Overview of Computer Engineering

Computer engineering is a field of engineering that combines both the knowledge and the technologies of electrical engineering and computer science. It focuses on the study and application of computer technology for the engineering design, development, implementation, and maintenance of computer-based systems. Computer engineers work in a variety of industries including telecommunications, aerospace and defense, biomedical systems, software development, and automotive manufacturing.

Career Opportunities Associated With Computer Engineering

Computer Engineering graduates can pursue a variety of career opportunities including roles such as an embedded systems designer, computer analyst, IT manager, software engineer, network engineer, computer scientist, or computer hardware engineer. Additionally, graduates can pursue other roles such as a systems analyst, applications engineer, web developer, systems administrator, software applications developer, or network security specialist.

Internship or Co-op Opportunities Related to Computer Engineering

Many leading companies offer internship and co-op opportunities related to Computer Engineering. These include Microsoft, IBM, Apple, Amazon, and many more. Internships and co-ops provide a valuable opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in the field and gain knowledge and skills required for successful employment in the industry.

Specialized Tracks or Concentrations within Computer Engineering

Computer engineering programs typically offer a variety of concentrations and tracks tailored to specific areas and industries. These include topics such as cloud computing, wireless communications, software engineering, robotics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer networks, and computer vision. Additionally, many programs may offer concentrations in health and biomedical engineering, nanotechnology, data science, video game design, and autonomous systems.

How Computer Engineering Prepares Students for Graduate School or Further Education

Computer engineering courses provide students with an in-depth understanding of advanced topics such as programming languages, computer architecture, operating systems, software development, network technology, and microelectronic design. These courses, as well as the hands-on experience acquired through internships and co-ops, equip Computer Engineering graduates to pursue higher levels of education and research. Many of these courses also equip graduates to enter industry job roles involving complex computing systems requiring intense problem solving skills and data analysis.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Computer Engineering

The introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) has had a tremendous impact on Computer engineering. AI algorithms, such as deep learning, have enabled engineers to create more sophisticated computer systems with more powerful analysis capabilities. In addition, AI has enabled software engineers to develop more complex and intelligent systems which can interpret large amounts of data and identify patterns and correlations. AI has also enabled the development of autonomous systems which can perform various tasks without direct human involvement.

The Career Outlook for Computer Engineering

The career outlook for Computer Engineering is very positive, with a projected growth rate of 15-19% by 2028. The increasing demand for sophisticated computer systems for managing and storing data, automating manufacturing processes, and conducting research has resulted in a surge in demand for computer engineers. Additionally, with the increasing demand for autonomous systems, smart device applications, and the development of new technologies, the demand for computer engineers is expected to continue to grow.

Here are the top reported starting salaries for graduates in Computer Engineering:

Bucknell University, Salary: $94,127

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, Salary: $91,493

Boston University, Salary: $90,529

Northeastern University, Salary: $88,529

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Salary: $88,455

University of Maryland-College Park, Salary: $88,418

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Salary: $84,934

University of Virginia-Main Campus, Salary: $84,682

University of California-Santa Barbara, Salary: $83,726

Santa Clara University, Salary: $83,523

For privacy reasons, not all schools report the first year salaries for students who earned their bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering.