What Are the Math Requirements for Computer Engineering?
Find out what math classes are typically required for computer engineering degree programs. Get answers to related questions about becoming a computer engineer.
Interested in computer engineering? Thinking you'd like to pursue this career path? Chances are, you have questions.
Specifically, you may be wondering about the math requirements for a computer engineering degree.
Majoring in computer engineering requires a strong working knowledge of math and an ability to think mathematically. Various advanced math courses are usually required in computer engineering degree programs.
Keep reading as we dive into this topic.
What Are the Math Requirements for a Computer Engineering Degree?
Computers are built using the language of math. Therefore, to succeed as a computer engineer, you'll need to be fluent in this language.
That said, computer engineering is a broad field with a variety of options for work, and not all computer engineers use the same types of math daily.
If you're enrolled in a computer engineering degree program, you'll likely have to take a variety of math courses to ensure you'll succeed regardless of the specific roles you work in after graduation.
Some common math courses you may have to take include:
- Calculus I, III, and III
- Differential equations
- Linear algebra
- Probability and statistics
- Discrete structures
Exact course requirements vary by school and program.
What's more, the courses listed above are all undergraduate courses.
If you enroll in a master's degree program, you will be required to take additional, more advanced math courses.
What Else Should I Study if I'm a Computer Engineering Major?
Curious about the other classes you'll have to take in a computer engineering program?
Maybe you're wondering what courses you should take as electives if you're majoring in computer engineering.
Again, required and available courses will vary from program to program. That said, all computer engineering degrees focus heavily on science and mathematics.
As part of your degree program, you can expect to take courses in chemistry, physics, and engineering, all of which require a strong understanding of mathematical principles.
Additionally, you'll probably have to take various computer science courses relative to programming, algorithms, data structures, systems engineering, and computer architecture.
When choosing electives, it might be best to choose courses that will supplement any courses you've struggled with or feel that you need extra help on.
Alternatively, you could choose to take electives that interest you or that you expect to excel at to raise your GPA.
Usually, the electives you have to choose from will be relative to engineering, computer science, or a related field.
Of course, during your first couple of years in school, you'll also need to take required general education courses in history, English, and basic math and science.
How Do I Become a Computer Engineer?
Ready to take the steps to become a computer engineer? Perhaps you're wondering what those steps are exactly. Keep reading.
1. Start Preparing in High School
If you're still in high school, now is the perfect time to find out whether computer engineering might be a good career path for you.
Take any advanced math, science, and computer classes your school may offer.
These will help you build foundational skills and determine your level of interest in the broader computer science field.
If you've already graduated from high school, consider taking online or community classes in coding, programming languages, and other technical subjects so you can get a feel for the types of things you'll learn about in college.
2. Get a Bachelor's Degree
Most computer engineering careers require you to have at least a bachelor's degree.
Many schools offer specific computer engineering degrees, some with concentrations that will allow you to personalize the degree.
You can also opt for a more generalized degree in computer science.
These degree programs are available at the majority of schools throughout the country and will prepare you for a variety of technical careers, including computer engineering.
Once you have your bachelor's degree, you may opt to obtain a master's degree as well.
Holding a master's degree isn't required for every job but may make you a more desirable job candidate.
3. Gain Practical Experience and Credentials
During or after college, it's a good idea to seek out computer engineering internships.
These not only allow you to gain hands-on experience in your chosen field but will help you begin building your professional network.
You can also opt to obtain a computer engineering license and related certifications, such as:
- IEEE Certified Software Development Associate
- IEEE Certified Software Development Professional
- Red Hat Certified Engineer
Not all computer engineering jobs require you to be licensed and certified, but obtaining these credentials may help you advance in your career and pursue salary increases.
What Does a Computer Engineer Do?
Maybe you still have questions about your chosen major and profession.
In particular, you're wondering what, exactly, computer engineers do.
As noted earlier in this article, computer engineering is a broad field.
There are a variety of careers you could pursue with a computer engineering degree.
Some of the options include:
The exact job functions vary depending on the specific position held.
For example, a hardware engineer designs and develops the physical components of a computer system, whereas a software developer creates and troubleshoots operating systems and programs for those computer systems.
Generally speaking, though, computer engineers must understand the science of computer systems and the engineering necessary to make them run.
Meet the Math Requirements for a Computer Engineering Degree
Since math is the language of computers, computer engineers must have a strong understanding of math.
As a result, they are required to take advanced math courses in college, including calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations.