Computer Systems Engineering Technology

<h2 id="section---IsComputerSystemsEngineeringTechnologyRightForMe">Is Computer Systems Engineering Technology Right for Me?</h2> <h3 id="section---CareerOverview">Career Overview</h3> <p>As a computer systems engineer or engineering technician, you'll use your understanding of computer science and <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Electrical_Engineering_Technology_Associates_Degree.html">electrical engineering</a> to design and develop computer systems. You may also design and manage <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_Does_a_Database_Manager_Do.html">databases</a>, install software or troubleshoot computer- and network-related problems, such as those found in large corporate operating systems. Computer systems engineering programs can include the study of information and <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_is_Computer_Internet_Technology.html">Internet</a> technology, computer hardware and infrastructures, networking and routing. Topics in <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_is_a_Computer_System_Design_Consultant.html">systems design</a> and integration, automated manufacturing and technical support may also be part of your degree plan. </p> <h3 id="section---CareerOptions">Career Options</h3> <p>As a computer systems engineering professional, you might find work in computer design, government research, medical equipment manufacturing or <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_is_Aeronautics.html">aeronautics</a>. You might hold a position as a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_is_a_Computer_Hardware_Engineer.html">computer hardware</a> or <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Network_Engineer_Certification_and_Career_Questions_Answered.html">network engineer</a>, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Network_Security_Specialist_Salary_and_Career_FAQs.html">network security specialist</a> or software developer. You may also find work as a computer support or electronics engineering technician or specialize in information security management or systems security analysis. </p> <h3 id="section---EmploymentAndSalaryInformation">Employment and Salary Information</h3> <p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of computer hardware engineers was projected to increase by a slower-than-average rate of 7% nationwide from 2012-2022. A faster-than-average growth in jobs of 22% was expected for computer software developers during the same period. Electrical and electronics engineering technicians should see minimal to no change in employment through 2022. </p> <p>As of May 2013, the mean annual salary for a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/How_Do_I_Become_a_Hardware_Engineer.html">computer hardware engineer</a> was $106,930, as reported by the BLS. Software developers who specialized in applications or systems software earned $96,260 and $104,480, respectively. In May 2013, the mean annual salary for electrical and electronics engineering technicians was $58,770 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). </p> <h2 id="section---HowCanIWorkInComputerSystemsEngineeringTechnology">How Can I Work in Computer Systems Engineering Technology?</h2> <h3 id="section---CertificatePrograms">Certificate Programs</h3> <p>A certificate or an <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Computer_Engineering_Technology_Associates_Degree.html">associate's degree</a> in computer systems engineering technology is the minimum educational requirement for obtaining a job in this field. Prerequisites include prior coursework in algebra, geometry and physics. Once enrolled in a certificate program, you may study <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Cisco_Networking_Certificate_and_Certification_FAQs.html">Cisco networking</a>, operating systems, programming and network security. Credits earned through a certificate program may be transferable to an associate's degree in the same field of study. </p> <h3 id="section---DegreePrograms">Degree Programs</h3> <p>Associate's degree programs may allow for a specialization in Cisco or Microsoft technology, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_is_the_Salary_for_Someone_in_Digital_Forensics.html">digital forensics</a> or cybersecurity, and can fulfill the lower-level requirements for a 4-year degree. In a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Computer_Engineering_Technology_Bachelors_Degree.html">bachelor's degree program in computer engineering technology</a>, you may learn about digital and electrical circuits, analog electronics, computer architecture and networking security. Training in the use of C++ and Java programming languages and software engineering might also be part of the curriculum. </p> <p>Completion of a bachelor's degree program in computer systems engineering technology or computer engineering may qualify you for a job as a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_Does_a_Network_Administrator_Do.html">network administrator</a> or support engineer, or as a specialized technologist who works with embedded software. Opportunities in application and automated engineering might also be available. You could also take your education to the next level and pursue a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Masters_Degrees_in_Telecommunications_Engineering_Program_FAQs.html">master's degree in telecommunications engineering</a>. </p> <h3 id="section---Certifications">Certifications</h3> <p>Completion of a certificate or degree program may help you prepare you for an industry certification, such as the CompTIA A+. You may also be interested in the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_is_the_Difference_Between_a_MCSE_and_CCNA_Certification.html">CCNA</a> (Cisco Certified Network Associate), MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional) and MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) certifications. Vendor-neutral credentials specific to <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Software_Engineering_Become_a_Software_Engineer_in_5_Steps.html">software engineering</a> can also be found through the IEEE Computer Society.</p>