releases and upgrading applications.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/careers/career-guide/web-developer/” target=”_blank”]Web Development[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] This area encompasses every aspect of web- and internet-based computing needs: site design, backend optimization, and content creation. Most web developers design the interfaces that convey the overall look and feel of a site or application. They often write code and integrate compelling visual elements.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Software Engineering[/hen-ui-heading] Professionals in this field use computer engineering principles to help improve software development. Software engineers often work on a larger scale than software developers and adopt a more systematic approach to solve problems.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What to Expect in a Computer Engineering Degree Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Computer engineering programs build broad knowledge in engineering and [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/degrees/computer-science-degree/”]computer science[/hen-ui-link]. Students learn about topics such as discrete mathematics, applied algorithms, and basic engineering mechanics. Most programs will administer a core sequence of courses to build key foundations, allowing students to specialize during later stages.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Self-motivated and analytical students make ideal candidates for these programs since computer engineering relies on the hard sciences and quantitative methods of reasoning.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]These programs can be challenging. Prospective students must actively participate in class and can expect to take exams that assess their engineering skills. Depending on the program, students may also complete design projects, both individually and with a group.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Computer engineering graduates come away with a combination of hard and soft skills.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Kinds of Computer Engineering Degrees Are There?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Whether you are a new student, seasoned professional, or are changing careers, computer engineering degrees offer multiple pathways to meet your needs. These paths accommodate various backgrounds and support different career goals. Learn more about each path below and find out which best suits your needs and interests.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]— Certificate Program in Computer Engineering[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/certificates/”]Certificate programs[/hen-ui-link] offer a viable alternative to higher education. They leave open the possibility of further study and give students a compact overview of computer engineering. Most programs focus on developing a set of foundational skills in key areas like computer architecture, networking, or object-oriented programming.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Because they use a condensed approach, computer engineering certificates usually take less time to complete than a degree — usually a year or less. That said, most entry-level [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/computer-hardware-engineers.htm/”]computer engineering roles[/hen-ui-link] require at least a bachelor’s degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]— Associate Degree in Computer Engineering[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]These programs develop a deeper knowledge than certificates, but are not as comprehensive as other degree options. Associate degrees build technical skills and provide instruction in written and oral communication, project management, and data analysis.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A computer engineering associate degree will usually require 60 credits and include courses in topics such as engineering computation and circuit analysis. Most students graduate within two years, and some continue their studies by transferring to four-year institutions.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]— Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This degree will qualify you for most entry-level computer engineering roles, including positions in hardware design and systems integration. These programs usually take up to four years to complete and teach high-level concepts like circuit theory and data infrastructure. Transfer students may be able to complete the degree in less time.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students can pursue electives in related subjects like [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-computer-science/”]computer science[/hen-ui-link] and [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-computer-information-systems/”]information systems[/hen-ui-link]. Depending on the school, computer engineering majors may also complete a culminating capstone project. This component gives students the chance to apply new skills to real-world computer technology problems.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]— Master’s Degree in Computer Engineering[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Advanced positions in computer engineering may require a master’s degree. This is especially the case for senior-level roles in project or field service engineering. Further training can also help computer engineers keep their industry skills and knowledge up to date.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning a master’s degree in computer engineering takes around three years, but could take longer for part-time students. Master’s programs build on previous education and give students the opportunity to hone their expertise in concentrated areas of study, like network communications, hardware architecture, or cybersecurity.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]— Doctoral Degree in Computer Engineering[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Computer engineering specialists interested in data science, research, or postsecondary education typically earn a doctorate in the field. This highly specialized course of study lasts 5-6 years, depending on the school and individual circumstances. It includes coursework in core areas, qualifying examinations that assess expert-level skill, and a dissertation project that contains original research.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some computer engineering doctoral programs accept post-bachelor’s students with professional experience. Others may require a relevant master’s degree for admission. Learners can focus on new and emerging areas like mobile computing, nanotechnology, machine learning, and digital health imagining.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Accreditation for Computer Engineering Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prospective schools should hold some form of [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/”]institutional accreditation[/hen-ui-link]. This independent quality assurance measure ensures the value and worth of your degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some programs may also possess specialized accreditation, which provides additional backing specific to computer engineering. This accreditation comes from organizations like the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.abet.org/”]Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology[/hen-ui-link] (ABET).[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Can You Do With a Degree in Computer Engineering?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduates can pursue enriching careers in industries that need qualified [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/computer-engineering/”]computer engineers[/hen-ui-link]. These may include manufacturing, scientific research and development, government and military contracting, or electronic systems design. Professionals often land roles as hardware design specialists, embedded software engineers, data scientists, or senior project engineers.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Computer engineering certificates from industry leaders such as [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.comptia.org/certifications/”]CompTIA[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/training-events/training-certifications/certifications.html/”]Cisco[/hen-ui-link], and the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ieee.org/education/certificates/index.html/”]Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers [/hen-ui-link](IEEE) can help working professionals build their expertise.