Is a Computer Engineering Degree Right for Me?

If you want to contribute to the advancement of technology by using engineering and math to design computer hardware and implement software systems, a computer engineering degree is the right choice.

Computer engineers play a key role in maintaining computer systems and making sure they run smoothly. A computer engineering degree equips you with the skills and computer knowledge to work in various roles solving tech-related problems and ensuring computers are performing efficiently.

What Is a Computer Engineering Degree?

A computer engineering degree combines engineering, math, and science to teach students the process of developing computer hardware like circuit boards, processors, and hard drives. Degree programs involve topics like software engineering, computer programming, and database design.

Bachelor's degree programs provide graduates with a comprehensive understanding of the computer engineering field, emphasizing the use of electrical engineering and computer science to design computer systems. While the courses that make up a computer engineering degree may vary depending on the program, they provide an overview of programming languages, computer architecture, algorithms, artificial intelligence, and the process of developing and improving computer hardware.

What To Expect From a Computer Engineering Degree

While earning a computer engineering degree you can expect to gain hands-on experience by conducting experiments and analyzing data. Students complete courses that cover information technology fundamentals like computer hardware and software implementation. After completing a degree program, computer engineering graduates can expect to be familiar with designing microprocessors and microcontrollers, maintaining computer networks, and managing operating systems.

How To Decide If a Computer Engineering Degree Is Right for You

Deciding whether a computer engineering degree is the right degree to pursue requires you to assess and evaluate your interests, finances, and career goals. By collaborating with computer engineers, you can gain a better understanding of what the field entails.

Determine Your Career and Life Goals

Evaluating your career, life, and personal goals can help you decide if you should become a computer engineering major. Having set intentions for your degree can ensure your program puts you at an advantage and provides you with the information you need to excel in your career. Choosing electives and courses that interest you, like robotics, hardware engineering, or web development, can expand your skills set. This process gives you a clear understanding of what jobs will align with your career path and interests.

Consider Your Financial Situation

Taking your financial situation into account can help you decide on the right computer engineering program. Competency-based programs, which allow you to complete your degree at a faster pace, and online computer engineering programs are two of the more affordable options to consider. Many employers even cover the tuition costs through tuition reimbursement programs.

Students have the option of utilizing loans and financial aid or applying for scholarships and grants to help pay for their tuition. Some students choose to work full or part time during their degree program, allowing them to gain experience and pay tuition costs. Understanding the course commitment and knowing how managing your time is crucial paying for your degree and preparing you to success.

Speak to a Computer Engineer

Speaking with computer engineering professionals such as computer scientists, programmers, and hardware developers can help you gain perspective into the field. They can offer advice about computer engineering degrees and in-demand industry certifications that can help you navigate programs and courses. Experienced computer engineers gain give you valuable insight into the current state of the tech industry and the newest emerging technologies so you can better plan your degree program and career.

Gain Some Experience

Gaining experience through internships and projects or adding to your credentials with a tech industry certificate can better prepare you for entering the job market as a computer engineer. Having practical experience helps you stand out and prepares you to handle the complex field of computer engineering.

After gaining real-world experience, some computer engineers choose to expand their expertise and career options with a master's degree. Pursuing a graduate degree in specialized areas like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity or subjects like statistics and mathematics can help you advance your knowledge and qualify you for higher-level positions in your career.

What Do Computer Engineers Do?

Computer engineers play a key role in developing computer systems and and ensuring they operate smoothly. Their role involves designing, implementing, testing, and maintaining hardware and software systems. Computer engineering jobs consist of a wide range of daily tasks and responsibilities from system engineering to mechanical engineering.

Computer engineer responsibilities include:

• designing and developing computer hardware
• optimizing firmware
• troubleshooting issues to ensure seamless operations
• implementing software applications for hardware systems
• collaborating with software engineers to improve computer systems
• providing technical support to end-users
• conducting performance analysis
• designing and maintaining embedded systems
• maintaining technical documentation
• managing system integrations

Skills Required of Computer Engineers

Computer engineering programs provide an understanding of computer systems designing and strengthen practical career skills. Computer engineers possess a wide range of technical, engineering, and problem-solving skills that can be utilized in many positions. Graduate can use their enhanced skill set to take on roles in areas like project management, cybersecurity, and even healthcare.

Computer engineering skills include:

• problem-solving
• cloud computing
• project management
• effective communication
• critical thinking
• technical writing
• electrical engineering

FAQs About Computer Engineering Degrees

These commonly asked questions can help give you a better understanding of what a computer engineering degree entails so you can make a more informed decision about your degree program.

How Long Does It Take To Complete a Computer Engineering Degree?

A bachelor's degree in computer engineering typically takes four years to complete. College students who attend accelerated or competency-based programs can work through their classes at a faster pace, some finishing in as little as two years.

How Is Computer Engineering Different From Software Engineering?

Computer engineering focuses on the design and development of computer hardware like processors and circuit boards. Software engineering is the design and development of software apps. The two types of engineering work together to successfully implement software systems into computers.

Is Computer Science the Same as Computer Engineering?

Computer science, though it's a related field, is not the same as computer engineering. A computer science degree encompasses machine learning, information systems, and programming, focusing on the internal aspect of computers.

Computer engineering focuses more on physical aspects like circuits, hardware, and firmware. Although they aren't the same, the computer engineering field utilizes computer science concepts like data structures, algorithms, and software development.

Is Computer Engineering a Hard Degree?

Some students consider computer engineering to be a hard degree, while others who have a prior understanding of computer concepts may find it easier. Computer engineering is a complex field that combines elements of electrical engineering with computer science, so coursework often includes complex types of math and engineering courses.