Computer engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, computer science, or software engineering to be able to work in the field, according to the BLS (2024). While some young programmers may bypass this step through extensive programming or building experience, it’s more common to get a degree.
Students considering the field may want to look for programs accredited through the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). This accreditation assures students that the programs offer quality education and meet other requirements for graduate-level admissions, credentialing, or being hired by some employers. ABET-accredited programs include online and on-campus offerings at the bachelor’s and master’s degree levels.
Computer engineering programs offer an education that helps find a job and seek one of the multivariate certifications available. Countless bachelor’s degree programs in computer engineering are available in the U.S. and accredited through ABET, but they also are available in other related fields, such as computer engineering technology or electrical and computer engineering.
Students also may be able to find schools that offer a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree through five-year programs. Internship experiences may also be part of a computer engineering program to provide practical, hands-on experiences.
Admissions requirements for computer engineering programs vary from school to school, but some commonalities exist. Admissions officials examine a candidate’s high school grade point average (GPA), scores on achievement tests (e.g., SAT), and even a student’s involvement in extracurricular activities such as programming or computer-related clubs. An on-campus or phone interview could also be a requirement.
Examples of common admissions materials to computer engineering schools include:
Bachelor’s degree programs in computer engineering include courses specific to the field and classes in the sciences, such as physics. General education and core engineering classes make up the bulk of many computer engineering degrees, while engineering electives and empirical projects could be available during a student’s senior year. Sample courses from bachelor’s degrees in computer engineering include:
Although a master’s degree in computer engineering is not required to enter the field, it can be helpful to anyone who wants to advance in the field or even pursue more niche work.
According to CareerOneStop (2024), 25 percent of people in computer hardware engineering careers have a master’s degree. Like bachelor’s degrees, some master’s degree programs are available entirely online, particularly in computer-related specializations.
Not surprisingly, admissions requirements vary by institution. Some typical admission requirements to master’s degree programs in computer engineering include the following:
Students pursuing a master’s degree in computer engineering often spend the first year completing course requirements in engineering and the second pursuing specific areas of interest or even electives, often in computer science or electrical engineering. Concentrations may be available in a few, but not all, degree programs. Sample concentrations include:
Similar to the bachelor’s level, a master’s degree program may incorporate a capstone project in the final year. In some cases, a thesis could be an option as well. Classes found in master’s degree programs in computer engineering include:
Experience in computer engineering is important for numerous reasons. It can point professionals in a new direction of study in the field, leading to a discovery or advancement. It also can be important to anyone considering becoming licensed as a Professional Engineer (PE), although licensing requirements vary from state to state.
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)-USA announced the phase-out of the PE Exam in software engineering due to very few applicants. Instead, IEEE recommends that software engineers who can pass the Fundamentals in Engineering (FE) exam should be well-positioned for the Computer Engineering PE exam, which tests real-time computer system design.
If becoming a PE is important, experience is a necessity. At least four years of experience working under the guidance of other qualified engineers is required to be able to seek the PE designation.
A PE license is not necessary to work in the field, but it may be valuable when finding better employment opportunities or working as a consultant. To illustrate this point, the National Society of Professional Engineers states that anyone interested in starting his or her firm may want to become a PE. If a person plans to work for a business or corporation throughout their life, the PE license may not be as important.
According to IEEE-USA, the benefits of PE licensing include the ability to show that:
According to IEEE-USA, this commitment to public safety becomes even more important with computer systems that utilize real-time components.
Computer engineers need to meet the following criteria to be able to become a licensed PE, according to IEEE-USA:
The PE exam is available for computer engineering professionals. It’s best to take the exam that aligns most with the applicant’s completed degree program. More details on these and other PE exams can be found on the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Survey (NCEES).
Vendor or professional certifications can also be important to a computer engineering career. These certifications can demonstrate a commitment to excellence in the field, specific capabilities, and an ongoing interest in learning. Below is a list of certifications for those involved in computer hardware engineering or software development careers.
Prospective computer engineers may want to know about the average annual salaries professionals earn and job growth in the field. Salaries for computer hardware engineers and software developers are relatively generous, with mean pay reaching above $130,000 in both occupations.
Here are salary and career-growth profiles for computer hardware engineers and software developers.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, May 2023) reported that computer hardware engineers earned a mean annual salary of $147,770. The highest wages in the field were earned by people working in web search portals, libraries, archives, and other information services, followed by those in scientific research and development services.
United States (82,660 computer hardware engineers employed): $147,770 average annual salary:
Also, data from PayScale (2024)—a site for self-reported salaries—suggests that computer hardware engineers with experience in Verilog, debugging, engineering design, and C++ may earn more due to these skills. According to 189 self-reported profiles, the average annual salary for a computer hardware engineer is $91,161.
Because more technological progress is now occurring with software than with hardware, positions for computer hardware engineers are expected to grow just 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, according to the BLS (2024). However, this is still faster than the expected 3 percent average growth across all occupations in the U.S. That said, job prospects could be best for those with a graduate-level degree and some knowledge of computer software.
The BLS (May 2023) reported that software developers earned a mean annual salary of $138,110. People working in information services, followed by computer and taxi and limousine service, earned the highest wages in the field.
United States (1,656,880 software developers employed): $138,110 average annual salary:
The BLS (May 2024) predicted that job openings for software developers would swell 26 percent between 2022 and 2032, a rate that’s much faster than the national average for all occupations (3 percent) and much higher than computer hardware engineers (5 percent) in the same period.
Also, data from PayScale (2024) suggests that software developers with experience using Java, distributed systems, or algorithm development tend to earn more than other software developers. Based on 15,641 self-reported profiles, software developers earn an average of $78,197 annually.
While there are differences in the top employers and rate of career growth for software developers, careers in computer and information technology occupations are still a wise investment. Overall employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2022 to 2032 and about 377,500 openings are projected each year, on average, in these occupations due to employment growth and the need to replace workers who leave the occupations permanently.
Finally, students who pursue computer engineering degrees may be interested in joining a professional association or organization that can provide job leads, conferences, training, networking, research in the field, and other resources. There may be a fee to join an organization, but often this is less expensive when done as a student. The following organizations could be beneficial to prospective computer engineers:
Matt Zbrog is a writer and researcher from Southern California. Since 2018, he’s written extensively about a wide range of engineering disciplines, with a particular focus on the potential impacts of major technological breakthroughs. His work largely centers around conversations with engineeri...
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