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Adjacent fields can also benefit from computer engineering skills. Individuals interested in [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/web-developer/”]web design[/hen-ui-link], for example, can enroll in a coding bootcamp and use their engineering skills to help optimize the user experience on websites.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What Kind of Salary Can I Earn With a Computer Engineering Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Qualified professionals in computer engineering see annual earnings well above the national average of $65,470 for all occupations, according to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/home.htm/”]Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link] (BLS). Some professionals in software development and software engineering see salaries well above the average as well.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Computer Engineering Career Outlook[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Career[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Annual Salary (2023)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Projected Job Growth (2023-2033)[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Computer and Information Research Scientists[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2023)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-and-information-research-scientists.htm/”]$145,080[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-2033)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-and-information-research-scientists.htm/”]26%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Computer Hardware Engineers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2023)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/computer-hardware-engineers.htm/”]$138,080[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-2033)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/computer-hardware-engineers.htm/”]7%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Computer Network Architects[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2023)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-network-architects.htm/”]$129,840[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-2033)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-network-architects.htm/”]13%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Software Developers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2023)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm/”]$130,160[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-2033)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm/”]17%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Electrical and Electronics Engineer[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2023)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/electrical-and-electronics-engineers.htm/”]$109,010[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-2033)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/electrical-and-electronics-engineers.htm/”]9%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Network and Computer Systems Administrators[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2023)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/network-and-computer-systems-administrators.htm/”]$95,360[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-2033)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/network-and-computer-systems-administrators.htm/”]-3%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] Source: [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.bls.gov/”]Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Professional Organizations[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ieee.org/” target=”_blank”]Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] With nearly 400,000 members in over 160 countries, IEEE connects computer engineering graduates and other technology professionals through industry conferences and continuing education events.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”http://www.acm.org/” target=”_blank”]Association for Computing Machinery[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] One of the largest international organizations of its kind, ACM advances computer science and engineering by recognizing outstanding achievements and supporting public policy. Its local chapters host seminars and regular meetups.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.awc-hq.org/home.html” target=”_blank”]Association for Women in Computing[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] Established in 1978, AWC promotes the advancement, representation, and success of women in computer engineering and other computing professions. It provides professional networking and mentorship opportunities for students and recent graduates.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nacme.org/” target=”_blank”]National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] NACME supports underrepresented minorities in computer engineering through scholarship opportunities and strategic corporat[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Interview: What Is a Computer Engineering Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”] [hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Ramakrishna Rajanna” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/c_fill,h_300,w_300,f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto:eco/v1626359754/TheBestSchools.org/Headshots/Ramakrishna_Rajanna.png” img-alt=”Ramakrishna Rajanna” layout=”horizontal” background=”none” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight” class=”text-base”]Ramakrishna Rajanna is the co-founder and CTO of CureSkin, a healthcare startup backed by YCombinator and Google Launchpad. Rajanna pioneered the use of artificial intelligence to identify and monitor outcomes for various skin conditions through photos taken on mobile phones. Prior to CureSkin, he worked on key projects at Google for 10 years, including Google Search, Maps, and Youtube. He has also mentored several startups and students in collaboration with MIT.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-tertiary”]How to Get Hired[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]What skills do employers look for when hiring computer engineers?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Employers look for [a computer engineer’s] experience with the latest technologies. The ability to write code without bugs quickly is also assessed in interviews.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]How did you make the most of your computer engineering degree program so that it prepared you for post-grad jobs?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]I worked on multiple projects and internships during my engineering degree. I was selected for the Google Summer of Code challenge, which gave me exposure to open source products. I took on internships at several companies, which gave me insights on several fronts.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]What would you recommend that students do in addition to their computer engineering degree studies, in order to stand out to employers?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Create projects that solve real-world problems and build a portfolio website showcasing your work. There is no substitute for experience. Keep coding and building stuff, learn from mentors, and collaborate with your peers.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-tertiary”]What’s a Typical Day Like for a Computer Engineer?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]What tasks do you typically work on?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As a Google engineer, I would start off the day by implementing features that were decided at the beginning of the quarter. Part of the day was spent discussing designs, reviewing my peers’ code, and learning from tech talks. About 30% of the day went into debugging issues in the product.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As a CTO, I hardly spend 5% of my time coding, but I am involved in major technical decisions on all projects. Mornings start with quick standup meetings with different departments. Mid-morning is spent in design discussions. [I spend] afternoons in deeper discussions and the rest of the day in answering emails, mentoring, and syncing up with other departments of the organization.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Who do you communicate with?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As a Google Engineer: product managers, testers, and peers.