Best Colleges for Computer Hardware Engineering

Computer hardware engineers design and test new computer hardware. They also update existing equipment so that it remains compatible with new software and they supervise the manufacturing of computer hardware. Read on to see what qualifications will get you started in this career and see some of the best schools that offer degrees in computer hardware engineering.

What Qualifications Do I Need to Become a Computer Hardware Engineer?

Most people starting out in this career have a bachelor's degree in computer engineering, but a degree in computer science or electrical engineering may also be acceptable. Most employers look for applicants with a bachelor's degree from a program that is accredited by ABET (formerly known as the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology). Computer hardware engineers often also work with computer software, so employers often expect you to be versed in computer programming as well. Most computer engineering courses will cover this, or you could take a separate computer science course.

Some large employers or specialist positions would require you to have a master's degree in computer engineering. To advance into management positions, some computer engineering graduates get a master's degree in business administration later in their career.

What Subjects Can I Expect to Study in a Computer Hardware Engineering Program?

At both the bachelor's and the master's level, you can learn about circuit theory, electromagnetics, signal processing, robotics, cybersecurity, power systems analysis, communications systems, wireless communication and telecommunications. Other common subjects include microcomputer design, electromagnetics and antennas, signal and image processing, statistical probability and randomness, operating systems, computer networks, as well as energy systems and energy conversion. Many of these subjects will have a theoretical classroom component combined with hands-on practical work in an engineering laboratory setting.

Which Schools Offer a Bachelor's Program for Computer Hardware Engineering?

The bachelor's programs of the following schools are all ABET-accredited as of April 2019. At some of them, you can continue on to the master's level (see below).

• Howard University in Washington, D.C., offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering.
• The Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago also has a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering.
• Oakland University, in Rochester Hills, Michigan, has a BSE degree in computer engineering.
• Utah Valley University, which is in Orem, Utah, offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering.

Where Can I Study Computer Hardware Engineering at the Master's Level?

Students looking to continued their education at the graduate level have many options for schools. The following schools all offer a Master of Science program that prepare students to advance their career or to enroll in a PhD program:

• The Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago runs a three-semester Master of Science in Computer Engineering program.
• Oakland University has a Master of Science program in Electrical and Computer Engineering and offers two tracks: professional and research.
• The Jacobs School of Engineering at the University of California-San Diego offers a Master of Science program in Computer Engineering.

What Are the Job Prospects for Computer Hardware Engineers?

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics expects job opportunities for computer hardware engineers to grow by 2% from 2019 to 2029, which is just above the projected 4% average for all occupations. Some of the job growth for computer hardware engineers is expected to come from an ongoing increase in devices that become computerized, such as cars, medical devices and household appliances.