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As a CTO: Engineers, product managers, customers, and different departments like finance for infrastructure costs, marketing for automation, customer support for optimizations, and the UX team for project scopes. Significant time is spent on strategy meetings that focus on company growth.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]How many hours do you work?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]8-10 hours per day.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Who are your coworkers?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Product managers, team lead, interns, client representatives, and testers.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]What knowledge do you utilize in your work?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As a Google engineer: Computer languages, algorithms, design patterns, coding best practices, and security principles.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As a CTO: You will need knowledge in a wide range of topics, like:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Optimization Strategies:[/hen-ui-text] There are tradeoffs that must be decided both in tech infrastructure and product feature implementation.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]People Management:[/hen-ui-text] As a CTO, you have to work closely with engineers as well as other teams. Navigating difficult situations and helping the company focus on the right problems is something you learn by experience and use a lot in this role.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Agile Practices:[/hen-ui-text] It is very important for a startup to move fast.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Design Thinking: [/hen-ui-text]Constant innovation requires a system. Design sprints are a very good way to involve everyone in the company.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Measurement and Analytics:[/hen-ui-text] There is a famous quote, “You cannot improve if you cannot measure.” Implementing the right metrics across the system and monitoring them continuously helps you to focus on goals and not get distracted with the thousands of hurdles that you face in a startup environment.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-tertiary”]Why Become a Computer Engineer?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]What are some challenges and high points in this role?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Continuous learning is a challenge, as the field is rapidly evolving with new technologies coming up every day. But if you are a good learner, then there is tremendous growth potential. The role gives you immense satisfaction when it affects a lot of people. For example, the code I wrote for Google Search would help millions of people get better search results every day. Computer engineers get a lot of such opportunities. Most of the fast-growing startups today are tech startups.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]I always wanted to heal and help people but had a fascination with computers. Today I am the co-founder of CureSkin. We built an AI app that analyzes photos of skin and helps patients like a doctor would. This was made possible with my background in computers. As a computer engineer, you can contribute and make an impact in other domains like health care, finance, etc. With other educational backgrounds, your opportunities would mostly be limited to your field of expertise.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]What type of person does well in this role?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Anyone who can break down complex pieces of information into smaller chunks can learn coding. Skills that will help you include:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Math and Algorithms: [/hen-ui-text]A lot of problems are related to the optimization of resources. A problem can be usually solved in multiple ways, but the system would have multiple constraints. Understanding the tradeoffs between cost, time, and results is the key. Sometimes, the required specifications cannot be met. With math and algorithms skills, you will be able to prove the same and ask the customer to change the requirements. Without this skill, a programmer could be in a long and unnecessary pursuit trying to solve the problem.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Analytical Thinking: [/hen-ui-text]Computer programs are full of bugs. Trying to find the cause of bugs requires analytical thinking. Given a problem, you should be able to eliminate all the improbable causes and drill down to the core issue. This involves understanding logic written by other programmers, going through system documentation, analyzing the intent of the code, and fixing it to match the specification.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Time Management: [/hen-ui-text]Many do not realize the importance of this skill in computer engineering. Eighty percent of the time, only 20% of the code is useful. Identifying this 20% — and spending time on writing quality code for it — is one of most important tricks that is often overlooked.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Communication: [/hen-ui-text]A software system is usually a complex piece, assembled with several small components that are independently built by separate teams. When multiple teams are involved, communication plays a key role to ensure each team is building compatible components.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Why did you choose a computer engineering degree instead of another computer science degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Computer engineering covers a wider range of topics, including programming languages, microprocessors, hardware, and basic electrical engineering. Exposure to different subdomains will enable you to innovate at multiple levels. For example, at CureSkin we are working on a next-generation smart watch with sensors that can measure skin parameters in real time and help the user choose the right [skincare] routines. With an engineering background, I can understand the entire system, the various components needed, the software needed to run the customised software on top of it, and I can holistically handle tradeoffs on several parameters.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Without an engineering background, I would have to rely on multiple domain experts and might end up in a suboptimal solution. In other words, having a breadth of knowledge helps you climb the career ladder, where big picture thinking is needed. Other [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/computer-science-degree/”]computer science degrees[/hen-ui-link] are definitely useful when you want to go deep, but engineering will give you more breadth.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Common Questions About Computer Engineering Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ itemprop=”title”]What Kind of Jobs Can You Get With a Computer Engineering Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Computer engineering graduates can work in computer systems design or electronic component manufacturing. Some may also find work in areas that rely on computer technology, like the healthcare and automotive industries.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ itemprop=”title”]Is Computer Engineering in Demand?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the BLS, work for computer engineering and hardware design professionals [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/computer-hardware-engineers.htm/”]will increase[/hen-ui-link] by approximately 7% from 2023-2033. As of 2023, there are 84,100 jobs in the US for computer hardware engineers.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ itemprop=”title”]How Many Years Does It Take to Study Computer Engineering?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Undergraduate programs in computer engineering take four years to complete. Graduate degrees usually take 2-3 years, and industry certificates can be completed in a matter of months.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ itemprop=”title”]What Does It Take to Become a Computer Engineer?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A majority of computer hardware engineers hold a bachelor’s degree in the discipline or a related field like computer science or electrical engineering, according to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/17-2061.00″]O*Net Online[/hen-ui-link]. In fact, a total of 82% of professionals hold either a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree.[/hen-ui-text]